Loved Wake Up Dead Man? Read These Mysteries Next

I left the theaters for Wake Up Dead Man with a quiet awe. Beyond the mystery itself, the movie touched me deeply. I liked that the religious elements were complex: neither fully good nor bad, just human. There were unexpected moments, particularly when we saw the protagonist, Jud, minister to people, that made me well up with emotion. I am going to give it some time, but it may well be one of my favorite movies ever.

These four mystery recommendations have a similar focus, with equally clever and twisty plots. Before we get to those, however, I have one bonus recommendation. It’s not a mystery novel, but if you liked the nuanced reflections on faith and messy congregation dynamics, give Search by Michelle Huneven a try. Written as if it’s a memoir with recipes, it follows restaurant critic Dana Potowski as she’s "volun-told" into joining the search committee for a new minister for her Unitarian Universalist congregation. I’m biased because I’ve had a few years to reflect on it, and it is one of my all-time favorites, but it’s too good not to include.

Now, onto the mystery recs!

My Darkest Prayer by S.A. Cosby Former marine and sheriff’s deputy Nathan Waymaker now works for his cousin’s funeral home. He’s known as someone to turn to when you’re desperate for help. When the parishioners of a local church ask him to investigate their minister’s death, he accepts the case. But what he discovers leads him to a larger web of small-town corruption.

All access members continue below for more mysteries to read if you liked Wake Up Dead Man