20 best books on mystery – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you a fan of thrilling plots, mind-bending twists, and enigmatic characters? If so, you’re in for a treat! In this article, we have compiled a list of the 20 best books about mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From classic whodunits to gripping psychological thrillers, these mystery books are sure to satisfy your craving for a good puzzle. So grab a cup of tea, curl up in your favorite reading nook, and dive into the captivating world of mystery with these must-read books!


The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a gripping book on mystery that will leave you spellbound from start to finish. This book about mystery takes readers on a thrilling journey into the mind of a woman named Alicia, who has been convicted of murdering her husband. But here’s the catch: Alicia hasn’t spoken a single word since the crime took place. As a psychotherapist becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Alicia’s silence, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of suspense, deceit, and unexpected twists. This mystery book is a masterfully crafted tale that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

The Girl on the Train

by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train, written by Paula Hawkins, is a gripping book on mystery. Set in the thrilling world of London, this book about mystery takes us on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue.

The story revolves around Rachel Watson, a troubled woman who commutes on the same train every day. During her journey, she becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she sees from the train window. But when Rachel witnesses something shocking, she is compelled to unravel the truth behind a mysterious disappearance.

As the plot unfolds, the reader is immersed in a mystery book that keeps them guessing until the very end. Hawkins skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives, creating a web of deceit, secrets, and unexpected connections.

The Girl on the Train is a page-turner that will leave you breathless, as you try to piece together the puzzle of what really happened. With its complex characters and twists and turns, this book on mystery is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling and suspenseful read.

The Da Vinci Code

by Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is a captivating book on mystery that will leave you spellbound from start to finish. Set in the heart of Paris, this thrilling mystery book follows the protagonist, Robert Langdon, a symbology professor, as he is thrust into a world of secrets, puzzles, and hidden symbols.

Gone Girl

by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a gripping book on mystery that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This thrilling and suspenseful novel takes you on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns, where nothing is as it seems.

The story revolves around Nick and Amy Dunne, a seemingly perfect couple whose marriage takes a dark and sinister turn when Amy mysteriously disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary. As the investigation unfolds, Nick becomes the prime suspect, and the media frenzy surrounding the case only adds to the intrigue and enigma.

As you delve deeper into the pages of this engrossing and intricate tale, you’ll find yourself questioning everyone’s motives and secrets. Flynn masterfully crafts a narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end, making this book about mystery a must-read for fans of the genre.

In Gone Girl, Flynn explores the dark side of human nature and the complexities of relationships, weaving together a compelling and chilling story that will leave you breathless. With its suspenseful plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists, this mystery book is sure to captivate and haunt readers long after they turn the final page.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

by Stieg Larsson

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, written by Stieg Larsson, is a mesmerizing book on mystery that will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set in Sweden, this book about mystery follows the unlikely partnership between Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist facing a career crisis, and Lisbeth Salander, a fiercely independent and enigmatic computer hacker with a troubled past.

Together, Blomkvist and Salander delve into the dark and twisted world of a wealthy family, as they attempt to solve the mysterious disappearance of Harriet Vanger, a young woman who vanished without a trace forty years ago. As they uncover hidden secrets, long-buried family feuds, and a string of gruesome murders, the duo finds themselves entangled in a treacherous web of deceit and danger.

Larsson’s masterful storytelling and intricate plot twists make this mystery book a compelling page-turner. The author skillfully combines elements of crime, suspense, and psychological thriller, creating a story that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is not only a thrilling book on mystery, but also a thought-provoking exploration of society, power dynamics, and the resilience of the human spirit. Larsson’s complex characters, particularly the enigmatic Lisbeth Salander, captivate readers with their flaws and strengths, making them unforgettable.

If you are a fan of mystery books that are filled with intrigue, suspense, and unforgettable characters, then The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a must-read. Prepare to be immersed in a world of secrets, danger, and unexpected twists that will keep you hooked from the very first page.

Big Little Lies

by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies is an exhilarating rollercoaster of a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This gripping tale by Liane Moriarty is not just your average mystery book; it’s a thrilling journey into the lives of a group of seemingly ordinary women.

The Cuckoo’s Calling

by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)

The Cuckoo’s Calling is an enthralling book on mystery that will leave you spellbound from start to finish. Written by the acclaimed author Robert Galbraith (a pseudonym for none other than J.K. Rowling herself), this book about mystery takes readers on a thrilling journey into the dark underbelly of London.

The story follows private investigator Cormoran Strike as he is hired to solve the mysterious death of a supermodel. As Strike delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets, lies, and deception that will keep you guessing until the very end. With its intricate plot and well-developed characters, this mystery book is a true masterpiece that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Galbraith’s descriptive prose brings the streets of London to life, immersing readers in a world filled with glamour, danger, and intrigue. From high-end fashion events to grungy pubs, the vivid settings of The Cuckoo’s Calling serve as the perfect backdrop for the gripping mystery at its core.

If you’re a fan of crime fiction, detective stories, or simply love a good old-fashioned whodunit, then The Cuckoo’s Calling is a must-read. With its clever twists, compelling characters, and expertly crafted plot, this book on mystery will keep you captivated from the very first page.

The Woman in the Window

by A.J. Finn

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn is an enthralling book on mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This gripping tale follows the life of Dr. Anna Fox, a recluse who spends her days confined to her New York City home, observing her neighbors through her window. As the story unfolds, Anna witnesses a shocking crime in the house across the street, plunging her into a labyrinth of deception and danger. With every twist and turn, this book about mystery will leave you guessing until the very end. Prepare to be captivated by the thrilling world of The Woman in the Window, a true mystery book that will keep you guessing and questioning everything you thought you knew.

The Silent Corner

by Dean Koontz

The Silent Corner: A Thrilling Journey into the Enigma

Embark on an exhilarating adventure with The Silent Corner, a spellbinding novel that delves into the depths of enigma and suspense. Renowned author Dean Koontz masterfully weaves a tale that will leave you breathless, eagerly turning every page in search of answers.

Within the pages of this book on mystery, Koontz introduces us to Jane Hawk, a fierce and determined FBI agent who finds herself thrust into a world of shadowy secrets and hidden agendas. When tragedy strikes her own life, she becomes entangled in a web of conspiracy that threatens not only her existence but the very essence of humanity itself.

As Jane races against time, she uncovers a sinister plot that reaches the highest levels of power, leaving her with no one to trust. With every step she takes, danger lurks around every corner, and the truth becomes more elusive than ever. Will she be able to unravel the mystery before it’s too late?

In this captivating book about mystery, Koontz skillfully blends heart-pounding action, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and thought-provoking themes. With his signature storytelling prowess, he creates a world that is at once terrifying and enthralling, a world where the line between right and wrong becomes blurred, and where the true nature of evil is revealed.

The Silent Corner is a mystery book that will keep you guessing until the very end. From its gripping opening to its shocking conclusion, this is a novel that will captivate your imagination and leave you yearning for more. Prepare to be enthralled by Koontz’s masterful storytelling as he takes you on a journey into the unknown, a journey that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.

The Dry

by Jane Harper

The Dry by Jane Harper is a gripping book about mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Set in a small Australian town plagued by drought, this suspenseful novel unravels a web of secrets and deceit. As the scorching heat intensifies, so does the tension, making it impossible to put down this book on mystery. With its atmospheric setting, complex characters, and a twisty plot, The Dry is a must-read for any fan of mystery books. Prepare to be captivated from the very first page!

The Couple Next Door

by Shari Lapena

The Couple Next Door is an electrifying book on mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Shari Lapena weaves a thrilling tale of suspense and intrigue that will leave you guessing until the very last page. This gripping mystery book explores the secrets and lies that lie beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect couple living next door. With twists and turns at every corner, you’ll find yourself engrossed in the tangled web of deception that unfolds. Prepare to be captivated by this enthralling and suspenseful book about mystery.

The Girl Before

by JP Delaney

The Girl Before by JP Delaney is a gripping book on mystery that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This book about mystery takes readers on a thrilling ride, filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. Delaney masterfully weaves together a complex and suspenseful plot, creating a mystery book that is impossible to put down. With its compelling characters and atmospheric setting, The Girl Before is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who loves a good mystery. Prepare to be captivated by this thrilling tale of obsession, secrets, and the dark side of human nature.

The Thirteenth Tale

by Diane Setterfield

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield is a mesmerizing book about mystery that will leave you captivated from the very first page. This literary masterpiece takes readers on a thrilling journey into the dark and enigmatic world of secrets and lies.

The Secret History

by Donna Tartt

The Secret History by Donna Tartt is a mesmerizing book about mystery that will leave you captivated from start to finish. Set in a prestigious New England college, this gripping novel takes you on a thrilling journey into the dark depths of human nature.

The Snowman

by Jo Nesbo

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo is a spine-chilling book on mystery that will leave you breathless. Set in the icy landscape of Norway, this book about mystery follows detective Harry Hole as he races against time to catch a cunning serial killer known as The Snowman. With a trail of gruesome murders and cryptic clues, this mystery book will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning each page to uncover the truth. Prepare to be captivated by Nesbo’s masterful storytelling and the dark secrets that lurk beneath the snowy surface.

The Hound of the Baskervilles

by Arthur Conan Doyle

The Hound of the Baskervilles is a mesmerizing book on mystery that delves into the dark depths of a chilling legend. With Arthur Conan Doyle’s masterful storytelling, this mystery book takes us on a thrilling journey through the foggy moors of Dartmoor, where an ancient curse haunts the Baskerville family.

In the Woods

by Tana French

In the Woods by Tana French is a gripping book on mystery that will leave you breathless. Set in the lush countryside of Ireland, this book about mystery takes you on a thrilling journey filled with twists, turns, and secrets waiting to be unraveled. Detective Rob Ryan is assigned to investigate the murder of a young girl, but as he delves deeper into the case, he realizes it is connected to his own haunting past. This mystery book will keep you guessing until the very end, with its atmospheric setting, complex characters, and intricate plot. Prepare to be captivated by In the Woods, a must-read for any lover of suspense and intrigue.

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency

by Alexander McCall Smith

Are you ready to embark on a captivating literary journey filled with intrigue, enigma, and suspense? Look no further than The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, a spellbinding tome that will transport you to the heart of Botswana, immersing you in a world of mystery and adventure.

The Secret Place

by Tana French

The Secret Place is a thrilling book on mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Set in an elite boarding school in Dublin, this captivating book about mystery takes you on a journey into the dark secrets and hidden truths of a group of teenage girls.

When a boy’s body is found on the school grounds, the police are called in to investigate. Detective Stephen Moran, eager to prove himself, is assigned the case and soon finds himself immersed in a world of teenage rivalry, jealousy, and obsession. As he delves deeper into the lives of the girls, he realizes that the key to solving the mystery lies within their tightly knit group.

With its intricate plot and well-developed characters, this mystery book will keep you guessing until the very end. Tana French masterfully weaves together multiple narratives, shifting perspectives, and unexpected twists, creating a suspenseful and atmospheric tale that will leave you breathless.

So, if you’re looking for a gripping book on mystery that will keep you guessing and turning the pages late into the night, The Secret Place is the perfect choice. Get ready to unravel the secrets and uncover the truth in this thrilling tale of deceit, friendship, and betrayal.

The Shadow of the Wind

by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a captivating book on mystery that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the dark and mysterious alleys of Barcelona. Set in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, this book about mystery follows a young boy named Daniel who stumbles upon a hidden library known as the Cemetery of Forgotten Books.

Intrigued by the secrets that lie within, Daniel becomes obsessed with a book called “The Shadow of the Wind” by an enigmatic author named Julian Carax. As Daniel delves deeper into Carax’s life, he uncovers a web of mystery and intrigue, filled with love, betrayal, and dark secrets.

With each turn of the page, Zafón’s masterful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wanting to unravel the mystery that surrounds Carax and his novel. As Daniel navigates the labyrinthine streets of Barcelona, he encounters a cast of unforgettable characters, each with their own connection to Carax and a part to play in the mystery that unfolds.

The Shadow of the Wind is not just a mystery book, but also a love letter to the power of literature and the magic that books hold. Zafón’s vivid descriptions bring the city of Barcelona to life, creating a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for the mystery that unravels.

Full of twists and turns, secrets and revelations, The Shadow of the Wind is a mystery book that will keep readers guessing until the very end. It is a story that will transport you to a world where books hold the key to unlocking the greatest mysteries of all.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the 20 best books about mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing until the very end. Whether you’re a fan of classic detective stories, psychological thrillers, or supernatural mysteries, this list has something for everyone. From the chilling tales of Agatha Christie to the mind-bending plots of Haruki Murakami, these books will take you on a journey you won’t soon forget. So grab a cup of tea, curl up in your favorite reading nook, and prepare to be captivated by the world of mystery.