Wrap Up a Whodunit: Best Mystery Books & Murder Mystery Games for Holiday 2025
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- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
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Shopping for the sleuths on your list? We’re spotlighting the best 2025 picks across mystery novels, thrillers, and interactive cases. From darkly comic capers to cozy crimes and party-ready investigations, these gifts bring suspense with seasonal sparkle. Skim the highlights and find their next obsession.
⭐ Top Pick: 12 Ways to Kill Your Family at Christmas
A darkly comic crime romp wrapped in twinkle lights. Ideal for readers who like their holiday cheer with a wicked grin and razor-sharp wit.
Pros
Edgy, irreverent tone for crime-and-comedy fans
Fast, giftable read with holiday flavor
Cons
Not for sensitive readers or cozy-first tastes
Leans more sardonic than heartwarming
Unsolved Christmas Cold Case File Game
Turn the holidays into a whodunit with an immersive cold case set at Christmastime. Work through clues and theories to crack the case together.
Pros
Great group activity for families or friends
Clear objective—solve the case—keeps everyone engaged
Cons
Requires setup and table space
Not a traditional book gift
Candy Slain Murder: Cozy Christmas Mystery
A sugar-dusted small-town whodunit where cheer meets suspicion. Comforting pace and seasonal charm for readers who want light mystery with merry vibes.
Pros
Warm, cozy atmosphere perfect for winter reading
Accessible mystery that’s easy to sink into
Cons
Low on grit and high stakes
May feel predictable to hardcore thriller fans
A Christmas Murder: Holiday Whodunit
A straightforward yuletide mystery built for fireplace reading. Classic setup and tidy sleuthing that gets to the point.
Pros
No-frills, seasonal investigation
Quick to start and easy to follow
Cons
Less layered than complex thrillers
Holiday niche may feel limited after the season
The Tin Men
A starkly titled novel with a cool, ominous edge. A smart pick for readers who want something moodier than a cozy without going full gore.
Pros
Standalone novel for thoughtful winter reading
Appeals to readers who like darker, contemporary fiction
Cons
Not explicitly holiday-themed
May not deliver a puzzle-style whodunit
Victorian Christmas Murder Mystery Dinner Party Game
Host a Victorian-era whodunit over dinner and let the intrigue unfold. A festive, social way to bring mystery fans together.
Pros
Memorable group experience for the holidays
Interactive format keeps everyone involved
Cons
Needs prep time and a committed group
Not designed for solo play
Missing Under the Mistletoe: A Flower Shop Mystery
A festive novella where mistletoe meets a missing-person puzzle. Short, snappy, and scented with seasonal atmosphere.
Pros
Bite-sized length fits busy schedules
Cozy tone with gentle suspense
Cons
Brief page count limits depth
Skews soft over high-intensity thrills
Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds: A Cozy Mystery
Secrets, sun, and a hint of romance deliver a breezy cozy escape. Perfect for readers who want coastal charm with their clues.
Pros
Light coastal vibe with approachable suspense
Romance thread adds warmth to the mystery
Cons
Not holiday-themed
Romance focus may not suit thriller purists
The Cornish Christmas Pantomime Murder
A cozy set around a Cornish pantomime, blending stagecraft with seasonal sleuthing. Village charm and festive clues lead the way.
Pros
Strong seasonal setting and theatrical twist
Gentle, clue-forward investigation
Cons
More charm than chills
British local flavor may not resonate with all readers
Whether they crave cozies, darker novels, or a full-on game night, these picks make gift-giving a cinch for mystery lovers. Ready to wrap up your list? Tap a title to explore and find the perfect match. Pair a book with cocoa or plan a dinner party case for instant holiday magic. Know a fellow sleuthing fan? Share this guide and spread the suspense.
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