I left the theaters for Wake Up Dead Man with a quiet awe. Beyond the mystery itself, the movie touched me deeply. I liked that the religious elements were complex: neither fully good nor bad, just human. There were unexpected moments, particularly when we saw the protagonist, Jud, minister to people, that made me well up with emotion. I am going to give it some time, but it may well be one of my favorite movies ever.
These four mystery recommendations have a similar focus, with equally clever and twisty plots. Before we get to those, however, I have one bonus recommendation. It’s not a mystery novel, but if you liked the nuanced reflections on faith and messy congregation dynamics, give Search by Michelle Huneven a try. Written as if it’s a memoir with recipes, it follows restaurant critic Dana Potowski as she’s “volun-told” into joining the search committee for a new minister for her Unitarian Universalist congregation. I’m biased because I’ve had a few years to reflect on it, and it is one of my all-time favorites, but it’s too good not to include.
Now, onto the mystery recs!
My Darkest Prayer by S.A. Cosby
Former marine and sheriff’s deputy Nathan Waymaker now works for his cousin’s funeral home. He’s known as someone to turn to when you’re desperate for help. When the parishioners of a local church ask him to investigate their minister’s death, he accepts the case. But what he discovers leads him to a larger web of small-town corruption.
All access members continue below for more mysteries to read if you liked Wake Up Dead Man
Scorched Grace by Margot Douaihy
Like Jud Duplenticy, Sister Holiday doesn’t fit the stereotypical picture of a Catholic clergy member. Her nun’s habit covers her tattoo sleeves, and her cynical sense of humor puts her at odds with her fellow sisters. But when the local Saint Sebastian’s School is targeted by an arsonist, Sister Holiday is the only one willing to find the culprit.
The latest book in the series, Divine Ruin, is out this month. It will see Sister Holiday take on her toughest case yet as she investigates a student’s overdose.
All That is Secret by Patricia Raybon
Although it’s set in the 1920s, the reflections on faith and redemption in All That is Secret still resonate. It stars Chicago theologian Annalee Spain, who receives a telegram informing her that her father was killed. Though they were estranged, Professor Spain feels a pull to solve his murder, even though she knows it will put her in real danger.
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett
Amanda Bailey’s comeback as a true crime writer hinges on her latest project. It’s an investigation of the Alperton Angels, a cult that convinced a teenage girl that her baby was the anti-Christ. Because said baby will be turning 18 this year, Amanda has a shot at finding and interviewing them. But the deeper she digs, the darker the case becomes, and the more she risks being swallowed by it whole.
If you’re in the mood for more lighthearted reads, check out these 10 Humorous Murder Mysteries like Knives Out—which includes Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Dial A for Aunties and Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan is Killing It!
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