Veronica Mars Books and Books Like Veronica Mars
Marshmallows unite! I have a list of Veronica Mars Books and Books Like Veronica Mars! What does that mean? If you like snark, strong female characters who challenge authority, and romantic shows, this is the book list for you!
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Veronica Mars Books and Books Like Veronica Mars
Maybe you watched Veronica Mars back in the day and are longing for a mystery book with a wisecracking female character who challenges authority?
Or maybe you love books like that and don’t even know you’re a Marshmallow (yes, that’s what we called ourselves back in the day.)
Why is Veronica such an aspirational fictional character?
- she was a formerly popular girl turned outcast who embraced her new status and used it to help others
- she never stopped trying to solve the murder of her best friend Lily Kane
- she pointed out systemic corruption and inequality, raised awareness about sexual assault, and always stood up for the underdog.
What Characteristics Am I Looking for in Books Like Veronica Mars?
- snarky, witty narration
- mysteries with a focus on issues like income inequality, corruption, sexual assault, and power dynamics
If you’re a regular reader of YA All Day, you will know that I love to recommend Y2K YA that was published in the 2010s, and also newer YA that has come out since. Plus adult books that have the YA vibe and are great picks to read after YA.
The Veronica Mars Books
The Thousand Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham (2014)
- The audiobook for this is a MUST because it’s read by Kristin Bell herself!
- But I thought book two below was a better book.
- These are adult books, not YA
Mr. Kiss and Tell by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham (2015)
- Rebecca Lowman takes over the audiobook narration for this
- My review of Mr. Kiss and Tell is here and discusses the pros and cons of the book
2010s YA Books Like Veronica Mars
Hemlock series by Kathleen Peacock (2012)
- This paranormal series has many Veronica Mars parallels which I discuss in my Hemlock series review. I also reviewed Hemlock separately.
Find Me series by Romily Bernard (2013)
- This YA series didn’t get a ton of attention, but it does have Veronica parallels, which I discuss in my review of Find me. I also reviewed Remember Me
Scarlett Undercover by Jennifer Latham (2016)
- This story of a Muslim teen who works as a PI has many Veronica parallels. Check out my review of Scarlett Undercover .
Shade Me by Jennifer Brown (2016)
- Shade Me is about a girl with synesthesia who has to solve a mystery. Check out my review of Shade Me! I also reviewed Dare You by Jennifer Brown, another book in the series.
Last Seen Leaving by Caleb Roehring (2018)
- Yes, the main character is male, but his search to find the killer of his girlfriend (when he’s a prime suspect) did remind me of Veronica Mars. Check out my review of Last Seen Leaving.
Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany L. Jackson (2018)
Sadie by Courtney Summers (2018)
- This powerful book by a popular YA author has nods to Lily Kane. My blog tour review of Sadie.
The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas (2019)
- This YA mystery with a Veronica-like protagonist just got a sequel. Check out my Review of The Cheerleaders and my Review of The Champions, the 2024 sequel.
2020s YA Books Like Veronica Mars
A Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (2020)
- This popular series is a favorite of mine. Pip has such strong Veronica vibes! I have a Good Girls Guide series discussion guide and summary PLUS a fun Good Girls trivia quiz AND a have a whole package of games and puzzles inspired by the book!
I Killed Zoe Spanos by Kit Frick (2021)
- this story about a missing girl in the Hamptons is perfect for fans of Veronica Mars!
Firekeepers Daughter by Angeline Boulley (2021)
- the fearless main character of this book stands up to powerful people and the book has many similar themes as Veronica Mars. Check out my review of Firekeeper’s Daughter!
The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson
- This mystery series about a pair of teen detectives is perfect for Veronica Mars fans. My review of The Agathas and its sequel, The Night in Question.
The Black Queen by Jumata Emill (2023)
- The main character in the is book is the daughter of the police chief who is solving the murder of her best friend. Need I say more? Check out my review of The Black Queen.
2020s Adult Books Like Veronica Mars
Lost to Dune Road by Kara Thomas
- Thomas wrote the Cheerleaders (above) but her adult book has a journalist character who feels a bit like Veronica.
Notes on Surviving the Fire by Christine Murphy
- SoCal setting, themes of income inequality, sexual violence, a witty and sarcastic narrator.
Do you have favorite books (or shows) that give you all the Veronica vibes? Tell me in comments so I can add them to the list!
