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For Readers

Intriguing Mysteries That Will Keep You Guessing

By: Hidden Gems on August 6, 2024

Hidden Gems Books ARC service.

By: Hidden Gems on August 6, 2024

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One of the most amazing things about the mystery genre is that there truly is something for everyone. No matter which side of the spectrum you prefer, we can all agree that page-turning intrigue is a must. If you’re looking for some intriguing mysteries to read, this list of books loved by our Hidden Gems ARC readers is for you.


Murder Most Persuasive

Murder Most Persuasive by Jessica Berg

With 40+ ratings and a 4.6 star average, Murder Most Persuasive by Jessica Berg is the final installment in the Eliza Darcy Mysteries series, a cozy mystery for those who enjoy a little romance with their mysteries.

Alice H. describes in her five star Amazon review why you should add this to your TBR list, “A book loosely based on the famous Wuthering Heights mystery, a modern Eliza, as mistress of Pemberly, a beautiful Georgian mansion, is trying to restore the depleted coffers due to the embezzling done by Nancy Darcy, Uncle Fitzwilliam’s ex-wife. Pemberly is hosting and entertaining CEO’s and groups looking for a relaxing time in a special setting. But when Eliza hears of the mysterious death of a ex-con recently released from prison, she once again feels the need to investigate, with the reluctant help of her friend Joy and boyfriend Heath. A fun mystery with plenty of twists and a lot of intrigue…”

“…It’s a fun, clean cozy mystery. Eliza is a sympathetic protagonist and the ensemble cast bring distinct skills to the sleuthing and do not serve as merely sounding boards for Eliza. As a knitter, I am most impressed with Great Aunt Iris’s knitting needle proficiencies.

This is the second book in the series, but there is enough background for a reader who has missed the first volume to be able to understand relationships. And while a knowledge of Jane Austen’s novels is desirable (even if you’re not reading this mystery!), a lack thereof should not a deterrent to being entertained by Eliza and crew…” Nellie M. concurs in her five star Amazon review.

A Mythical Case of Arson

A Mythical Case of Arson by Melissa Erin Jackson

With 45+ ratings and a 4.3 star average, A Mythical Case of Arson by Melissa Erin Jackson is the first in A Mythical Pet Sitting Mystery series, and is described as a fantasy cozy mystery series. Intrigued?

“This was a fun urban fantasy/cozy mystery set in Melissa Jackson’s version of earth where the various magical denizens of Earth live in hidden communities called ‘hubs.’ The author plays with the concept of a non-magical person’s first visit to one of these towns — the culture shock, the war between fear and wonder. I was pleasantly surprised by the mystery. It was handled well, with a steady progression of clues, likeable characters, and a villain you don’t see coming…All in all, I highly recommend A Case of Mythical Arson if you’re looking for a light, fun, cozy mystery. I look forward to the next in the series!” turret42 raves in their five star Amazon review.

L.H. concurs in their five star Amazon review, “…In A Mythical Case of Arson, you have well-rounded, interesting characters, a cool magical community that I’m sad I don’t live in, and a twisty mystery that kept me guessing until the end. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.”

Perfect Harmony

Perfect Harmony by Claire Doyle

With 10+ ratings and a 4.1 star average, Perfect Harmony by Claire Doyle is a musical mystery set in 1976 on a small Scottish island.

“Great storytelling and well-developed characters. I was hooked from the first page. Mystery and intrigue all wrapped up in a gripping tale. Definitely recommend.” MzPoodle2u explains in their five star Amazon review.

Katherine R. writes in her Amazon review, “…While not a mystery in the traditional sense, Harmony does try to puzzle out who is pulling the strings in the competition. This is more of a coming of age story. The story builds slowly with an almost lyrical quality. The place descriptions of Scotland and Spain bring the scenery to life. References to the music and cultural events of 1976 give the story a nostalgic feel…”

Mai Tai Malice

Mai Tai Malice by Tanya Westlake

With 15+ ratings and a 4.6 star average, Mai Tai Malice is the final book in the Kalliope Brooks Mysteries series, a cozy mystery, by Tanya Westlake.

JSE writes in their Amazon review, “…If you like reading about smart, supportive, strong willed women with a good support system then this book is for you. The story line is also well written and easy to follow even if you haven’t read any other book in the series (which I haven’t)…”

“…This was a great book, fast paced and very well written. I highly recommend it…,” Walter concurs in his five star Amazon review.

What Grows From the Dead

What Grows From the Dead by Dave Dobson

With 400 ratings and a 4.5 star average, What Grows From the Dead by Dave Dobson is a mystery/thriller set in present day North Carolina. Content warning: some gun violence and coarse language.

Sarah raves in her five star Amazon review, “Note to self: When reading a Dave Dobson book, wait until the weekend to start. Absolutely unputdownable.

What Grows From The Dead follows Morris, who recently lost his job as a professor and has been having a rough go of things. He is living back at his late mother’s house, dealing with her estate, and things start to get… interesting.

The story picks up right off the bat and is gripping right to the end. It’s so well fleshed out, the pacing is perfect, every detail has so much thought behind it. One of the things that stuck out to me is that there is no fluff/filler, nothing that I found myself skimming or rushing through. I was invested in every bit of it.

The author creates the most unique, lovable characters that feel so real. They are all so different from each other, but connect in the most genuine and often hilarious ways. Did I see myself being absolutely charmed by a guy called ‘“’Vampire Steve’”’? Nope, yet here we are.

An excellent read overall. Exciting and funny, doesn’t shame people for where they’re at, and shows that tough times can happen to anyone.”

“Great plot, well written with the humor artistically woven in the story, not slapped on as an afterthought. No typos noted. I hope for many more books with these characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book,” Hosea M. writes in his five star Amazon review.


Hidden Gems readers got to read these cozy and intriguing mysteries first, so if you want more secrets to unravel or clues to seek, sign up today! Subscribers to Hidden Gems receive invitations to read books like these – plus other titles from any of up to 15 other genres – for free. Authors send these out in the hopes that the readers will write an honest review once they’re done.

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