What do you get when you mix thrilling whodunits with dream-worthy vacation destinations?
A collection of irresistible travel-themed stories from experienced mystery authors who deliver intrigue with a twist of wanderlust in their crime fiction.
From the frosty highlands of Scotland to the sun-soaked beaches of Hawaii, these holiday books for adults transport you to places where danger lurks just out of sight, and the perfect alibi hides behind a postcard-worthy view.
Whether you’re a reader of cozy mystery books filled with charming local settings or crave edge-of-your-seat suspense thrills to make your heart race, this holiday anthology has something for every mystery fan. Each vacation novella blends captivating plots with exotic backdrops to create the ultimate escape.
Get ready to unravel secrets in a snowy castle, uncover clues on a tropical shore, and experience suspense in a bustling city.
This mystery anthology guarantees intrigue, surprises, and unforgettable settings. It’s the perfect book to curl up by the fire, lounge poolside, or indulge in a little escapism on your next road trip.
You won’t want to miss your ticket to this mystery-filled adventure!
Read on to discover the lineup of authors and their thrilling holiday-themed tales.
Michele Pariza Wacek: Margaritas and Murder
Murder in paradise! Charlie Kingsley escapes Wisconsin’s winter chill for sunny Cabo, Mexico, hoping for sandy beaches and endless margaritas. But her vacation takes a deadly turn when she stumbles upon a body on the beach, and worse, becomes the prime suspect! Now Charlie must swap her flip-flops for detective shoes to clear her name and catch the killer before her getaway turns into a stay behind bars. Perfect for readers of tropical cozy mysteries, beach vacation whodunits, and amateur sleuth adventures.
Patti Larsen: Plot Todd-EE
A relaxing river glamping trip turns deadly when Becks Hogan and her police chief bestie find themselves stranded in rural Flori—with a murdered raft pilot and no way to call for help. As the current drags them deeper into danger, survival becomes their top priority… but can they solve the mystery before they’re swept away? With a killer on board and hungry alligators circling, time is running out!
Carolyn L Dean: Leis, Lies & Lethal Force
A Hawaiian cozy mystery packed with murder, mystery, and mayhem! When Amanda’s solo getaway turns deadly, she’s thrust into a chilling investigation at her luxury resort. With her reluctant sister-in-law in tow, Amanda uncovers secrets, deception, and danger lurking behind every palm tree. Can she crack the case before her vacation becomes her final destination? Perfect for fans of tropical cozy mysteries and beach resort whodunits.
Joann Keder: Cursed Cousins
A Norwegian wedding, a long-buried family secret, and a tangled mystery. Sunshine’s latest adventure is about to turn the celebration into a race against time! As the bride prepares to toss the bouquet, Sunshine must unravel a web of secrets that could shatter everything. Will she uncover the truth before the final vows?
Carly Winter: Whodunit at the Winery
A wine country cozy mystery full of twists! When a winery tour turns deadly, amateur sleuth Samantha Rathbone and her boyfriend become prime suspects. With the sheriff on their trail, they must uncork the truth before they’re framed for murder. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, wine-themed whodunits, and small-town secrets!
Kitty Kildare: Death at the Thistle Inn
After a friend’s wedding promised an exhilarating Scottish escape, plucky sleuth Veronica Vale sees her holiday plans shatter when a baffling locked-room murder mystery erupts, unleashing hidden motives, secret alliances, and dangerous twists in this riveting 1920s British mystery.
Jayna Morrow: Aspic and Old Lace
In the charming small town of Marshall, Texas, museum curator Liz Fletcher is ready for a Victorian Christmas festival—not a murder mystery. But when a fellow historical society member collapses on the runway during the fashion show, Liz is drawn into a twisty whodunit full of secrets, suspects, and red herrings.
Liz can’t resist following the clues, especially when a cryptic riddle hints at a deadly secret from the victim’s past. Will she solve the case and have time to enjoy her Christmas vacation?
B.G. Wood: Witchnapped
A Portland cozy mystery full of magic, mystery, and murder! When witch-lit author Morgan Mallory vanishes, amateur sleuth Gina Biletti dives into a world of secret societies, occult art, and bookish clues. Can Gina solve the spellbinding mystery before she’s the next victim? Readers of paranormal cozy mysteries and bookshop whodunits will adore this cozy adventure.
Mona Marple: The Midnight Flowerpot Fiasco
A charming Yorkshire Coast cozy mystery. Holly and Nick’s peaceful getaway turns deadly when a famous artist falls from the cliffs. Accident or murder? With nosy locals, a seaside bookshop, and a lovable pub dog named Stout, Holly races to uncover the truth before their vacation ends in disaster. Ideal for readers of British cozy mysteries and seaside whodunits.
Wendy Neugent: Port of No Return
When Key West antiques dealer Beth Fletcher sets sail on a Caribbean cruise, she expects sun and shopping, not a shocking murder linked to a rare bottle of port. Teaming up with ship entertainer Olivia Morgan (and her mischievous parrot sidekick), Beth dives into a deadly mystery tangled with bootlegger secrets and modern motives. Can this sleuthing duo crack the case before the killer strikes again? Packed with tropical twists, high-stakes clues, and cozy mystery charm, this cruise ship whodunit is a voyage you won’t forget.
Laina Turner: Betrayed in Belize
Trixie Pristine’s dream vacation to Belize takes a deadly turn when a fellow traveler is found murdered. With danger lurking around every corner and a chilling warning to stop investigating, Trixie teams up with her butler, Javier, to uncover the truth. As suspects pile up and secrets unravel, Trixie must race against time to solve the crime before her tropical getaway becomes her final destination. A suspense-filled cozy mystery packed with twists, danger, and a dash of tropical charm.
