Curl Up, Get Cozy, and Gift a Little Crime This Christmas
- Connor Drew
- Dec 27, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 2
Holiday shopping for the mystery lovers in your life shouldn't feel like decoding a ransom note. Whether your giftee races through books faster than you can refill the cocoa, lives for a twist that sends ornaments flying, or prefers their crime fiction cozy and comforting, this curated lineup makes finding the right read easier than spotting footprints in fresh snow. Below are five standout thrillers paired with playful reader types; so you can match the book to the reader with sleuth-level precision.
For the “can’t-stop-turning-pages” reader
The Night Swim
by Megan Goldin
A magnetic mix of courtroom suspense and true-crime podcasting, this one
grabs readers by the collar from page one. Perfect for the person who says,
“Just one more chapter,” and means none of it.
For the “loves a twist you never saw coming” reader
The Last Mrs. Parrish
by Liv Constantine
A wickedly addictive psychological thriller dripping with envy, manipulation,
and delicious reversals. Just when readers think they’ve cracked the case,
the authors yank the rug out from under them — with flair.
For the “cozy crime addict”
The Thursday Murder Club
by Richard Osman
Endearing, clever, and packed with charm, this delightful mystery follows four
retirees with a talent for sniffing out trouble. Ideal for readers who want murder
served warm, witty, and with a side of comfort.
For the “holiday-themed mystery lover”
The Christmas Murder Game
by Alexandra Benedict
Snowbound mansions, cryptic clues, dark family secrets — this festive mystery is
overflowing with holiday atmosphere. It’s the perfect pick for readers who want
their suspense sprinkled with tinsel (and maybe a touch of dread).
The Mistletoe Murder
by P.D. James
Elegant, chilling, and quintessentially British, this short-story collection
delivers holiday crime with refined craftsmanship. A timeless stocking stuffer
for fans of the golden-age style.
Thrillers are unforgettable gifts because they’re more than books — they’re
experiences. Moments of heart-pounding tension, clever reveals, and the
quiet thrill of reading long after the house has gone still. Pair one of these
titles with a plush blanket or a festive bookmark, and you’ll have a holiday
gift that feels as thoughtful as it is thrilling.
Which type of crime reader are you—the twist-chaser, the cozy-crime lover, or the can’t- put-it-down binge reader?
Which type of crime reader are you?
The Cozy Crime Lover
The Twist Chaser
The Can't-Put-It-Down Binge Reader
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