Mystery novels have long been the go-to for those who love a good puzzle, a dash of danger, and the thrill of the unknown. But what happens when you toss in a sprinkle of humor, a dollop of wit, and a whole lot of comedic chaos? You get the delightful sub-genre of funny mystery books! These tales are the literary equivalent of watching a detective in a slapstick chase scene, tripping over clues while simultaneously solving the case. They offer readers the best of both worlds: the nail-biting suspense of a whodunit and the belly laughs of a comedy.
Imagine Sherlock Holmes donning Groucho Marx glasses or Miss Marple cracking one-liners while sipping her tea. That’s the essence of funny mystery books. They twist the traditional tropes, turning dark alleyways into comedic stages and sinister suspects into quirky characters. So, if you’re in the mood for a mystery that’ll not only keep you on the edge of your seat but also send you into fits of giggles, you’re in for a treat. Dive into the world where clues and comedy collide, and remember, the butler might have done it… but he probably slipped on a banana peel while doing so!
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
Janet Evanovich, a #1 NY Times bestselling author, is nothing short of brilliant. Her tales are a delightful blend of humor, sensuality, and pure addiction. In “One for the Money,” Stephanie Plum, finding herself jobless in Jersey, resorts to blackmailing her cousin Vinney for a shot at bounty hunting. As you can imagine, the results are side-splittingly hilarious. With a whopping twenty-eight books in this series, starting with this gem is a must for every new reader.
The Thursday Murder Club
In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders. But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club finds themselves in the middle of their first live case. This delightful mystery is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to bring a killer to justice.
MY SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER BY OYINKIN BRAITHWAITE
For those with a penchant for dark humor, this book is a treat. Korede’s sister, Ayoola, has a nasty habit of “self-defensively” killing her boyfriends. Korede, ever the protective sibling, helps her clean up the mess. But when Ayoola sets her sights on a doctor Korede secretly adores, a moral dilemma ensues. Will Korede save her crush or her sister?
TUESDAY MOONEY TALKS TO GHOSTS BY KATE RACCULIA
Meet Tuesday Mooney, a data researcher with a penchant for solitude. But when a billionaire’s death triggers a citywide treasure hunt, Tuesday finds herself amidst the chaos. Teaming up with a motley crew of treasure seekers, she embarks on a quest filled with wit, danger, and unexpected alliances.
DIRK GENTLY’S HOLISTIC DETECTIVE AGENCY (DIRK GENTLY #1) BY DOUGLAS ADAMS
Enter the world of Dirk Gently, a detective with a peculiar perspective on the universe’s interconnectedness. When a baffling murder unfolds, Dirk believes that solving it might just validate his theory and perhaps even save humanity. A tale where mystery meets cosmic comedy.
SOMEBODY KILLED HIS EDITOR (HOLMES AND MORIARTY #1) BY JOSH LANYON
Christopher Homes, a mystery writer, is having a rough time. Post a breakup and on his 40th birthday, he stumbles upon his editor’s dead body. As if life wasn’t already spiraling, he now has to clear his name. With the help of a past flame, will he solve the murder and find love again?
FAN FICTION BY BRENT SPINER
Set in 1991, a fictionalized Brent Spiner, the Star Trek actor, starts receiving ominous packages. Instead of relying on a bumbling detective, Brent decides to catch the stalker himself. A dark comedy that delves deep into the world of fandom, obsession, and the blurred lines between the two.
DIAL A FOR AUNTIES BY JESSE Q. SUTANTO
When Meddelin “Meddy” Chan accidentally kills her blind date, it’s up to her quirky aunties and their wedding business to save the day. As they navigate the chaos, Meddy might just find love with her ex-boyfriend. A hilarious tale of family, love, and the occasional accidental murder.
Louisiana Longshot by Jana Deleon
Jana Deleon’s books are a treasure trove of humor and mystery. “Louisiana Longshot” introduces us to Fortune Redding, a CIA assassin with a price on her head. To evade her enemies, she goes undercover as a librarian in a small bayou town, a fate she considers worse than death. With twenty books to dive into, this series promises endless laughter and thrilling adventures.
Plotting for Murder by Tamra Baumann
Tamra Baumann has a knack for weaving sexy humor into her stories, and “Plotting for Murder” is no exception. Meet Sawyer Davis, a chef who’s juggling a crumbling Victorian house, a matchmaking mother, a mischievous puppy, a plethora of eligible bachelors, and a whodunnit bookshop. But when a member of her book club dies after indulging in her truffle mac and cheese, Sawyer finds herself in a soup of mysteries. Dive into this series, with three books and counting, for a delightful mix of romance, humor, and suspense.
Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen
Carl Hiaasen’s “Squeeze Me” is a comedic masterpiece set amidst the glitz and glamour of Florida’s gold coast. When Kiki Pew Fitzsimmons, a high-society senior, goes missing during a lavish gala, the story unfolds with Hiaasen’s signature wit and sharp humor. Dubbed as a reflection of our times’ absurdity, this book is a testament to Hiaasen’s unparalleled storytelling prowess.
Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
Imagine discussing a fictional murder plot and being mistaken for a real hitwoman! That’s precisely what happens to Finlay Donovan in this hilariously twisted tale. Struggling with her life, Finlay unintentionally accepts a hit job, leading her into a whirlwind of murder investigations and chaos. Elle Cosimano serves up a delightful mix of humor and suspense that will leave readers craving more.
The Hot Rock by Donald Westlake
For fans of classic heist stories sprinkled with humor, “The Hot Rock” is a must-read. Follow John Archibald Dortmunder, a convict with brains but cursed with bad luck, as his criminal endeavors consistently go awry. Dive into this light-hearted series filled with misadventures, chuckles, and fourteen more books that promise pure escapism.
Wish you were Here by Rita Mae Brown
Rita Mae Brown’s “Wish you were Here” introduces readers to the charming town of Crozet, Virginia, where secrets lead to murder. Mary Haristeen, the town’s post-mistress, has a penchant for reading postcards not meant for her. But when residents start dying, and each victim is linked to a “Wish you were here” postcard, it’s up to her feline friend, Mrs. Murphy, and her Welsh Corgi, Tucker, to save the day. With 30 books in this series, readers are in for a treat filled with mystery, humor, and some furry sleuthing!