But the police-centric murder mysteries are not the only type of mystery out there. All sorts of characters get obsessed with a loose end they can’t solve. Missing persons, stolen art, a rogue pet — it’s all fair game when protagonists have perspectives outside of being the hardened detective behind their desk. Family members dedicated to finding out what happened or investigative journalists shedding light on cover-ups are just two of the different perspectives you can get in the genre, but there are so many others out there! We’re all plagued with mysteries in our lives and the same applies to fictional characters. So, here are eight mystery novels with non-detective main characters if you’re sick of the police procedurals but still want the twists and turns of solving a case. If you still have room on your TBR after this, check out these Christmas mysteries to get you in the holiday mood or these gentle cozy mysteries!
