Top 10 Best Mystery Books You Must Read
People have been intrigued by mystery books for nearly two centuries. Mystery novels are works that detail an event (often a murder) but do not identify the perpetrator until the third act. A person drives the novel’s narrative thrust by using clues to solve a crime or reveal the truth behind an occurrence. We explore the top 10 best mystery books that have stood the test of time and continue to enchant audiences. Get ready to dive into a world of secrets and suspense!
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The Disappearing Act by Catherine Steadman
From the bestselling author of Something in the Water and Mr. Nobody comes a gripping thriller about Hollywood’s dark side. British star Mia Eliot discovers that in Los Angeles, some achieve their dreams while others are lost. Disappearing Act is a moving YA true story in verse chronicling Jiordan Castle’s coming of age as her family copes with her father’s imprisonment.
All The Devils Are Here by Louise Penny
The intricate plot, nuanced relationships, and beautifully evoked Paris setting make this a real standout in Penny’s wildly popular series. The dignified, cerebral Gamache is a detective for the ages, a good man in an often-impossible job whose greatest skill may be his insight into the human heart.
If you haven’t read Penny before, then start with Still Life (St. Martin’s Paperbacks, 2015), the first in the series. There you will meet all the inhabitants of Three Pines, a charming rural village south of Montreal, where Gamache and his family live. From there, Gamache’s investigations range all over Canada giving readers interesting glimpses into our neighbors to the north. Vive Gamache!
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Murder on the Orient Express is a work of detective fiction by English writer Agatha Christie featuring the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. This tale, in which Detective Hercule Poirot tries to solve a perfect “locked room” murder mystery in a train, was my introduction to mystery many, many years ago, and for that I am forever thankful. Also, countless international television, radio, film, stage, and even game adaptations have kept this novel out there at all times since its publication in 1934. It’s a murder mystery, an immortal work of detective fiction, a locked room mystery, a tale of international intrigue, a master class in deductive reasoning, and a great reminder of why Christie was, is, and forever will be the Queen of Crime. Being number one on this list is just another jewel on her crown.
The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
The Big Sleep (1939) is a hardboiled crime novel by American-British writer Raymond Chandler, the first to feature the detective Philip Marlowe. The world of mysteries is just like the real world in that there are many different opinions, so asking readers where they rank Philip Marlowe on the list of best private investigators will get you different answers. That said, one thing is certain: no one will say Marlowe is not on their list. In The Big Sleep, a dying rich man hires Marlowe to take care of a blackmailer who’s messing with one of his two problematic daughters. The case seems simple, but Marlowe becomes entangled in kidnapping, seduction, and murder while trying to get the job done.
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
How can a true account of a crime that has already been solved still be full of mystery? The answer to this question is well understood by those who have read Capote’s masterpiece. It is not only captures the essence of this idea but also pioneered the nonfiction crime novel. Capote had been closely following the investigation of a quadruple murder in Kansas. And he had conducted several interviews by the time the killers were apprehended. The resulting narrative captures the brutality, mystery, and sense of urgency that followed the murders. This book proves that giving a mystery the right treatment can make a narrative gripping, even if readers already know the outcome.
A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena
Karen Krupp is happy. But Karen loses control of her car as she speeds through the worst part of town. She’s left with a concussion and she can’t remember what happened. The cops are skeptical of her story. When Karen returns home, she realizes things have been moved. Something’s not quite right. Someone’s been in her house. And the police won’t stop asking questions. Because in this house, everyone’s a stranger. Everyone has something they’d rather keep hidden. Something they might even kill to keep quiet.
American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson
Inspired by true events—Thomas Sankara is known as “Africa’s Che Guevara”—American Spy knits together a gripping spy thriller, a heartbreaking family drama, and a passionate romance. This is a face of the Cold War you’ve never seen before, and it introduces a powerful new literary voice.
Seven Years of Darkness by You-Jeong Jeong
In a remote South Korean village, a security guard is convicted of murder and sent to prison after a young girl’s body is found in a reservoir. For seven years, his son, Sowon, lives in the shadow of his father’s crime. That is until he receives a package that promises to reveal the truth leaving Sowon to confront a present danger he never knew existed.
Harry Bosch Series by Michael Connelly
The Harry Bosch series follows LAPD detective Harry Bosch. It is a complex and often tormented figure with a relentless pursuit of justice. Bosch is a former child detective turned homicide investigator. He grapples with his dark past while navigating the murky waters of police work, bureaucracy, and moral dilemmas. Connelly’s writing is notable for its intricate plotting, rich character development, and detailed depiction of the criminal justice system. Themes of redemption, the impact of crime on victims and their families, and the quest for truth resonate throughout the series. Bosch has become an iconic character. nd the series has received critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base, leading to adaptations in television, including the popular Amazon Prime series “Bosch.”
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
A nonfiction entry, this book follows the true twin story-lines of the creation of the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, and the hunt for H.H. Holmes, a prolific serial killer. Well researched and engaging, The Devil in the White City reads like fiction and captures the reader with both real-life stories. This book is best for readers who like nonfiction, historical novels and true crime. You can buy Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City from publisher Penguin Random House.
Conclusion
With the list of top 10 best mystery books, you can find which book you are interested in. Just enter the mysterious and thrilling world of suspense with our wide selection of the best mystery books. Choose one and immerse yourself in the mysterious world.
If you’re looking for in-depth book summaries or want more mystery in your life, simply call on Arvin! Get start right away!
FAQs
A great mystery novel typically combines several key elements. For examole, a compelling and intricate plot that keeps readers guessing, well-developed characters, a strong sense of setting. Authors use effective red herrings and clues to allow readers to piece together the mystery while keeping them on their toes. Additionally, a satisfying resolution that ties up loose ends can elevate a mystery novel.
No, mystery books encompass a wide range of subgenres beyond thrillers. Some mystery books focus more on character development and exploring human psychology, while others emphasize plot twists and suspense. This diversity allows readers to choose from different styles that suit their tastes.
Choosing the right mystery book depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in a reading experience. Consider the type of mystery that interests you. Knowing the subgenre can help narrow your choices.
