24 must-read mysteries by Wisconsin authors

Looking for a cozy mystery or spooky read to curl up on the couch with? Take a look at our list of mysteries by Wisconsin authors and add a few thrillers to your TBR.

While Agatha Christie may be the Queen of Crime, there are plenty more thrillers and mysteries for you to enjoy from authors here in Wisconsin.

From mysteries set in familiar Wisconsin locations like Door County to fictional towns that feel familiar, we’ve compiled a list of 24 cozy mysteries for fans of whodunits, detective mysteries, and everything spooky in between. Even though your TBR (to be read) pile might already be a mile long, don’t miss out on these intriguing reads from incredible Wisconsin authors. 

The Black Harbor series

Hello Transcriber, The Widowmaker, and When I’m Dead

Hannah Morrissey is the author of a trio of mysteries in a sub-genre known as Midwestern Noir. Her debut novel, Hello Transcriber, was inspired by her own time transcribing police reports in a local department. Originally hailing from a small northern Wisconsin town, Hannah currently resides near Milwaukee.

Monster Hunter series

A Death in Door County, Death in the Dark Woods, Beast of the North Woods (coming January 2025)

Annelise Ryan has penned several different mystery series under the name Annelise and additional tales under the pen name Allyson K Abbott, including the Mattie Winston Mysteries (12 books), Helping Hands Mysteries, and the Mack’s Bar Mysteries (six books). Based in Wisconsin, her books are described as rib-tickling, humorous mysteries. 

Northern Lakes Mystery series

Figure Eight, Spider Lake, Bough Cutter, and Musky Run

Local Wisconsin author Jeff Nania penned this mystery series. Jeff and his partner-in-crime fiction established Feet Wet Writing, a local micropublisher. Jeff draws on his experience in law enforcement and love of the wetlands to inspire his award-winning mysteries. 

Dave Cubiak Door County series

A seven-book series including award-winning titles Death Rides The Ferry and Death In Cold Water

This mystery series follows an ex-Chicago cop on investigation after investigation against the beautiful backdrop of Door County. Patricia Skalka’s books have been awarded Best Mystery/Thriller by the Midwest Independent Publishing Association in 2019 as well as the Edna Ferber Fiction Book Award. Only a Wisconsin author could find a way to weave a mind-twisting mystery and our beloved Packers together for a satisfying story (Death In Cold Water).

Nora Barnes and Toby Sandler mysteries

Murder in Lascaux, The Body in Bodega Bay, Death on a Starry Night, The Dead of Achill Island

Authors Betsy Draine and Michael Hinden bring puzzling and peculiar mysteries to life when their crime-solving duo finds themselves with one foot in the past and the present. Besty and Michael keep you on the edge of your seat with these titles, which is no surprise as they’re both professors emeriti of English at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Loon Lake Mystery Series

A 19-book series and the Lew Ferris Mysteries—Wolf Hollow, Hidden In The Pines, and At The Edge Of The Woods

Last but not least on our list is the author of the Loon Lake Mystery series, Victoria Houston. The titles in this series are set in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, reminiscent of Victoria’s hometown of Rhinelander, where she was raised, left, and later returned. In addition to this 19-book series, she’s also penned three books in the Lew Ferries Mysteries, with satisfying plots with twists and turns you never could have imagined!

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.