Five Standalone Mysteries to End Your Reading Slump
After the prolonged winter break that Marist, and many others colleges, enforced this year, most of us had plenty of time to acquire new hobbies or polish-up some old talents. I, for one, spent the entire break powering through my reading list. For some, this can lead to the inevitable “reading slump,” where you have no desire to pick up a book and no idea what to read next. These five standalone reads aren’t nearly as intimidating as a series, and they all share a fast-pace that is sure to keep you flipping pages.
1) The Lovely and The Lost by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Jennifer Lynn Barnes is one of my all-time favorite authors! Very few people can craft such interesting characters and unpredictable mysteries the way that she does. The Lovely and The Lost centers around the Bennett family, who train police dogs for “search & rescue” missions. Pulled back into their mothers’ hometown for an FBI rescue mission, this story is equal parts drama and mystery. Plus, if you love this book, Barnes has several series in the same genre! Check the book out on Goodreads here!
2) Redemption Prep by Samuel Miller
Nothing screams “MYSTERY!” like a creepy boarding school in the woods. Told through personal journal entries and multiple points-of-view, Miller’s story leaves you guessing until the very last minute. The disappearance of the school’s most popular student is only the tip of the iceberg at Redemption Prep, where each student is specifically recruited for their particular talent or skill…and they’re each hiding a dark secret. Find it on Goodreads.
3) Five Total Strangers by Natalie D. Richards
This book is perfect to read amongst all of the snow that New York has just received, but it’s also great if you’re looking for a Christmas book that isn’t just a fluffy romance. After a blizzard cancels her flight home for the holidays, main character Mira decides to share a rental car with, you guessed it: five total strangers (clearly, she does not make great decisions. I do not recommend doing this). Caught between the snowstorm outside and the strange stuff happening in the car, Mira is trapped in a seriously deadly situation. This novel is a quick read and an absolute page-turner! Richards also has tons of other standalones that are equally as thrilling. Check out the Goodreads.
4) Sadie by Courtney Summers
This novel is really interesting, as it’s told partly by the main character, Sadie, before her disappearance and partly by a random Podcast host doing a story on Sadie after she goes missing. As a reader, you start to feel like one of the thousands of fictional podcast listeners who are trying to unravel Sadie’s mystery, but your insight into Sadie’s perspective always seems to end each chapter with more questions than answers. Beautifully written and with an emotional conclusion, this book is easy to devour. Get the details here.
5) They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman
The first thing you should know about this book is that it’s already being turned into a TV show called The Players’ Table and is set to star Sydney Sweeney from Euphoria and famous pop-musician Halsey. If that’s not enough to make you start reading, then here’s the nitty-gritty. Jill attends an uber-expensive, Gossip Girl- style high school that is known for having seriously successful students and alum. Except for a select few, the Players, that success comes easy thanks to a members-only database of connections, study guides, and resources galore. But Jill knows that the privileges of being a Player have their costs, after all, it got her best friend killed. This is a classic high school murder mystery with a contremporary twist and an ending that you’ll never see coming. Learn more about the book here. (And get the scoop on the TV adaptation here!)