8 Female Sleuths to Add to Your Favorite Mystery Reader’s Stocking

There’s a slew of excellent mystery novels out this season featuring some of our favorite female detectives, from the whip-smart Agent O’Hare to to the brilliant Temperance Brennan. Why not make the mystery lovers in your life happy with a heart-racing new adventure from one of these unforgettable sleuths?
Veronica Mars 2: Mr. Kiss and Tell, by Rob Thomas
The TV show Veronica Mars was such a hit that creator Rob Thomas—reversing the usual order of such things—went on to write a book series based on the show. This time out, a woman is assaulted and left for dead in the Neptune Grand, the ritziest hotel in town. When Veronica is called in to investigate, she finds tampered security footage and holes a mile wide in the victim’s story.
The Handsome Man’s Deluxe Café, by Alexander McCall Smith
“Mrs.” has no memory of how she came to be in Botswana, or even her own name. Can Precious Ramotswe, expert at finding lost things, track down the woman’s missing identity? Meanwhile, Mma Makutsi has opened a restaurant for Gabarone’s well-heeled clientele. Dealing with temperamental chefs and crabby customers may be more than she bargained for, but, as always, friendship will see her through.
Accused, by Lisa Scottoline
Philadelphia’s all-female law firm is back and firing on all cylinders. Allegra Gardner’s sister Fiona was murdered six years ago. Although the accused, Lonnie Stall, confessed to the killing and was sent to prison, Allegra is convinced he’s the wrong man. When everyone from her wealthy parents to the justice system resists reopening the case, she turns to Rosato & Associates to find the real killer.
The Job, by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
FBI Special Agent Kate O’Hare and con man Nick Fox are tasked with bringing down the leader of a global drug-smuggling empire. The catch? No one knows what the kingpin looks like—the only lead is his addiction to designer chocolates. With Evanovich’s trademark mix of snappy one-liners and surprising plot twists, this romp races to an unforgettable conclusion.
Bones Never Lie, by Kathy Reichs
If you love dark psychological thrillers, you must read Reichs’ first-rate series featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. In Tempe’s most harrowing case yet, serial child murderer Anique Pomerleau resurfaces in the United States after killing a string of children in Canada and eluding capture. Then another child is snatched, and the nightmare resumes…
Festive in Death, by J.D. Robb
Lieutenant Eve Dallas just isn’t feeling the holiday spirit: as if a corpse stuck with a kitchen knife isn’t bad enough, there’s her Christmas shopping to deal with. The victim, hunky personal trainer Trey Ziegler, left a long line of suspects, having loved and left half the gym’s female clientele. Dallas will have to sort through a sleigh-full of alibis to stop this killer in time.
Betrayed, by Lisa Scottoline
Maverick lawyer Judy Carrier takes the lead on a case that’s all too personal. When her beloved aunt’s housekeeper is found dead of a heart attack, Judy suspects foul play, and her investigation soon uncovers a shadow world of people too vulnerable to call the police. Besieged by personality conflicts both at home and the office, Judy must somehow find the strength to see justice done.
Raging Heat, by Richard Castle
Hurricane Sandy waits in the wings as Detective Nikki Heat investigates the death of an illegal immigrant. Clues will be hard to come by: the victim dropped out of the sky. At first Nikki’s happy to have her journalist boyfriend, Jameson Rook, ride along with her and share theories. But Jameson is looking for his next big story, and when he concludes that she’s arrested the wrong man for murder, it’s not just their relationship that’s in danger.