10 Fantasy And Crime Mystery Books
There’s nothing quite like a story that blends the intrigue of a crime mystery with the allure of fantastical worlds. Imagine magical artifacts as clues, detectives with supernatural gifts, and enigmatic realms hiding deadly secrets. These books take readers on thrilling adventures where solving the crime isn’t just about catching the culprit—it’s about unraveling otherworldly chaos.
Whether you’re a fan of spellbinding puzzles or dark secrets lurking in enchanted corners, these books will keep you on the edge of your seat. Let’s dive in!
1. The City & the City by China Miéville
🔍 Two cities, one murder, and a mind-bending investigation.
Inspector Tyador Borlú must solve a murder in the surreal twin cities of Besźel and Ul Qoma, where citizens are forbidden to acknowledge the other city despite their overlapping geography.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: Miéville’s world-building is both cerebral and gripping. The crime investigation, layered with political intrigue and a touch of the uncanny, will have you questioning reality itself.
2. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
🧙♂️ A magical murder investigation in the heart of London.
Peter Grant, a rookie cop, is thrust into the magical underbelly of London when he encounters a ghost at a crime scene. He soon becomes an apprentice to Detective Nightingale, the last wizard in Britain.
💭 Why it enchants: With witty dialogue, rich London folklore, and a gripping mystery, this book is a delightful blend of urban fantasy and police procedural.
3. The Last Smile in Sunder City by Luke Arnold
🦄 A gritty detective noir in a world where magic is dying.
Private investigator Fetch Phillips navigates a city teeming with magical creatures who are struggling to survive after the loss of magic. When a missing person case lands on his desk, things take a dangerous turn.
💭 Why it resonates: Arnold’s world is raw and heart-wrenching, and Fetch is the kind of flawed, brooding detective you can’t help but root for.
4. The Dresden Files: Storm Front by Jim Butcher
🌩️ A wizard detective solving supernatural crimes in Chicago.
Harry Dresden is Chicago’s only professional wizard detective. When a double murder reeks of dark magic, Harry must confront dangerous sorcerers and supernatural threats to crack the case.
💭 Why it grips: Butcher masterfully blends noir-style detective work with pulse-pounding magic. Harry’s wry humor and relentless determination make this series irresistible.
5. Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
⚔️ A blood-soaked tale of vengeance and intrigue.
Mia Corvere, a novice assassin with shadowy powers, enrolls in a deadly school where betrayal and murder lurk around every corner. Her quest for revenge unveils a conspiracy that threatens the very empire.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: Kristoff’s sharp prose and morally complex characters make this a dark and twisted delight. The high-stakes mystery adds an extra layer of tension to Mia’s brutal journey.
6. The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith
📚 Murder, mysteries, and a library for unwritten books.
Claire, the librarian of Hell’s Unwritten Wing, must retrieve a dangerous book that has escaped its shelves. But when her mission unearths a sinister plot involving angels and demons, all hell breaks loose—literally.
💭 Why it captivates: The concept of a living library combined with a thrilling celestial mystery makes this book utterly addictive.
7. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
💰 A fantasy heist filled with deception and danger.
Locke Lamora is a con artist and thief in the vibrant city of Camorr. When a mysterious figure known as the Grey King threatens his crew, Locke must use every trick in the book to survive.
💭 Why it’s brilliant: The intricate plot, cunning characters, and dazzling world-building make this a fantasy crime masterpiece.
8. A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
🎓 Murder, monsters, and magic at a deadly school.
El Higgins attends the Scholomance, a school where survival is the ultimate goal. As dark forces close in, El must use her dangerous magic to uncover a sinister plot.
💭 Why it mesmerizes: The high-stakes environment and razor-sharp protagonist make this a thrilling blend of dark academia and crime mystery.
9. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
🔮 A clairvoyant crime syndicate in a dystopian London.
Paige Mahoney works for an underground clairvoyant syndicate in a city where her kind is hunted. When she is captured and imprisoned by a mysterious otherworldly race, she must unravel a dangerous conspiracy.
💭 Why it captivates: The gripping plot and richly layered world-building create a story that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking.
10. City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett
🏛️ Murder and political intrigue in a city of shattered gods.
Shara Thivani, a spy and diplomat, is sent to investigate a high-profile murder in a city where divine miracles once shaped the world. What she uncovers is a conspiracy that could change everything.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: Bennett’s masterful storytelling, combined with a complex mystery and divine intrigue, makes this a must-read for fantasy lovers.
Dive Into the Magical Mayhem 🔍✨
From spellbinding mysteries to high-stakes investigations in fantastical realms, these books offer a thrilling escape into worlds where magic and crime collide.
Have a favorite fantasy crime mystery that kept you turning the pages late into the night? Share your recommendations—I’m always on the hunt for the next captivating read!
