In general, life is a lot about several challenges we face every day. It revolves around some unanswered questions, riddles, and knowing what’s going around us. Life is no less than a mystery. Talking about mystery, it deeply puzzles our mind, challenges our neurotransmitters, and leaves us in huge suspense. Well, if you are a mystery solver or a fan of mystery, then you have landed in the right place.
We are here to talk about novels covering the subject of mystery. A mystery novel has several subjects such as unsolved problems, crime, riddles, murder, suspense, puzzles, and much more. Where would you get such a variety? Well, to experience the same, there are a lot of ways. You can read and experience this genre via online videos, movies, audio podcasts, series, and books.
If you choose books as your way to explore mysterious stories, then we are here with a list of the 10 best mystery books available for you.
Let’s dive in!
10 Best Mystery Books
1. The Silent Patient
Highlights
Author: Alex Michaelides
Last Published: 2019
Publisher: Orion
Description
This book is number-one New York Times and Sunday Times Bestseller. It has already sold 3 million copies worldwide. It is a record-breaking thriller that is extremely popular among the masses.
The protagonist of the story is Alicia Berenson. Previously, she murdered her husband and shot him in the head five times. Since that incident, she has been numb and completely silent. However, the mystery revolves around finding the answer to her silence.
It is a highly gripping mystery book. The writer has the potential to engage the readers till the end. Moreover, the style of writing is simple and easy to understand. There are a lot of interesting elements that grip the readers of this story.
There is a killer twist that makes it an unforgettable tale. You can term it as a slow-burning psychological thriller that will surprise you all through the narration. The readers are going to be stunned by a shocking end.
You can buy this book here.
2. Gone Girl
Highlights
Author: Gillian Flynn
Last Published: 2014
Publisher: Crown
Description
This is the number one New York Times bestseller. It is also termed as one of the most influential books of the decade by CNN. Moreover, here is a list of all the organizations that have recognized this book as a gem:
- People
- Slate
- O: The Oprah Magazine
- Entertainment Weekly
- USA Today
- Christian Science Monitor
- Janet Maslin
The story revolves around some shocking and terrible secrets that survive even in the most intimate relationships. It starts with Nick and Amy’s fifth wedding anniversary in Missouri. However, in a matter of time, his wife disappears. There goes on a lot. He experiences some deadly daydreams about her wife’s head.
Moreover, Amy has a diary that reveals that she is an alpha-girl perfectionist. She may put people dangerously on edge. There is constant pressure from the media and the police. Nick faces a lot and that results in his inappropriate behavior. However, the question still remains if he is the killer!
You can buy this book here.
3. The Guest List
Highlights
Author: Lucy Foley
Last Published: 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins
Description
It is A brand-new thriller and has been termed as the number one Sunday Times Bestseller.
The story revolves around a murder. People gather on a remote island for the wedding of the year. The marriage of Jules and Will.
However, this happy and auspicious occasion turns into a dreadful day. Before even cutting the wedding cake, one of the guests dies. Unfortunately, the island faces a storm and traps everyone present there.
Everyone present there has their own secrets and motives in this story. The style of writing is extremely easy to understand.
The entire story is highly gripping and engaging. There are a lot of twists and turns that keep you glued till the end. To unravel more about the story, purchase your copy now!
You can buy this book here.
4. In The Woods
Highlights
Author: Tana French
Last Published: 2008
Publisher: Penguin Books
Description
It is the best-selling debut launched by Tana French. This book has sold over 1000,000 copies already. It is one of the most interesting and thrilling mystery novels ever written.
The story is set in the year 1984 in a small Dublin suburb. A mother of three children calls them home. However, none of them return from the dark and silent woods. She is extremely upset and in terror. As soon as the police arrive, they only find one child sticking with a tree, shivering with blood-filled sneakers.
After 20 years, this boy, Rob, becomes a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad. He keeps his past a secret. However, he finds out a 12-year-old girl murdered in the woods, at the same sport! This case was extremely similar to the previous mystery that remained unsolved. He goes on collecting evidence to solve this chilling mystery.
The writer has the ability to master storytelling and nails here!
There are a lot of twists in the story. The overall compilation is stunning and surprising. To unfold this story.
You can buy this book here.
5. The Big Sleep
Highlights
Author: Raymond Chandler
Last Published: 1988
Publisher: Vintage Crime/Black Lizard
Description
This is an iconic first novel by Raymond Chandler. It is a big hit and loved by millions to date.
The story is about a millionaire who hires a private detective named Philip. His duty is to tackle the blackmailer of his daughter. But at some point in time, Philip realizes he is being a part of a trap. There is a lot going on such as pornography, kidnapping, extortion, and much more.
The whole story is knit exceptionally well. Every aspect of the story is easy to understand and void of any complexities.
It sticks the attention of readers till the climax. He creates a nail-biting atmosphere. To be a part of this chilling experience.
You can buy this book here.
6. In Cold Blood
Highlights
Author: Truman Capote
Last Published: 1994
Publisher: Vintage
Description
This novel is a very famous crime novel of all time. It chills you to the core. The story is set in the year 1959.
Four members of a family in the small town of Halcomb, Kansas were murdered by blasts via shotgun very close to their faces. Interestingly, there was no clue or a motive behind this horrifying crime. The author writes the investigation process in detail and creates an atmosphere of suspense.
It is a chilling story altogether. Moreover, you get an insight into the nature of American violence. It is a masterpiece and a spellbinding work.
In cold blood is a densely exciting and superbly written story with some harrowing accounts.
To explore more.
You can buy this book here.
7. The Last Thing He Told Me
Highlights
Author: Laura Dave
Last Published: 2021
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Description
This book is the number-one New York Times bestseller, Best book of 2021 by Vogue and Real Simple, Best book of summer selected by USA Today, CNN, Entertainment Weekly, and more. With such accolades, this book was an instant hit.
It is a gripping mystery that revolves around a woman who finally finds the love of her life but disappears.
Owen Michaels, his husband, passes a note to his wife that says, Protect Her. Hannah seems confused by this note but understands the message is for her 16 years old daughter Bailey. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, Hannah realizes that her husband was not what he said he was.
Both Hannah and Bailey decide to unravel the truth. But in this journey, they find out that they’re also setting things for their future, and not in a good way. There is a dizzying plot twist in this mystery. It is a horrifying family drama that leaves you shocked in the end.
You can buy this book here.
8. Da Vinci Code
Highlights
Author: Dan Brown
Last Published: 2009
Publisher: RHUK
Description
This is a record-breaking Bestseller. It is a highly gripping story.
The story is about a man who is murdered in the world‘s most famous museum. There is a ring of codes around his body, made in blood. He died while protecting a secret. A lot of twists occur in the story that deciphers the final message in the end.
There are a lot of shopping and surprising elements in this journey. The style of writing is easy to understand and highly engaging. Readers are tempted to stick till the end to unravel the mystery. The storytelling is exceedingly clever and fun as well.
In addition, there are original photographs and paintings mentioned in the book. The illustrations make this novel more appealing.
Overall, the plot is awesome.
You can buy this book here.
9. The Dark Hour
Highlights
Author: K.J. Young
Last Published: 2021
Description
This novel is haunting and a chilling thriller altogether. It is very intense, frightening, and suspenseful. The storytelling is exceptional and the book has some vivid descriptions.
The story is about Marc Norman who gets hired as a home health aid and is thrilled because he will be paid high. He works for an old man and his sister who are wealthy. The dream of becoming wealthy while working for them excites him. However, in a major twist, he is warned by another house help to him stay careful.
This house help no longer serves the older ones but tells Marc that she saw some unbelievable dreams that felt real. Slowly and gradually he also starts having dreams and rationalizes them. He gets confused if this is imagination or reality.
The writing is exceptional, hence, the readers will also be in a pickle to understand this ambiguity.
Overall, it is a dark and creepy story. If you wish to experience this amazing chilling thriller, then You can buy this book here.
10. Murder on the Orient Express
Highlights
Author: Agatha Christie
Last Published: 2017
Publisher: Harper Collins
Description
This novel is the most popular murder mystery written by Agatha Christie. It is a highly engaging trailer that will bind you with itself till the end. The book has some shocking revelations and twists.
Orient express is running at its normal speed, however, just after midnight, it stops on the tracks. It is a luxurious train and completely full. But somehow one passenger is less by the morning. After investigation, it was found that an American tycoon was dead in his compartment. He was stabbed horrendously.
In this chilling case, Detective Hercules Poirot has to identify the murderer amidst the scare. There is a possibility that the murderer might strike again so it is important to find him or her as soon as possible.
This book is a piece of classic workmanship and forms a brilliant ingenious story. To explore more about this thriller.
You can buy this book here.
Conclusion
To read or watch a mystery genre, you get to face a lot at once. Different emotions and feelings such as fear, thrill, excitement, and much more. A lot of movies give chills and so do the books. If you are an avid book lover, you must know how satisfying it is to read a mystery book.
There is a certain sense of anticipation while reading and unraveling the story page by page.
It gets difficult to control the rush, however, you have to. Unlike movies, book reading doesn’t conclude in 2-3 hours. You have to give in time and have patience. As we have reached the end of this article, we hope that the information above helps you in the best way possible.
This article was all about the 10 best mystery books available with a detailed description of each.
Keep learning, keep exploring!