Mystery romance comp titles for your query letter (updated 2026)

When you’re querying your mystery romance, choosing the right comp titles can make or break your chances of being published.

Agents and publishing house editors use comp titles as a quick way to gauge the genre of your book along with its market potential.

I regularly update this list of mystery romance comp titles to make sure you’re always working with relevant books.

No matter if you’re writing a sweet, slow-burn mystery romance or something fast and spicy, you’ll find titles below to help you write a killer query letter!

If you’re looking for something a bit more specific, check out my romance comp database.

1. A Botanist's Guide to Parties and PoisonsAuthor: Kate KhavariYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, cozy mystery, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
2. A Marvellous LightAuthor: Freya MarskeYear published: 2021Genre and themes: LGBT, Magic, adult, fantasy, historical, mystery, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter
3. A Murder to RememberAuthor: Brynn KellyYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, mystery, rom com, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
4. A Novel ObsessionAuthor: Caitlin BaraschYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Books about books, adult, contemporary, literary fiction, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
5. A Ruse of ShadowsAuthor: Sherry ThomasYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller, victorian
6. A Sea of Unspoken ThingsAuthor: Adrienne YoungYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, fantasy, magical realism, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, thriller
7. A Serial Killer's Guide to MarriageAuthor: Asia MackayYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
8. A Study in DrowningAuthor: Ava ReidYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Dark academia, fantasy, gothic, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
9. A Theory of DreamingAuthor: Ava ReidYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Dark academia, fantasy, gothic, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
10. A Twisted Love StoryAuthor: Samantha DowningYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
11. A Week at the ShoreAuthor: Barbara DelinskyYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, chick lit, contemporary, family, mystery, romance, series counter, summer reads, womens fiction
12. Abandoned in DeathAuthor: J.D. RobbYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Futuristic, adult, crime, mystery, romance, science fiction, suspense, thriller
13. Advika and the Hollywood WivesAuthor: Kirthana RamisettiYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, literary fiction, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
14. Alchemy of SecretsAuthor: Stephanie GarberYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Dark academia, adult, fantasy, historical, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter
15. All the Colors of the DarkAuthor: Chris WhitakerYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, book club, crime, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
16. Amelia UnabridgedAuthor: Ashley SchumacherYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Books about books, Grief, contemporary, mystery, realistic fiction, romance, series counter, young adult
17. An Impossible ImpostorAuthor: Deanna RaybournYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, historical, mystery, romance, thriller, victorian
18. An Island SummerAuthor: Jenny HaleYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Summer, adult, beach reads, chick lit, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, summer reads, womens fiction
19. An Unexpected PerilAuthor: Deanna RaybournYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, historical, mystery, romance, thriller
20. Anatomy: A Love StoryAuthor: Dana SchwartzYear published: 2022Genre and themes: fantasy, gothic, historical, horror, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
21. As Good As DeadAuthor: Holly JacksonYear published: 2021Genre and themes: contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller, young adult
22. Assistant to the VillainAuthor: Hannah Nicole MaehrerYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Humor, Magic, adult, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
23. Atlas: The Story of Pa SaltAuthor: Lucinda RileyYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Drama, adult, contemporary, historical, mystery, roman, romance
24. Atomic LoveAuthor: Jennie FieldsYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, book club, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, world war ii
25. Behind a Closed DoorAuthor: J.D. BarkerYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, crime, horror, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
26. Book of NightAuthor: Holly BlackYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Magic, adult, book club, fantasy, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter, urban fantasy
27. Boy of Chaotic MakingAuthor: Charlie N. HolmbergYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Magic, adult, fantasy, historical, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
28. Broken CountryAuthor: Clare Leslie HallYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, historical, literary fiction, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
29. Call Me AnytimeAuthor: Max MonroeYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Forced proximity, Slow burn, adult, contemporary, mystery, rom com, romance, series counter, suspense
30. Can't Look AwayAuthor: Carola LoveringYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
31. Class ActAuthor: Stuart WoodsYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Detective, adult, crime, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller
32. Clouds in My CoffeeAuthor: Julie MulhernYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Cozy, adult, cozy mystery, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
33. Coronation YearAuthor: Jennifer RobsonYear published: 2023Genre and themes: British literature, Royalty, adult, book club, historical, mystery, romance, series counter
34. Corpse RoadsAuthor: J. RoseYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Dark, Slow burn, Why choose, adult, contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
35. Criminal MischiefAuthor: Stuart WoodsYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Adventure, adult, crime, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller
36. Crimson RiverAuthor: Devney PerryYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Forced proximity, Small town, adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense
37. Cross My HeartAuthor: Megan CollinsYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
38. CrossingsAuthor: Alex LandraginYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Books about books, Time travel, adult, book club, fantasy, historical, magical realism, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
39. Darling GirlAuthor: Liz MichalskiYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Retellings, adult, book club, contemporary, fantasy, magical realism, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
40. Dear ReaderAuthor: Tate JamesYear published: 2025Genre and themes: College, Dark, Enemies to lovers, Why choose, adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense
41. DeceptionAuthor: Lesley PearseYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, family, historical, mystery, romance, series counter
42. Dial A for AuntiesAuthor: Jesse Q. SutantoYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Humor, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
43. Divorce TowersAuthor: Ellen MeisterYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, chick lit, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
44. Does It Hurt?Author: H.D. CarltonYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Dark, Enemies to lovers, Forced proximity, adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, smut, thriller
45. Don't Let the Forest InAuthor: C.G. DrewsYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Dark academia, LGBT, fantasy, gothic, horror, mystery, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
46. EnigmaAuthor: RuNyxYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Academia, Dark, Dark academia, adult, fantasy, gothic, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
47. Everything Is BeautifulAuthor: Eleanor RayYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, literary fiction, mystery, romance, series counter
48. Everything We Never SaidAuthor: Sloan HarlowYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Dark, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller, young adult
49. Family of LiarsAuthor: E. LockhartYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Summer, contemporary, mystery, romance, summer reads, thriller, young adult
50. Fangs for NothingAuthor: Steffanie HolmesYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Fake dating, Vampires, adult, fantasy, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter
51. Finding GraceAuthor: Loretta RothschildYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Grief, adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, mystery, romance, series counter
52. Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own GraveAuthor: Elle CosimanoYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Humor, adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, mystery, romance, thriller
53. For You and Only YouAuthor: Caroline KepnesYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, crime, horror, mystery, romance, thriller
54. Forged in FlamesAuthor: Ivy SmoakYear published: 2020Genre and themes: College, Dark, adult, contemporary, mystery, new adult, romance, series counter
55. Forgotten in DeathAuthor: J.D. RobbYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Futuristic, adult, crime, mystery, romance, science fiction, suspense, thriller
56. Foul Heart HuntsmanAuthor: Chloe GongYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Retellings, fantasy, historical, mystery, romance, romantasy, young adult
57. Foul Lady FortuneAuthor: Chloe GongYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Retellings, fantasy, historical, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
58. Four Aunties and a WeddingAuthor: Jesse Q. SutantoYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Humor, adult, chick lit, contemporary, cozy mystery, mystery, romance, thriller
59. FoxgloveAuthor: Adalyn GraceYear published: 2023Genre and themes: fantasy, gothic, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, young adult
60. Games Untold: An Inheritance Games CollectionAuthor: Jennifer Lynn BarnesYear published: 2024Genre and themes: contemporary, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, short stories, thriller, young adult
61. Glamorous NotionsAuthor: Megan ChanceYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Fashion, adult, book club, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
62. Glorious RivalsAuthor: Jennifer Lynn BarnesYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Adventure, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, thriller, young adult
63. Good Girl, Bad BloodAuthor: Holly JacksonYear published: 2020Genre and themes: contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, thriller, young adult
64. GothikanaAuthor: RuNyxYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Dark, Dark academia, adult, fantasy, gothic, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter
65. Grace, Under FireAuthor: Julie GarwoodYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
66. GunnerAuthor: Rebecca SharpYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Dark, Forced proximity, Small town, adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense
67. HazelthornAuthor: C.G. DrewsYear published: 2025Genre and themes: LGBT, fantasy, gothic, horror, mystery, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
68. Hello, SummerAuthor: Mary Kay AndrewsYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Summer, adult, beach reads, chick lit, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, summer reads
69. Hemlock & SilverAuthor: T. KingfisherYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Fairy tales, Magic, Retellings, adult, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
70. HiddenAuthor: Laura GriffinYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
71. HideawayAuthor: Nora RobertsYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
72. Hit ListAuthor: Stuart WoodsYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, crime, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller
73. House of Roots and RuinAuthor: Erin A. CraigYear published: 2023Genre and themes: fantasy, gothic, horror, mystery, romance, romantasy, thriller, young adult
74. Hush-HushAuthor: Stuart WoodsYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Detective, adult, crime, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller
75. I Kissed Shara WheelerAuthor: Casey McQuistonYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, LGBT, contemporary, lesbian, mystery, queer, romance, series counter, young adult
76. IdentityAuthor: Nora RobertsYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller
77. Immortality: A Love StoryAuthor: Dana SchwartzYear published: 2023Genre and themes: fantasy, gothic, historical, horror, mystery, romance, romantasy, young adult
78. It's ElementaryAuthor: Elise BryantYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Cozy, adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
79. Jane and Dan at the End of the WorldAuthor: Colleen OakleyYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Humor, adult, book club, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
80. Kingdom of the WickedAuthor: Kerri ManiscalcoYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, Witches, fantasy, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
81. Last Seen AloneAuthor: Laura GriffinYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller
82. Last Twilight in ParisAuthor: Pam JenoffYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, france, historical, holocaust, mystery, romance, series counter, world war ii
83. LaylaAuthor: Colleen HooverYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter, thriller
84. Little SoulsAuthor: Sandra DallasYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, book club, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, war, world war i
85. LotusAuthor: Jennifer HartmannYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Dark, Friends to lovers, Second chance, Slow burn, adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter
86. Love in the Time of Serial KillersAuthor: Alicia ThompsonYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, mystery, rom com, romance, series counter
87. Magic, Lies, and Deadly PiesAuthor: Misha PoppYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Cozy, adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, thriller
88. Mansion BeachAuthor: Meg Mitchell MooreYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Summer, adult, beach reads, book club, chick lit, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, summer reads
89. Marsh MadnessAuthor: Jana DeleonYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Comedy, Cozy, Humor, adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, crime, mystery, romance
90. Memory LaneAuthor: Becky WadeYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Christian, adult, clean, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter
91. MiddletideAuthor: Sarah CrouchYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
92. Mind GamesAuthor: Nora RobertsYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, mystery, paranormal, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
93. Murder in Old BombayAuthor: Nev MarchYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, crime, historical, india, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
94. My HusbandAuthor: Maud VenturaYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, france, horror, literary fiction, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
95. My Killer VacationAuthor: Tessa BaileyYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, adult, contemporary, mystery, rom com, romance, series counter, summer reads, thriller
96. My Summer DarlingsAuthor: May CobbYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Summer, adult, book club, mystery, romance, series counter, summer reads, suspense, thriller
97. NeighborsAuthor: Danielle SteelYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, family, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense
98. Next to HeavenAuthor: James FreyYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
99. NightshadeAuthor: Autumn WoodsYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Academia, Dark, Dark academia, Enemies to lovers, adult, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
100. Nine LiarsAuthor: Maureen JohnsonYear published: 2022Genre and themes: contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, thriller, young adult
101. No More YesterdaysAuthor: Catherine BybeeYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Forced proximity, adult, contemporary, family, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense
102. No. 23 Burlington SquareAuthor: Jenni KeerYear published: 2023Genre and themes: British literature, Drama, adult, book club, historical, mystery, romance, series counter
103. NocticadiaAuthor: Keri LakeYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Dark, Dark academia, Slow burn, adult, fantasy, gothic, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
104. Nosy NeighborsAuthor: Freya SampsonYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Cozy, adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
105. Notes on Your Sudden DisappearanceAuthor: Alison EspachYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Coming of age, adult, book club, contemporary, literary fiction, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
106. Nothing More to TellAuthor: Karen M. McManusYear published: 2022Genre and themes: contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller, young adult
107. Nothing to See HereAuthor: Susan LewisYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, crime, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
108. Now or NeverAuthor: Janet EvanovichYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Humor, adult, chick lit, contemporary, cozy mystery, crime, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
109. Now You're MineAuthor: Morgan BridgesYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Dark, Enemies to lovers, adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, smut
110. One of Us Is BackAuthor: Karen M. McManusYear published: 2023Genre and themes: contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, thriller, young adult
111. One of Us Is NextAuthor: Karen M. McManusYear published: 2020Genre and themes: contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, thriller, young adult
112. One Perfect SummerAuthor: Brenda NovakYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Summer, adult, chick lit, contemporary, family, mystery, romance, series counter, summer reads, womens fiction
113. Other BirdsAuthor: Sarah Addison AllenYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Ghosts, adult, book club, contemporary, fantasy, magical realism, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter
114. OverkillAuthor: Sandra BrownYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
115. Paladin's GraceAuthor: T. KingfisherYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Magic, adult, fantasy, high fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
116. Passions in DeathAuthor: J.D. RobbYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Futuristic, adult, crime, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller
117. Payback in DeathAuthor: J.D. RobbYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Futuristic, adult, crime, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller
118. Pen PalAuthor: J.T. GeissingerYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Dark, adult, contemporary, mystery, paranormal, romance, series counter, smut, suspense, thriller
119. Pictures of YouAuthor: Emma GreyYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
120. RemainAuthor: Nicholas SparksYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, fantasy, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter, thriller
121. Riven KnightAuthor: Devney PerryYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Forced proximity, Marriage of convenience, Slow burn, Small town, adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, suspense
122. Salem's FallAuthor: Rektok RossYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Dark, Halloween, adult, book club, horror, mystery, paranormal, romance, series counter, thriller
123. SecretsAuthor: Fern MichaelsYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
124. Secrets at the Last House Before the SeaAuthor: Liz EelesYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, chick lit, contemporary, family, mystery, romance, series counter, womens fiction
125. Seven Girls GoneAuthor: Allison BrennanYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, crime, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
126. Shadows in DeathAuthor: J.D. RobbYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Futuristic, adult, crime, mystery, romance, science fiction, suspense, thriller
127. ShakeupAuthor: Stuart WoodsYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Detective, adult, crime, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller
128. Small FavorsAuthor: Erin A. CraigYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Retellings, fantasy, historical, horror, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
129. So Happy TogetherAuthor: Olivia WorleyYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
130. Something WilderAuthor: Christina LaurenYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Adventure, Second chance, adult, chick lit, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter
131. Sorry I Missed YouAuthor: Suzy KrauseYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Humor, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, womens fiction
132. SpellbreakerAuthor: Charlie N. HolmbergYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Magic, fantasy, historical, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
133. Starling HouseAuthor: Alix E. HarrowYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, fantasy, gothic, horror, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter
134. Stars and SmokeAuthor: Marie LuYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, thriller, young adult
135. State of ShockAuthor: Marie ForceYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Politics, adult, contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, suspense
136. StellarluneAuthor: Shannon MessengerYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Adventure, Magic, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, young adult
137. Stolen CrushAuthor: C.M. StunichYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Dark, Enemies to lovers, High school, Why choose, adult, contemporary, crime, mystery, new adult, romance, series counter
138. Swan LightAuthor: Phoebe RoweYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, canada, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
139. Swan SongAuthor: Elin HilderbrandYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Summer, adult, beach reads, book club, chick lit, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, summer reads
140. The AcademyAuthor: Elin HilderbrandYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, literary fiction, mystery, romance, series counter, young adult
141. The Amalfi CurseAuthor: Sarah PennerYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, fantasy, historical, italy, magical realism, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
142. The Bachelorette PartyAuthor: Camilla StenYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, horror, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
143. The BayAuthor: L.J. RossYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Summer, adult, cozy mystery, crime, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
144. The Blast from the PastAuthor: Lucy ScoreYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Humor, adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, mystery, paranormal, rom com, romance, series counter, thriller
145. The Blonde Who Came in From the ColdAuthor: Ally CarterYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Enemies to lovers, adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
146. The Body in the BackyardAuthor: Lucy ScoreYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Humor, adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, mystery, paranormal, rom com, romance, series counter, thriller
147. The Book of CandlelightAuthor: Ellery AdamsYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Books about books, Cozy, Friendship, adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
148. The Book of DoorsAuthor: Gareth BrownYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Books about books, Magic, Time travel, adult, book club, fantasy, magical realism, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
149. The Book of LoveAuthor: Kelly LinkYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Magic, adult, book club, fantasy, magical realism, mystery, romance, romantasy, science fiction, series counter, thriller
150. The Box in the WoodsAuthor: Maureen JohnsonYear published: 2021Genre and themes: contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, thriller, young adult
151. The BoyfriendAuthor: Freida McFaddenYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, book club, crime, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
152. The Brothers HawthorneAuthor: Jennifer Lynn BarnesYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Adventure, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, thriller, young adult
153. The ChallengeAuthor: Danielle SteelYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Drama, adult, contemporary, family, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
154. The Christie AffairAuthor: Nina de GramontYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, book club, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
155. The Cinnamon Bun Book StoreAuthor: Laurie GilmoreYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Cozy, Small town, adult, chick lit, contemporary, mystery, romance
156. The Codebreaker's SecretAuthor: Sara AckermanYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, war, world war ii
157. The CompanionAuthor: Katie AlenderYear published: 2020Genre and themes: contemporary, gothic, horror, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller, young adult
158. The Crescent Moon TearoomAuthor: Stacy SivinskiYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Cozy, Magic, Witches, adult, cozy fantasy, fantasy, magical realism, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
159. The Cuban HeiressAuthor: Chanel CleetonYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
160. The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke UpAuthor: Laura PearsonYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Abuse, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, family, mystery, romance, series counter, womens fiction
161. The Dead Guy Next DoorAuthor: Lucy ScoreYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Humor, adult, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, paranormal, rom com, romance, romantasy, series counter, thriller
162. The Distant DaughterAuthor: Lorna CookYear published: 2025Genre and themes: British literature, Friendship, adult, family, historical, mystery, romance, series counter
163. The EmperorAuthor: RuNyxYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Dark, Forbidden romance, Friends to lovers, Mafia, Second chance, adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter
164. The Final GambitAuthor: Jennifer Lynn BarnesYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Adventure, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, thriller, young adult
165. The FixAuthor: Mia SheridanYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
166. The Fourth DaughterAuthor: Lyn Liao ButlerYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Asian literature, adult, asia, family, historical, mystery, romance, series counter
167. The Girls in the SnowAuthor: Stacy GreenYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, book club, crime, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
168. The Grandest GameAuthor: Jennifer Lynn BarnesYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Adventure, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, thriller, young adult
169. The Half Life of Valery KAuthor: Natasha PulleyYear published: 2022Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, fantasy, historical, mystery, queer, romance, romantasy, russia, series counter
170. The Half MoonAuthor: Mary Beth KeaneYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, historical, literary fiction, mystery, romance, series counter
171. The Half-Life of Ruby FieldingAuthor: Lydia KangYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller, war, world war ii
172. The Hand on the WallAuthor: Maureen JohnsonYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Dark academia, contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, thriller, young adult
173. The Hawthorne LegacyAuthor: Jennifer Lynn BarnesYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Adventure, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, thriller, young adult
174. The Hidden GirlAuthor: Lucinda RileyYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Drama, adult, book club, historical, mystery, roman, romance, series counter
175. The HomewreckersAuthor: Mary Kay AndrewsYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Summer, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, summer reads
176. The House on PrytaniaAuthor: Karen WhiteYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Ghosts, adult, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter, southern, thriller
177. The House SaphirAuthor: Marissa MeyerYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Retellings, fantasy, gothic, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
178. The Inheritance GamesAuthor: Jennifer Lynn BarnesYear published: 2020Genre and themes: book club, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, thriller, young adult
179. The Italian DaughterAuthor: Soraya M. LaneYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, historical, italy, mystery, roman, romance, series counter
180. The King's RansomAuthor: Janet EvanovichYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Adventure, Humor, adult, crime, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller
181. The Lady Has a PastAuthor: Amanda QuickYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, historical, mystery, paranormal, romance, series counter, suspense
182. The Last Dress from ParisAuthor: Jade BeerYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Fashion, adult, book club, contemporary, france, historical, mystery, romance, series counter
183. The Last ExchangeAuthor: Charles MartinYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Christian, adult, book club, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
184. The Last GoodnightAuthor: Kat MartinYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
185. The Last Mrs. SummersAuthor: Rhys BowenYear published: 2020Genre and themes: British literature, Cozy, adult, cozy mystery, historical, mystery, romance, series counter
186. The Last Night in LondonAuthor: Karen WhiteYear published: 2021Genre and themes: British literature, adult, book club, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, war, world war ii
187. The Last Russian DollAuthor: Kristen LoeschYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, book club, family, historical, mystery, romance, russia, series counter
188. The Late Mrs. WilloughbyAuthor: Claudia GrayYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, cozy mystery, historical, mystery, regency, romance, series counter, thriller
189. The Library of ShadowsAuthor: Rachel MooreYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Dark academia, Ghosts, fantasy, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
190. The Lies We StealAuthor: Monty JayYear published: 2021Genre and themes: College, Dark, Enemies to lovers, adult, contemporary, mystery, new adult, romance, series counter
191. The ListenersAuthor: Maggie StiefvaterYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, fantasy, historical, magical realism, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, world war ii
192. The Lost BookshopAuthor: Evie WoodsYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Books about books, adult, book club, fantasy, historical, magical realism, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
193. The Lost StoryAuthor: Meg ShafferYear published: 2024Genre and themes: LGBT, Magic, adult, book club, fantasy, magical realism, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
194. The Lost Story of Eva FuentesAuthor: Chanel CleetonYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Books about books, adult, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
195. The Love of My LifeAuthor: Rosie WalshYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
196. The Maid's SecretAuthor: Nita ProseYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Cozy, adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, mystery, romance, thriller
197. The Mayor of Maxwell StreetAuthor: Avery CunninghamYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, crime, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
198. The Mimicking of Known SuccessesAuthor: Malka Ann OlderYear published: 2023Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, lesbian, mystery, novella, queer, romance, science fiction, series counter, thriller
199. The MirrorAuthor: Nora RobertsYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Ghosts, adult, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, suspense
200. The Mistletoe MysteryAuthor: Nita ProseYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Christmas, Holiday, adult, cozy mystery, mystery, novella, romance, series counter, short stories, thriller
201. The MoorwitchAuthor: Jessica KhouryYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Fae, Witches, adult, fantasy, historical, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
202. The Most Wonderful Crime of the YearAuthor: Ally CarterYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Christmas, Holiday, adult, book club, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
203. The Murder of Mr. WickhamAuthor: Claudia GrayYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Retellings, adult, cozy mystery, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
204. The Nurse's SecretAuthor: Amanda SkenandoreYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, book club, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
205. The Otherwhere PostAuthor: Emily J. TaylorYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Dark academia, Magic, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
206. The Paper Girl of ParisAuthor: Jordyn TaylorYear published: 2020Genre and themes: contemporary, france, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, world war ii, young adult
207. The Paris ApartmentAuthor: Kelly BowenYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, france, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, war, world war ii
208. The Perils of Lady Catherine de BourghAuthor: Claudia GrayYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, cozy mystery, historical, mystery, regency, romance, series counter, thriller
209. The Pumpkin Spice CaféAuthor: Laurie GilmoreYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Cozy, adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter
210. The Raven ScholarAuthor: Antonia HodgsonYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Dark academia, Magic, adult, epic fantasy, fantasy, high fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
211. The Red PalaceAuthor: June HurYear published: 2022Genre and themes: fantasy, historical, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, thriller, young adult
212. The Restoration GardenAuthor: Sara BlaydesYear published: 2025Genre and themes: British literature, adult, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, war, world war ii
213. The ReturnAuthor: Nicholas SparksYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter
214. The Riviera HouseAuthor: Natasha LesterYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Art, adult, france, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, war, world war ii
215. The Same Backward as ForwardAuthor: Jennifer Lynn BarnesYear published: 2025Genre and themes: contemporary, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, thriller, young adult
216. The Secret Christmas LibraryAuthor: Jenny ColganYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Books about books, Christmas, Holiday, adult, book club, contemporary, mystery, romance, scotland, series counter
217. The Seven RingsAuthor: Nora RobertsYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Ghosts, adult, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy
218. The Seventh Veil of SalomeAuthor: Silvia Moreno-GarciaYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, book club, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
219. The Shop on Royal StreetAuthor: Karen WhiteYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Ghosts, adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, fantasy, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter, southern
220. The Silent TreatmentAuthor: Abbie GreavesYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, book club, contemporary, family, literary fiction, mystery, romance, series counter
221. The Spare ManAuthor: Mary Robinette KowalYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Space, adult, crime, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, science fiction, series counter, thriller
222. The Stolen Life of Colette MarceauAuthor: Kristin HarmelYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, france, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, world war ii
223. The Story She Left BehindAuthor: Patti Callahan HenryYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Books about books, adult, book club, family, historical, mystery, romance, series counter
224. The Summer She Went MissingAuthor: Chelsea IchasoYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Summer, mystery, romance, series counter, summer reads, suspense, thriller, young adult
225. The Sweet Taste of MuscadinesAuthor: Pamela TerryYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, book club, chick lit, contemporary, family, mystery, romance, series counter, southern
226. The TakedownAuthor: Carlie WalkerYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Christmas, Holiday, adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
227. The ThrashersAuthor: Julie SotoYear published: 2025Genre and themes: contemporary, horror, mystery, paranormal, romance, series counter, thriller, young adult
228. The Three Lives of Cate KayAuthor: Kate FaganYear published: 2025Genre and themes: LGBT, adult, book club, contemporary, mystery, queer, romance, series counter, thriller
229. The Unknown BelovedAuthor: Amy HarmonYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, crime, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
230. The Unmaking of June FarrowAuthor: Adrienne YoungYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Time travel, adult, book club, fantasy, historical, magical realism, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
231. The UnravelingAuthor: Vi KeelandYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
232. The VanishingAuthor: Jayne Ann KrentzYear published: 2020Genre and themes: adult, fantasy, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter, suspense, thriller
233. The Venice SketchbookAuthor: Rhys BowenYear published: 2021Genre and themes: Art, adult, book club, historical, italy, mystery, romance, series counter, war, world war ii
234. The Water KeeperAuthor: Charles MartinYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Christian, adult, book club, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
235. The Whispering DarkAuthor: Kelly AndrewYear published: 2022Genre and themes: Dark academia, fantasy, horror, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter, urban fantasy, young adult
236. The Wishing GameAuthor: Meg ShafferYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Books about books, adult, book club, contemporary, fantasy, magical realism, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
237. The Women of Arlington HallAuthor: Jane HealeyYear published: 2025Genre and themes: adult, book club, historical, mystery, romance, series counter, war, world war ii
238. These Violent DelightsAuthor: Micah NemereverYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Dark academia, LGBT, adult, contemporary, historical, mystery, queer, romance, series counter, thriller
239. Thieves' GambitAuthor: Kayvion LewisYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Adventure, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, thriller, young adult
240. Threads That BindAuthor: Kika HatzopoulouYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Greek mythology, Mythology, Retellings, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
241. Till Death Do Us PartAuthor: Laurie Elizabeth FlynnYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
242. To Have and to HeistAuthor: Sara DesaiYear published: 2023Genre and themes: adult, chick lit, contemporary, mystery, rom com, romance, series counter, thriller
243. Tourist SeasonAuthor: Brynne WeaverYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Dark, Enemies to lovers, adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
244. TreasonAuthor: Stuart WoodsYear published: 2020Genre and themes: Detective, adult, crime, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller
245. TriangleAuthor: Danielle SteelYear published: 2024Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, france, mystery, romance, series counter, suspense, thriller
246. UnraveledAuthor: Shannon MessengerYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Adventure, Magic, fantasy, mystery, romance, romantasy, urban fantasy, young adult
247. Voyage of the DamnedAuthor: Frances WhiteYear published: 2024Genre and themes: LGBT, Magic, adult, fantasy, mystery, queer, romance, romantasy, series counter, thriller
248. Watch Your BackAuthor: Tate JamesYear published: 2025Genre and themes: College, Dark, Enemies to lovers, Why choose, adult, contemporary, mystery, romance, suspense
249. Water MoonAuthor: Samantha Sotto YambaoYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Cozy, adult, book club, fantasy, japan, magical realism, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter
250. We Fell ApartAuthor: E. LockhartYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Summer, contemporary, mystery, romance, series counter, summer reads, thriller, young adult
251. Welcome to Murder WeekAuthor: Karen DukessYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Cozy, adult, contemporary, cozy mystery, mystery, romance, series counter, thriller
252. What the River KnowsAuthor: Isabel IbañezYear published: 2023Genre and themes: Adventure, Magic, fantasy, historical, mystery, romance, romantasy, series counter, young adult
253. Where the Library HidesAuthor: Isabel IbañezYear published: 2024Genre and themes: Adventure, fantasy, historical, mystery, romance, romantasy, young adult
254. Wizard of Most Wicked WaysAuthor: Charlie N. HolmbergYear published: 2025Genre and themes: Magic, adult, fantasy, historical, mystery, paranormal, romance, romantasy, series counter
255. You Can HideAuthor: Rebecca ZanettiYear published: 2022Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, crime, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller
256. You Love MeAuthor: Caroline KepnesYear published: 2021Genre and themes: adult, contemporary, horror, mystery, romance, suspense, thriller

Other resources to assist with your querying journey

Comp titles are only a small piece of the querying puzzle! Here are other resources I offer to help writers achieve their dreams of publishing their novels:

• Developmental editing services
• Pre-querying package
• Publishers accepting manuscript submissions this month
• Romance tropes list
• Random romance trope generator

Frequently asked questions

How recent do comp titles need to be?

Comp titles should be published within the past five to seven years so it is representative of the current market potential of your manuscript.

Can I use bestselling books as a comp title?

Yes, you can! However, the books that have sold the most copies aren’t always the most suitable comp titles. While it’s integral that a comp title has sold well, it’s better to choose a comp title that’s sold less well but more closely represents the tone and overall vibe of your own book.

How many comp titles should I include in my query letter?

You should aim for two comp titles in your query letter. You can include three, but agents would expect more than one.

Can I use a series as a comp title?

You can, but it’s best to pick a specific book within that series that best represents your manuscript.

What if I can’t find a mystery romance comp title that fits my book?

You can broaden your horizons to also include other subgenres of romance!