Mystery novels set in hotels make for a captivating read. The blend of various characters from diverse backgrounds converging in a single location provides an intriguing backdrop for a thrilling whodunit. Taking inspiration from my own works, The Socialite’s Guide to Murder and The Socialite’s Guide to Death & Dating, which revolve around a hotel heiress named Evelyn and her life in the Pinnacle hotel in 1958 Manhattan, I have curated a list of six riveting mystery novels set in hotels. These books offer a blend of glamorous settings, an array of guests, and the bustling hotel staff. As we delve deeper into the colder months, these books are perfect companions for cozy reading sessions under warm blankets.
EVIL UNDER THE SUN by Agatha Christie
Let’s start with the queen of mystery herself, Agatha Christie. Christie was a master at crafting intricate murder mysteries, often involving her sleuths solving crimes while on vacation. One such novel is Evil Under the Sun, where her famed detective Poirot finds himself embroiled in a murder case while vacationing at a resort with a private beach. Christie’s expert storytelling skills shine through in this novel as she keeps readers guessing about the killer’s identity till the very end. If you prefer Miss Marple over Poirot, then Bertram’s Hotel is worth checking out. Alternatively, you can explore Elly Griffiths’ take on Miss Marple in Italy in “Murder at the Villa Rosa.”
Covert In Cairo by Kelly Oliver
Kelly Oliver introduces readers to one of my favorite sleuths, Fiona Figg, in Covert In Cairo. Set in a WW1 Egyptian hotel, Fiona teams up with Kitty Lane to solve a mystery. Oliver brilliantly brings the setting to life and makes Fiona an endearing character that readers will root for. If you enjoy this book, consider checking out High Treason at the Grand Hotel from Fiona Figg’s backlist.
MURDER AT THE MAYFAIR HOTEL by CJ Archer
In the first book of the Cleopatra Fox series, CJ Archer sets a thrilling mystery in the Mayfair Hotel. After the death of her grandmother, Cleo moves into the hotel owned by her uncle. The plot thickens when a guest is poisoned on Christmas Eve, and Cleo races against time to find the killer before the hotel’s New Year’s Eve ball. This book is perfect for a holiday read and is the start of a seven-book series that will keep you hooked.
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
While not exactly set in a hotel, The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley deserves a mention for its captivating plot set in a private estate. A group of friends celebrating New Year’s in a Scottish lodge find themselves in the midst of a murder mystery. The suspense intensifies as it becomes apparent that either one of them or one of the staff members is the murderer. Foley’s other works, The Guest List and The Paris Apartment, also offer similar thrilling narratives.
The Maid by Nina Prose
The Maid by Nina Prose is another must-read. Set in the Regency Grand Hotel, the story revolves around Molly, a maid who stumbles upon a dead body while cleaning a suite. When she becomes a suspect, Molly and her friends set out to find the real killer. A sequel, The Mystery Guest, is due to release soon, and The Maid is currently being adapted into a film starring Florence Pugh.
Peril In Pink by Sydney Leigh
Finally, we have Peril In Pink, a debut novel by Sydney Leigh. Set in a B&B in Hudson Valley, innkeeper Jess Byrne finds herself in a murder mystery when her ex-boyfriend’s stepdad is found dead. The book promises to be a blend of Schitt’s Creek and Only Murders In the Building vibes, making it an exciting read. However, it is set to release in March 2024, but pre-ordering it would be like gifting a surprise to your future self.
These cozy murder mystery books offer a thrilling ride with their blend of amateur sleuths, murder thriller books for sale, and female detective titles, making them perfect picks for any cozy mystery book lover.