You’ll Be Hooked by These 3 Brilliant Mysteries Featuring Autistic Main Characters in Moody UK Settings
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Celebrate World Autism Month with atmospheric and character-driven mysteries
In celebration of World Autism Month, I’m sharing three mystery books featuring autistic or neurodivergent main characters. These titles blend suspense, emotional depth, and clever plots, and each is set against a moody British or Scottish backdrop.
Whether you’re into cozy whodunnits or slow-burning thrillers, these picks highlight protagonists who see the world a little differently and offer a fresh take on solving crime.
Let’s get into it.
The Framed Women of Ardermore House by Brandy Schillace
Set in: North Yorkshire, England
Main character: Jo – a neurodivergent book editor
When Jo inherits a crumbling English estate after a year filled with personal loss—including her job, marriage, and mother—she escapes New York for the countryside, hoping for a fresh start.
Instead, she walks into a mystery: a missing portrait, a secret room, and a dead groundskeeper with three bullets in him. Jo quickly becomes a suspect and must rely on a cast of charming locals—including an antiques dealer and a detective—to clear her name.
If you love cozy mysteries with gothic elements and a richly drawn protagonist learning to trust herself, this one’s for you.
Dark Island by Daniel Aubrey
Set in: Orkney Islands, Scotland
Main character: Freya – a journalist awaiting an autism diagnosis
Freya has always felt different. After leaving her life in Glasgow behind, she returns to her childhood home in the remote Orkney Islands, hoping for a quieter pace while she awaits the results of an autism assessment.
But when a brutal storm washes human remains ashore, Freya’s plans for peace vanish. As she digs deeper, long-buried secrets surface, threatening her job, her family, and her sense of safety.
With just six hours of daylight and a relentless winter wind, Dark Island is an emotional, nail-biting mystery that explores what happens when the past refuses to stay buried.
Poisoned Primrose by Dahlia Donovan
Set in: Cornwall, England
Main character: Mo – an autistic woman fleeing city life
Mo escapes the chaos of London with her cat, her turtle, and dreams of a peaceful new chapter in Cornwall. But peace is short-lived when she finds a body buried in her garden.
As she works to untangle the mystery of how the body ended up there, Mo is pulled into a web of small-town secrets, suspicious neighbors, and unexpected danger.
This book is a classic British cozy with a modern twist. Think quirky characters, a hint of romance, and a heroine who approaches life—and sleuthing—on her own terms.
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Final Thoughts
These three mysteries offer something special: the familiar comfort of a good whodunnit paired with the unique perspectives of autistic and neurodivergent characters. Each protagonist brings a different lens to solving crime, reminding us that there’s no one way to see the world—or crack a case.
Have a favorite mystery featuring an autistic character? Leave a comment below or share your recommendations on social.
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