Lose yourself in a good mystery with these books set in the cold backdrop of Alaska.
Recently, we traveled by book across the USA with these great mysteries from all 50 states. But, that was only brushing the surface.
It’s time to deep dive and settle in to the last frontier with these great mysteries set in Alaska. You’ll find mysteries of all sorts from cozy to historical to grittier detective stories. But, all are set across the cities and wilds of Alaska.
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Great Mysteries Set in Alaska
This list of mystery series set in Alaska is compiled of books that I’ve read, books on my TBR (to be read) list, and books that have been recommended. There’s definitely something for everyone here, whether you prefer a cozy mystery or love something a bit grittier.
Some of these series are long (10+ books), so they’d be perfect for a good series binge read!
Which of these series do you want to check out?
Alaskan Diner Mystery Series by Elizabeth Logan
The Alaskan Diner mysteries begin when a young chef, Charlie Cooke returns to her hometown in Alaska to take over her parent’s diner. Soon, she finds herself stumbling into murder and trying to puzzle them out in this cozy mystery series.
In the first book, Mousse and Murder, Charlie’s head chef turns up dead after days of her clashing heads with him over proposed changes to the diner. Charlie finds herself a suspect in the murder and must find the true killer in order to clear her name.
The Alaskan Diner series in a new cozy series (the first book was published in 2020), but it promises to be fun. I’ve definitely added it to my TBR list to read the next time I’m in the mood for a light mystery. FIND ALL THE BOOKS IN THE SERIES HERE.
Purchase the first book in the series, Mousse and Murder, here.
Do you prefer audiobooks? You can listen to this entire series via Audible. Try it here.
Jessie Arnold & Alex Jensen Series by Sue Henry
This mystery series about musher Jessie Arnold and police detective Alex Jensen is probably my favorite series in this whole grouping. I’ve been dropping in and out of it for years and it never disappoints.
The first book, Murder on the Iditarod Trail, is centered around the famed Iditarod Sled Dog Race. This time, the race becomes deadly as top competitors are murdered and Jessie fears she’ll be next. Alex Jensen is called in to search for the murderer and he and Jessie hunt through the Alaskan wilderness to find a killer.
This series is often categorized as a cozy mystery, but in my opinion, it doesn’t quite fit the category. Nonetheless, it’s a fantastic series of 12 books that will appeal to all sorts of mystery lovers. FIND ALL THE BOOKS IN THE SERIES HERE.
Purchase the first book in the series, Murder on the Iditarod Trail, here.
Charlotte Brody Mystery Series by Cathy Pegau
Travel back in time to 1919 and the town of Cordova in the Alaska Territory with this historical mystery series. You’ll meet the delightful Charlotte Brody who came to visit her brother and to start over.
In the first book, Murder on the Last Frontier, a local prostitute is found brutally murdered shortly after Charlotte first arrives. Charlotte’s feminist beliefs and her journalist instincts lead her to help find the girl’s killer and seek justice for a woman who many find unworthy.
This short series (only 3 books) is a new find for me, but I’m loving the look at history and the frontier Alaska setting. Charlotte and her brother, Michael, are immediately likeable and pull you into the series. This is a great set of books for anyone that loves historical fiction and mysteries. FIND ALL THE BOOKS IN THE SERIES HERE.
Purchase the first book in the series, Murder on the Last Frontier, here.
Alaska Wild Mysteries by Paige Shelton
In this series, a thriller author is on the run after escaping from an obsessed fan. She decides to hide out in a sparsely populated area of Alaska until her kidnapper is captured.
In the first book, Beth arrives at her new home and learns about a suspected murder that happened shortly before her arrival. Can she help solve the mystery that reminds her so much of her own kidnapping?
This is a relatively new series, written by a seasoned cozy mystery author, Paige Shelton. I’ve read and enjoyed many of her books and look forward to this new series set in Alaska. It’s not a cozy series, but it’s definitely one that both cozy lovers and mystery lovers alike will enjoy. I loved the first book and look forward to reading more of this series. FIND ALL THE BOOKS IN THE SERIES HERE.
Purchase the first book in the series, Thin Ice, here.
Kate Shugak Mystery Series by Dana Stabenow
This series begins when Kate Shugak quits her job in Anchorage to return to her family’s homestead located in a national park in the interior of Alaska to live amongst her Native family again.
In the first book, A Cold Day for Murder, Kate is reluctantly drawn back into law enforcement when a park ranger, who has powerful relatives, goes missing. Kate must leave the sanctuary she has created for herself to track a missing man through the wilderness of Alaska.
I’d categorize this series as more of a grittier detective series. The setting is fascinating and the mysteries draw you in. The characters get more and more fleshed out as you go through the series. There are currently 22 books in all so it’s perfect for a binge read! FIND ALL THE BOOKS IN THE SERIES HERE.
Purchase the first book in the series, A Cold Day for Murder, here.
Have you read any of these great mysteries set in Alaska? Do you know of any I should add to this list?
Are You Looking to Give Some of These Books as a Gift?
Are you shopping for a cozy mystery lover? You can combine any of these books with a fun gift to go along with it. Check out some of these ideas from ETSY:
Cozy Mystery Book Club Sweatshirt
Cozy Mystery Armchair Detective Mug
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