A sign outside 221B Baker St. in London, the former "home" of the fictional character Sherlock ... [+]
People have been captivated by mystery novels for almost two hundred years. Edgar Allan Poe, widely considered to be the inventor of the modern detective novel, enthralled Victorian audiences with a locked room mystery that has remained both popular and unforgettable, and ushered in a love of mysteries that endures today.
Mystery novels are books in which an event (usually a murder) is described, but the perpetrator is not revealed until the third act. The narrative thrust of the novel comes from a person (usually a detective or a police officer, but in recent times this has changed) using clues to solve the crime or uncover the truth behind the event.
While there is overlap between thrillers and mysteries, thrillers rely on suspense and the narrative thrust usually comes from a chase, with the protagonist either hunting or being hunted by an unseen assailant. Thrillers build towards a propulsive climax where the perpetrator is confronted, and the genre is defined by its reliance on twists and turns.
Top Mystery Books
Owing to the flexibility of the genre, there are many popular mystery series, including Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series, Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad, and the recent Thursday Murder Club series.
As the genre has existed for quite a while, this list will contain literary titans like Agatha Christie and Gillian Flynn, as well as prolific modern authors such as Michael Connelly, Stephen King and Janet Evanovich.
30. The Cipher by Isabella Maldonado (2020)
A mystery for the digital age, The Cipher follows FBI Agent Nina Guerrera fighting both the ghosts of her own pasts and a serial killer determined to cut her future short. After escaping a kidnapping at 16, Nina lays low and works on becoming untouchable. Unfortunately, a viral video puts her back in the cross hairs of the brutal serial killer she spent her life running from.
Using the internet to taunt Nina, the serial killer becomes known as “The Cipher.” A breakneck reading experience combines with procedural work and deep dives into both the internet and the mind of a murderer, making this book is perfect for fans of the TV show Criminal Minds. You can buy Isabella Maldonado’s The Cipher from publisher Thomas & Mercer, Amazon Publishing’s mystery imprint.
29. Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight (2013)
In a mystery focused on motherhood, Kate is a high-powered lawyer whose teenage daughter, Amelia, attends a prestigious private school. After Amelia is accused of plagiarism, Kate is stunned when Amelia dies by suicide, and vows to understand the sequence of events that led to the death of her only child.
This book is a beautifully written exploration of teenage culture and the depth of a mother’s love. The mystery is directly tied into the relationships of the characters, and is a must-read for those who want a well-written novel about a woman who would stop at nothing to avenge her daughter. You can buy Kimberly McCreight’s Reconstructing Amelia from HarperCollins.
28. The Maid by Nita Prose (2022)
A social media sensation and bestseller, Nita Prose’s debut is a locked-room mystery in which Molly the maid discovers a very wealthy man dead in his room. Due to a misunderstanding, Molly becomes the prime suspect, and must use her unique charm and wit to solve the crime before the police catch up to her.
This novel is fun and sneaks up on the reader with its heart and focus on the human spirit. The Maid also won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Mystery in 2022. You can buy Nita Prose’s The Maid from Penguin Random House.
27. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (2020)
Another cozy mystery, The Thursday Murder Club tells the story of four retirees investigating a murder in their own community. Author Richard Osman creates a heartwarming look at what it means to be older, resilient and unwilling to be forgotten by society.
The Thursday Murder Club spawned three sequels where readers can continue to follow all four octogenarians, their families and their love lives. You can buy Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club from Penguin Random House.
Richard Osman, television personality and author of "The Thursday Murder Club."
26. In the Woods by Tana French (2007)
Readers around the world were enraptured by Rob Ryan and Cassie Maddox when they hit the page in 2007. Detectives on the Dublin Murder Squad, the pair are tasked with solving the murder of a young girl who dies in a manner suspiciously similar to an incident in Detective Ryan’s past.
The first in the Dublin Murder Squad series, In the Woods is gripping and atmospheric. The mystery unfolds slowly, trusting the reader to follow the investigation while Detective Ryan struggles with his past. The book’s ending is infamous and is still discussed by readers on social media a full decade later. You can buy Tana French’s In the Woods from Penguin Random House.
25. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon (2003)
A groundbreaking peek into the mind of a 15-year-old protagonist on the autism spectrum, this book was instantly beloved by readers of all ages upon its release. Protagonist Christopher Boone is passionate, brilliant and perceptive, and when a dog dies in his neighborhood, he ventures out of his insulated world and into the streets of London to solve the crime.
Haddon writes the character of Boone with compassion, and the intricacies of the plot are engaging and fascinating. This book was released for both adults and young adults alike, and would make a great buddy read for a parent and their teen. You can buy Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time from Penguin Random House.
24. Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano (2021)
In a funny mystery about faking it until you make it, Finlay Donovan is a single mom struggling to write a book and feuding with her ex-husband. Through a series of misunderstandings, Finlay finds herself on the opposite side of the table: being hired to commit a murder.
Zany, zippy and easy-to-read, Finlay Donovan is Killing It is a delightful romp detailing daily struggles about motherhood, divorce and careers while also featuring a relatable protagonist juggling it all. Finlay’s commitment to both solving crimes and being a good mother is a must-read for those who love cozy mysteries and women’s fiction. You can buy Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan is Killing It from publisher Macmillan. Additionally, you can follow Finlay Donovan’s sleuthing in the three sequels the book has spawned.
23. The Silver Bone by Andrey Kurkov and translated by Boris Dralyuk (2024)
Longlisted for the International Booker Prize for 2024, this mystery transports the reader to 1919 Kyiv. Combining magical realism and procedural work, new detective Samson Kolechko is tasked with investigating a murder where the evidence is a single bone made of silver.
Best for readers of funny, absurdist novels, historical fiction and magical realism. Andrey Kurkov’s The Silver Bone can be purchased from publisher HarperCollins.
22. All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby (2023)
When two murders rock a small town in Virginia, the town’s first Black sheriff begins to uncover a mystery hiding in plain sight. Tackling small town politics, race, Southern history and a serial killer, the novel takes on a variety of complex issues with aplomb while still wrapping the reader in an engrossing tale of murder and revenge.
Author S.A. Cosby carefully creates the character of Titus Crown and makes the reader understand the weight of all of his decisions. Best for readers who love dark, serious subject matter and page-turning writing. You can buy S.A. Cosby’s All the Sinners Bleed from publisher Macmillan.
21. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich (1994)
A snappy mixture of mystery and women’s fiction, One for the Money shifted the literary landscape forever when it was published three decades ago. Evanovich introduces down-on-her-luck bounty hunter Stephanie Plum, a foul-mouthed hothead who lives and breathes for her home state of New Jersey.
Plum soon finds herself searching for her first love — and trying to discover if he truly committed the murder he’s on the run for. A fun, fast moving read, this novel is excellent for those seeking a lighter read while still craving the hook of a good mystery. The book is a beloved classic and was made into a movie starring Katherine Heigl in 2012. You can buy Janet Evanovich’s One for the Money from publisher Simon & Schuster.
Actress Katherine Heigl (right) and author Janet Evanovich at the "One for the Money" adaptation ... [+]
20. Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023)
What happens when a father of three disappears in the woods and the only witness cannot speak? Happiness Falls tackles themes of family, togetherness and identity through the eyes of a twenty year old girl desperate to find her father.
An instant classic upon publication, Happiness Falls was chosen as Oprah Daily’s top book of 2023. Philosophical and introspective, Kim dives into questions surrounding what makes a person “whole,” and uncovers complex family dynamics around caring for a child with a disability. The mystery unravels slowly, but spending time with the family at the heart of the novel makes the reveals even more powerful. You can buy Angie Kim’s Happiness Falls from publisher Penguin Random House.
19. The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton (2018)
A twisty, high concept novel that follows protagonist Aiden Bishop as he works to solve the murder of an heiress during a party at an English estate. The catch? Every day, he wakes up on the morning of Evelyn’s murder. Also, he awakens in the body of a different guest of the family and must put the clues together while living the life of a complete stranger.
On top of that, he will only be allowed to leave once he solves the murder. If that isn’t enough, Bishop soon discovers there are others working to solve the case as well, possibly trapping him in an eternal Groundhog Day loop of sleuthing. Wild, inventive and fun, this novel is a must-read for those who like their mysteries with a side of time travel. You can purchase Stuart Turton’s The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle from publisher Sourcebooks Landmark.
18. Chasing the Dime by Michael Connelly (2002)
The rare standalone Michael Connelly novel, this taut mystery is about a startup founder named Henry Pierce who finds himself embroiled in the world of escorts and hackers after he receives a voicemail meant for a missing woman.
This novel, while older, understood the way the internet would work in the future, and tells a fast paced tale of a man caught up in someone else’s story but desperate to do the right thing. You can buy Michael Connelly’s Chasing the Dime from publisher Hachette Book Group.
17. The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb (2022)
A novel set in the world of classical music, The Violin Conspiracy is an engaging mystery about class, race and music. Ray McMillan is an aspiring classical violinist from the South desperate to escape and fulfill his dream of being a professional musician. When his priceless family violin is revealed to be a Stradivarius (known as “The Strad”), Ray is ecstatic. But when the Strad is stolen, Ray must use his wits to solve the crime and reclaim his family inheritance.
A quick moving read that immerses the reader in a world not often explored, this book is great for fans of classical music and immersive stories about underdogs. You can buy Brendan Slocumb’s The Violin Conspiracy from publisher Penguin Random House.
16. Mister Mercedes by Stephen King (2014)
Master of horror Stephen King tries his hand at mystery in his Bill Hodges trilogy. Hodges, a retired police officer, becomes obsessed with his “case that got away” — that of a man who drove a Mercedes into a crowd and murdered eight people. When he receives a letter indicating Mister Mercedes will strike again, Hodges takes it upon himself to catch the perpetrator.
Haunting, moody and enveloping, Mister Mercedes takes the reader on a journey to understand the origins of evil. Departing from the supernatural did not dim King’s talent, and readers fell in love with the gruff and brilliant Hodges across the three books in the series. You can buy Stephen King’s Mister Mercedes from publisher Simon & Schuster.
15. The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes (2013)
Brilliant young women are being murdered. The only problem? The pattern persists across decades, all with the same modus operandi, and all with the same mysterious perpetrator. When struggling journalist Kirby survives, she takes it upon herself to find the man who attacked her, no matter where—or when—he is.
Adding twisty science fiction concepts to the mystery genre creates an elevated reading experience, transporting the reader across decades. Beukes writes with empathy about women’s potential and the reader can feel the weight of the research she conducted to create a textured reading experience. The Shining Girls was adapted for Apple TV+ and starred Elisabeth Moss. You can buy Lauren Beuke’s The Shining Girls from publisher Hachette Book Group.
Elisabeth Moss, star of "The Shining Girls" on Apple TV+.
14. The Alienist by Caleb Carr (1994)
A historical mystery and instant classic, The Alienist transports the reader to 1890s New York where a serial killer is murdering young boys. John Schuyler Moore, a reporter, teams up with a psychologist from his past who is pioneering the creation of behavioral analysis and criminal profiling.
Excellently plotted, fascinating and intricate, The Alienist is perfect for New Yorkers and those interested in history. Carr clearly injected years of research into the novel, creating an indelible reading experience and a gripping mystery. You can purchase Caleb Carr’s The Alienist from publisher Penguin Random House.
13. Red Dragon by Thomas Harris (1981)
Another tale of behavioral profiling, Red Dragon burst into the world with a gripping mystery about a serial killer called The Tooth Fairy. The novel follows Jack Crawford, an FBI Agent, and Will Graham, an esteemed FBI Profiler, as they hunt down a relentless and formidable monster.
Best for fans of chilly writing and propulsive manhunts, Red Dragon is both about the search for the killer and the twisted psychological cat-and-mouse relationship of Will Graham and the infamous serial killer Hannibal Lecter. Lecter went on to become a pop culture sensation, but Red Dragon is where readers first encountered the terrifying psychiatrist. Red Dragon was adapted into a movie mystery in 2002, and the 1991 film based on book’s sequel, The Silence of the Lambs, won five Academy Awards and is heralded as one of the greatest films of all time. You can buy Thomas Harris’s Red Dragon from publisher Penguin Random House.
Anthony Hopkins won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter, a psychiatrist and serial ... [+]
12. Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020)
An elegy for those lost to the opioid crisis, Long Bright River is a story of diverging paths, sisterhood and loss, all at once. Transporting the reader to a blighted neighborhood in Philadelphia, the novel follows Mickey — a police officer — as she searches for her missing sister, Kacey, who suffers from addiction and is recently homeless.
Mickey makes it her duty to find her sister and solve the case of a serial killer, never imagining what she might find at the end of either search. Moore writes with compassion and care, and her careful handling of the issues addressed make this novel unforgettable. You can buy Liz Moore’s Long Bright River from publisher Riverhead, an imprint of Penguin Random House.
11. The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith (1955)
The iconic tale of a slippery conman, Tom Ripley graced the page and has captured the American imagination ever since. After meeting Dickie Greenleaf, Ripley becomes obsessed with escaping his cruel aunt and spending his time with the Manhattan elite.
When Ripley is sent to Italy to retrieve his friend, the mystery around Ripley’s past and his hopes for the future start to reveal themselves. A story of obsession, money and power, The Talented Mr. Ripley is a story that has remained relevant: A film adaptation of the novel became a cult classic in 1999, and a Netflix adaptation is premiering in 2024. You can buy The Talented Mr. Ripley from publisher Norton.
10. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson (2003)
A nonfiction entry, this book follows the true twin story-lines of the creation of the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, and the hunt for H.H. Holmes, a prolific serial killer.
Well researched and engaging, The Devil in the White City reads like fiction and captures the reader with both real-life stories. This book is best for readers who like nonfiction, historical novels and true crime. You can buy Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City from publisher Penguin Random House.
9. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (1938)
Mrs. de Winter is introduced to the reader as a nameless young woman spending time in Monte Carlo with an American housewife. Within pages, she meets and marries Maxim de Winter, and is swept away to Manderley, the grand estate that haunts both Maxim and the narrator.
At Manderley, the central question at the heart of the novel comes to the surface: what happened to the original Mrs. de Winter? Where is Rebecca? The question has loomed large in the minds of thousands of readers, as this stylish classic novel has been part of the American canon since its release. You can purchase Rebecca from publisher Hachette Book Group.
8. Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead (2021)
A mystery meets a heist in this novel from Pulitzer Prize winner Colson Whitehead. Ray Carney has been fencing stolen goods out of his furniture store in order to provide a better life for his family for years. When his his cousin Freddie robs Harlem’s biggest mobster, Ray finds himself in the middle of a brewing turf war that could threaten everything he holds dear.
Best for readers of historical fiction, heist novels and family dramas. You can buy Colson Whitehead’s Harlem Shuffle from publisher Penguin Random House.
Colson Whitehead, Pulitzer Prize winning author of "Harlem Shuffle."
7. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane (2003)
When a woman who murdered her children disappears from the mental hospital where she is being held, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is sent to investigate. Shutter Island is home to many mysteries, and Teddy soon finds himself immersed in a creepy world of hidden codes and secrets.
Frightening and intense, this book is best for readers who love Gothic novels, tightly plotted mysteries and twists. Shutter Island was adapted into a top mystery film in 2010. You can buy Dennis Lehane’s Shutter Island from publisher HarperCollins.
6. I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai (2023)
An interrogation of true crime culture, this novel finds podcaster protagonist Bodie Kane returning to her boarding school twenty years after her graduation to teach a class. One of her students decides to re-investigate the murder of Bodie’s roommate, leading to an avalanche of consequences Bodie could never have foreseen.
Fusing a critical look at modern culture with deep compassion for the cruelty of teenagers, I Have Some Questions For You was divisive for many readers, but just as powerful for others. You can buy Rebecca Makkai’s I Have Some Questions For You from publisher Penguin Random House.
5. The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992)
A sudden BookTok darling, The Secret History combines the Gothic trappings of an elite Northeastern college, Greek mythology and a mystery about an unraveling friend group.
When protagonist Richard arrives at Hampden College, he is lonely and morose. Soon, he is able to convince his charming classics professor to allow him entry into his special class. Soon after that, a member of the six-person class is dead, and Richard seeks to understand what happened on that fateful night. Best for those invested in complex interpersonal dynamics, friendship dramas and creeping dread, The Secret History is available from publisher Penguin Random House.
Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck starred in the 2014 film adaptation of "Gone Girl."
4. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012)
Amy Dunne is missing. Her husband, Nick, went out on the morning of their fifth anniversary, and returned to a crime scene. They’re hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, Nick has been googling an escape plan, and Amy’s been keeping a diary detailing every fight she and Nick have ever had.
Up against all of this evidence, Nick struggles to fight for his innocence and find out what really happened to his wife. Gone Girl was released to critical and commercial acclaim, spawning a film adaptation in 2014 and being one of the most divisive mystery novels in modern history. You can buy Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl from publisher Penguin Random House.
3. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1902)
No list of mystery books would be complete without Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. In this classic novel, Sherlock and his partner Dr. Watson investigate whether the death of Sir Baskerville at his ancient family estate was at the hand of a ghostly hound or a sneaky human killer.
Cycling between fear, suspense and superstition, Doyle proves why he is a master of mood and tone. This book is best for those who truly love classic procedural novels and iconic characters. You can buy Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles from publisher Simon & Schuster.
2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (2005)
An instant international classic, Larsson introduced journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander, and the world was never the same. When Blomkvist is hired by a wealthy family to investigate the disappearance of their aunt forty years prior, he enlists the help of the slippery Salander to trawl the underworld for secrets.
Best for lovers of fast paced, atmospheric mysteries, this novel takes the reader to Sweden and plunges them into a moody, unforgettable world. This novel was adapted into film both in Sweden and America. You can buy Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo from publisher Penguin Random House.
1. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (1939)
Ten strangers arrive at a private island. In each bedroom hangs a framed nursery rhyme detailing the deaths of little boys, and one by one, the guests start dying in the exact methods described in the rhyme.
Clever, precise and spare, Christie cuts to the heart of the matter in a no-nonsense writing style that has spawned countless imitators. This novel commands respect with its twists and turns, and is endlessly referenced, quoted and revered for a reason. You can buy Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None from publisher HarperCollins.
