When it comes to discovering new mysteries, many readers turn to their favorite authors for recommendations. As enthusiasts devour series or entire backlists with gusto, they often find themselves at a loss when they’ve exhausted their to-be-read list. A natural solution is to explore the book lists of mystery writers themselves. These authors share their personal favorites on various platforms, such as Goodreads, social media, interviews, and book blurbs.
Some recommend books that align with their own writing style or genre, while others offer more eclectic suggestions that showcase diverse plotlines. New releases often receive nods from enthusiastic authors, whereas others opt for time-tested classics like (The Talented Mr. Ripley) which has become a beloved favorite. Even Agatha Christie went so far as to curate personal lists of her own works and share them with readers.
These expert-recommended mystery books are sure to intrigue and inspire fans of the genre.
Agatha Christie
Christie’s impressive bibliography has been delighting mystery enthusiasts for generations, thanks in part to her iconic Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple series. While we may not have insight into what specifically inspired her own writing style, it is known that she had a few favorite works within her extensive catalog of novels. Interestingly, Christie shared her top ten (at the time) books with a fan in 1972, providing readers with a unique glimpse into her creative process.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
Christie’s third novel featuring Poirot, regarded as one of her most beloved works, pushes the boundaries of the genre with its unconventional approach. The story revolves around the untimely death of Mrs. Ferrars from an overdose, followed by the brutal murder of Roger Ackroyd, the man she was planning to marry just 24 hours later. This intricate case challenges Poirot’s exceptional detective skills in a thrilling display of his expertise.
A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
In her novel set in post-war England, Agatha Christie brought to life Miss Marple as the lead detective. The author confessed that all the characters were fascinating to write about, stating she felt she knew them intimately by the time the book was completed. The narrative commences when the residents of Chipping Cleghorn stumble upon a chilling notice predicting a murder would occur at 6:30 p. m. on October 29th.
From this ominous starting point, Christie masterfully intertwines themes of terror, redemption, and the complexities of the post-war era, crafting a gripping tale that continues to captivate readers to this day.
Endless Night by Agatha Christie
Attica Locke
Texas-born author Attica Locke has built a reputation for crafting intricately plotted crime novels that captivate readers. Her debut novel, Black Water Rising, made waves in the literary world by earning nominations for an Edgar Award and an NAACP award, as well as securing a spot on the UK’s Orange Prize shortlist. Locke’s subsequent works, including The Cutting Season and Bluebird, Bluebird, have further solidified her position as a prominent force in contemporary crime fiction.
Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley
The debut installment of Mosley’s iconic Easy Rawlins series catapults readers into the world of this legendary detective. The story commences with Easy, a battle-hardened Black veteran, having just lost his job at a defense plant and seeking solace at a friend’s watering hole.
A mysterious individual saunters in, presenting Easy with an opportunity to track down the enigmatic Miss Daphne Monet, thereby setting the wheels in motion for a gritty, noir-inspired mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In his review, Locke aptly commended the novel for its masterful evocation of ‘place,’ crafting a vivid sense of atmosphere that immerses readers in Easy’s world.
The Searcher by Tana French
In 2022, Locke praised this book as one of her most delightful recent reads. The story unfolds in a quaint Irish town, where retired Chicago detective Cal Hooper had envisioned a serene retreat after years of dedication to his work. However, his plans are disrupted when he becomes entangled in the search for a missing boy, forcing him to put aside his peaceful aspirations and dive into the investigation.
The Darkness of Others by Cate Holahan
In a gripping whodunit, we find ourselves in the upscale Brooklyn community of Imani Banks, where a renowned film director’s life is tragically cut short and his wife, who just so happens to be Imani’s closest confidante, has vanished without a trace. The local residents are convinced that she’s the prime suspect, having committed the heinous crime and then fled the scene, but Imani remains steadfast in her skepticism.
This riveting tale has received high praise from Locke himself, who aptly describes it as ‘a cleverly constructed, astutely observed thrill ride’.
S.A. Cosby
Tom Cosby’s literary repertoire is characterized by intricate, suspenseful mysteries that frequently delve into the complexities of human relationships and yield surprising plot twists. His notable works include Razorblade Tears, Blacktop Wasteland, and All the Sinners Bleed, each showcasing his mastery of crafting engaging narratives.
Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
In the novel that first introduced readers to the enigmatic and sinister Hannibal Lecter, Cosby notes a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling and weighty themes. As FBI agent Will Graham embarks on a perilous quest to capture the notorious serial killer known as the Tooth Fairy, he finds himself forced to confront one of his darkest acquaintances: none other than the calculating and ruthless Hannibal Lecter.
Her Name Is Knight by Yasmin Angoe
Nena Knight’s story, ranked as one of Cosby’s top picks of 2021, revolves around an elite assassin grappling with her own moral compass. Initially, she toils as a prized asset for the powerful Tribe syndicate, having been forcibly recruited at a young age after being kidnapped and exploited. However, when a mission takes an unexpected turn, Nena finds herself saving a life instead of taking one – a turning point that sets her on a quest to escape the Tribe’s clutches.
Complicating matters further is the emergence of a new high-ranking executive within the organization, whose involvement in the destruction of Nena’s village and subsequent torment now forces him to confront her relentless pursuit of vengeance.
What’s Done in Darkness by Laura McHugh
As the darkness descends upon rural Arkansas, seventeen-year-old Sarabeth’s desperation to break free from her suffocating life and fundamentalist upbringing reaches a boiling point. The fateful night she is taken by a masked stranger, leaving her battered but alive by the side of the highway, marks the beginning of her tumultuous journey away from the only world she has ever known.
Her family’s reaction to her survival only exacerbates her desire for escape, and five years later, Sarabeth finds herself at a crossroads when investigator Nick Farrow arrives on her doorstep, seeking her expertise in a case that eerily echoes the trauma she endured.
We Lie Here by Rachel Howzell Hall
As Yara Gibson returns to her childhood home in Palmdale, California, she’s torn between celebrating her parents’ anniversary and making a quick exit. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when Felicia Campbell, her estranged friend from the past, reaches out with a cryptic message: ‘I have information that will change your life.’ The next day, tragedy strikes as Felicia is found dead in the lake, leaving Yara stunned and bewildered.
What’s more, she finds herself in possession of files connected to a long-buried secret that could shake the very foundations of her world. In this gripping tale, author [author’s name] continues to push the boundaries of crime fiction, as evidenced by Cosby’s endorsement, which praises the writer for ‘shattering the boundaries’ of their craft.
Rachel Edwards
British author Edwards has penned two novels that delve into the complexities of human experience: Lucky and Darling. These gripping tales explore the intricate relationships between race, family dynamics, migration experiences, and the all-consuming emotion of jealousy. With a masterful balance of suspense and unexpected plot twists, Edwards’ works have captivated readers with their engaging narratives.
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
Tom Ripley’s story, as beloved by mystery authors like Edwards, is an exceptional exploration of humanity’s vulnerabilities and shortcomings. Edwards herself described it as ‘[an] exquisite study of human frailty’ – a testament to its captivating power that draws readers in with unyielding curiosity.
Without Prejudice by Nicola Williams
This novel, featuring British barrister Lee Mitchell from a Caribbean background, is another favorite of Edwards’. With its blend of legal mystery and thriller elements, it’s perfect for fans of the genre. The story follows Mitchell as she becomes entangled in the lavish lifestyle of her wealthy client, grappling with themes of race and innocence in contemporary England.
Louise Penny
Penny, a renowned Canadian author, has gained immense popularity through her captivating Inspector Gamache series, set against the idyllic backdrop of Three Pines. One of her notable strengths lies in crafting richly drawn characters and meticulously building a world that draws readers in. Her latest installment, A World of Curiosities, is a testament to her exceptional storytelling skills, further solidifying her position as a masterful storyteller.
The Franchise Affair by Josephine Tey
Penny’s endorsement of this novel was glowing, dubbing it a ‘perfect jewel of a book.’ The plot revolves around Marion Sharpe’s call to Inspector Robert Blair, reporting that a young woman named Betty Kane is claiming she was once held captive. With Robert initially skeptical, he becomes entangled in unraveling the truth behind Betty’s accusations, which Marion and her mother allegedly perpetrated. The question remains: can Robert uncover the reality before time slips away?
In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen
In this gripping novel set against the backdrop of World War II England, a complex web of espionage, betrayal, and detection unfolds. The story begins with the mysterious death of a paratrooper on the Farleigh Place estate, which prompts Ben Creswell to investigate whether the deceased might have been a clandestine German operative.
As Ben delves deeper into the case, he finds himself entangled in a romantic web involving Pamela, one of the estate’s daughters, who is secretly contributing to the war effort. With its razor-sharp plotting and ingenious twists, this book has earned praise from renowned author Penny.
Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger
In many ways, William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor mysteries mirror the strong sense of place found in Louise Penny’s novels. Set against the backdrop of Minnesota, the series follows a retired cop grappling with personal turmoil – including a marital breakdown – as he becomes embroiled in a complex case involving the murder of a judge and the disappearance of an Eagle Scout.
This novel is notable for elevating the crime fiction genre to new heights, according to Penny, who praises Krueger’s unique ability to craft a compelling narrative that expertly weaves together the threads of character development, atmosphere, and suspense.
Jade Dragon Mountain by Elsa Hart
Penny’s enthusiasm for the book is palpable: ‘I LOVE this book,’ she gushes about the mystery set in 1700s China. The story follows an exiled imperial librarian as he endeavors to unravel the murder of a Jesuit astronomer, a plot that has left Penny praising the book’s ability to transport her to another era with its ‘atmospheric’ setting.
Raven Black by Ann Cleeves
The story begins with the unsettling discovery of Catherine Ross, a teenager who has lost her life on Shetland Island. As news of the tragedy spreads, whispers point to Magnus Tait, an outsider known for keeping to himself, as the prime suspect. However, Detective Jimmy Perez and his team from the mainland are not convinced that the truth lies so simply.
They sense that there’s more to this case than meets the eye, and that the island’s seemingly idyllic surface conceals a complex web of secrets and deceit.
Rachel Howzell Hall
Noteworthy author Howzell Hall, a veteran crime fiction writer and esteemed former board member of the esteemed Mystery Writers of America, has penned a trio of critically acclaimed novels: ‘We Lie Here’, ‘The Last One’, and ‘These Toxic Things’. Her works have garnered widespread recognition within the literary community.
What You Don’t See by Tracy Clark
In the heart of Chicago, a seemingly idyllic setting belies the dark undercurrents that permeate Howzell Hall, a crime novel centered around Vonda Allen – a charismatic magazine owner and media executive with an aura of glamour surrounding her. While everyone fawns over Vonda’s captivating presence, those who work for her harbor a very different sentiment.
And then there are the anonymous death threats that have begun to arrive, casting a sinister shadow over Vonda’s otherwise stellar reputation.
Follow Her Home by Steph Cha
Goodreads reveals that Howzell Hall awarded Cha’s novel five stars, marking the beginning of a captivating series. The story centers around Juniper Song, an amateur sleuth navigating the complexities of Los Angeles. When her friend asks for her assistance in investigating an alleged affair between his father and a company employee, Juniper embarks on a thrilling adventure to uncover the truth.
Her detective work delves into the city’s darker aspects, drawing inspiration from the noir novels that fascinated her as a young reader.
Perfect Days by Raphael Montes
In the realm of mystery and thriller, a Brazilian-published novel has garnered yet another five-star ranking from Howzell Hall. The plot follows Teo, a young medical student consumed by an unhealthy fixation on aspiring screenwriter Clarice. As his obsession intensifies, Teo resorts to stalking and kidnapping Clarice, convinced that they’re destined to be together. However, as his desperation grows, Clarice is drawn deeper into her darkest fears in this high-octane, twisted narrative.
For more gripping mysteries from every corner of the genre, explore our archives and recent release round-ups.