Better Off Dead Tops July Goodreads Mystery Poll

Mystery lovers are diving into summer suspense, and Better Off Dead is leading the pack. This fourth installment in the Trisha Carson mystery series by author Glenda Carroll—set against the backdrop of the San Francisco Bay Area—secured the top spot in July’s Goodreads poll hosted by the Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group.

Each month, the group invites members to vote on a standout title that fits a seasonal theme. July’s theme, summer sports, saw contenders featuring baseball, pickleball, horse racing, track, and running. But Carroll’s Better Off Dead, with its gripping undercurrent of competitive swimming, swam ahead of the rest—proving that beneath the surface of tranquil waters, dark secrets ripple.

The July group read is moderated by Indies United Publishing House author Lisa Towles, whose insights and engagement promise a lively, thoughtful discussion. Readers will spend the month exploring character motivations, unraveling plot twists, and diving into the thematic depth of Carroll’s work.

If you enjoy unraveling puzzles, dissecting crime scenes, or simply appreciate a summer read that keeps you guessing, this group discussion is one to watch.