Looking for the best detective novels? Look no further! Dive into thrilling mysteries, gripping plot twists, and intriguing characters with our curated list of must-read detective novels. From classic whodunits to modern crime thrillers, these page-turners are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of crime-solving and suspense. Start reading today!
If you’re a fan of crime-solving stories, then you’ll love diving into the world of the best detective novels. These captivating books offer thrilling mysteries, intriguing characters, and plot twists that will keep you guessing until the very end. With their clever detectives and intricate investigations, these detective novels have become timeless classics in the genre. From the iconic Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle to modern masterpieces like Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl,” there is no shortage of gripping tales to choose from. Whether you prefer traditional whodunits or psychological thrillers, these best detective novels are sure to satisfy your craving for suspense and intrigue. So grab a cup of coffee, curl up in your favorite armchair, and get ready to embark on a thrilling literary journey with these captivating detective novels.
| # | 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 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes | Sir Arthur Conan Doyle | 1892 | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | In the Woods | Tana French | 2007 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | The Da Vinci Code | Dan Brown | 2003 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | The Big Sleep | Raymond Chandler | 1939 | 8/10 |
| 7 | And Then There Were None | Agatha Christie | 1939 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | The Maltese Falcon | Dashiell Hammett | 1929 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | The Cuckoo’s Calling | Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling) | 2013 | 7/10 |
| 10 | The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency | Alexander McCall Smith | 1998 | 6.8/10 |
Contents
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- Gone Girl
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
- In the Woods
- The Da Vinci Code
- The Big Sleep
- And Then There Were None
- The Maltese Falcon
- The Cuckoo’s Calling
- The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
- What are the characteristics of the best detective novels?
- Which classic detective novels are considered the best?
- Are there any contemporary detective novels worth reading?
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- Author: Stieg Larsson
- Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
- Main Characters: Lisbeth Salander, Mikael Blomkvist
- Setting: Stockholm, Sweden
- Publisher: Norstedts Förlag
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a gripping crime novel written by Stieg Larsson. It follows the story of Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant but troubled hacker, and Mikael Blomkvist, an investigative journalist. Together, they delve into a dark mystery involving corruption, murder, and family secrets.
This novel is known for its complex characters and intricate plot twists. It explores themes of violence, abuse, and social injustice. With its compelling narrative and suspenseful atmosphere, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The book’s title refers to Lisbeth Salander, who has a distinctive dragon tattoo on her back, symbolizing her rebellious nature and resilience.
Gone Girl
- Author: Gillian Flynn
- Genre: Psychological Thriller
- Main Characters: Nick Dunne, Amy Dunne
- Setting: North Carthage, Missouri
- Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
Gone Girl is a psychological thriller written by Gillian Flynn. The story revolves around Nick Dunne and his wife Amy Dunne, whose seemingly perfect marriage takes a dark turn when Amy goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary. As the investigation unfolds, secrets and lies are revealed, leading to shocking twists.
This gripping novel explores themes of marriage, identity, and manipulation. It keeps readers guessing and questioning the truth until the very end. With its complex characters and unpredictable plot, Gone Girl has become a popular choice for fans of psychological suspense. The book’s title refers to the disappearance of Amy Dunne, leaving behind only clues and a trail of suspicion.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
- Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
- Genre: Detective Fiction, Mystery
- Main Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John Watson
- Setting: London, England
- Publisher: George Newnes Ltd.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of twelve short stories featuring the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. John Watson. Written by Arthur Conan Doyle, these stories showcase Holmes’ brilliant deductive reasoning as he solves various intriguing cases.
This classic detective fiction has captivated readers for generations with its clever plots and memorable characters. Sherlock Holmes’ keen observation skills and logical thinking make him one of literature’s most beloved detectives. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a must-read for fans of mystery and crime fiction. The book’s title reflects the thrilling and captivating nature of the cases that Sherlock Holmes encounters throughout the stories.
In the Woods
- Author: Tana French
- Genre: Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction
- Main Characters: Rob Ryan, Cassie Maddox
- Setting: Dublin, Ireland
- Publisher: Viking Press
In the Woods is a gripping psychological thriller written by Tana French. The story follows detective Rob Ryan as he investigates the murder of a young girl in a small Irish town. As he delves deeper into the case, he realizes that it may be connected to a traumatic event from his own childhood.
This novel explores themes of memory, trauma, and the impact of the past on the present. Tana French’s atmospheric writing and complex character development make In the Woods a compelling read for fans of psychological suspense. The book keeps readers guessing until the final pages. The title refers to the mysterious woods where the murder takes place, which holds secrets that may unlock the truth behind the crime.
The Da Vinci Code
- Author: Dan Brown
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- Main Characters: Robert Langdon, Sophie Neveu
- Setting: Paris, France
- Publisher: Doubleday
The Da Vinci Code is a thrilling mystery novel written by Dan Brown. It follows symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu as they unravel a series of clues and symbols hidden in famous artworks, leading them on a quest to uncover a secret that could shake the foundations of Christianity.
This fast-paced novel combines elements of art, history, and conspiracy theories. The Da Vinci Code has become a worldwide phenomenon, captivating readers with its intricate puzzles and shocking revelations. With its blend of fact and fiction, this gripping thriller keeps readers engaged until the very end. The book’s title refers to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting “The Last Supper” and the code hidden within it.
The Big Sleep
- Author: Raymond Chandler
- Genre: Hardboiled Detective Fiction, Noir
- Main Characters: Philip Marlowe
- Setting: Los Angeles, California
- Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
The Big Sleep is a classic hardboiled detective novel written by Raymond Chandler. It introduces readers to private detective Philip Marlowe, who is hired by a wealthy family to investigate blackmail threats against one of their daughters. As Marlowe delves into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit, corruption, and murder.
This gritty and atmospheric novel is known for its sharp dialogue, complex characters, and intricate plot. The Big Sleep is considered one of the defining works of American noir fiction. Raymond Chandler’s writing style and his portrayal of the dark underbelly of Los Angeles have influenced countless crime writers. The book’s title refers to the metaphorical “big sleep” or death that awaits those involved in the criminal activities depicted in the story.
And Then There Were None
- Author: Agatha Christie
- Genre: Mystery, Crime Fiction
- Main Characters: Various
- Setting: Soldier Island (Fictional)
- Publisher: Collins Crime Club
And Then There Were None is a classic mystery novel written by Agatha Christie. It tells the story of ten strangers who are invited to a secluded island under different pretexts. As they gather on the island, they discover that their host is mysteriously absent, and they are trapped with no way to escape. Soon, they start dying one by one according to a chilling nursery rhyme.
This suspenseful and intricately plotted novel keeps readers guessing until the very end. Agatha Christie’s masterful storytelling and clever twists have made And Then There Were None one of the best-selling mystery novels of all time. The book’s title reflects the dwindling number of characters as they meet their demise, creating a sense of tension and intrigue. Agatha Christie is known as the “Queen of Crime,” and this novel showcases her exceptional talent for crafting compelling mysteries.
The Maltese Falcon
- Author: Dashiell Hammett
- Genre: Hardboiled Detective Fiction, Noir
- Main Characters: Sam Spade
- Setting: San Francisco, California
- Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
The Maltese Falcon is a classic hardboiled detective novel written by Dashiell Hammett. It follows private investigator Sam Spade as he becomes entangled in a web of deception and murder surrounding the search for a valuable statuette, the Maltese Falcon. As Spade navigates the dangerous world of criminals and femme fatales, he must unravel the truth to protect himself.
This influential novel is known for its gritty realism, sharp dialogue, and morally ambiguous characters. The Maltese Falcon is considered one of the greatest detective novels ever written and has had a significant impact on the noir genre. Dashiell Hammett’s portrayal of a hard-edged detective in a corrupt world has become an archetype in crime fiction. The book’s title refers to the sought-after statuette, which serves as a symbol of greed and betrayal throughout the story.
The Cuckoo’s Calling
- Author: Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
- Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery
- Main Characters: Cormoran Strike, Robin Ellacott
- Setting: London, England
- Publisher: Sphere
The Cuckoo’s Calling is a crime fiction novel written by Robert Galbraith, the pseudonym of J.K. Rowling. It introduces readers to private detective Cormoran Strike and his assistant Robin Ellacott as they investigate the mysterious death of a supermodel. As they delve into the glamorous and dangerous world of fashion, they uncover dark secrets and hidden motives.
This compelling novel combines elements of classic detective fiction with contemporary themes. The Cuckoo’s Calling showcases J.K. Rowling’s talent for crafting intricate plots and memorable characters outside of the Harry Potter series. With its atmospheric setting and engaging storytelling, this book keeps readers hooked until the final revelation. The book’s title refers to a line from a famous nursery rhyme, symbolizing the deceptive nature of appearances in the world of high fashion.
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
- Author: Alexander McCall Smith
- Genre: Mystery, Contemporary Fiction
- Main Characters: Precious Ramotswe
- Setting: Gaborone, Botswana
- Publisher: Polygon Books
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is a charming mystery novel written by Alexander McCall Smith. It introduces readers to Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s first female detective. As she sets up her own detective agency, she tackles cases that range from missing persons to cheating spouses, all while navigating the complexities of life in Botswana.
This heartwarming and uplifting novel combines elements of mystery with a celebration of African culture and values. The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency offers a refreshing take on the detective genre, focusing on human relationships and personal growth. Alexander McCall Smith’s vivid descriptions and endearing characters make this book a delightful read. The book’s title reflects Precious Ramotswe’s determination to establish herself as the best detective in Botswana, despite being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field.
What are the characteristics of the best detective novels?
The best detective novels are characterized by intriguing and complex mysteries that keep readers engaged from start to finish. They feature well-developed and memorable detective characters who possess sharp intellect, keen observation skills, and a unique approach to solving crimes. These novels often have a gripping plot with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Additionally, they incorporate elements of suspense, tension, and a sense of urgency that heightens the reading experience. The best detective novels also provide a vivid and immersive setting, whether it’s a gritty urban landscape or a quaint countryside, adding depth to the story. Finally, they showcase skillful storytelling and masterful pacing, gradually revealing clues and unraveling the mystery in a satisfying and logical manner.
Which classic detective novels are considered the best?
Several classic detective novels are widely regarded as the best in the genre. Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” is a timeless masterpiece known for its intricate plot and brilliant resolution. Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles” featuring Sherlock Holmes is another classic that showcases Doyle’s exceptional storytelling skills. Raymond Chandler’s “The Big Sleep” is often hailed as one of the greatest hardboiled detective novels, with its atmospheric noir setting and complex characters. Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon” is another iconic work that introduced readers to the iconic private detective Sam Spade. These novels have stood the test of time and continue to captivate readers with their compelling narratives and unforgettable characters.
Are there any contemporary detective novels worth reading?
Absolutely! The world of contemporary detective fiction offers a plethora of gripping novels worth exploring. Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl” is a psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its twists and unreliable narrators. Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is a gripping Swedish crime novel that introduced readers to the unforgettable Lisbeth Salander. Tana French’s “In the Woods” is a haunting and atmospheric mystery that delves into both a current crime and a decades-old unsolved case. Paula Hawkins’ “The Girl on the Train” is another compelling psychological thriller that explores themes of memory, obsession, and deception. These contemporary detective novels showcase the genre’s evolution and continue to captivate readers with their fresh perspectives and compelling narratives.
Classic Detective Novels
Classic detective novels have captivated readers for decades with their intriguing plots, clever detectives, and suspenseful storytelling. From Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic Sherlock Holmes series to Agatha Christie’s masterpieces like “Murder on the Orient Express,” these novels continue to be beloved by mystery enthusiasts.
Noir Detective Novels
Noir detective novels offer a darker and grittier take on the genre. Filled with morally ambiguous characters, atmospheric settings, and intricate mysteries, authors like Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett have left an indelible mark on the genre with their works such as “The Big Sleep” and “The Maltese Falcon.”
Contemporary Detective Novels
Contemporary detective novels bring a fresh perspective to the genre, often incorporating modern technology and societal issues into their narratives. Authors like Tana French and Gillian Flynn have gained widespread acclaim for their gripping and psychologically complex novels such as “In the Woods” and “Gone Girl.”
