Murder mystery novels are designed to bring suspense, and clever twists to readers. They also tend to come with some of the most unforgettable characters. There are crime novels, psychological thrillers, noire mysteries… and the list goes on. It’s no wonder that it is one of the most popular categories of books. There really is something for everyone. Unfortunately, there is not enough time in anyone’s lifetime to read all the amazing books that have been released so far. So here are my top 10 murder mystery novels that you should read in your lifetime:
1. Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz – This is clever, and layered novel that combines two mysteries into one: a classic whodunit and a modern-day puzzle surrounding the mysterious death of the fictional author who wrote it. It is full of twists and is a homage to classic detective novels. It’s a mystery within a mystery.
2. The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton – This is a unique and inventive murder mystery where protagonist Aiden Bishop must solve a murder… The twist? He wakes up each day in a new body of a different party guest, and must relive the day over and over until he solves the crime.
3. The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino – This is a suspenseful Japanese thriller where a mathematician aids his neighbor in covering up her ex-husband’s murder. The novel covers themes of love, sacrifice, and intellect, pitting a genius detective against a cunning alibi.
4. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie – This classic locked-room mystery strands ten strangers on a remote island. On this island they are killed one by one in accordance with a sinister nursery rhyme. Each person has a dark secret, and no one is safe. This is a tense and psychologically haunting story.
5. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman – This is a cozy mystery where four elderly friends at a retirement village form a club to solve cold cases. When a local murder occurs, they find themselves unexpectedly in the midst of a real investigation. This novel blends wit, warmth, and suspense.
6. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson – A dark, gripping thriller about journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander who are investigating the decades-old disappearance of a young woman. It weaves family secrets, corruption, and justice into a modern Scandinavian noir. You may have watched the popular movie already, but the book goes much deeper.
7. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides – This psychological thriller follows Alicia Berenson, a woman who becomes mute after being accused of murdering her husband. A psychotherapist then becomes obsessed with uncovering her motive. This, in turn, reveals a web of dark psychological twists.
8. Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series – These novels are set in the quaint village of Three Pines. It follows Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, a kind yet insightful detective with a knack for understanding human nature. Each novel explores the dark undercurrents beneath idyllic settings. It blends warmth, philosophy, and mystery.
9. P.D. James’ novels – P.D. James’ mysteries often focus on the psychology behind crime. They are always set in intricate and realistic settings. These novels examine the moral complexities and personal struggles that surround crime.
10. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn – This psychological thriller follows the disappearance of Amy Dunne. There are alternating perspectives from Amy’s diary and her husband Nick – whose story is filled with contradictions. Gone Girl explores marriage, deception, and manipulation. It has a big twist, that you may already know about if you’ve watched the popular movie. I’d strongly recommend reading the book first if you haven’t.
Top 10 Murder Mystery Novels
These novels all offer a mix of suspense, intrigue, and memorable characters that make them some of the best murder mystery novels ever written. Prepare to be completely lost in the worlds that these books create. You are in for a wild ride.
