Are you a fan of thrilling mysteries and spine-chilling crime stories? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the 20 best books about murder that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you are a true crime aficionado or simply enjoy a good whodunit, these murder books will satisfy your craving for suspense and intrigue. From classic detective novels to gripping psychological thrillers, each book on murder in this collection promises a gripping tale that will leave you guessing until the very end.
Contents
- 1 The Silent Patient
- 2 The Girl on the Train
- 3 Gone Girl
- 4 The Da Vinci Code
- 5 In Cold Blood
- 6 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- 7 The Lovely Bones
- 8 Sharp Objects
- 9 The Cuckoo’s Calling
- 10 The Secret History
- 11 The Girl Before
- 12 The Snowman
- 13 The Alienist
- 14 The Devotion of Suspect X
- 15 The Talented Mr. Ripley
- 16 The Thirteenth Tale
- 17 The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
- 18 Big Little Lies
- 19 The Shadow of the Wind
- 20 The Name of the Rose
- 21 Conclusion
The Silent Patient
by Alex Michaelides
Step into the twisted world of murder with Alex Michaelides’ gripping thriller, The Silent Patient. This spellbinding novel takes readers on a chilling journey through the mind of a woman who has committed a heinous crime, but refuses to utter a single word. Brace yourself for a tale of suspense, deceit, and psychological torment that will leave you guessing until the very last page.
The Girl on the Train
by Paula Hawkins
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is a gripping and suspenseful book about murder that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This page-turner takes you on a thrilling journey as you follow the protagonist, Rachel Watson, on her daily train commute. But this is no ordinary train ride – it becomes a haunting and dangerous ride into a world filled with secrets, lies, and a chilling murder.
Gone Girl
by Gillian Flynn
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a heart-stopping book on murder that will leave you breathless. This murder book is no ordinary crime thriller – it’s a dark and twisted journey into the depths of human deceit and manipulation.
Nick Dunne’s wife, Amy, mysteriously disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary, and all eyes turn to him as the prime suspect. As the police investigation unfolds, secrets are unearthed, and Nick’s facade of innocence begins to crack.
But all is not as it seems in this book about murder. Gillian Flynn expertly weaves a web of lies and deception, taking the reader on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and psychological thrills. With each page turned, the stakes are raised, and the truth becomes murkier.
As the story unfolds, the reader is left questioning everything they thought they knew. Who is the real victim in this tale of murder and betrayal? And can anyone truly be trusted?
Gone Girl is a gripping and addictive murder book that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Flynn’s masterful storytelling and well-crafted characters make this a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who loves a good twist.
Prepare to be captivated by this dark and sinister tale of love, lies, and murder. Gone Girl will leave you questioning your own perceptions and redefining what it means to trust.
The Da Vinci Code
by Dan Brown
The Da Vinci Code, a thrilling book about murder by Dan Brown, takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through the world of art, history, and mystery. This gripping tale revolves around a murder that leads to a captivating quest for a hidden secret that has the potential to shake the foundations of Christianity.
In Cold Blood
by Truman Capote
In Cold Blood: A Riveting Account of a Gruesome Slaying Spree
Welcome to the chilling world of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, a mesmerizing book on murder that will leave you breathless. This masterpiece, often referred to as a book about murder or a murder book, takes you deep into the heart of a small Kansas town where a gruesome slaying spree unfolds.
Capote’s writing transports you to the scene of the crime, allowing you to witness every blood-curdling detail firsthand. With his meticulous research and unparalleled storytelling skills, he reconstructs the murders of the Clutter family, sparing no emotion or gore. The result? A bone-chilling narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
But In Cold Blood offers more than just a tale of bloodshed. Capote delves into the minds of the killers themselves, drawing you into their twisted world. With a careful blend of fact and fiction, he explores the motivations, fears, and inner demons that drove these men to commit such heinous acts. Through his vivid portrayal, you’ll find yourself grappling with the complexities of human nature and the unsettling reality that lies within us all.
Prepare to be captivated by Capote’s masterful prose, as he weaves a web of suspense and intrigue that will haunt you long after you turn the final page. With each twist and turn, you’ll find yourself yearning for answers, desperate to uncover the truth behind this chilling crime. But be warned, dear reader, for in the world of In Cold Blood, nothing is as it seems, and the line between victim and perpetrator blurs with each passing chapter.
So, if you dare to venture into the depths of this unforgettable book on murder, be prepared to have your senses heightened, your curiosity piqued, and your soul forever marked by the harrowing tale that is In Cold Blood.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a thrilling and dark book about murder. Set in Sweden, this gripping novel follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of Harriet Vanger, a young woman who vanished decades ago. Blomkvist teams up with the enigmatic and rebellious hacker, Lisbeth Salander, who has a tattoo of a dragon on her back, and together they delve deep into the twisted world of a wealthy and dysfunctional family.
This murder book is not your typical crime novel. It delves into the darkest corners of society, exploring themes of corruption, abuse, and revenge. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and gritty atmosphere, this book about murder is a must-read for fans of thrilling and suspenseful crime fiction.
The Lovely Bones
by Alice Sebold
The Lovely Bones is a haunting and heart-wrenching book about the aftermath of a brutal crime. It dives deep into the lives of those affected by the murder of a young girl, revealing the depths of their grief, anger, and resilience.
Sharp Objects
by Gillian Flynn
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn is a chilling and gripping book on murder that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
The Cuckoo’s Calling
by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
In the gripping detective novel, The Cuckoo’s Calling, acclaimed author J.K. Rowling (writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith) takes readers on a thrilling journey into the dark underbelly of crime. This captivating murder mystery unveils a web of secrets, deceit, and betrayal that will leave you guessing until the very last page.
The Secret History
by Donna Tartt
The Secret History by Donna Tartt is an electrifying book on murder that will leave you spellbound from start to finish. Set in a secluded New England college, this gripping tale follows a group of eccentric classics students who become entangled in a dark web of secrets, deception, and ultimately, murder.
Tartt masterfully weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological thriller in this captivating book about murder. With her exquisite prose and intricate storytelling, she delves into the minds of her characters, exploring the depths of their motivations and the consequences of their actions.
As the plot unfolds, the reader is drawn deeper into the twisted world of these morally ambiguous characters, questioning their own morality and the extent to which they would go to protect their own secrets. The tension builds steadily, keeping you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth behind the shocking events.
What sets The Secret History apart from other murder mysteries is Tartt’s ability to create complex and deeply flawed characters that feel incredibly real. Each character is meticulously developed, with their own quirks, desires, and fears, making them both relatable and utterly captivating. They are not simply pawns in the game of murder, but individuals with their own unique perspectives and motivations.
With its atmospheric setting, intricate plot, and profound exploration of human nature, The Secret History is a compelling murder book that will keep you enthralled until the very last page. Prepare to be swept away into a world where the line between right and wrong is blurred, and the consequences of one’s actions can be hauntingly eternal.
The Girl Before
by JP Delaney
The Girl Before is a thrilling and suspenseful book about homicide that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Delve into the pages of this murder mystery and prepare to be captivated by its twists and turns. This crime novel will have you questioning everyone’s motives and suspecting the most unexpected characters. Unravel the dark secrets and hidden agendas in this gripping tale of deceit, betrayal, and a chilling crime that will leave you guessing until the very end. Dive into this captivating “book on murder” and prepare to be hooked!
The Snowman
by Jo Nesbo
The Snowman by Jo Nesbo is a chilling and gripping book on murder that will send shivers down your spine. This thrilling tale takes readers on a journey through the dark and twisted mind of a serial killer, as Detective Harry Hole races against time to catch the elusive murderer known as the Snowman.
The Alienist
by Caleb Carr
The Alienist by Caleb Carr is a captivating book about murder that takes readers on a thrilling journey into the dark underbelly of 19th century New York City. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, this gripping tale follows the brilliant Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a pioneer in the emerging field of forensic psychology, as he embarks on a harrowing quest to catch a vicious serial killer.
The Devotion of Suspect X
by Keigo Higashino
The Devotion of Suspect X: A Gripping Tale of Crime and Deception
Prepare yourself for a literary rollercoaster as you delve into the chilling world of Keigo Higashino’s masterpiece, The Devotion of Suspect X. This electrifying book takes the genre of crime fiction to new heights, with a tale that will leave you breathless and guessing until the very last page.
Set in modern-day Tokyo, this book on murder unravels the intricate web of a seemingly perfect crime. When a single mother, Yasuko Hanaoka, finds herself entangled in the accidental murder of her ex-husband, an unexpected and enigmatic figure emerges to assist her. Tetsuya Ishigami, a brilliant mathematician with a chilling secret, offers his help to ensure Yasuko’s safety and freedom.
As the investigation heats up, the tenacious detective Kusanagi and his genius physicist friend, Dr. Manabu Yukawa, are hot on the trail. But what they don’t know is that Ishigami’s devotion to Yasuko goes far beyond friendship, and he will stop at nothing to protect her.
In this book about murder, Higashino masterfully weaves together the lives of these complex characters, blurring the lines between right and wrong, love and obsession, and justice and sacrifice. With every turn of the page, we are drawn deeper into a world where loyalty and betrayal collide, and where the true nature of devotion is put to the ultimate test.
This captivating murder book is not just a tale of crime, but also a profound exploration of human nature and the lengths we are willing to go for the ones we love. With its clever twists, psychological depth, and unexpected revelations, The Devotion of Suspect X will keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning your own assumptions, and redefining what it means to be truly devoted.
The Talented Mr. Ripley
by Patricia Highsmith
The Talented Mr. Ripley is an enthralling book on murder that delves into the mind of a cunning and resourceful protagonist. Patricia Highsmith weaves a tale of deception, manipulation, and suspense that will leave you breathless.
The Thirteenth Tale
by Diane Setterfield
The Thirteenth Tale is a mesmerizing book about murder that will leave you breathless. Set in a world of secrets and mysteries, this haunting tale takes readers on a thrilling journey into the dark recesses of the human mind.
At the heart of the story is the enigmatic Vida Winter, a famous author known for her chilling tales. When she hires a young biographer, Margaret Lea, to write her life story, Margaret becomes captivated by Vida’s haunting past and the truth behind her most famous work.
As Margaret delves deeper into Vida’s past, she uncovers a web of family secrets, hidden identities, and a long-buried book on murder that holds the key to unlocking the truth. With each page turn, the suspense builds, and the lines between fiction and reality blur.
Setterfield’s masterful storytelling and atmospheric prose transport readers to a world where nothing is as it seems. Her vivid descriptions and intricate plot twists will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to unravel the mystery that lies at the heart of this murder book.
Full of intrigue, suspense, and a touch of Gothic ambiance, The Thirteenth Tale is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and gripping mysteries. Prepare to be spellbound by this gripping tale of murder, deceit, and the power of storytelling.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
by Agatha Christie
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is a riveting book on homicide that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This compelling tale, penned by the legendary Agatha Christie, is a masterclass in suspense and deception.
Set in the quiet English countryside, the story revolves around the mysterious murder of the wealthy and enigmatic Roger Ackroyd. As the local police struggle to unravel the truth behind the crime, it becomes apparent that everyone in the small community has something to hide.
Christie’s brilliant storytelling grips you from the first page, as she expertly weaves a web of intrigue and suspicion. With each turn of the page, new clues are revealed, leading you down a labyrinth of twists and turns. The author’s meticulous attention to detail and her ability to create complex and multi-dimensional characters make this murder book a true masterpiece.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is not just a book about murder; it is a psychological thriller that explores the depths of human nature. Christie’s intricate plot will have you questioning the motives and actions of every character, making it impossible to put the book down.
If you are a fan of murder mysteries or simply enjoy a thrilling read, this murder book is a must-read. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride of suspense, as Agatha Christie takes you on a journey that will leave you guessing until the very last page.
Big Little Lies
by Liane Moriarty
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty is a captivating and suspenseful book about a murder that takes place in a seemingly perfect community. This thrilling tale unravels the lives of three women as their secrets and lies intertwine, leading to a shocking event that changes everything. With its clever storytelling and intricate plot, this murder book will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover the truth behind the mysterious crime. Dive into the world of Big Little Lies and prepare to be hooked from the very first page.
The Shadow of the Wind
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
The Shadow of the Wind is a captivating book on murder that will transport you to the enchanting streets of Barcelona. Set in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, this book about murder unfolds a labyrinthine tale of mystery, love, and betrayal.
The story follows young Daniel Sempere, who discovers a hidden library known as the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. There, he stumbles upon a novel called The Shadow of the Wind, written by the enigmatic author, Julian Carax. Intrigued by the story, Daniel embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding Carax’s life, only to find himself entangled in a web of secrets and violence.
As the plot thickens, Daniel becomes obsessed with unearthing the truth behind Carax’s tragic past. His quest takes him through the dark underbelly of Barcelona, where he encounters a cast of unforgettable characters, including the seductive and dangerous femme fatale, Lain Coubert.
With exquisite prose and a richly atmospheric setting, Carlos Ruiz Zafón weaves a spellbinding tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. This murder book is not just a thrilling mystery, but also an exploration of the power of literature and the enduring impact of love and loss.
So, if you’re ready to immerse yourself in a world of intrigue, suspense, and heart-wrenching revelations, then The Shadow of the Wind is the perfect choice for your next literary adventure.
The Name of the Rose
by Umberto Eco
The Name of the Rose is a mesmerizing book on murder that takes readers on a dark and thrilling journey through a medieval abbey. Set in the 14th century, this captivating book about murder combines elements of mystery, historical fiction, and intellectual exploration. The story follows a Franciscan friar named William of Baskerville, who arrives at an Italian abbey to investigate a series of mysterious deaths. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets, forbidden knowledge, and hidden agendas, all wrapped within the cloistered walls of the abbey. With its intricate plot, rich historical detail, and thought-provoking themes, The Name of the Rose is a true murder book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 20 books about murder offer thrilling and captivating stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From chilling mysteries to gripping true crime tales, these books provide a unique and fascinating insight into the dark side of human nature. Whether you are a fan of psychological thrillers, detective novels, or true crime stories, this list has something for everyone. So, grab a copy of these books, dim the lights, and prepare to embark on a spine-tingling journey into the world of murder.