The Golden Age Mystery Reading Challenge: 10 Classic Whodunits to ReadTake a Whodunit Adventure Through the Best Classic Mystery Books

Step back into the elegant world of country houses, clever detectives, and delightfully puzzling murders. If you love classic mystery novels set in the 1920s and 1930s—the Golden Age of detective fiction—this reading challenge is for you.

What is the Golden Age of Detective Fiction?

The Golden Age of Detective Fiction refers to the period between World War I and World War II (roughly 1920-1939) when mystery novels flourished. Authors like Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Margery Allingham created the template for the classic whodunit: a puzzle mystery with a clever detective, a country house setting (usually), a cast of suspicious characters, and clues carefully placed for observant readers to solve the crime alongside the sleuth.

The Golden Age Mystery Reading Challenge Book List1. Murder at Archly Manor by Sara Rosett

Start your journey with Olive Belgrave’s first case. A house party gone wrong and a lady who steps into the role of sleuth—the perfect introduction to Golden Age detecting.

2. The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

Meet Hercule Poirot in his very first case. A country house, a wealthy widow, and poison—this is classic Agatha Christie at her best. If you’re new to vintage mysteries, this is an excellent starting point.

3. Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers

Lord Peter Wimsey must prove novelist Harriet Vane innocent of murder in this beloved mystery. Witty banter, romantic tension, and arsenic abound.

4. The Affair of the Blood-Stained Egg Cosy by James Anderson

A stolen diamond, an earl’s mansion full of suspects, and a most unusual murder weapon make for a delightful mystery.

5. Bats in the Belfry by E.C.R. Lorac

Inspector MacDonald investigates mysterious happenings in London in this atmospheric Golden Age mystery. 

6. A Gentleman’s Murder by Christopher Huang

Set in a 1924 London gentleman’s club where members are being murdered, this contemporary author perfectly captures the Golden Age tone. 

7. Blackmail in Bloomsbury by Anna Sayburn Lane

Amateur detective Freddy Pilkington-Soames tackles blackmail and murder in 1920s London. Fast-paced, fun, and full of period charm.

8. The Cornish Coast Murder by John Bude

Murder mars the beautiful Cornish coast in this classic British mystery. With a vicar sleuth, it’s both cozy and cerebral.

9. Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers

Lord Peter Wimsey goes undercover in an advertising agency in this clever mystery novel. Expect wordplay, office politics, and murder most foul in 1930s London.

10. A Case of Blackmail in Belgravia by Clara Benson

Society widow Angela Marchmont investigates blackmail among London’s elite in this charming 1920s mystery series starter. Perfect for fans of sophisticated lady detectives.

Download Your Free Reading Challenge Tracker

Track your progress with our printable reading challenge list PDF

Bonus Reading Challenges

Take your Golden Age mystery reading to the next level with these optional bonus challenges:

The Completist: Read all books by one author from your challenge list. Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christie both have extensive backlists perfect for binge-reading!

The Historian: Research one real 1920s event mentioned in the books. The interwar period was fascinating—explore the history behind your favorite mysteries.

The Collector: Find vintage or beautiful editions of these titles. Many Golden Age mysteries have gorgeous vintage covers or modern editions with stunning period-inspired artwork.

Why Read Golden Age Mysteries?

If you’re wondering why you should embark on this classic mystery reading challenge, here are just a few reasons:

Clever Puzzles: Golden Age mysteries are fair-play whodunits where all clues are presented to the reader. You can solve the crime alongside–or hopefully slightly before–the detective.

Elegant Settings: From English country houses to London gentleman’s clubs, these stories transport you to a bygone era of elegance and sophistication.

Memorable Detectives: Meet some of literature’s most beloved sleuths, from Hercule Poirot to Lord Peter Wimsey to modern creations like Olive Belgrave.

Cozy Comfort: Times are stressful and Golden Age mysteries offer the wonderful escape: challenging puzzles without graphic violence, wrapped in atmospheric period settings.

More Golden Age Mystery Recommendations

Completed the challenge and hungry for more vintage mystery books? Here are additional Golden Age authors to explore:

Margery Allingham – Albert Campion seriesNgaio Marsh – Inspector Alleyn seriesJosephine Tey – Standalone mysteries and Inspector Grant seriesGladys Mitchell – Mrs. Bradley seriesPatricia Wentworth – Miss Silver seriesShare Your Progress

Share your progress on social media using #GoldenAgeMysteryChallenge and connect with other mystery lovers working through the list!

About the Challenge Creator

This reading challenge was created by Sara Rosett, author of the High Society Lady Detective series set in 1920s England. Sara’s cozy mystery novels capture the wit, elegance, and clever plotting of Golden Age detective fiction for modern readers.

Learn more about Sara’s books →