Welcome to the shadowy corridors of murder mystery, a genre that has captivated readers with its thrilling plots, complex characters, and the ultimate quest for justice. From the classic tales of Agatha Christie to the modern twists of Liane Moriarty, murder mystery books have long been a staple for those who love to piece together puzzles in the dead of night.
Our curation of the 10 best murder mystery books will have you hooked!
Author: Agatha Christie
The quintessential murder mystery, Agatha Christie’s masterpiece set the standard for the genre. When a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks, the luxurious train becomes the scene of a perplexing murder. With a train full of suspects and a killer in their midst, detective Hercule Poirot must solve the case before the murderer strikes again. This book is a must-read for its ingenious plot twists and Christie’s unparalleled storytelling.
Author: Dorothy L. Sayers
In this intriguing tale, the debonair detective Lord Peter Wimsey faces a baffling case: a naked body found in a bathtub, wearing nothing but a pair of pince-nez. Sayers’ first novel introduces readers to a charming detective and a mystery that combines wit with clever deduction. It’s a classic that brought Sayers into the limelight and remains a cornerstone of detective fiction.
Author: Seishi Yokomizo
A locked-room mystery from Japan, this novel introduces detective Kosuke Kindaichi, who must solve a brutal murder that occurred on the night of a wedding. The intricate plot and the atmospheric setting make it a standout in the genre, offering readers a glimpse into Japanese culture and the universal appeal of a good murder mystery. Written by one of Japan’s most famous mystery novelists, it won the first Mystery Writers of Japan Award in 1948.
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
Meet Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson for the first time in the novel that started it all. A Study in Scarlet is a landmark in crime books, introducing readers to the detective’s brilliant mind and his method of deduction. The story’s innovative structure and the introduction of one of literature’s most enduring partnerships make it an unforgettable classic.
Author: Josephine Tey
Josephine Tey’s novel is a unique blend of historical fiction and murder mystery. The story follows Inspector Alan Grant as he investigates the case of King Richard III and the Princes in the Tower from his hospital bed. Tey challenges the historical villain narrative and crafts a compelling argument through a detective’s eyes, making it a fascinating read for history buffs and mystery lovers alike.
Author: Dan Brown
Dan Brown delivers a riveting thriller that intertwines art, history, and religion into a single, compelling narrative. The story kicks off with the mysterious murder of the Louvre’s curator. This leads symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu on a breathless hunt across Europe. The Da Vinci Code stands as a classic for its masterful blending of factual art history and a fictional conspiracy that sparked a global debate on religion and history.
Author: Umberto Eco
A historical murder mystery set in a 14th-century Italian monastery, this novel combines semiotics, biblical analysis, medieval studies, and literary theory. Eco crafts a labyrinthine story where monk William of Baskerville solves a series of murders, drawing readers into a world where knowledge is power, and books are treasures worth killing for.
Author: Freida Mcfadden
A chilling psychological thriller where secrets are as dark as they are deadly. The life of Nora Davis, a successful surgeon, spirals into chaos when her concealed past as the daughter of a notorious serial killer resurfaces. Someone knows the truth about her identity and evil might lurk closer to home than she ever feared. It’s a gripping tale of secrets, lies, and the lengths one will go to protect their darkest truths.
Author: Karen M. McManus
A gripping YA thriller that combines the intrigue of a murder mystery with the dynamics of high school drama. When five students walk into detention and only four walk out, the death of Simon—who had secrets on all of them—looks less like an accident and more like murder. McManus delivers a page-turner that explores themes of truth, lies, and the lengths to which people will go to protect themselves.
Author: Liane Moriarty
A murder…a tragic accident…or just parents behaving badly? Moriarty’s novel unravels the dark secrets and lies of seemingly perfect lives in a coastal Australian town. With its sharp humor, engaging story, and a murder mystery at its heart, Big Little Lies is a compelling take on the facades people present to the world.
