With Valentine’s Day coming next week, it’s impossible to ignore the ads for jewelry, flowers, and decadent edible creations, or the red and pink decorations in every shop and restaurant. Even our morning doughnuts came covered in red and pink sprinkles. With celebrations of love everywhere around, it’s nice for my book of the week to reflect the festivities.
Not ready to jump into a bare-chested Romance? Me neither. Here is a roundup of novels with strong romantic themes, and lots of good old-fashioned murder mystery.
Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutano
NPR Best Book of 2021. When Meddy Chan accidentally kills her blind date, she is shocked when her mother and aunties (who run a wedding business) are more than prepared to help her hide the body.
A Study in Scarlet Women (Lady Sherlock #1) By Sherry Thomas
NPR Best Book of 2016. When her sister and father become suspects in a series of murders, Charlotte Holmes uses her wits to solve the case under the name of Sherlock Holmes. Slow burn romance over several books.
Murder Most Actual by Alexis Hall (Kobo Original)
When true crime podcaster Liza and her wife, Hanna, take a weekend trip to a hotel in the Scottish Highlands, the last thing she expects is for work to follow her there. But someone begins killing off the guests one by one, and Liza must use her investigative skills to catch the murderer.
99¢! A Dose of Murder by Lotus James
Haley & Jack Foster want the traditional American life–good jobs; a family of their own; and a nice, safe place to live. Their dreams are coming true with Jack’s position as Chief Research Scientist at Chadwell Pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately, Big Pharma has other plans.
Mimi Lee Gets a Clue (Sassy Cat Mysteries #1) by Jennifer J. Chow
After setting up a pet care shop in Hollywood, Mimi Lee’s dreams of running her own business take a horrifying turn when she is accused of murder. Together, with the help of her cute neighbor, Josh, and her dog, Marshmallow, she sets out to find the culprit.
Love Sold Separately by Ellen Meister
Things are finally looking up for twentysomething Dana Barry — until her TV star boss ends up dead and she’s thrown into the middle of a murder mystery with a tall, dark, and smoldering detective.
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard
A friends’ list of requirements for the perfect man goes viral–and has a criminal reaction. Sparks fly as the investigation heats up.
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
Best-selling author Nora Jones writes as J.D. Robb. While investigating a chilling murder, police lieutenant Eve Dallas becomes wrapped up in the arms of Irish billionaire suspect Roarke.
Right Behind Her by Melinda Leigh
This mystery romance follows Sheriff Bree Taggert, whose father killed her mother then himself, and the investigation that ensues.
Sex, Murder, and a Double Latte by Kyra Davis
San Francisco novelist Sophie Katz becomes convinced that a crazed copycat killer—who’s seemingly been inspired by the murder scenes in her own books!—is out to get her.