What Are The Best Mabel Fry Library Yukon OK Mystery Novels?

I am so behind this book, 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. Our library copy is worn to shreds from being passed from hand to hand. The twist and turn of the plot is so sharp it cuts like a knife. And, although the story is told by two very unreliable narrators, it makes for a wonderful and uncomfortable read into the marriage of a middle aged couple and the media frenzy that ensues after their disappearance. Not a light or fluffy mystery by any stretch but with great tension and humor, it’s a favorite modern thriller of mine. And the library is just so cool in including modern and edgy titles like this one in their mystery collection.

That favorite novel of mine is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, a paperback copy worn from being read by so many. The main character, Lisbeth Salander, is an amazing protagonist of the mystery genre. The author developed a great plot, combining the corruption of large corporations with the investigation of an old murder and the noir atmosphere of Sweden. And, on top of all that, there are many puzzles to unravel throughout the book, with lots of social commentary. Mabel Fry Library has a great selection of international mysteries, like this one, to introduce local readers to a wide variety of writers and stories.

Historical mysteries are a favorite of mine, and 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr is an excellent choice. Set in 1896 New York, a team of early criminal psychologists work to find a serial killer. The hardcover edition of this book feels heavy and is an excellent representation of the dense prose that Carr has created in this atmospheric and engaging book. Carr has done excellent research in order to create a Gilded Age New York that is full of crime and inquest. In addition to the gripping storyline, Carr has created a cast of memorable characters in the group of men, led by newspaper illustrator John Moore, who are determined to solve the puzzle of the murder of young boys.

I love mystery novels and Mabel Fry Library has a wonderful selection of current titles as well as classic works in the genre. Right now I’m also reading through some of the the classic works of the genre and ‘The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie’ by Alan Bradley is one of the current titles that I have really loved. The main character is an 11 year old chemistry whiz named Flavia de Luce who lives in a decaying English manor house in a quaint 1950s village with her father and two older sisters. The book is incredibly funny as well as having a sweet and lovable main character. It’s also a real puzzle and is a great read for someone who loves a good atmospheric mystery as the setting is almost another character in the story.

The Mabel Fry Library also has a copy of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. The Precious Ramotswe series follows a kind, and clever, female detective who solves mysteries in Botswana. I have lost count of how many times I have recommended this to patrons because they love the same things that I do. This is a wonderful series for people who enjoy mysteries with heart and lots of cultural insight. It is also written in a wonderful, lyrical style and I feel that it is a great representation of the types of books that Mabel Fry can provide for people who enjoy a good mystery but are not really into the typical, hard-boiled, detective type of story.

Another book that I always recommend is Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ because it’s a great, classic whodunit with the magnificent Hercule Poirot at its center. He is one of literature’s greatest detectives, and this is one of his best cases. I love how, with every reading, I am still surprised by the reveal of the mystery. And I love how Christie weaves a complex plot around so many suspects. The way she uses misdirection is something that I think a lot of mystery writers are still trying to get right today. The Mabel Fry Library has a wonderful vintage hardcover copy of this book, which I love almost as much as the book itself. And I have to say, it’s a very popular book, which I can see why. It’s a real puzzle, and Christie has created a very addictive plot that keeps readers coming back for more. As a lover of mystery, I’m so glad that the library has a wide selection of both classic and contemporary titles, something for every mood.