Kristen Perrin is originally from Seattle, Washington, where she spent several years working as a bookseller before moving to the UK to do a master's and a PhD. She lives with her family in Surrey, where she can be found poking around vintage bookstores, stomping in the mud with her two kids, and collecting too many plants. How To Solve Your Own Murder is her debut adult novel.
2025 CWA Gold Dagger (longlist) : How to Solve Your Own Murder
Kristen Perrin recommends
The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies (2026) (Oxford Guide, book 1) Kate Westbury "A delightfully fresh take on historical mystery, done with cleverness and style. . . Ginevra and Sidney are some of the most likeable characters I've met in a long time."
A Game of Cat and Killer (2026) (Casebooks of Mikeneko Holmes, book 1) Jiro Akagawa "The perfect balance of light and dark, with a main character I couldn't stop rooting for. Add in one of the most creative locked room murders I've ever read, and a real surprise of an ending, and you can absolutely see why Jiro Akagawa is such a staple of Japanese crime fiction. Equal parts puzzling and entertaining from start to finish, and one of the most satisfying mysteries I've read this year."
My Sister is Going to Kill Me (2026) Nina Simon "The perfect mix of adventure, suspense, and murder mystery, with the bonus of a spectacular setting. I was immediately sucked in by this pulse-pounding journey of two polar opposite sisters rafting in the Grand Canyon, and Nina Simon expertly crafts a cast full of unforgettable suspects while carefully balancing the drama of sisterhood. This mystery will completely transport you."
The Night Hunter (2026) Natalie Moss "Richly atmospheric and utterly transporting, Moss does a masterful job of mixing suspense, family drama, sinister secrets, and fast-paced adventure in The Night Hunter. If you think this is just another destination thriller, you're wrong - this book has roots that make it feel like something special, all while delivering perfectly timed twists and turns that will keep readers on their toes. I felt swept away by this book, and particularly drawn in by the complex relationship between the two sisters. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one."
Killer Vibes (2026) (Peter Key Mystery, book 1) Jack Friday "A fun, wild, hilarious ride - Peter Key is not your grandma's amateur sleuth, in the best way. This is a fresh take on some classic themes, and it tackles them with a bite. An out of the blue inheritance that's more than it seems, a fancy neighborhood with a dark underbelly, and a snarky world-weary bisexual disaster child who is, underneath it all, endearingly tenacious. Trust me, it's the murder mystery mash-up you didn't know you needed."
A Murder in Eight Cocktails (2026) Kelly Mullen "Kelly Mullen has absolutely proven she's here to stay with A Murder in Eight Cocktails! This book has heart, humour, and mystery all stylishly shaken with the perfect dash of quirky characters. Not to mention one of the most clever premises I've ever seen - sleuthing that is set to the beat of artisan cocktails complete with actual recipes? Yes please! If you want a mystery that is both fabulous and fun, with the perfect amount of California flair, this is absolutely for you."
Strange Buildings (2026) (Strange , book 3) Uketsu "Deliciously unsettling and refreshingly unique."
The Murder at World's End (2025) (Stockingham & Pike, book 1) Ross Montgomery "A wonderfully clever take on the classic locked-room mystery, set against the fascinating backdrop of the panic around the passing of Halley's comet. I was immediately charmed by the unexpected crime-solving duo at its core, and I'll happily follow foul-mouthed Miss Decima and steadfast Stephen Pike through many more mysteries, their dynamic is utterly delightful."
The Red Shore (2025) (DS Eden Driscoll, book 1) William Shaw "Tightly plotted with a rich setting and an eclectic cast, The Red Shore grabbed my attention from the beginning and didn't let go. Eden Driscoll is the type of quietly steadfast detective that I'll happily follow into more mysteries, and this book has the perfect balance of unsettling questions and rising action, with just the right dash of found family to round it out."
A Murder for Miss Hortense (2025) (Miss Hortense Mysteries, book 1) Mel Pennant "Packed with cleverness and warmth, with an expertly plotted mystery spanning decades, you do not want to miss the unique wit and resourcefulness of Miss Hortense. This book delivers that magical combination of unforgettable characters, community, and heart, and I could not put it down."
Detective Aunty (2025) (Kausar Khan Investigates, book 1) Uzma Jalaluddin "I adored this--it weaves together that perfect mix of mystery, community heart, and secrets, all with wit and warmth. Uzma Jalaluddin puts her finger on the pulse of tricky mother-daughter relationships, gently prods cultural norms, and keeps you guessing as to whodunnit all in an expertly paced style. I can't wait to see what Kausar Khan gets up to next!"
The Cliffhanger (2025) Emily Freud "Properly twisty and atmospheric, The Cliffhanger is a unique blend of suspense and metafiction wrapped up in a satisfying page-turner. I was immediately sucked into the quicksand of Emma and Felix's relationship, and riveted by the hidden conversations they had through the chapters they were trading back and forth. Expertly built tension leads to reveals you absolutely won't see coming - this book is a great ride from start to finish."
Cat Fight (2025) Kit Conway "A plot with sharp claws, layers of secrets, and characters so well-drawn you feel like you know them, Cat Fight gives a unique slice of suburban life under the pressure-cooker of a big cat rumoured to be on the loose. Come for the cat drama, stay for the roller-coaster of what each neighbour is going to do next as tensions mount. Such a unique set-up for a juicy dose of suburban drama, I couldn't put this down!"
Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder (2025) (Pomona Afton, book 1) Bellamy Rose "Enormously fun, witty, and warm, Pomona Afton is the heiress-turned-underdog that you'll definitely be rooting for on her journey into amateur sleuthing. I came for the New York vibes, stayed for the satisfying twists and turns, and loved the crackle on the page between Pomona and her accidental roommate Gabe. If you're looking for a murder mystery that feels fresh and fashionable, look no further."
All the Other Mothers Hate Me (2025) Sarah Harman "Florence is my new favorite agent of chaos - I loved her snarky-but-true observations, hilarious misadventures, and fierce love for her son. All The Other Mothers Hate Me is impossible to put down, and you'll find yourself rooting hard for Florence as she navigates this uniquely twisty case of a missing boy."
