Which Mystery Subgenre Should You Read Based on Your Zodiac Sign?

Aries are also known as the sign of the Ram, a fire sign known for their courage, confidence, and willingness to take on a challenge. Some may consider their impulsivity, moodiness, and aggression to be less desirable qualities, but at Murder & Mayhem we just call that gritty, and, dare we say…hard-boiled?

The hard-boiled subgenre is a great match for these tough Rams. Often dark and violent, these tales appeal to the physical drive of an Aries, and the fast-paced stories mean this impatient star sign will never get bored.

Typically, if you want something done, you should seek out an earth sign. Taurus is a great example of this, as they are celebrated for their reliability, practicality, and devotion.

Of course, this sign is also known as the sign of the Bull, so they're not without their stubbornness. Their uncompromising nature is an incredible asset when they're on your side, but if you're in opposition to a Taurus, you should think about calling it a day…

Nonetheless, these stalwart Bulls are a great audience for locked room mysteries. Who better to investigate impossible crimes than a detective who will never give up? Those born under Taurus will find their way through any complication, even if it's a murder trail gone cold.

The air sign of Gemini is all about adaptability and quick thinking. They love to roam and explore, and as the sign of the Twin, that goes beyond just experiencing new places, but experiencing new parts of their multi-faceted personality. The Gemini you talk to today may not be the same Gemini you talk to tomorrow.

The inconsistent and curious nature of Gemini is what makes them such a good match for the espionage thriller genre. In these books, action, and adventure are always waiting around the next corner, keeping them constantly on their toes.

There are plenty of disguises to help them play with their identity, and these stories take them all around the world.

Water signs are a highly intuitive bunch, and Cancer's use this to heighten their persuasive skills. While they can come off to some as manipulative, they are naturally suspicious individuals who are just doing their best to keep themselves safe.

At the end of the day, they are incredibly loyal and sympathetic people—so long as their emotions don't get the best of them. 

For the sign of the Crab, all that suspicion may stem from their over active imagination. They're a creative bunch, which makes supernatural mystery a great subgenre for them to explore.

With their intuition making standard mysteries a bit too easy to navigate, the added layer of otherworldly intrigue will keep them titillated, too.

Leos love to have fun, especially if it's fun that keeps attention centered on them. This fire sign is also known as the sign of the Lion, meaning they like to be the King—or Queen—of whatever they're doing.

Their big ego aside, they truly do have big hearts, not to mention an incredible sense of humor.

The subgenre of cozy mystery is a great fit for these Lions, because it's so easy to match them with a book that will grab their interest. Cozy mysteries tend to hone in on specific niches, be it dance, fashion, food, or pets, setting a fun background for anyone who loves to explore their hobby from different angles.

Cozies are also lighthearted reads that are usually full of good laughs.

Virgo is also known as the sign of the Maiden, a natural caretaker whose loyalty has no comparison. Many people mistake this earth sign's analytical mind and devotion to hard work as coldness, but practicality and kindness can very much co-exist.

Though they are often shy and serious, they will be first in line to lend a helping hand to those in need.

It's widely thought that Virgos make excellent doctors, so why shouldn't they be drawn to medical thrillers? Medical symptoms are just another problem for them to dissect, and in these tales, there's often a villain for them to save, rather than just a murder to solve.

The air sign of Libra is all about balance—after all, they're the sign of the Scales. You won't find a more fair-minded sign in the zodiac, but be warned, if you cross them they can harbor a grudge for a very long time.

Libras are extremely social and cooperative, but sometimes their diplomacy can lead to streaks of indecision.

Maybe it's a little on the nose to say a sign known for its distaste for injustice will love legal thrillers, but it is what it is. Why run from the truth? Libras never do, and these gripping courtroom thrillers refuse to as well.

Scorpios are a complicated sign for many. These water signs are incredibly brave, passionate, and resourceful. While they can be great friends, they are known as the sign of the Scorpion for a reason.

Cross them and you'll come to regret it—Scorpios are powerful individuals with a violent manipulative streak.

A Scorpion's sting knows how to hit close to home, so what better subgenre to recommend them than domestic thrillers? These juicy reads will leave you wondering who you can trust, playing on Scorpio's already fragile trust issues.

But Scorpios may have a run for their money with these master manipulators.

The fire sign of Sagittarius loves freedom and adventure. They don't like to stay idle for long, and they tend to get themselves in over their head. They're big thinkers who can sometimes overlook the little things, but they have big heart and love a good laugh.

I can't think of a sign better suited to caper novels than the sign of the Archer. From heists to cons, the crime plots in these books require a wild spirit.

Sure these schemes might get a Sagittarius into trouble, but isn't that better than standing still?

Capricorn is an earth sign known for their discipline and self-control. These individuals are very understated and low-key, valuing tradition and knowledge.

For these Sea Goats, they're know-it-all attitude can come off as condescending, but they're really just trying to stay prepared for any worst-case scenarios that might pop up.

These old-fashioned children of the earth will love historical mysteries. Whether it's tales from ancient Rome or a romp through the Swinging 60s, these investigations nod to the old ways.

Now Capricorns can flex their knowledge of the past and all the clues they've strung together.

Those born under the sign of Aquarius are progressive individuals with a love of humanitarian efforts. And when I say individuals, I really mean it—they have an independent streak a mile wide.

Also known as the sign of the Water Bearer, these air signs can also be a little uncompromising and emotionally distant.

Aloof humanitarians can only add up to one subgenre: neo noir. The neo noir subgenre draws on the darkness and sinister air of classic noir, but tends to feature tales with more of a social justice tilt.

The modern sensibilities of the subgenre are hard to miss, as the values of today are so vastly different than those of yesteryear.

Ah, soft, sensitive Pisces. These water signs are gentle individuals who thrive off of compassion. Though they are wise, the sign of the Fish can also be overly trusting. They have a deep desire to escape reality, and tend to use love to do it.

Obviously, these walking hearts will love the mystery romance subgenre. First, the intrigue will get their heart racing, then the passion will sweep them off their feet.

With the right books, a Pisces may never come back down to earth.

Featured image: Volodymyr Hryshchenko/Unsplash