McKenna's Staff Picks

McKenna Jordan, Store Owner at Murder By The Book since 2003

Having read crime fiction almost exclusively for the last fifteen years at MBTB, this “staff stack” was incredibly challenging to narrow down. I decided to go with an approach of which books represent both my reading taste as well as my history - to this point - with the bookstore. Every one of this holds a special place in my heart and has a story to go along with it. 

I have a real respect for the genre and its icons, and I love unique characters. That’s basically all I can find as a thread of similarity throughout my reading taste. I’m happy to read across the genre as long as it’s well-written, and there’s nothing that beats a fresh new voice that grabs you from the first line. 
 

 

Scorched Grace: A Sister Holiday Mystery By Margot Douaihy Cover Image
$27.95
ISBN: 9781638930242
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Gillian Flynn Books - February 21st, 2023

The first in Gillian Flynn's imprint, this hard-boiled mystery features one of the freshest voices I've read in ages! Sister Holiday is a star! Don't miss this New Orleans PI novel. - McKenna


Wahala: A Novel By Nikki May Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9780063084254
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Mariner Books - December 27th, 2022

"Contemporary female friendship goes glam in this lively debut novel with remarkable depth." -- Washington Post

"Great fun and extremely smart." -- npr.org


The Oxford Murders By Guillermo Martinez, Sonia Soto (Translated by) Cover Image
By Guillermo Martinez, Sonia Soto (Translated by)
$15.00
ISBN: 9780143037965
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Penguin Books - September 26th, 2006

Two mathematicians must join forces to stop a serial killer in this spellbinding international bestseller


Arabella (The Georgette Heyer Signature Collection) By Georgette Heyer Cover Image
$15.99
ISBN: 9781492677635
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Sourcebooks Casablanca - September 4th, 2018

#1 on BookRiot's 15 MUST-READ REGENCY ROMANCE NOVELS

Georgette Heyer is known as the "Queen of Regency Romance," and you won't want to wait to find out why! You'll fall in love with Arabella Tallant, one of the most memorable and delightfully exuberant heroines you've ever met.


The Bangalore Detectives Club: A Novel By Harini Nagendra Cover Image
$16.95
ISBN: 9781639363803
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Pegasus Crime - March 14th, 2023

A New York Times Notable Book of the Year

The first in a charming, joyful crime series set in 1920s Bangalore, featuring sari-wearing detective Kaveri and her husband Ramu.