Looking for the best mystery novels to keep you on the edge of your seat? Look no further! We have compiled a list of thrilling and suspenseful reads that will leave you guessing until the very end. From classic whodunits to gripping psychological thrillers, these page-turners are sure to satisfy any mystery lover’s cravings. Get ready to dive into a world of intrigue, suspense, and unexpected twists!
Looking for the best mystery novels to keep you on the edge of your seat? Look no further! Our handpicked selection of gripping and suspenseful reads 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 page-turner. Immerse yourself in the intricate plots, clever twists, and intriguing characters that make these mystery books a must-read for any fan of the genre. Whether you prefer the atmospheric settings of Agatha Christie or the modern suspense of Gillian Flynn, our list has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on these must-read mystery novels that have captivated readers worldwide.
| # | Novel | Author | Publication Year | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | Stieg Larsson | 2005 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Gone Girl | Gillian Flynn | 2012 | 9/10 |
| 3 | The Da Vinci Code | Dan Brown | 2003 | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | And Then There Were None | Agatha Christie | 1939 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | The Silent Patient | Alex Michaelides | 2019 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | The Girl on the Train | Paula Hawkins | 2015 | 8/10 |
| 7 | The Secret History | Donna Tartt | 1992 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | In the Woods | Tana French | 2007 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Big Little Lies | Liane Moriarty | 2014 | 7/10 |
| 10 | The Cuckoo’s Calling | Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling) | 2013 | 6.9/10 |
Contents
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- Gone Girl
- The Da Vinci Code
- And Then There Were None
- The Silent Patient
- The Girl on the Train
- The Secret History
- In the Woods
- Big Little Lies
- The Cuckoo’s Calling
- What are some of the best mystery novels of all time?
- What makes a mystery novel great?
- Are there any contemporary mystery novels worth reading?
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- Author: Stieg Larsson
- Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
- Publication Year: 2005
- Main Characters: Lisbeth Salander, Mikael Blomkvist
- Plot Summary: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist and computer hacker Lisbeth Salander as they investigate a decades-old disappearance case. As they uncover dark secrets and corruption within Sweden’s wealthy elite, they become entangled in a dangerous web of intrigue and violence.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a gripping and intense mystery novel that delves into themes of abuse, power, and revenge. With its complex characters and intricate plot, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. This novel explores the dark side of society and exposes the hidden truths that lie beneath the surface.
Gone Girl
- Author: Gillian Flynn
- Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
- Publication Year: 2012
- Main Characters: Nick Dunne, Amy Dunne
- Plot Summary: Gone Girl tells the story of Nick Dunne, whose wife Amy mysteriously disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary. As the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed and the truth becomes increasingly elusive. The novel explores themes of marriage, deception, and the media’s influence on public perception.
Gone Girl is a twisted and unpredictable psychological thriller that keeps readers guessing until the shocking conclusion. Gillian Flynn’s masterful storytelling and complex characters make this novel a gripping and thought-provoking read. With its unreliable narrators and unexpected twists, Gone Girl challenges readers’ perceptions and leaves them questioning the nature of truth and identity.
The Da Vinci Code
- Author: Dan Brown
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- Publication Year: 2003
- Main Characters: Robert Langdon, Sophie Neveu
- Plot Summary: The Da Vinci Code follows symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu as they unravel a series of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. Their quest leads them on a thrilling journey across Europe, uncovering ancient secrets and religious conspiracies.
The Da Vinci Code is a fast-paced and intellectually stimulating mystery novel that combines art, history, and religion. Dan Brown’s intricate puzzles and suspenseful storytelling make this book a page-turner from start to finish. This novel challenges traditional beliefs and raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of faith and the power of knowledge.
And Then There Were None
- Author: Agatha Christie
- Genre: Mystery, Crime
- Publication Year: 1939
- Main Characters: Various characters
- Plot Summary: And Then There Were None follows ten strangers who are invited to a secluded island under different pretenses. As they gather, they discover that their host is mysteriously absent, and one by one, they start dying according to a nursery rhyme. With no way to escape, they must uncover the identity of the killer among them.
And Then There Were None is a classic mystery novel that showcases Agatha Christie’s brilliant storytelling and intricate plotting. The suspense builds as the characters’ secrets are revealed, and readers are kept guessing until the shocking conclusion. This novel is a masterclass in suspense and showcases Christie’s ability to create an atmosphere of tension and paranoia.
The Silent Patient
- Author: Alex Michaelides
- Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
- Publication Year: 2019
- Main Characters: Alicia Berenson, Theo Faber
- Plot Summary: The Silent Patient follows Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who is convicted of murdering her husband and then stops speaking. Theo Faber, a psychotherapist, becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Alicia’s silence and delves into her past to unravel the mystery.
The Silent Patient is a gripping psychological thriller that explores themes of trauma, obsession, and the complexities of the human mind. Alex Michaelides’ debut novel keeps readers guessing until the final twist, making it a compelling and addictive read. This novel delves into the depths of the human psyche and challenges our perceptions of guilt and innocence.
The Girl on the Train
- Author: Paula Hawkins
- Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
- Publication Year: 2015
- Main Characters: Rachel Watson, Megan Hipwell, Anna Watson
- Plot Summary: The Girl on the Train follows Rachel Watson, an alcoholic divorcee who becomes entangled in a missing person investigation. As she obsessively watches a couple from the train window, she becomes convinced that she has witnessed something significant. As she tries to uncover the truth, she becomes a suspect herself.
The Girl on the Train is a gripping and atmospheric psychological thriller that keeps readers guessing until the final reveal. Paula Hawkins’ intricate storytelling and flawed characters make this novel a compelling and addictive read. This novel explores themes of memory, perception, and the consequences of our actions.
The Secret History
- Author: Donna Tartt
- Genre: Mystery, Psychological Fiction
- Publication Year: 1992
- Main Characters: Richard Papen, Henry Winter, Julian Morrow
- Plot Summary: The Secret History follows Richard Papen, a young student at an elite New England college who becomes entangled in a group of eccentric and secretive classmates. As their studies take a dark turn and lead to a murder, Richard is drawn into a web of guilt, obsession, and deception.
The Secret History is a captivating and atmospheric mystery novel that explores themes of morality, friendship, and the consequences of our actions. Donna Tartt’s lyrical prose and complex characters make this book a literary masterpiece. This novel delves into the dark side of human nature and examines the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.
In the Woods
- Author: Tana French
- Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery
- Publication Year: 2007
- Main Characters: Rob Ryan, Cassie Maddox
- Plot Summary: In the Woods follows detective Rob Ryan, who is haunted by a childhood trauma: the unsolved disappearance of his two best friends in the woods. When a young girl is found murdered in the same woods, Rob and his partner Cassie Maddox are assigned to the case. As they investigate, Rob’s past and the current murder become intertwined.
In the Woods is a haunting and atmospheric crime novel that explores themes of memory, identity, and the impact of the past on the present. Tana French’s intricate storytelling and rich character development make this book a compelling and immersive read. This novel delves into the complexities of human psychology and the lasting effects of childhood trauma.
Big Little Lies
- Author: Liane Moriarty
- Genre: Mystery, Domestic Fiction
- Publication Year: 2014
- Main Characters: Madeline Mackenzie, Celeste Wright, Jane Chapman
- Plot Summary: Big Little Lies follows three women—Madeline, Celeste, and Jane—who become friends while their children attend the same school. As their seemingly perfect lives unravel and secrets are revealed, a mysterious murder occurs during a school trivia night. The novel explores themes of motherhood, friendship, and domestic violence.
Big Little Lies is a gripping and emotionally charged mystery novel that delves into the complexities of women’s lives. Liane Moriarty’s compelling storytelling and well-drawn characters make this book a captivating read. This novel shines a light on the facade of perfection and the hidden struggles that exist behind closed doors.
The Cuckoo’s Calling
- Author: Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
- Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery
- Publication Year: 2013
- Main Characters: Cormoran Strike, Robin Ellacott
- Plot Summary: 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 and glamorous world, he uncovers a web of lies, secrets, and betrayal.
The Cuckoo’s Calling is a compelling and intricately plotted mystery novel that showcases J.K. Rowling’s talent for storytelling. With its well-developed characters and atmospheric setting, this book keeps readers guessing until the final revelation. This novel explores the dark underbelly of fame and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.
What are some of the best mystery novels of all time?
There are numerous exceptional mystery novels that have captivated readers throughout the years. Some of the best include “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie, a classic whodunit that keeps you guessing until the very end. Another must-read is “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn, a gripping psychological thriller filled with twists and turns. Additionally, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson is a thrilling crime novel that introduces an unforgettable protagonist. These novels have stood the test of time and continue to be highly recommended for mystery enthusiasts.
What makes a mystery novel great?
A great mystery novel often combines elements of suspense, intrigue, and clever plot twists. It keeps readers engaged by presenting them with puzzles to solve and mysteries to unravel. Strong character development, atmospheric settings, and well-paced storytelling are also key factors that contribute to the greatness of a mystery novel. The ability to keep readers guessing and surprised until the very end is what sets apart the best mystery novels from the rest.
Are there any contemporary mystery novels worth reading?
Absolutely! The genre of mystery novels continues to evolve with new and exciting voices emerging in contemporary literature. One such example is “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides, a psychological thriller that has gained widespread acclaim for its gripping storyline. Another notable contemporary mystery novel is “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty, which intertwines domestic drama with a murder mystery. These novels showcase the talent and creativity of modern authors who are pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Classic Mystery Novels
Classic mystery novels have stood the test of time and continue to captivate readers with their intricate plots and compelling characters. Works by authors like Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Raymond Chandler are considered some of the best in the genre.
Contemporary Mystery Novels
In the world of contemporary mystery novels, authors like Gillian Flynn, Tana French, and Paula Hawkins have gained immense popularity. Their gripping stories and unexpected twists keep readers on the edge of their seats.
International Mystery Novels
Exploring mysteries from different cultures can be a fascinating experience. Authors such as Stieg Larsson, Jo Nesbø, and Louise Penny offer thrilling tales set in various countries, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their novels.
