Seattle Picks: Mystery and Thriller
In the mood for crime fiction, mysteries and thrillers? Check out these titles selected by a librarian at The Seattle Public Library. Annotations by staff or as noted. (February 2025)
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The Stolen Coast
Jack passes his days in a quiet coastal town smuggling fugitives on the run, until former girlfriend Elena pulls him into diamond heist.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Murder of Mr. Ma
In 1924 London, academic Lao She and legendary Judge Dee Ren Jie team up to investigate a string of murders targeting Chinese immigrants in the city.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Naming of the Birds
In Victorian London, two Scotland Yard detectives and a journalist investigate a series of deaths where the corpses are arranged next to the bones of children.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Case of the Missing Maid
The first woman hired by a Chicago detective agency faces one daunting challenge after another in this excellent historical series launch from Osler. With lush historical detail, optimistic but plausible gender politics, and an unforgettable heroine, this series is primed for success. (Publishers Weekly)
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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We Solve Murders
When she’s framed for murder, bodyguard Amy Wheeler enlists the help of her father-in-law, retired detective Steve Wheeler, and a zany client to clear her name.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Rivals
Claudia Lin is back, and she’s stumbled on a far-reaching AI conspiracy that dating site corporations would be willing to kill to protect.
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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How to Solve your Own Murder
In 1965, a fortune teller tells teenager Frances she’ll be murdered. In the present day, Annie is called to her great-aunt’s estate, where she’ll rely on Frances’s own research to aid in catching a killer.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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A Disappearance in Fiji
In 1914 Fiji, Indian police officer Akal Singh investigates a missing indentured sugar plantation laborer, and runs afoul of those in power.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Rough Pages
In 1950s San Francisco bookseller Howard Salzberger runs a subscription service mailing queer books to clients; now he’s missing, and so is his client list. PI Andy Mills is again employed by the Lamontaine family, this time to find Salzberger and safeguard his list.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Symphony of Secrets
While authenticating a lost 1930 opera, music scholar Bern Hendricks discovers the real genius behind the work was a Black woman, but others will keep the secret at any cost.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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