Although mystery books are usually pictured alongside a cup of tea, a comfy armchair and a rainy window, today we make the case for pairing them with a cold beverage, a picnic blanket, and a beachy view. With immersive writing and ultra-readable plots, a hard-boiled crime novel or a gentle murder mystery could be the perfect read to keep anyone occupied on a long summer day. We’ve even included a kid-friendly graphic novel, a riddle-filled chapter book, and an activity book with puzzles that might stump anyone in the family.
For adults
Lightning Strikes the Silence by Iona Whishaw (TouchWood Editions)
This gripping novel has been topping the BC Bestseller list in the months since its release, and it’s no mystery why! Set in BC’s Kootneys near Nelson, the newest instalment in the Lane Winslow Mystery series is a study in bygone promises and lingering prejudice. Fun fact: Whishaw was inspired by an NPR episode on Japanese war balloons! Fans of Louise Penny will love this gentle, historical murder mystery.
Out now!
Ocean Drive by Sam Wiebe (Harbour Publishing)
In this standalone title, award-winning author Sam Wiebe juxtaposes small town life with multinational criminal operations in this Vancouver-based novel.
With the threat of a gang war looming, and long-buried secrets coming to light, Ocean Drive is a riveting exploration of the shadows cast by development and the harrowing choices individuals make when faced with the allure of easy money.
Out now!
For kids
Crystal Cave by Nancy Deas, illustrated by Mike Deas (Orca Book Publishers)
A fun graphic novel for kids!
In the small village of Sueño Bay, famous for its mysterious crystals and legendary Moon Creatures, friends Ollie, Kay, Jenna and Sleeves go searching for a secret and powerful crystal.
When Ollie’s grandpa becomes ill and Ollie faces the possibility of having to leave his home in Sueño Bay, he and his friends set off on a race against time to find the legendary mother crystal known for its incredible healing powers. What they don’t know is that a secret group of crystal keepers have dedicated themselves to guarding the cave that holds the mother crystal. If Ollie doesn’t take the crystal, he won’t be able to cure his grandpa. But if he does, the power of the crystal could shift the balance of the island and destroy Sueño Bay.
Out now!
Ghost Girl by Brooke Carter, illustrated by Alyssa Waterbury (Orca Book Publishers)
This spooky book is perfect for middle grade readers!
Ten-year-old Sly is spending the weekend with their fortune-telling grandmother at the mysterious Madsen Mansion. It’s Samhain, a time when the spirits can cross over into the living world, and the old mansion has secrets whispering in the rafters and unused rooms. When Sly and their grandmother encounter a ghost trapped in a mirror, they accidentally become trapped with her! With the clock ticking till the end of Samhain, it’s up to Sly to solve the ghost’s riddles and puzzles and locate a long-lost book of spells in hopes of freeing them all.
Solve the riddles alongside Sly in this adorable book featuring illustrations, clues, and a non-binary main character.
Out now!
For anyone!
Canadian Wildlife Activity Book by Tom Hunter (Heritage House Publishing)
This engaging activity book full of facts, puzzles, and brain teasers will keep kids and adults alike entertained throughout any summer downtime, from road trips, ferry rides to camping trips! Readers will learn about more than 200 mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians that call Canada home.
For generations, Tom Hunter’s Canadian Wildlife Activity Book series has introduced kids of all ages to the amazing variety of animals that live from coast to coast to coast—from the Blue Whale to the Pygmy Shrew, the Leopard Frog to the Chickadee. The new Canadian Wildlife Activity Book combines the best of Hunter’s outstanding illustrations and activities in one volume.
Out now!