Book description
When the body of a young man is found stuffed into the tomb of a medieval knight, Parish Constable Daniel Haze is tasked with investigating his first solo murder case. Suspicion instantly falls on the only stranger to arrive in the village of Birch Hill just before the crime took…
Why read it?
3 authors picked Murder in the Crypt as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Our next stop is Essex for a classic English village mystery. I knew from the moment I read the opening scene—the grisly discovery of a young man entombed in the crypt of the usually murder-free parish church—that I was going to love the story. And I did.
I was delighted to see how the tranquility of the pastoral scenes—the thatched-roof cottages, the earthy smell of horses in the stable, the square, Norman-style church tower overlooking the village green—carried through the story and beautifully counterpointed the skullduggery at the heart of the mystery.
The quaint village atmosphere heightens the tension in…
I know I keep beating the same drum, but just try to take a look at that cover and tell me the story doesn’t look intriguing (and yes, I do see the similarities between this cover and that of The Murder on Black Swan Lane).
Like any self-respecting English mystery, this one begins with a main character discovering he’s received a bequest of an English estate and its accompanying title. This particular main character is Jason Redmond, a Captain and doctor in the Union Army during the American Civil War. At the end of the war, he returns home…
From Amy's list on The best historical mysteries that make you wish you had a time machine.
This pick has a bit more of a standard mystery (and a touch less magic), but what’s magical about it is the Victorian setting. Set in a quaint village, it’s the perfect blend of Murder, She Wrote and Victoria Holt! You’ll find yourself immersed in the world of Redmond and Haze and with plenty more books after this one filled with murder and intrigue, you’ll want to binge-read the currently published books in the series on a cold, rainy day!
From Nellie's list on The best historical fiction with a dash of magic.
If you love Murder in the Crypt...
Katy: The Woman Who Signed the Declaration of Independence
One woman, Mary Katharine Goddard, signed the Declaration of Independence and risked hanging by doing so.
She was supposed to marry and have children, living the ‘normal’ life of an 18th-century woman. Destiny said otherwise. Instead, at the behest of her impulsive brother, she moved from one colony to another,…
Want books like Murder in the Crypt?
Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Murder in the Crypt.
Share your top 3 reads of 2026!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
164
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like Murder in the Crypt, you might also like...
The Swordsman of Venice
In Renaissance Venice, the deadliest weapon isn’t a blade… it’s a secret.
Angelo Mascari is a master swordsman whose greatest battle isn’t fought for crown or country, but for love. When treachery strikes and the Republic turns against him, Angelo is forced into a desperate flight that leads him across…
The Wish
Maxy Award Winner - Romance & Women's Fiction
Three men. Two timelines. One wish.
Haunted by her choices, including marrying an abusive con man, thirty-five-year-old Elizabeth has been unable to speak for two years. She is further devastated when she learns an old boyfriend has died. Nothing in her life…
