7 SHORT MYSTERY STORIES

If you’re a fan of mystery novels like Carolyn Keene and Mary Higgins Clark, you know the feeling of staying up late into the night, compelled to keep turning pages until you solve the big twist. But sometimes, you just need a quick mystery fix that won't keep you up all night. That's where these seven short mystery stories come in. From haunted homes to locked-room cases to chilling true stories, these short stories are sure to satisfy your craving for a good mystery.

One of our favorites is "The Little Men" by Megan Abbott, featured in The Best American Mystery Stories 2016. The story follows Penny, who has recently moved into her dream home only to discover that it may be haunted. After hearing creepy rumors and strange noises from her neighbors, Penny begins to wonder about the death that occurred in the home a decade earlier.

Another great choice is "In My Hands" by Sarah Cortez, from the anthology Hit List: The Best of Latino Mystery. Elizabeth and her husband Winston have just divorced when the narrator gets a call from Elizabeth, saying "If I ever get killed, find a PI or go to the police, because Winston will have done it." Shortly thereafter, Elizabeth goes missing, leaving behind a shattered wedding picture and a cold cup of coffee. The twist ending will leave a pit in your stomach.

Fans of Agatha Christie's famous detective Miss Marple will love "Miss Marple Tells a Story," from The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories. In it, Miss Marple recounts a locked room case she once solved, in which one of her friends asked her to save him from being charged for his wife's murder. Without ever leaving her chair, Miss Marple solves the crime on the spot. This satisfying story is short enough to read over your lunch break.

For a chilling and eerie tale, try "Since You Went Away" by Frankie Y. Bailey, from the anthology Shades of Black: Crime and Mystery Stories by African Americans. The story begins with a young woman telling her date a true story about her grandfather, who worked on a passenger train during a time when a ghastly murder occurred onboard. The whodunit is full of zany characters who will keep you guessing until the very end, reminiscent of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express.

For something a bit longer but still quick enough to read in one sitting, try Ghost Girl in the Corner by Daniel José Older. This novella is connected to Older's Shadowshaper, but can be read as a standalone story. Tee and her girlfriend Izzy must evaluate their relationship while also confronting a ghost and looking for a missing girl. Older's mystery also deals with the issue of missing brown and black girls receiving less media attention than white ones, adding an important social commentary to the story.

If you're a fan of Sherlock Holmes, you'll love "The Adventure of the Sealed Room" by Andy Weir. This short story is part of Weir's Holmesian fan fiction, featuring Professor James Moriarty as a criminal consultant who must solve crimes, including his own murder charge. You can read this and other short mystery stories by Weir for free online.

Last but not least, cozy mystery fans will enjoy "Killer Fudge" by Mary Kay Andrews writing as Kathy Hogan Trocheck. The story follows Callahan Garrity, a former cop who has started a cleaning business in Atlanta. In this short story, one of Callahan's "House Mouse" cleaning staff members asks for her help when her grandson is charged with murdering an antiques dealer. Callahan must solve the crime and clear Darius's name.

In conclusion, if you're a mystery lover who wants to avoid the sleepless nights that come with a full-length novel, these seven short mystery stories are sure to satisfy your cravings. From haunted houses to locked room mysteries, these stories are quick and impactful reads that will keep you guessing until the very end.