Best Mystery Novels

Looking for the best mystery novels to keep you on the edge of your seat? Look no further! We’ve curated a list of thrilling and suspenseful reads that will captivate you from beginning to end. Whether you’re a fan of classic whodunits or prefer modern psychological thrillers, our selection has something for everyone. Get ready to embark on a thrilling literary journey filled with twists, turns, and unforgettable characters.

If you’re a fan of mystery novels, you’re in for a treat with this list of the best mystery novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat. These gripping tales are filled with suspense, twists, and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end. From classic whodunits to psychological thrillers, these top mystery novels are sure to satisfy your craving for a thrilling read. With their intricate plots, well-developed characters, and clever storytelling, these must-read mystery novels have captivated readers around the world. Whether you prefer a traditional detective story or a modern crime thriller, there’s something for everyone on this list of the best mystery novels of all time. So grab a cup of tea, curl up in your favorite reading nook, and prepare to be enthralled by these unputdownable mystery novels.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

• Author: Stieg Larsson
• Genre: Mystery, Thriller
• Publication Year: 2005
• Plot: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo follows the story of Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist, and Lisbeth Salander, a computer hacker with a troubled past. Together, they investigate the disappearance of Harriet Vanger, a wealthy industrialist’s niece. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover dark secrets and a series of murders that have remained unsolved for decades.
• Interesting Fact: The character of Lisbeth Salander has become an iconic figure in contemporary literature, known for her intelligence, strength, and unique style.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a gripping mystery novel that combines elements of crime, suspense, and social commentary. With its complex characters and intricate plot, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. This novel addresses themes of corruption, violence against women, and the abuse of power.

Gone Girl

• Author: Gillian Flynn
• Genre: Mystery, Thriller
• Publication Year: 2012
• Plot: Gone Girl tells the story of Nick Dunne and his wife Amy on their fifth wedding anniversary. When Amy suddenly disappears under suspicious circumstances, Nick becomes the prime suspect. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets about their marriage are revealed, leaving readers questioning who is telling the truth.
• Interesting Fact: Gone Girl was adapted into a successful film in 2014, directed by David Fincher and starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike.

Gone Girl is a psychological thriller that explores themes of marriage, identity, and deception. With its unpredictable twists and turns, it keeps readers guessing until the shocking conclusion. This novel challenges societal expectations and explores the complexities of human relationships.

The Da Vinci Code

• Author: Dan Brown
• Genre: Mystery, Thriller
• Publication Year: 2003
• Plot: The Da Vinci Code follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he gets caught up in a dangerous quest to uncover a hidden secret that could shake the foundations of Christianity. With the help of cryptologist Sophie Neveu, they must decipher clues left behind by Leonardo da Vinci while evading a mysterious organization determined to stop them at any cost.
• Interesting Fact: The Da Vinci Code sparked controversy due to its fictional portrayal of historical events and religious theories.

The Da Vinci Code is a fast-paced thriller that combines art, history, and religion into an intriguing mystery. As Langdon and Neveu race against time, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with ancient symbols and hidden meanings. This novel offers an alternative interpretation of religious history and raises questions about the nature of faith.

And Then There Were None

• Author: Agatha Christie
• Genre: Mystery, Crime
• Publication Year: 1939
• Plot: And Then There Were None follows ten strangers who are invited to a secluded island under different pretexts. As they gather, they discover that their host is mysteriously absent, and they are trapped on the island. One by one, they start dying according to a nursery rhyme, and the remaining guests must uncover the identity of the killer before it’s too late.
• Interesting Fact: And Then There Were None is Agatha Christie’s best-selling novel and one of the best-selling books of all time.

And Then There Were None is a classic whodunit that keeps readers guessing until the final pages. With its intricate plot and clever twists, it has become a benchmark for mystery novels. This novel showcases Agatha Christie’s mastery of suspense and her ability to create compelling characters.

The Silent Patient

• Author: Alex Michaelides
• Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
• Publication Year: 2019
• Plot: The Silent Patient revolves around Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who is convicted of murdering her husband Gabriel. After the crime, Alicia stops speaking and is admitted to a psychiatric facility. Theo Faber, a psychotherapist, becomes obsessed with her case and is determined to unravel the truth behind her silence.
• Interesting Fact: The Silent Patient was Alex Michaelides’ debut novel and became an instant bestseller.

The Silent Patient is a gripping psychological thriller that explores themes of guilt, trauma, and the complexities of the human mind. Through twists and turns, readers are taken on a journey to uncover the truth behind Alicia’s silence. This novel delves into the depths of the human psyche and challenges perceptions of sanity.

The Girl on the Train

• Author: Paula Hawkins
• Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
• Publication Year: 2015
• Plot: The Girl on the Train follows Rachel Watson, an alcoholic who takes the same train every day and becomes obsessed with a couple she sees from her window. When the woman goes missing, Rachel becomes entangled in the investigation and starts uncovering dark secrets about the people involved.
• Interesting Fact: The Girl on the Train was adapted into a film in 2016, starring Emily Blunt in the lead role.

The Girl on the Train is a gripping psychological thriller that explores themes of addiction, memory, and obsession. Through unreliable narrators and unexpected revelations, readers are taken on a suspenseful journey to uncover the truth. This novel highlights the complexities of human perception and the consequences of our actions.

The Secret History

• Author: Donna Tartt
• Genre: Mystery, Psychological Fiction
• Publication Year: 1992
• Plot: The Secret History follows Richard Papen, a young student who transfers to a prestigious college in Vermont. He becomes entangled with an eccentric group of students studying ancient Greek under their enigmatic professor. As Richard is drawn deeper into their world, he becomes involved in a murder that will have lasting consequences.
• Interesting Fact: The Secret History was Donna Tartt’s debut novel and received critical acclaim, becoming a cult classic.

The Secret History is a dark and atmospheric mystery that explores themes of morality, guilt, and the consequences of secrets. With its richly drawn characters and intricate plot, it immerses readers in a world of academia and hidden desires. This novel delves into the complexities of human nature and the lengths people will go to protect their own interests.

In the Woods

• Author: Tana French
• Genre: Mystery, Crime Fiction
• Publication Year: 2007
• Plot: In the Woods introduces detective Rob Ryan, who is assigned to investigate the murder of a young girl in a small Irish town. The case hits close to home for Rob, as he has his own traumatic past connected to the same woods where the murder occurred. As he delves into the investigation, he must confront his own demons and uncover the truth.
• Interesting Fact: In the Woods is the first novel in Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad series.

In the Woods is a gripping psychological thriller that combines elements of crime fiction with a deep exploration of trauma and identity. Tana French’s atmospheric writing transports readers to the Irish countryside as they follow Rob Ryan’s journey to solve the murder. This novel delves into the complexities of memory and the lasting impact of unresolved past events.

Big Little Lies

• Author: Liane Moriarty
• Genre: Mystery, Domestic Fiction
• Publication Year: 2014
• Plot: Big Little Lies takes place in the seemingly perfect town of Pirriwee, where a group of mothers becomes entangled in a web of secrets and lies. The story revolves around the events leading up to a tragic incident at a school trivia night, slowly unraveling the truth behind the facade of their idyllic lives.
• Interesting Fact: Big Little Lies was adapted into a successful television series in 2017, starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley.

Big Little Lies is a compelling mystery novel that explores themes of motherhood, friendship, and the consequences of keeping secrets. Through multiple perspectives and clever storytelling, Liane Moriarty keeps readers guessing until the final revelation. This novel delves into the complexities of societal expectations and the power dynamics within relationships.

The Cuckoo’s Calling

• Author: Robert Galbraith (pseudonym for J.K. Rowling)
• Genre: Mystery, Crime Fiction
• Publication Year: 2013
• Plot: The Cuckoo’s Calling introduces private detective Cormoran Strike, who is hired to investigate the supposed suicide of supermodel Lula Landry. As he delves into her complex life and encounters a cast of eccentric characters, Strike uncovers a web of deceit and hidden motives.
• Interesting Fact: The Cuckoo’s Calling was initially published under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith to allow J.K. Rowling to write in a different genre without the weight of her previous success.

The Cuckoo’s Calling is a gripping detective novel that showcases J.K. Rowling’s talent for storytelling in a different genre. With its well-crafted characters and intricate plot, it keeps readers engaged until the final revelation. This novel explores themes of fame, identity, and the dark underbelly of the fashion industry.