LGBTQ+ mystery novels offer readers a thrilling escape with an added layer of inclusivity, often featuring complex characters and relationships. Whether you’re an avid fan of mysteries or new to the genre, these books will keep you on the edge of your seat while embracing LGBTQ+ voices and stories. Below is a carefully curated list of the top 10 LGBTQ+ mysteries that deliver gripping plots, unexpected twists, and authentic representation.
By: Alex Brooks
Alex Brooks is a mystery enthusiast with a passion for LGBTQ+ literature. With over a decade of experience in reviewing thrillers and mystery novels, Alex brings insightful perspectives to help readers discover their next great read.
10. The Keeper (Redemption Ridge Book Five)
Author: Aimee Nicole Walker
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
723 Ratings
The Keeper is a thrilling addition to the Redemption Ridge series. Set in a small, close-knit town, this novel focuses on a local detective who must face both professional challenges and personal revelations. Walker’s writing masterfully blends suspense with romance, making it a standout in the LGBTQ+ mystery genre.
Why We Chose It:
This book is the perfect mix of thrilling crime drama and heartfelt LGBTQ+ representation. Walker’s ability to develop emotionally resonant characters makes this a must-read for any fan of LGBTQ+ mysteries.
Fun Fact:
Aimee Nicole Walker is known for her intricate, slow-burn romantic thrillers, and The Keeper has been praised for its unexpected plot twists.
Get The Keeper here on Amazon.
Category: LGBTQ+ Mystery
9. I Was A Cheerleader For The FBI
Author: Melanie Brown
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
44 Ratings
In this fast-paced thriller, a cheerleader joins the FBI to bring down a corrupt criminal empire. Brown’s narrative grips you from the start with high-stakes drama and a powerful LGBTQ+ lead.
Why We Chose It:
I Was A Cheerleader For The FBI stands out for its clever plot, blending humor with nail-biting suspense. It’s a fresh take on LGBTQ+ mysteries that brings fun to a high-stakes adventure.
Fun Fact:
Melanie Brown interviewed FBI agents to ensure the accuracy of the criminal investigations portrayed in the book.
Buy I Was A Cheerleader For The FBI here on Amazon.
Category: LGBTQ+ Mystery
8. Consort of the Crime Queen (The Underworld Duet: A Sapphic Mafia Romance Book 2)
Author: Persephone Black
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
680 Ratings
A suspense-filled sapphic mafia romance, Consort of the Crime Queen combines dangerous thrills with deep emotional connections. In this second installment, the stakes rise as forbidden love and power collide.
Why We Chose It:
Persephone Black’s sharp writing keeps readers engaged with both romance and tension. The combination of sapphic relationships and mafia intrigue makes this one of the best LGBTQ+ mystery novels out there.
Fun Fact:
The author is celebrated for creating well-developed, diverse characters that appeal to a broad audience.
Buy Consort of the Crime Queen here on Amazon.
Category: LGBTQ+ Mystery
7. The System (Fire Universe Book 4)
Author: Nicole Pyland
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)
228 Ratings
Set in a dystopian world where every move is monitored, The System delivers a heart-pounding mystery filled with danger and romance. Pyland’s storytelling brings readers into a terrifying future with striking parallels to today’s issues of privacy and control.
Why We Chose It:
The System is an excellent choice for lovers of dystopian novels mixed with thrilling LGBTQ+ mystery elements. Pyland builds a believable world that keeps readers hooked.
Fun Fact:
The novel was inspired by real-world debates around surveillance and the loss of privacy in the digital age.
Grab The System here on Amazon.
Category: LGBTQ+ Mystery
6. Two Marlboros: A Slow-Burn M/M Romance
Author: Simona Francini
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5)
47 Ratings
Two Marlboros tells the story of a detective who must balance solving a murder mystery with navigating his growing attraction to a key witness. This slow-burn romance captures the tension of both a crime investigation and a blossoming relationship.
Why We Chose It:
Francini’s novel excels in building suspenseful scenes while also exploring complex emotions, making it a strong pick for fans of LGBTQ+ mysteries.
Fun Fact:
Simona Francini based the town setting on her own experiences in a small, tightly-knit community, lending authenticity to the novel.
Buy Two Marlboros here on Amazon.
5. Captive of the Crime Queen (The Underworld Duet: A Sapphic Mafia Romance Book 1)
Author: Persephone Black
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
846 Ratings
Captive of the Crime Queen introduces readers to the high-octane world of organized crime through the eyes of two women, one a powerful mafia boss and the other a defiant investigator. The novel perfectly blends romance, tension, and suspense.
Why We Chose It:
Persephone Black’s ability to create dynamic female leads and intense action sequences makes this a top pick for fans of sapphic mysteries.
Fun Fact:
The book’s mafia elements were inspired by real historical events in criminal organizations.
Buy Captive of the Crime Queen here on Amazon.
4. Power of the Mind (Shadowy Solutions Book 2)
Author: Nicky James
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
356 Ratings
Power of the Mind continues the Shadowy Solutions series with an even more intense plotline, where two detectives face off against a deadly adversary. James’ mastery of both character development and suspense makes this book a must-read for fans of the genre.
Why We Chose It:
Nicky James creates tension in every chapter, making readers eager to uncover the next twist in this LGBTQ+ mystery. The combination of well-developed protagonists and a gripping mystery makes it a standout.
Fun Fact:
James worked with real-life detectives to ensure the police procedural details in the novel were accurate and compelling.
Grab Power of the Mind here on Amazon.
3. Death in Douglas Glade (The Milverton Mysteries Book 3)
Author: G B Ralph
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5)
26 Ratings
This cozy LGBTQ+ mystery centers around two amateur detectives investigating a small-town murder. With a mix of humor and suspense, Ralph keeps readers guessing until the final pages.
Why We Chose It:
Death in Douglas Glade offers a lighter, more humorous take on LGBTQ+ mysteries, perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of intrigue and charm.
Fun Fact:
G B Ralph’s characters are based on real people, adding authenticity to the quirky town of Milverton.
Buy Death in Douglas Glade here on Amazon.
2. Sweet: An MM Romance Thriller
Author: Howl Avery
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5)
88 Ratings
Sweet is a fast-paced romance thriller that blends action, tension, and electric chemistry between the two male leads. Avery keeps the plot moving, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first chapter to the explosive finale.
Why We Chose It:
Sweet is a thrilling ride filled with suspense, making it a top pick for fans of LGBTQ+ mysteries with a strong romantic subplot.
Fun Fact:
This book was so popular that Avery is already working on a sequel due to high demand from readers.
1. Jones
Author: Gerri Hill
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
86 Ratings
In Jones, a seasoned detective faces one of the toughest cases of her career, all while dealing with personal struggles. Hill’s nuanced storytelling delivers a mystery full of emotional depth, gripping suspense, and LGBTQ+ representation.
Why We Chose It:
Hill’s ability to intertwine emotional and professional challenges makes Jones a top pick in the LGBTQ+ mystery genre. It’s the perfect mix of character-driven drama and mystery.
Fun Fact:
Gerri Hill has published over 30 LGBTQ+ novels, making her a staple in the genre.
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