Looking for a good mystery novel that will keep you engaged until the very end? Look no further than the handpicked selection curated by our editors and experts. These books are sure to satisfy any amateur detective’s craving for a good whodunit.
At our site, we take pride in selecting only the best products for our readers. And while we may earn a commission from your purchases, you can trust that our recommendations are based on quality and expertise. So dive in and discover your next favorite mystery novel today!
1. The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman
In The Bullet That Missed, the beloved characters of the Thursday Murder Club Mystery series are back to solve a 10-year-old cold case. The stakes are raised when Elizabeth becomes the target of danger.
The group must work quickly to uncover the culprit before it’s too late. Fans of the series will enjoy this cozy mystery and its charming story. The Bullet That Missed is available for purchase via a merchant.
2. A Dangerous Man by Robert Crais
In Robert Crais’s A Dangerous Man, tough guy Joe Pike becomes involved in a dangerous situation when he witnesses a woman being forced into a car after leaving his local bank. Pike jumps into action, rescuing the woman but getting himself entangled in a web of trouble.
This 2019 novel is a thrilling mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with non-stop action. It’s no wonder that Crais’s name is often recommended when it comes to mystery books. For those who love a good page-turner, A Dangerous Man is not to be missed.
3. The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill
In “The Woman in the Library,” Sulari Gentill takes readers on a thrilling journey set in the Boston Public Library. The story begins with a woman’s scream that echoes through the quiet library, and four strangers are locked in a reading room while security investigates.
As they pass the time in conversation, it becomes clear that each of them has something to hide, but only one is hiding the fact that they are a murderer. This mystery within a mystery is a tense and twisty journey with plenty of literary elements that will satisfy both word lovers and mystery enthusiasts. After reading this book, readers will never look at their local library the same way again.
4. Fallen by Linda Castillo
In July 2021, Linda Castillo released the latest entry in her bestselling Kate Burkholder series, titled “Fallen.” The book opens with a gruesome murder in Amish country, and when Chief of Police Kate Burkholder realizes that she knew the victim, she sets out to catch the culprit.
This sets off a chain of unexpected events and reckonings, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will enjoy this captivating and thrilling read. For more great book recommendations, consider signing up for one of the many available book subscription boxes.
5. Wherever She Goes by Kelley Armstrong
Kelley Armstrong’s Wherever She Goes is a gripping mystery novel that received a starred review in Publishers Weekly upon its release in 2019. The story follows the lone eyewitness to a missing child case, a woman with a complicated past who becomes determined to solve the crime.
Fans of Armstrong’s other bestselling mystery novels will be drawn to this thrilling tale. For readers unsure of what to read next, consider choosing a book based on your zodiac sign. Shop now via merchant.
6. Someone Had to Do It by Amber and Danielle Brown
“Someone Had to Do It” is a gripping mystery novel set to release on Dec. 27, 2022. The story follows Brandi Maxwell, an intern at Simon Van Doren, a prestigious fashion house. Despite the glamour, Brandi experiences racism, grunt work, and is caught in the middle of a terrible murder plot by Van Doren’s heiress, Taylor.
Taylor is willing to do anything to get her hands on the family fortune, putting Brandi in grave danger. The novel offers biting social commentary, critiques of capitalism and privilege, making it a compelling and intelligent read. For more captivating books, readers can check out the banned books everyone should read.
7. The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Lucy Foley’s The Guest List is a thrilling novel that takes readers on a journey to a remote island off the coast of Ireland. The story revolves around a wedding party that becomes trapped on the island, with a dead body and a mystery that slowly unfolds.
Published in 2021, the novel has garnered critical acclaim and was even picked up by Reese’s Book Club. Fans of Agatha Christie’s work will appreciate the modern take on the classic tale. The Guest List is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
8. My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
My Sister, the Serial Killer is a captivating novel by Oyinkan Braithwaite that tells the story of Korede, a Nigerian woman whose sister is more beautiful, popular, and possibly a serial killer. This book is both hilarious and terrifying, and it has revolutionized the genre of murder mysteries. For those who enjoy this book, there are other books by Black authors that are worth reading.
9. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Where the Crawdads Sing is a captivating novel that tells the story of a young girl who lives alone in the marshes of North Carolina. The novel centers around a murder mystery that occurs in 1969, and the suspicion falls on the “Marsh Girl.”
The story is a powerful exploration of love, loss, survival, and the healing power of nature. The novel has been widely acclaimed by readers and critics alike, and has received over 194,000 reviews on Amazon, with nearly 141,000 of them being five stars. It was also chosen as a Reese’s Book Club pick, making it an international bestseller.
10. Pay Dirt Road by Samantha Jayne Allen
Pay Dirt Road is a debut novel by Samantha Jayne Allen, published in 2022, that won the Tony Hillerman Prize for a first mystery novel set in the southwestern United States. The story revolves around Annie McIntyre, who returns to her hometown of Garnett, Texas, after graduating. She finds herself investigating the disappearance of a local waitress with her retired grandfather, Leroy, who runs a private investigation firm.
As they work together to uncover the truth, Annie gets drawn further into the family business and must confront her own past and her connection with her hometown. The novel has been compared to the popular TV series Mare of Easttown and Friday Night Lights, and offers a small-town mystery that will keep readers engaged.
Pay Dirt Road is a well-written mystery novel that offers a unique perspective on small-town life in the southwestern United States. If you’re a fan of mystery novels or interested in exploring the genre, Pay Dirt Road is definitely worth checking out.
11. One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus is a young adult novel that gained huge acclaim when it was published in 2017. It has now been adapted into a TV series on Peacock. The story revolves around five high school students who walk into detention, but only four walk out.
The book is a murder mystery version of The Breakfast Club, where the teens become suspects in their classmate’s murder. The No. 1 New York Times bestseller is an exhilarating whodunnit that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
12. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Stieg Larsson’s international bestseller, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” is a captivating mystery novel that follows the story of journalist Mikael Blomkvist and punk-rock hacker Lisbeth Salander as they team up to solve a crime.
The book is filled with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Alongside a compelling mystery, the story also explores themes of love, intrigue, and family secrets. Overall, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is a must-read for those who enjoy a fast-paced and atmospheric mystery novel.
13. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Dan Brown’s novel, The Da Vinci Code, is a captivating thriller that begins with a curator’s murder at the Louvre. The protagonist, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, follows a series of clues to uncover a secret that has been kept hidden for thousands of years.
The book’s fast-paced narrative keeps readers turning pages, and it has sold over 80 million copies since its 2003 publication. The novel was adapted into a film in 2006 and a young adult novel in 2016. For more gripping reads, readers can explore some of the best Stephen King books.
14. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
In 1939, Raymond Chandler introduced the world to Philip Marlowe, his famous detective. The Big Sleep begins with a wealthy man hiring Marlowe to deal with a blackmailer. The novel is a classic example of a pulpy, moody, and sexy detective story, featuring the quintessential broody PI. It is available for purchase via a merchant.
15. The Cutting Season by Attica Locke
Attica Locke’s The Cutting Season, published in 2012, is a captivating blend of mystery and historical fiction. The story follows Caren Gray, a single mother who manages an event hall on a Louisiana plantation where she grew up.
When a staff member is found murdered, Caren becomes involved in the investigation and uncovers the plantation’s troubled past. This novel is a must-read for those who enjoy both genres and are looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
16. Runner by Tracy Clark
Tracy Clark’s Chicago Mystery series continues with its fourth installment, Runner, released in June 2021. The story follows Cass Raines, a former cop turned private investigator, as she embarks on a mission to find a missing teenager in the snowy streets of Chicago. The book’s fast-paced narrative is a testament to Clark’s storytelling abilities, and it is a perfect read for mystery enthusiasts who crave a thrilling ride.
What makes Runner unique is its portrayal of race relations in America. Cass Raines, a Black woman, is a refreshing departure from the typical white male protagonists in mystery novels. The book’s themes and characters are thought-provoking and engaging, making it an excellent standalone novel even for those who haven’t read the previous books in the series.
Runner is available for purchase through a merchant, and it is highly recommended for readers who enjoy a well-written mystery novel with a strong protagonist and an engaging plot.
17. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Fans of Gone Girl will enjoy Liane Moriarty’s 2015 novel, Big Little Lies. The story, which has been adapted into an HBO series, features an all-star cast including Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Meryl Streep.
However, readers should not miss out on the opportunity to read the book before watching the show. The novel skillfully blends suspense, social class, and feminism into a contemporary and relatable tale.
18. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Rebecca, written by Daphne du Maurier in 1938, is a captivating mystery novel that combines elements of ghost stories and suspense thrillers. The story revolves around a young woman who marries an older man, but her happiness is overshadowed by the memory of his first wife.
As the secrets of the past unravel, the tension builds to a breathtaking climax. Rebecca has remained a popular read over the years and has been adapted into multiple films, including Alfred Hitchcock’s Academy Award-winning adaptation and Netflix’s 2020 series. For those looking for romance novels, there are plenty of options available in our roundup. Check them out via our merchant.
19. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Gone Girl, a bestseller published in 2012, is a book that has inspired many copycats. It is a must-read book that has gained a lot of popularity even among those who haven’t read it. The book’s plot revolves around a beautiful wife who disappears on her fifth wedding anniversary, and her husband Nick is suspected of being involved in her disappearance.
The book’s ending is both clever and disturbing, leaving a lasting impression on readers. This book is a page-turner that one can finish in a matter of days, making it an excellent choice for a beach read. Gillian Flynn’s other mystery books are also worth reading, so readers are encouraged to order them all.
20. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Donna Tartt’s novel, The Secret History, is a suspenseful and beautifully written mystery that opens with a murder. The story is told through the eyes of Richard, a college student who becomes involved in the murder committed by his professor and a group of misfit friends.
Unlike most mystery novels, the question in this book is not who committed the murder, but why. Tartt’s talent as a writer is showcased in this gripping and dark academia novel. The Secret History is a must-read for fans of the genre and those looking for a new page-turner.
21. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie’s 1939 novel, And Then There Were None, is her most popular book, selling over 100 million copies worldwide. The book is a classic murder mystery that features Christie’s famous detective, Hercule Poirot, and follows a group of strangers who are invited to an island and begin to die one by one.
The story is a thrilling whodunit that keeps readers guessing until the very end. For a modern, young adult take on the story, readers can check out Gretchen McNeil’s Ten.
22. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
In 1954, two U.S. Marshals are sent to investigate a patient’s disappearance at Shutter Island’s mental hospital. The mystery book, Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane, is a gripping read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Lehane, who became famous for his 2001 novel Mystic River, delivers another masterpiece with this 2003 book. The plot is full of twists and turns that will leave readers guessing until the very end. The book was adapted into a Martin Scorsese film, but readers are advised to wait until they’ve finished reading the book before watching the movie.
23. The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
In The Violin Conspiracy, Brendan Slocumb tells the story of Ray, a young Black man from North Carolina who dreams of becoming a classical violinist. Ray’s life takes a turn when he discovers that his family’s old fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius. Despite facing racism and discrimination, Ray is determined to succeed and make a name for himself in the classical music world.
However, just before a prestigious competition, Ray’s violin is stolen and replaced with a ransom note. Ray must find a way to retrieve his instrument and prove to himself that he is a true musician, with or without the “right” instrument.
Slocumb weaves a beautiful coming-of-age story with a captivating mystery at its core. The novel will appeal to readers who enjoy underdog tales and classic literature. The Violin Conspiracy is a heartwarming story that will leave readers rooting for Ray until the very end.
For those looking for their next great read, Reader’s Digest Select Editions offers four bestselling novels in the time it takes to read one. Be sure to follow the Select Editions page on Facebook for more recommendations.
Summary
The world of mystery books is vast and diverse, with countless titles to choose from. Some of the best mystery books are those that keep readers guessing until the very end, with unexpected plot twists and turns that leave them breathless. From classic whodunits to modern thrillers, there is something for everyone in the mystery genre.
Some notable titles include “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown, “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn, and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson. Whether you’re a seasoned mystery reader or just starting to explore the genre, there are plenty of great books out there waiting to be discovered.