While some people relish the hallmarks of the winter season, others dread the cold nights, bare trees, and snowy roads. Ultimately, in the mystery genre, getting snowed in is almost never a good sign. Sit tight and read on to discover the diverse communities, drama-filled journeys, and dangerous questions lurking in these chilling mystery novels, perfect for a winter night by the fire.
One by One by Ruth Ware
At first, an off-site company retreat in the mountains doesn’t sound too bad. There’s a breathtaking view, a cozy fire, and people around to talk to. But what happens when an avalanche hits, trapping everyone in the ski chalet? No one can be trusted, and everyone has something to hide, something to gain, and something to lose. Without access to the outside world and hours passing without any sign of rescue, panic sets in, and loyalties are tested among a group of coworkers.
No Exit by Taylor Adams
Stranded at a highway rest stop during a blizzard, college student Darby Thorne just wants to get home to see her sick mother. Forced to spend the night with four strangers in the middle of nowhere, Darby is shocked to discover a little girl locked inside one of their parked cars. There’s no cell phone, no cell reception, and no way out because of the snow, so Darby must figure out who the girl is and why she’s been taken so she can save her before it’s too late.
Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden
When heroin makes its way into the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, local enforcer Virgil Wounded Horse’s vigilantism becomes personal. Virgil’s nephew gets involved, and Virgil then enlists the help of his ex-girlfriend to find and stop the source of the drugs. After discovering expanding drug cartels in Denver and learning of a new tribal council initiative, Virgil must link the pieces together and reclaim his Native identity to restore order.
The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse
Detective Elin Warner wasn’t planning an isolated getaway in the Swiss Alps, but when her estranged brother, Isaac, and his fiancée, Laure, invite her to celebrate their engagement, she can’t help but accept. Arriving at Le Sommet, a formerly abandoned sanatorium, in the midst of a threatening storm, Elin is already on edge. The next morning, they wake to discover Laure is missing, and the storm has closed access to the hotel. Guests start to panic while Elin works to find Laure, so no one notices when another woman goes missing, the only one who could’ve warned them about the depths of danger awaiting them.
White Out by Danielle Girard
Lily Baker has just survived a harrowing car accident on an icy Hagen, North Dakota, road, and upon regaining consciousness, she has no clue who or where she is. Only disconnected visions of Bible verses and a man lying in a pool of blood occupy her memories. The same night, a young woman is murdered and tossed in a dumpster, and detective Kylie Milliard soon discovers that the woman and Lily share a dark past. Kylie tries to play by the book as she searches for answers, and Lily grows wary of the truth as she uncovers pieces of her identity.
Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates
Searching for an escape from her past, Christa joins a tour group heading into the Rocky Mountains. When a snowstorm sweeps through the region, the group is forced to wait it out in an abandoned hunting cabin. Christa believes they’ll be safe until the storm passes, but the group’s tour guide winds up murdered with his severed head impaled on a tree. As the storm grows even more dangerous and survivors are picked off one by one, Christa must decide whom she can trust if she wants to make it off the mountain alive.
Glistening white snow may be mesmerizing, but its shine and power provide the perfect cover for nefarious intentions. Desperate people, a lack of resources, and dangerous secrets are excellent ingredients for cooking up an exciting story, and these winter mysteries have all three.
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Find these books and more on our Heart Racingly Good Thrillers and Mysteries booklist on Bookshop.org!
