Who Publishes The Best Mystery Love Story Books In 2024?

I've been devouring mystery romance novels like they're going out of style, and 2024 has some absolute gems. The standout for me has been Penguin Random House's crime romance imprint—they’ve been dropping bangers all year. Their authors weave tension so thick you could cut it with a knife, and the emotional stakes hit harder because the mystery isn’t just a backdrop; it’s tangled with the love story. Like, in 'The Silent Betrayal,' the MC’s hunt for her missing sister forces her into a reluctant alliance with the detective she’s low-key obsessed with. The pacing is addictive, and the romance feels earned, not tacked-on.

HarperCollins is another heavy hitter, especially with their atmospheric Gothic romances. 'Whispers in the Walled Garden' blends eerie cold-case vibes with a slow-burn love story between a historian and the reclusive heir hiding family secrets. The prose is lush without being pretentious, and the twists actually surprise me—a rarity these days. Smaller presses like Crooked Lane Books also deserve shoutouts for taking risks, like 'Midnight at the Mistletoe Motel,' where a blizzard traps a true-crime podcaster and her ex—who might be the prime suspect in her latest case. The dialogue crackles, and the balance between sleuthing and second-chance romance is chef’s kiss.

2024’s best mystery romance? Hands down, independent publisher Midnight Publishing. Their niche is 'love stories where the heart isn’t the only thing at risk,' and damn, they deliver. Take 'Liars’ Waltz'—a ballroom dancer framed for murder must trust her rival to clear her name. The chemistry burns while the whodunit keeps you guessing. No bloated subplots, just tight storytelling with emotional payoff. Bonus: they prioritize diverse voices, so the tropes feel fresh instead of recycled.