The best 19 Crime Mystery books

Indulge your curiosity and get your detective hat on with this captivating book list of crime mysteries. From classic whodunits to psychological thrillers, these gripping reads will keep you guessing until the very end.
Unravel complex plots, navigate intricate webs of deception, and join our favorite detectives as they piece together the clues. If you love a good mystery and enjoy delving into the dark corners of the human mind, this collection is made for you.

The best 19 Crime Mystery books
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Crime Mystery Books: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl

Gillian Flynn
A Novel
4.6 (13 ratings)
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What's Gone Girl about?

Gone Girl (2012) is the story of Amy Dunne, who one day vanishes from her cozy midwestern home. Her sudden disappearance becomes a sensational nation-wide headline – and the biggest suspect is her husband, Nick. But what follows is a head-spinning plot that takes on the subjects of relationship dynamics, private and public identities, the influence of media, and the institution of marriage.

Who should read Gone Girl?

  • People who enjoy mysteries with surprising plot twists
  • Anyone who likes a good crime thriller
  • Fans of iconic female characters in fiction

What's Big Little Lies about?

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty is a gripping novel that delves into the lives of three women whose seemingly perfect lives unravel to reveal dark secrets and lies. Set in a picturesque coastal town, the book explores themes of friendship, motherhood, and domestic violence, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Who should read Big Little Lies?

  • Readers who enjoy mystery and suspense
  • People interested in exploring the complexities of female friendships and relationships
  • Those looking for a thought-provoking novel that addresses societal issues such as domestic violence and bullying

What's The Maltese Falcon about?

The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett is a classic detective novel that follows private investigator Sam Spade as he becomes embroiled in a complex web of deceit and murder while searching for a valuable statuette. Filled with intriguing characters and unexpected twists, this gripping tale is a must-read for fans of mystery and noir fiction.

Who should read The Maltese Falcon?

  • Readers who enjoy classic detective fiction with a hard-boiled edge
  • Those who appreciate intricate plots with plenty of twists and turns
  • Fans of morally ambiguous characters and gritty urban settings

What's The Drop about?

The Drop is a gripping crime novel by Michael Connelly that follows detective Harry Bosch as he investigates the case of a man who has died in an apparent accident. However, as Bosch delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that leads to shocking revelations about the victim and those connected to him. As the truth unravels, Bosch must navigate dangerous territory to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Who should read The Drop?

  • Crime fiction enthusiasts looking for a gripping and well-crafted narrative
  • Readers who enjoy following complex and morally ambiguous characters in a noir setting
  • Those interested in exploring the intricacies of police work and criminal investigations

What's Before I Go to Sleep about?

Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Christine Lucas, who wakes up every day with no memory of her past due to a mysterious accident. As she starts to uncover the truth about her life, she realizes that things are not as they seem. Filled with twists and turns, this book will make you question everything you think you know.

Who should read Before I Go to Sleep?

  • Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with unexpected plot twists
  • Those interested in exploring the complexities of memory and identity
  • Individuals who appreciate stories that keep them guessing until the very end

What's I'll Be Gone in the Dark about?

I'll Be Gone in the Dark is a gripping true crime book by Michelle McNamara. It delves into the case of the Golden State Killer, a notorious serial rapist and murderer who terrorized California in the 1970s and 80s. Through meticulous research and haunting prose, McNamara chronicles her own investigation and sheds light on the relentless pursuit of justice.

Who should read I'll Be Gone in the Dark?

  • Readers who enjoy true crime and investigative journalism
  • Individuals with an interest in unsolved mysteries and cold cases
  • People who appreciate the dedication and passion of amateur sleuths

What's Shutter Island about?

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane is a mind-bending psychological thriller that takes place in an eerie, isolated mental institution. U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels and his partner are sent to the island to investigate the disappearance of a patient. As they delve into the mystery, they uncover disturbing secrets and question their own sanity. With its unexpected twists and thought-provoking themes, this gripping novel will keep you hooked until the very end.

Who should read Shutter Island?

  • Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with mind-bending twists
  • Those interested in exploring the depths of human psychology and the nature of reality
  • Anyone looking for a gripping and immersive storytelling experience

What's Dark Places about?

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of family, memory, and the aftermath of a brutal massacre. The story follows Libby Day, the sole survivor of her family's murder, as she investigates the events of that fateful night and uncovers shocking truths about her past. With its dark and twisted plot, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Who should read Dark Places?

  • Readers who enjoy dark and suspenseful thrillers
  • Those who appreciate complex and morally ambiguous characters
  • People who are interested in exploring the dark side of human nature and society

What's I Am Watching You about?

I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When a woman overhears a conversation on a train that sets off alarm bells, she becomes obsessed with finding out the truth. As the story unfolds, dark secrets and unexpected twists reveal the chilling reality of what can happen when someone is watching you.

Who should read I Am Watching You?

  • Anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers and suspenseful mysteries
  • Readers who like stories with multiple perspectives and unreliable narrators
  • People who are interested in exploring the consequences of not speaking up and taking action in critical situations

What's A Better Man about?

A Better Man by Louise Penny is a gripping mystery novel that follows Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he investigates the disappearance of a woman in the midst of a catastrophic flood. As he delves into the case, Gamache must confront his own past and navigate the complexities of human relationships in order to uncover the truth.

Who should read A Better Man?

  • Readers who enjoy mystery novels with compelling characters
  • Those interested in exploring complex interpersonal relationships and human nature
  • Individuals looking for thought-provoking insights into justice, redemption, and forgiveness

What's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time about?

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2003) by Mark Haddon is a captivating novel that offers a unique perspective on the world. Through the eyes of a 15-year-old boy with autism, it delves into themes of family, truth, and the power of perspective. The book takes readers on a thought-provoking journey as it unravels the mystery surrounding a neighbor's murdered dog.

Who should read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time?

  • Readers who enjoy unique and unconventional narrative styles
  • People interested in gaining perspective on the experience of individuals with autism
  • Those who appreciate a thought-provoking exploration of human behavior and relationships

What's The Silent Patient about?

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When Alicia Berenson is accused of murdering her husband and then goes silent, refusing to speak a single word, psychotherapist Theo Faber becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind her shocking act. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's past and her dark, twisted mind, he unravels a web of secrets and lies that will leave you stunned.

Who should read The Silent Patient?

  • Those who enjoy psychological thrillers and suspenseful stories
  • Readers who are intrigued by complex and unpredictable characters
  • People who appreciate clever plot twists and well-crafted narratives

What's The Firm about?

The Firm by John Grisham is a legal thriller that follows a young attorney named Mitch McDeere as he joins a prestigious law firm in Memphis. However, he soon discovers that the firm has some dark secrets and is involved in illegal activities. As Mitch tries to escape the firm's grip, he becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

Who should read The Firm?

  • Readers who enjoy legal thrillers and suspenseful stories
  • Those interested in exploring the dark side of big law firms and corporate corruption
  • People who appreciate complex characters and intricate plots

What's Sharp Objects about?

Sharp Objects is a psychological thriller by Gillian Flynn that delves into the dark and twisted mind of its protagonist, journalist Camille Preaker. Assigned to cover a series of murders in her hometown, Camille is forced to confront her own troubled past and unravel the secrets that have haunted her family for years. With its gripping narrative and shocking revelations, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Who should read Sharp Objects?

  • Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers
  • Those interested in complex and flawed female protagonists
  • People who appreciate dark and atmospheric storytelling

What's The President Is Missing about?

The President Is Missing is a gripping political thriller co-written by James Patterson and former President Bill Clinton. The book takes readers inside the high-stakes world of the U.S. presidency as President Jonathan Duncan goes off the grid to prevent a devastating cyber attack. Filled with suspense and unexpected twists, it offers a unique blend of insider knowledge and fiction.

Who should read The President Is Missing?

  • Political thriller enthusiasts and readers interested in behind-the-scenes of government
  • Fans of James Patterson's fast-paced and suspenseful writing style
  • Those who enjoy stories with high-stakes and intense plot twists

What's Deception Point about?

Deception Point by Dan Brown is a gripping thriller that takes the reader on a journey through deception and conspiracy. When a NASA satellite uncovers a mysterious object buried deep in the Arctic ice, it sets off a chain of events that will challenge everything we know about science, politics, and the pursuit of truth. With twists and turns at every corner, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Who should read Deception Point?

  • Readers who enjoy fast-paced and thrilling novels
  • Those with an interest in conspiracy theories and government cover-ups
  • People who appreciate thought-provoking fiction with a scientific and technological backdrop

What's A Study in Scarlet about?

A Study in Scarlet (1887) is a detective novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It introduces the iconic characters Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as they solve a mysterious murder case in London. Filled with thrilling twists and turns, this book marks the beginning of the legendary Sherlock Holmes series.

Who should read A Study in Scarlet?

  • Readers who enjoy classic detective fiction
  • People with an interest in the original Sherlock Holmes stories
  • Those who appreciate complex and intriguing mystery plots

What's The Girl on the Train about?

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of Rachel, an alcoholic who becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she sees from the train every day. When the woman goes missing, Rachel becomes entangled in the investigation and uncovers dark secrets about the people involved. Filled with twists and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Who should read The Girl on the Train?

  • Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators
  • Those looking for a captivating and suspenseful story with unexpected twists
  • People who are interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of obsession

What's Flowers on Her Grave about?

Flowers on Her Grave by Jennifer Chase is a gripping thriller that follows Detective Katie Scott as she investigates a series of murders with a chilling connection. Filled with twists and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Who should read Flowers on Her Grave?

  • Readers who enjoy gripping and suspenseful crime thrillers

  • Those who appreciate strong and determined female protagonists

  • People who are drawn to stories with unexpected plot twists and shocking revelations


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Crime Mystery Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Crime Mystery book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard Gone Girl as the ultimate read on Crime Mystery.

What are the Top 10 Crime Mystery books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Who are the top Crime Mystery book authors?

When it comes to Crime Mystery, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Gillian Flynn