Holiday shopping for mystery book lovers shouldn’t be a mystery in itself. That’s why I curated this list of goodies specially picked for their ability to thrill any sleuth almost to death. Read on for gifts perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Nancy Drew, cozy mysteries, audiobooks, and more.
This catalogue is brought to you by the Cluesletter, my biweekly email newsletter filled with goodies for lovers of the mystery genre. If you aren’t already, please subscribe here. I’d love to have you!
I hope you enjoy the products on this list! All were hand-selected by yours truly based on what I, as a mystery lover myself, would love to be gifted.
As a heads up, I may earn a commission on products purchased using some links (this does not affect the price you pay). Also, while I confirmed prices and availability as of 11/15/21, these are subject to change. Online listings may not match what is written in this post.
For the “Christea” reader
- Karen Mabon x Agatha Christie Book Covers Pajama Set (pictured). $170, anthropolgie.com. Get extra comfy with these colorful pajamas inspired by the original queen of cozy mysteries.
- “Ivory Tea Time” Soft Enamel Pin. $10.95, thesimplybookishco.com. This cute enamel pin features a white teacup with a gold moon, star, and floral design.
- Hercule Poirot Inspired Tea Caddy. $16, theliteraryteacompany.co.uk. Even the judicious Hercule Poirot would approve of this loose leaf black tea in a “chocolate fudge” flavor.
- Agatha Christie Inspired Tea Infuser. $13, theliteraryteacompany.co.uk. Make the most satisfying cup of tea with this stainless steel tea infuser adorned with Poirot’s moustache, the Orient Express train, a magnifying glass, and other mystery-inspired charms.
For the organized sleuth
- The Bookish Sleuth: Mystery Reader’s Journal and Planner (pictured). $24.99, barnesandnoble.com. Tame your TBR and track your current reads with this hardcover journal specifically designed for mystery readers by author Sara Rosett.
- Sherlock Holmes Bookwallet. $34, novelbookstore.co. Whip this vintage book-inspired wallet out during your next indie bookstore visit and impress every reader in sight.
- Sleuth Style Hardcover Journal. $22.56, redbubble.com. Shout “Mystery Solved!” wherever you go with this adorable journal from designer Sleuth Style. Available with lined, graph, and blank paper, and also comes in pink, beige, orange, and blue colors.
- Street Clock Pen and Magnifier. $6.95, amazon.com. Think of London street clocks when you use this novelty pen, complete with magnifying glass and sturdy base.
For the femme fatale
- Quill & Ink™ Liner Kit. $39, storybookcosmetics.com. Create the boldest cat eye ever with this matte gel eyeliner, complete with a gorgeous golden quill brush and brush stand.
- “Blood Red” Lipstick. $28, besamecosmetics.com. What’s a vixen without her red pout? Inspired by classic vintage colors, these Besame lipsticks are semi-matte, long-wearing, and moisturizing.
- Freshwater Pearl Chain Necklace. $24.95, pavoi.com. Remember Linnet Ridgeway’s famously expensive pearl necklace in Death on the Nile? This is like that, but affordable enough for non-heiresses.
- “Jezebel” Dagger and Heart Dress. $219 (currently on pre-order for $66), nicolettacarlone.com. Made using a 1938 pattern, this sumptuous stretch velvet dress with a hand-embroidered appliqué is perfect for ladies with a flair for the dramatic. (As an aside, I own a similar Nicoletta Carlone dress and can attest that the quality of her clothing is superb.)
- “Olivia” Dagger Earrings (pictured). $17, nicolettacarlone.com. It was Olivia in the ballroom with the dagger . . . these dangling earrings are simple yet impactful, with a red rhinestone droplet of blood on the tips.
- “Norma” Hand and Serpent Brooch. $23, nicolettacarlone.com. Nicoletta Carlone’s shop is filled with jewelry fit for even the most discerning femme fatale. This one is inspired by brooches of the 1940s.
For the home decorator
- Agatha Christie’s Murderers and Methods Poster. From $41.95, etsy.com. Sleuths who like aesthetically pleasing categorizations of murders will adore this poster print.
- Nevermore and 221B Baker Street candles. $14.75 each, fromthepagecandles.com. These hand-poured soy wax candles inspired by famous literary works are perfect for burning while reading a favorite mystery.
- Cozy Mystery Diner Mug (pictured). $15, etsy.com. From the Etsy shop of author Ellie Alexander comes this glossy mug, which matches the cover of Alexander’s Christmas cozy A Cup of Holiday Fear.
- Agatha Christie Tea Towel. $13.35, theliterarygiftcompany.com. This 100% cotton tea towel features a hand-lettered quote from the celebrated queen of mystery.
For the audiophile
- Basil Rathbone in Sherlock Holmes Adventures.* $20 (used), amazon.com. Lovers of mystery and vinyl will adore this recording of Basil Rathbone in his famous portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in these vintage radio recordings.
- The Best Scores from Alfred Hitchcock’s Films* (pictured). From $11.49 (used), discogs.com. Suspenseful music from suspenseful films! What’s not to love?
- Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Headphones. $89.99, amazon.com. These noise cancelling, over-ear headphones block out distractions so you can listen to audiobooks in peace. And as a bonus, they come in the cutest baby pink.
- MOSTFIT Leather Plaid Airpods Case. $19.99, amazon.com. Channel your inner Sherlock with this plaid Airpods case.
- Audible Gift Membership. From $15, audible.com. For the audiophile who has it all—gift an Audible membership for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months, even to someone who already is a member.
* Please note that these products are used and could be tricky to find. You could possibly shop for them and/or similar vinyl records on other used sites like eBay and Etsy.
For the teen sleuth
- Hunt A Killer: Nancy Drew – Mystery at Magnolia Gardens. $29.99, amazon.com. When friends and family gather for the holidays, put on your sleuth hats and study testimonials, clues, and suspects to solve this detective-style game.
- Nancy Drew Socks (pictured). $12, outofprint.com. These cozy socks feature a vintage design from the endpapers of Nancy Drew books first published around 1932.
- Nancy Drew Inspired Charm Bracelet. $25, etsy.com. Who doesn’t love a good charm bracelet? Nancy Drew fanatics will adore sorting through the Nancy-inspired charms on this one.
- Nancy Drew Wrapped Pencil Set. $14.99, etsy.com. Each of the five #2 pencils in this set is hand-wrapped with text from Nancy Drew mysteries.
For the sticker-obsessed
- Trixie Belden Bob-Whites of the Glen Sticker. $3.50, etsy.com. Shopping for a Trixie fan? Initiate them into the Bob-Whites club with this waterproof sticker.
- Sleuth Style stickers: Get A Clue and Jessica is My Role Model. From $2.57 each, redbubble.com. Sleuth Style has fantastic stickers for stylish mystery lovers. Here are two—check the shop for more!
- Clue Cast Sticker. From $4, etsy.com. Get a clue? Got a clue! This cute sticker features the six main characters (plus the butler) from the 1985 classic.
- Purrlock Holmes Sticker (pictured). From $2.39, society6.com. The Cozy Mystery Book Club mascot is looking mighty handsome in this vinyl sticker.
Bookish accessories
- Cat Bookplates. $4, theliterarygiftcompany.com. What’s a cozy mystery sleuth without her feline companion? Adorn your books (and mark them as yours!) with these illustrated bookplates.
- Murder Mystery Bookmark. $25, burntedgestudio.com. This wooden bookmark is handcrafted with an original design.
- Qwerkywriter Typewriter Inspired Mechanical Keyboard* (pictured). $399, qwerkywriter.com. Because typing “It was a dark and stormy night” on a laptop isn’t nearly as satisfying as it would be on a typewriter.
- Dracula Book Tote. $38, storiarts.com. This vintage-looking tote contains text and art related to Bram Stoker’s famous classic.
* This particular keyboard has an estimated ship date of December 2021. If you are keen on getting a keyboard in time for the holidays, there are other Qwerkywriter options available.
Like this gift guide? Consider sharing it with friends. I would really appreciate it!
Also, one last reminder, make sure you are subscribed to the Cluesletter for more fun mystery content like this.
The full gift guide is available on my Instagram. See the post below, or click here to view it on Instagram.
You have effectively made my Christmas list for me. I’m simply going to give the link to my hubs. Thanks!
Thanks, Brook! It was a joy to put together. If you end up getting something, I’d love to hear about it 🙂