Is picking the right book for the reader in your life as tricky as solving a mystery? Then you’re in the right place: Gifts for Book Lovers: Mystery Mood Boards
It’s easy: pick a mood board that appeals to you (or the gift recipient of your choice) and then find out what 2022 Mystery or Thriller I recommend for you. Let’s get started!
Gifts for Book Lovers: Mystery Mood Boards
Picking a book for yourself can be tough, but picking a book for the favorite book lover in your life can be even more daunting. What kind of book “vibe” is right for them?
Maybe you’ve seen “blind date with a book” where books are wrapped in brown paper and described on the front. Here’s a photo from the Malden Public Library!
I put a new spin on this fun by making mood boards for some of my favorite books. Pick the board that best represents your gift recipient (even if that is you…) and I will lead you to a book I think that they will love!
Mystery Mood Board One: Spooky Paranormal Mystery
For those who like all things paranormal, this book features a plucky heroine trying to unravel a spooktastic mystery. Can she help the ghost who’s haunting her, or will she end up dead herself?
Want a ghostly gift? Find more about this Spooky Paranormal Mystery!
Mystery Mood Board Two: Modern Gothic Thriller
If the book lover in your life loves domestic thrillers, this thriller is a spin on the classic gothic that, by the last pages, veers straight into horror. Is there a creepy mansions? Of course!
Always up for some dark romance? Find out more about this Modern Gothic Thriller!
Mystery Mood Board Three: Mind-bending Time Loop Thriller
If you (or your gift recipient) are looking for something a little different, something with a bit of a sci-fi bent, you should check out this story about a character stuck in a time loop, trying to prevent (and solve) a murder that truly sent chills up her spine.
Love some physics in your mysteries? Check out this Mind-Bending Time Loop Thriller!
Mystery Mood Board Four: Young Adult Locked Room Thriller
I wrote a post about the growing popularity of the Locked Room Thriller. In this YA version, a spring break trip with friends goes terribly, terrifyingly wrong.
Up for some words with friends with a side of claustrophobia? Check out this YA Locked Room Thriller.
Mystery Mood Board Five: 1970s Serial Killer Book
This book puts a literary spin on the serial killer book, taking it to a place that’s more in line with 2020s sensibilities. It’s female-forward and still very scary!
Ready to head back to the groovy 70s and track down a monster? Check out this 1970s Serial Killer Book!
Mystery Mood Board Six: Frenemies Wedding Thriller
I’ve read quite a few wedding thrillers over the past couple years, but this one stood out to me for its interesting setting and the fact that it went to a place more interesting than two women fighting over a guy.
Want to RSVP for some murder? Check out this Frenemies Wedding Thriller!
Mystery Mood Board Seven: Dark Academia Mystery
I LOVE Dark Academia. If you’re curious and want to know more, you can read all about it here. If you’re already sold on this subgenre featuring ivy covered Gothic buildings, secretive groups of students, and a side of murder, check out this one!
Ready to head back to school? Check out this Dark Academia Mystery!
Mystery Mood Board Eight: British Locked Room Mystery
A group of family members. A large inheritance. A spooky house cut off from the world by the tide. A murder every hour. Creepy coded clues about who the next victim will be. Got the chills yet?
If you’re all about that Agatha Christie life, check out this British Locked Room Mystery!
Mystery Mood Board Eight:
I was excited by the premise of this one, but got worried when I started to read it. I’m so glad I read on because this female-forward alt-history story of unconventional love (and murder) was one of my favorite books of 2022!
If you’re ready to go back to the 1920s, check out this Historical Mystery Based on a Real Mystery!
I hope you had fun and found some new titles. Let me know what book you picked in the comments!
If you are looking for gifts for a book lover (besides books, of course) check out my Gift Guide for Readers!
Looking for fun and easy Bookish Crafts? I have you covered!
Need ideas on how to make your bookshelves festive for the holiday season? Deck the shelves!
That’s a fun idea.
I just discovered the blind date with a book concept at a bookstore this summer. Love this idea (and your mood boards)! Nipa
Aw, thanks so much, Nipa! I love the “blind date with a book” concept and decided this was the next best thing!