The year is 1907 and Molly Murphy just cannot stay out of trouble. She’s forced to flee her beloved Ireland after committing murder in self-defense; and, as soon as she believes she is in the clear, a man is murdered on Ellis Island whom she was seen arguing with earlier that day. Molly becomes the prime suspect and must investigate the case in order to clear her own name.

Author Rhys Bowen takes you into the heart of New York City and genuinely captures the characters that form a bond with Molly. The Molly Murphy series currently has 19 books written by Rhys Bowen. The series begins with Murphy’s Law.

Don’t let Flavia’s age fool you, this precocious 11-year-old sleuth is a genius. The series begins in the summer of 1950 when Flavia, an aspiring chemist, watches a man take his last breath. Flavia is delighted to finally be able to use the skills she has been honing to catch the killer in her town, much to the chagrin of the local police force. The author, Alan Bradley, uses humor and wit to create a lively mystery series.

There are currently 10 books in the Flavia de Luce series written by Canadian author Alan Bradley. The series begins with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.

The year is 1936 and Lena Aldridge is a nightclub singer who feels stuck in London. Until one day, she is offered a starring role on Broadway and a first-class ticket on the Queen Mary bound for New York City. Lena is unsure if she should take the job until someone is murdered at the club where she works and she must flee from suspicion. All is going well until death follows her onboard and she must give the performance of her life to ensure she does not become the next victim.

Author Louise Hare creates a classic mystery tale with a twist in Miss Aldridge Regrets, the first in a new series. The second book, Harlem After Midnight, was released in August 2023.

Maisie Dobbs is caught between two worlds. Being the daughter of a greengrocer, Maisie is sent to college on scholarship by her employer, she never feels as though she belongs in either world. The contrast of her upbringing works to her benefit when, in 1929, Maisie opens her own detective agency. Maisie uses her childhood, time as a nurse during World War I, and her intuition to investigate cases of all types. Her first case seems simple enough, investigate a possible cheating spouse. But when she begins investigating, Maisie uncovers more than she bargained for when her client’s case brings back memories from the war she has tried hard to forget.

There are currently 17 books in the Maisie Dobbs series written by Jacqueline Winspear. The series begins with Maisie Dobbs.

Miss Marple never set out to be a detective. A murder takes place in the vicarage next door to Miss Marple’s home and she offers help in the best way she can, by declaring that she has seven suspects and is pretty sure she knows who committed the murder, if only she could determine why. Throughout the series, Miss Marple uses her age and wit to learn details about the crime and the suspects that lead her to a deep understanding of why the crime was committed and who the murderer is. Author Agatha Christie is truly the Queen of Crime and creates the Miss Marple character to epitomize country mysteries of days gone by. This series is a classic.

Miss Marple stars in numerous books and short stories written by Agatha Christie. The series begins with The Murder at the Vicarage.