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