Mystery novels can be some of the most entertaining books. A good mystery keeps the pages turning and the reader intrigued. Even better than a good mystery novel is a mystery book series. When the main character is a likable detective, the mystery is suspenseful and the pace is fast, I often want more when the book is done. That's why a series is so great! There is always another mystery for your favorite detective to solve.
These ten series are some of the most popular on the market. Some are quality literature, many are page turning fluff. Most are available cheaply in mass market paperback.
The Southern Vampire Series (Sookie Stackhouse novels) by Charlaine Harris
Ace Books
Dead Until Dark is the first book in Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire series, which inspired the HBO TV series True Blood. These novels are fast and sexy, but well written and full of interesting characters. If you like vampires or supernatural elements in stories, this is perfect beach reading.
- Read a review of Dead Until Dark
Goldy Bear Culinary Mysteries by Diane Mott Davidson
Bantam Books
Davidson's series, featuring girl caterer and crime solver Goldy Bear Schulz, serves up tasty stories with clever plots that will make you hungry for more.
Read a review of Dark Tort by Diane Mott Davidson.
Stephanie Plum Novels by Janet Evanovich
St. Martin's Press
Evanovich's series about sassy New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has readers addicted. Start with One for the Money and follow the numeric titles for some suspenseful beach reading.
The Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell
Simon & Schuster
Patricia Cornwell knows how to write fast-paced crime novels that will keep you reading. Her lead character, medical examiner Kay Scarpetta, is intelligent and persistant while she solves CSI-style mysteries.
Alex Cross novels by James Patterson
Grand Central
James Patterson's Alex Cross series started with Along Came a Spiderin 1993 and has been keeping readers entertained ever since. Patterson writes short chapters from several viewpoints, keeping the pages turning as readers solve homicides with this likable detective.
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Anchor Books
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith is the first in a series of slim books that read more like pleasant literary stories than typical page turning mysteries. There are, for sure, mysteries in these novels; however, the best thing about them is the characters. As you get to know the characters, you will hardly be able to wait for the next release. They are lovable, good and very clever.
Kinsey Milhone Mysteries by Sue Grafton
St. Martin's Press
Starting with A is for Alibi, Sue Grafton has written an alphabet of mysteries starring detective Kinsey Milhone. These murder mysteries are fast and fun.
Lincoln Rhyme Mysteries by Jeffrey Deaver
Penguin Group
Quadriplegic criminologist Lincoln Rhyme stars in a series of mysteries that are heavy on forensic details, research, bad guys and technology.
