Murder Mysteries with Topping & Co.

Sofia recommends Amy Tintera’s Listen for the Lie

Humour? In my murder mystery? With Listen for the Lie it might just be possible…

In such an oversaturated genre like crime fiction, it’s often difficult for an individual book to stand out in a sea of copy-paste slashers, but the story of snarky anti-heroine Lucy (and her scene-stealing grandmother) is truly one of a kind. Being the only witness and key suspect of the murder of her best friend many years ago, everyone knows Lucy did it — though no one has ever been able to prove it. If only she could remember what actually happened…

Lightening fast and sharp-tongued, this narrative is a rollercoaster you’ll never want to get off of. If your idea of a perfect evening is to put on a true crime podcast about the grizzliest unsolved murder imaginable while making dinner, this book is for you.

Paula recommends Sue Black’s Written in Bone

Written in Bone reads like the ultimate murder mystery — except the detective is a forensic anthropologist, and the clues are hidden within the bones of the dead. From head to toe, in this gripping exploration of forensic science, Black unravels the secrets skeletons keep, showing how bones can reveal everything from identity to cause of death. Each chapter reads like a case file, drawing readers into the silent testimonies of the dead.

With her blend of science and storytelling, Black brings crime scenes to life, guiding us through the eerie world of post-mortem investigations. Her firsthand experiences dissecting skeletal remains lend authenticity, as the book immerses readers in the forensic hunt for truth.

For true crime enthusiasts and mystery lovers alike, Written in Bone is an enthralling journey into the science behind the ultimate whodunnit.

Hannah recommends Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects

For those of you who have already devoured Gone Girl, I recommend Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects. The story follows journalist Camille Preaker as she returns to her Missouri hometown, to cover the twin stories of two local girls who died identical deaths: strangled with pulled teeth. As someone who listens to true crime podcasts and watches serial killer documentaries, I thought I did not scare easily — then I read this. It has all of the dusty, haunting charm of any of the vine-strewn abandoned baptist churches undoubtedly found on your Southern gothic Pinterest boards; for the full effect, listen to Ethel Cain’s new album Perverts as you read. Just be warned, Sharp Objects delves into some pretty explicit mentions of self-harm.