Mystery

During my childhood, I would immerse myself in the works of Carolyn Keene and Mary Higgins Clark until the late hours of the night. Therefore, it is not unexpected that even now, when I find myself unable to resist the urge to continue reading, there is frequently a mystery novel grasped firmly in my hands. Nevertheless, there are times when a girl simply must get some sleep, and this is where these short mystery stories come into play. If you, like me, believe that everything is right in the world once you have unraveled the grand twist, these short mystery stories will provide that gratification without the undesirable consequence of sleep deprivation.

1.“THE LITTLE MEN” BY MEGAN ABBOTT (FROM THE BEST AMERICAN MYST1ERY STORIES 2016)

I have a particular fondness for this particular story as I have recently become a fan of Megan Abbott (I know, I'm a bit late to the party!). The narrative revolves around Penny, who has recently relocated to her ideal home. However, this charming cottage appears to be plagued by supernatural occurrences. As Penny listens to eerie sounds and hears unsettling rumors from her neighbors, she starts to question the tragic death that took place in the house ten years ago.

2.“IN MY HANDS” BY SARAH CORTEZ (FROM HIT LIST: THE BEST OF LATINO MYSTERY)

All the entries in this collection of short mystery stories are exceptional, but I specifically selected this particular one due to its captivating twist ending that left me feeling unsettled. The story revolves around Elizabeth and her recently divorced husband, Winston. One fateful night, our narrator receives a phone call from Elizabeth, who ominously warns, "If anything happens to me, seek out a private investigator or contact the police, as Winston will be responsible." Shortly after this chilling conversation, Elizabeth mysteriously disappears, leaving behind a shattered wedding photograph and a chillingly untouched cup of coffee. I highly recommend reading this story during your daily commute, as it will undoubtedly linger in your thoughts throughout the day.

3.“MISS MARPLE TELLS A STORY”AUTHORED BY AGATHA CHRISTIE (FROM THE REGATTA MYSTERY AND OTHER STORIES)

Miss Marple, the renowned fictional detective, shares an intriguing tale of a locked room case that she successfully unraveled. In this particular instance, a close friend of Miss Marple seeks her assistance in proving his innocence in his wife's murder. With her characteristic astuteness, Miss Marple swiftly delves into the intricate details of the heinous crime, effortlessly solving it without even stepping away from her seat. This captivating narrative is concise enough to be enjoyed during your lunch break.

4.Bonfire by krysten ritter

Abby, a legal professional, conducts an inquiry into the presence of harmful chemicals in her place of birth, firmly believing that this wrongdoing is somehow connected to the vanishing of her former high school companion a decade ago. The inclusion of environmental aspects in this narrative greatly appealed to me, as did the gradual development of the mystery from contamination to homicide. The narrator, Karissa Vacker, even possesses a voice reminiscent of Krysten Ritter, leading me to envision Abby as a fusion of Jessica Jones and Ritter's portrayal of Gia Goodman in Veronica Mars. (Duration: 8 hours, 52 minutes).

5."Killer Fudge" authored by Kathy Hogan Trocheck, also known as Mary Kay Andrews.

If you enjoy reading cozy mysteries, then this short story is perfect for you. The protagonist, Callahan Garrity, is a former police officer who has recently started a cleaning business in Atlanta. Throughout the series of novels featuring this detective, she often finds herself solving crimes that occur in or around the houses she and her team are hired to clean. In this particular short story, one of Callahan's cleaning staff members, known as the "House Mouse," seeks her help in clearing her grandson, Darius, who has been accused of murdering an antiques dealer. (And if you're interested in more stories like this, there's another one called Fatal Fruitcake that you can read afterwards.)

6.“THE ADVENTURE OF THE SEALED ROOM” BY ANDY WEIR

The author of The Martian offers a collection of short mystery stories, including this one, for free! These stories are inspired by Sherlock Holmes and focus on Professor James Moriarty, who uses his criminal expertise to solve crimes. In this specific story, Moriarty is accused of murder and his loyal companion, Captain Moran, must come to his aid and prove his innocence. Although the author no longer writes these stories, they are enjoyable and fast-paced reads for fans of Sherlock Holmes adaptations.