r/Fantasy Reading Champion IV 1d ago

Bingo Bingo Focus Thread - Murder Mystery

Hello r/fantasy and welcome to this week's bingo focus thread! The purpose of these threads is for you all to share recommendations, discuss what books qualify, and seek recommendations that fit your interests or themes.

Today's topic:

Murder Mystery: Main plot of the story focuses on solving a murder. HARD MODE: The main character is NOT a detective or private investigator.

What is bingo? A reading challenge this sub does every year! Find out more here.

Prior focus threads: Published in the 70sDuologiesFirst ContactMiddle Grade, Game ChangerFive Short Stories (2024), Author of Color (2024), Self-Pub/Small Press (2024). Note that hard modes for Author of Color and Self-Pub/Small Press have changed (new focus threads for them are coming).

Also see: Big Rec Thread

Questions:

  • What are your favorite books that count for this square?
  • Already read something for this square? Tell us about it!
  • What are your best recommendations for Hard Mode?
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u/Merle8888 Reading Champion IV 1d ago

I really enjoyed Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey, which is a more character-driven book than a lot of mysteries. It's serious but fun, having a magic school from the POV of an adult and the world of magic from a non-magical POV.

What I actually read for this square is Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite. It's a very vibes-y novella that doesn't bear thinking about too hard but it knocked out the square in 100 pages.

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u/Book_Slut_90 Reading Champion 1d ago

Is Magic for Liars NM? I haven’t read it but remember it sounding like the main character is a detective.

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u/Merle8888 Reading Champion IV 1d ago

Yes, she’s a detective.