When you want to break out your magnifying glass and become a detective but don’t want to deal with gory horror, consider picking up a funny mystery book. This subgenre involves characters solving a crime, with plenty of humor and lighthearted moments included in the story.
Woman’s World editors and book lovers compiled a list of our favorite laugh-out-loud sleuth stories. The best part? Many of our top picks are part of a series, so if you fall in love with the characters, you can keep reading… and laughing! From outlandish events to humorous moments, these novels are guaranteed to bring onthe giggles. Ready to solve a crime? Keep scrolling for the full list of recommendations. Happy reading!
Finlay Donovan is doing great… except she really isn’t. She’s a single mom of two struggling to put out her next novel and her ex-husband fired the nanny without telling her. But when someone overhears Finlay discussing the plot of her next suspense novel with her agent, she’s soon mistaken for a contract killer. Before long, Finlay accepts an offer to dispose of a ‘problem husband’ because she needs the money, but she soon discovers that real-life crime is no joke—because now she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.
What readers are saying: “While some details of the mystery are a bit obvious/ predictable, most of the story offers refreshing and darkly delightful twists on familiar tropes. I love that the female protagonist is older with relatable mundane problems, but that she also steps into a world of crazy criminal activities just so she can be a good mother. I laughed out loud at some of the ridiculous morbid situations, and the ending has a few good curveballs to keep the reader guessing how everything will work out.”
Heart, humor and the mafia—this saga has it all! When the day arrives for Meddy Chan to marry her college sweetheart, Nathan, she is horrified when she overhears her wedding photographer, Staphanie, talking about “taking out a target.” Meddy realizes her vendors are the mafia using her big day to conduct business. Now, her aunties are determined not to let her wedding become a crime scene.
What readers are saying: “Four Aunties and a Wedding is everything I hoped it would be! It’s laugh-out-loud funny, has the best characters and made me smile throughout! This is one of my favorite series in the entire world and I’m really hoping the author writes more books because I simply can’t get enough! If you need a pick me up, this is the series that will do it for you!”
After getting divorced and fired from her job, Riley Thorn lives a pretty uneventful life in a mansion with a pack of elderly roommates—until the day a handsome private investigator, Nick Santiago, comes knocking on her door asking questions. Then she has a clairvoyant vision about the murder of her across-the-hall neighbor. When her violent vision comes true, Riley jumps at the chance to help find the murderer. But when she and Nick begin spending more time together, their feelings of reluctance toward love end up turning into sparks that make them an unstoppable force. What follows is a funny and romantic mystery brimming with action and lovable characters.
What readers are saying: “I laughed out loud many times while reading this novel. Such fun characters and zany situations! I really hope this book is made into a movie. I would watch it multiple times. It’s of a similar flavor to the early Stephanie Plum misadventures.”
Stephanie Plum just lost her job and endured a messy divorce. Desperate for cash, she agrees to work as a bounty hunter for her cousin’s bail bonds company, but she knows nothing about the job. She assumes she’ll be fine, though, thanks to the help of her new pal, el-primo bounty hunter Ranger, who can teach her what it takes to catch a crook. Soon, the pair is going on quirky, thrilling adventures that will definitely make you laugh out loud.
What readers are saying: “This was a very entertaining and funny read. Janet Evanovich has a wonderfully witty writing style that gives Stephanie Plum a sassy but also honest voice.”
The first in the vacation mysteries series, Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies, follows fictional author Eleanor Dash during her book tour in Italy. She just wants to get through the tour and kill off her main character, Connor Smith, in her next book—is that too much to ask? Apparently, it is because when an attempt is made on the real Connor’s life―the handsome but infuriating con man she got mixed up with ten years ago and now can’t get out of her life―Eleanor is enlisted to help solve the case.
What readers are saying: “This was such a blast to read! The author does a fabulous job of planting seeds of suspicion about numerous characters who might be the would-be killer. I love the Italian tourism setting and the relationships among all of the characters, from famous authors to envious sisters to book club fans. And you could definitely skip the footnotes if you wanted to, but there’s so much humor and so many clues packed within them, I wouldn’t recommend it.”
A heart-racing adventure begins when Letty Carnahan finds her sister, Tanya, dead on the floor of her New York townhouse. Letty is convinced Tanya’s sleazy ex, Evan, is to blame, so she takes her 4-year-old niece, Maya, and flees to a sleepy motel in a Florida beach town. Letty is determined to outrun Evan and heal Maya’s broken heart. Then she meets handsome detective Joe, who might just be able to help Letty in more ways than one.
What readers are saying: “I stayed awake all night reading this story! I couldn’t fall asleep until I knew how it ended. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time! Highly recommend it. You won’t be disappointed.”
This twist on a classic whodunit is not to be missed. Everyone in Ernest ‘Ernie’ Cunningham’s family has killed someone. Some of them have even killed more than once. And Ernie isn’t trying to be dramatic; he’s just telling the truth. The kicker? Ernie has also killed someone, but who?
What readers are saying: “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson is an absolute gem that captivated me from beginning to end. This mystery novel seamlessly combines intelligence, humor, intricate details, and unexpected twists, creating an extraordinary reading experience.”
Gilmore Girls meets murder mystery in this funny story from bestselling author Nina Simon. The book follows three women in a small coastal town: a high-powered businesswoman and grandmother, Lana Rubicon, her adult daughter Beth and her teenage granddaughter, Jack. When Jack stumbles across a dead body while kayaking, she suddenly becomes a suspect in a homicide investigation. Now, the Rubicon women are thrown into chaos and uncover town secrets, lies and vendettas they weren’t supposed to find.
What readers are saying: “Family dynamics are brought to light between mother, daughter and granddaughter. Love and forgiveness overcome resentment as they work together to solve a local murder. A delightful story that keeps you guessing until the end.”
A delightfully decadent whodunit begins when Lila Macapagal moves back home to recover from a breakup. Then she’s tasked with saving her Tita Rosie’s failing restaurant. But when a food critic, who happens to be her ex-boyfriend, drops dead after a confrontation with Lila, she suddenly becomes a murder suspect. With the help of her auntie, best bud and her Dachshund, Longanisa, Lila vows to find the real culprit fast.
What readers are saying: “I read this book for my book club and loved it!! A story that kept you guessing! I loved all the references to food. This story set with Filipino tradition showcased a family that did whatever they needed to do for each other and the unconditional love they showed to one another was solid.”
In this charmingly fun whodunit packed with mouthwatering recipes, Hannah takes a break from working at The Cookie Jar. She’s agreed to bake pastries at the local inn for a fishing competition. But then she discovers the body of TV show host Sonny Bowman, the event’s celebrity spokesperson. Hannah enlists her sister, Andrea, to help make the goodies she needs and catch the culprit—before it’s too late!
What readers are saying: “I love Joanne Fluke’s books AND recipes, and this one did not disappoint. Hannah is really at her best here as she both bakes her way into the hearts of the contestants of a fishing tournament and solves a murder at the same time! She also gives us a little cliffhanger to be resolved in the next book!”
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