The best 66 Murder Mystery books

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.

Along Came a Spider is a thrilling novel by James Patterson. When a brilliant and twisted criminal mastermind kidnaps two children from an elite school, detective Alex Cross is on the case. Racing against time, Cross must outsmart the criminal and uncover the shocking truth behind the abduction. Filled with suspense and unexpected twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

After the Funeral is a riveting murder mystery by Agatha Christie. When a wealthy patriarch dies, his family gathers for the funeral. But when his sister expresses her suspicion that he was murdered, the investigation takes a surprising turn. With unexpected twists and turns, it keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920) is a classic whodunit novel by Agatha Christie. Set in an English country house, the story revolves around the wealthy widow Emily Inglethorp who is found dead. Her family members and household staff fall under suspicion, and it is up to the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot to unravel the mystery and identify the murderer.

A Rule Against Murder is a gripping mystery novel by Louise Penny. Set in the idyllic village of Three Pines, it follows Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he investigates a murder during a family gathering at a remote inn. Filled with complex characters and intricate relationships, the book delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the dark secrets that bind us.

Hercule Poirot's Christmas is a classic murder mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When a wealthy patriarch is found dead in his locked room on Christmas Eve, detective Hercule Poirot is called in to solve the case. With a house full of suspects and a web of family secrets, Poirot must use his legendary powers of deduction to uncover the truth.

Angels & Demons is a gripping thriller by Dan Brown that takes you on a high-stakes journey through the Vatican and the streets of Rome. When a scientist is found murdered with an ancient symbol branded on his chest, symbologist Robert Langdon is called in to decipher the clues and unravel a deadly conspiracy. As Langdon races against time to stop a powerful secret society from unleashing chaos, the line between good and evil becomes increasingly blurred.

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.

Murder in Mesopotamia is a classic mystery novel by Agatha Christie. Set on an archaeological dig in Iraq, the story follows renowned detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the murder of a young woman. With a cast of intriguing characters and a cleverly plotted mystery, the book keeps readers guessing until the very end.

Five Little Pigs is a classic murder mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When a young woman asks Hercule Poirot to investigate her mother's murder, which occurred 16 years ago, he delves into the past to uncover the truth. With multiple suspects and different perspectives on the events, Poirot must use his detective skills to solve the case and reveal the real killer.

Agatha Christie's 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' is a classic mystery novel that follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the murder of a wealthy man in a small English village. Told from the perspective of the village doctor, the book twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

Peril at End House is a classic mystery novel by Agatha Christie. Set at the beautiful End House, the story follows Hercule Poirot as he investigates a series of near-fatal accidents that befall a young woman named Nick Buckley. As Poirot delves into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives, leading to a thrilling and unexpected conclusion.

A Fatal Grace is a captivating mystery novel by Louise Penny. Set in a picturesque village in Quebec, it follows Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he investigates the murder of a seemingly universally despised woman during a Christmas party. With its rich character development and intricate plot, the book will keep you guessing until the very end.

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus is a gripping and suspenseful young adult mystery novel. When five high school students walk into detention but only four make it out alive, the remaining four become prime suspects in the suspicious death of their classmate. As secrets are uncovered and tensions rise, the truth behind what really happened that day begins to unravel. It's a thrilling page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end.

A Murder is Announced (1950) is a captivating mystery novel by Agatha Christie. Set in the quaint English village of Chipping Cleghorn, the story begins with a newspaper advertisement announcing a murder that is about to take place at a local manor. As curious villagers gather at the appointed time, they soon realize that the announcement was a prelude to a real-life murder. With an intricate plot and cunning twists, the book keeps readers guessing until the very end.

Still Life is a captivating mystery novel by Louise Penny. Set in the quaint village of Three Pines, it follows Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he investigates the suspicious death of beloved local artist Jane Neal. With beautifully drawn characters and a cleverly woven plot, the book delves into the complexities of human nature and the secrets that lie beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic lives.

All That Remains by Sue Black is a gripping memoir that takes you into the world of forensic anthropology. Through her personal experiences and fascinating case studies, Black explores the power of science in uncovering the truth behind human remains. It's a thought-provoking and insightful book that sheds light on the importance of understanding death and its impact on the living.

Naked in Death is a gripping mystery novel by J.D. Robb (pseudonym for Nora Roberts). Set in a futuristic New York City, it follows tough homicide detective Eve Dallas as she investigates a series of brutal and sexually charged murders. As Eve delves into the case, she uncovers dark secrets and faces unexpected danger, all while navigating her own complicated past. This fast-paced thriller keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The Body Farm is a gripping crime novel by Patricia Cornwell. Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a forensic pathologist, is called in to investigate a brutal murder. As she delves into the case, she uncovers shocking secrets and uncovers the dark side of forensic research. The book takes readers on a thrilling journey through the world of forensic science and the twisted minds of criminals.

The Likeness by Tana French is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the world of undercover detectives. When a young woman is found dead and bears an uncanny resemblance to a former undercover officer, Detective Cassie Maddox is pulled back into her old life to uncover the truth. With rich character development and a haunting atmosphere, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Dry (2016) by Jane Harper is a gripping mystery novel set in a small Australian town. When Federal Agent Aaron Falk returns to his hometown for the funeral of his childhood friend, he is drawn into investigating the shocking murder-suicide of the friend's family. As Falk delves into the dark secrets and betrayals of the past, the story unravels with tense and compelling twists.

Death in the Clouds is a classic mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When a woman is found dead on a flight from Paris to London, detective Hercule Poirot must unravel the web of lies and deceit surrounding her death. With clever twists and turns, Christie keeps readers guessing until the very end.

The Murder on the Links is a classic mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When a wealthy man is found dead on a golf course in France, detective Hercule Poirot is called in to solve the case. With a web of suspects and motives, Poirot must use his keen powers of deduction to uncover the truth behind the murder.

The Alienist by Caleb Carr is a gripping historical thriller set in 1896 New York City. When a series of gruesome murders of young male prostitutes shocks the city, a criminal psychologist, or "alienist," and his team set out to track down the killer. Filled with rich historical detail and complex characters, this novel delves into the early days of criminal profiling and the dark underbelly of society.

Postmortem is a gripping crime novel by Patricia Cornwell. Dr. Kay Scarpetta, the chief medical examiner in Virginia, is thrown into a complex murder investigation. As she delves into the case, she uncovers shocking truths and faces personal danger. Cornwell's detailed descriptions and expert knowledge of forensic science make this book a thrilling and thought-provoking read.

Cards on the Table is a classic murder mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When a bridge game turns deadly, renowned detective Hercule Poirot is called in to solve the case. With four suspects who all had motives and the evidence laid out on the table, Poirot must use his unparalleled deductive skills to uncover the truth.

Death on the Nile is a classic detective novel by Agatha Christie. Set on a luxurious river cruise, the story follows renowned detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the mysterious murder of a wealthy heiress. Filled with twists, turns, and a cast of intriguing characters, the book is a thrilling whodunit that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

Kiss the Girls is a gripping psychological thriller by James Patterson. The book follows detective Alex Cross as he investigates a series of kidnappings and murders of young women. With a brilliant and twisted villain at its core, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Cross races against time to save the next potential victim.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is a gripping mystery thriller that unravels the secrets of the Catholic Church and the true identity of the Holy Grail. Filled with hidden codes, ancient symbols, and unexpected twists, it takes the reader on a thrilling journey through Europe as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon races to solve a centuries-old mystery.

Truly Devious is a captivating mystery novel by Maureen Johnson. Set in an exclusive academy, it follows teenager Stevie Bell as she investigates a cold case involving the kidnapping and murder of students in the 1930s. With its clever plot twists and engaging characters, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler is a classic hardboiled detective novel that introduces the iconic character Philip Marlowe. Set in 1930s Los Angeles, the story follows Marlowe as he is hired by a wealthy general to investigate the blackmail of his daughter. What starts as a seemingly straightforward case soon unravels into a complex web of crime, corruption, and murder. With its gritty portrayal of the city and sharp-witted dialogue, this novel is a must-read for fans of detective fiction.

A is for Alibi is a gripping mystery novel by Sue Grafton. Private investigator Kinsey Millhone is hired to solve a murder case that took place eight years ago. As she delves into the past, she uncovers secrets and lies that lead her to the truth. This book is the first in the popular Kinsey Millhone series and will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Silkworm is a gripping mystery novel by Robert Galbraith (pseudonym for J.K. Rowling). Private detective Cormoran Strike is hired to investigate the disappearance of a controversial author, and soon finds himself delving into the cutthroat world of publishing. As he uncovers dark secrets and hidden motives, Strike races against time to solve the case and bring the truth to light.

Murder on the Orient Express is a classic mystery novel by Agatha Christie. Set aboard the luxurious train, the story follows renowned detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder that occurs during the journey. With a limited pool of suspects and a locked room mystery, Poirot must unravel the truth behind the crime in this gripping whodunit.

The Mystery of the Blue Train is a captivating novel by Agatha Christie. When a wealthy woman is found murdered on a luxurious train, detective Hercule Poirot is called in to solve the case. As he delves into the lives of the passengers, he uncovers a web of secrets, betrayal, and greed. With clever twists and turns, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

Evil Under the Sun is a classic murder mystery novel by Agatha Christie. Set on a tranquil island resort, the story follows the famous detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the murder of a glamorous and manipulative woman. With a web of deceit, jealousy, and hidden motives, Poirot must unravel the truth and unmask the killer.

The Body in the Library is a classic mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When a young woman's body is found in the library of Colonel and Mrs. Bantry, they are shocked and bewildered. With the help of the brilliant detective Miss Marple, they set out to unravel the mystery and uncover the truth behind the murder. Filled with twists and turns, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

Murder at the Vicarage is a captivating mystery novel by Agatha Christie. Set in the quaint village of St. Mary Mead, the story revolves around the murder of Colonel Protheroe, the most disliked man in town. When the local vicar becomes entangled in the investigation, the plot twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz is a gripping mystery novel that entwines two compelling murder mysteries into one spellbinding narrative. With ingenious storytelling and a clever twist, it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley is a captivating mystery novel set in 1950s England. The story follows eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce, an amateur chemist with a passion for solving crimes. When a dead bird with a rare stamp on its beak is found in her family's garden, Flavia embarks on a thrilling investigation that leads her to uncover dark family secrets and a shocking murder.

In the Woods (2007) is a psychological thriller by Tana French that delves into the intertwining mysteries of a present-day murder and a decades-old disappearance. Filled with intricate characters and a haunting setting, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats as detective Rob Ryan and his partner delve into the dark secrets hidden in the woods.

The Cuckoo's Calling is a gripping mystery novel by Robert Galbraith (pseudonym for J.K. Rowling). It follows private detective Cormoran Strike as he investigates the supposed suicide of a famous supermodel. With well-developed characters and a cleverly plotted storyline, the book keeps readers guessing until the very end.

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.

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell is a gripping psychological thriller that unravels the mystery of a young girl's disappearance. Told through multiple perspectives, the story delves into the dark and twisted secrets of a seemingly perfect family. With unexpected twists and turns, it keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain is a gripping crime novel that follows the story of a drifter who gets entangled in a passionate and deadly affair with a married woman. Filled with suspense and moral ambiguity, the book explores themes of guilt, betrayal, and the consequences of our actions.

Crooked House is a gripping murder mystery novel by Agatha Christie. Set in an eerie, sprawling mansion, it follows the investigation of Charles Hayward as he delves into the complex and twisted family dynamics to uncover the shocking truth behind a series of deaths. Filled with unexpected twists and turns, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Black Echo is a gripping detective novel that follows LAPD detective Harry Bosch as he investigates a murder that leads him into the gruesome world of a serial killer. Filled with compelling characters and an intricate plot, Connelly takes readers on a thrilling ride through the dark underbelly of Los Angeles. It's a must-read for fans of crime fiction.

Sleeping Murder is a gripping mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When a young woman named Gwenda moves into a new home, she starts experiencing strange visions and feelings of unease. With the help of the famous detective Miss Marple, Gwenda delves into her own past to uncover a long-buried secret and solve a decades-old murder.

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.

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.

From Potter's Field is a crime novel by Patricia Cornwell. It follows Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a forensic pathologist, as she investigates a series of brutal murders in New York City. The killer leaves behind cryptic clues that lead Scarpetta on a dangerous and thrilling pursuit to catch the perpetrator before they strike again.

Unnatural Exposure is a gripping thriller by Patricia Cornwell that follows forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta as she investigates a series of mysterious deaths. With a deadly virus on the loose and a cunning killer on the loose, Scarpetta must use all her expertise to uncover the truth before it's too late.

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.

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.

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller that follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of incarcerated serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch another killer on the loose. The book delves into the complex relationship between Starling and Lecter, and explores themes of power, manipulation, and the darkest corners of the human mind.

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.

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.

My Sister, the Serial Killer (2018) by Oyinkan Braithwaite is a darkly comedic novel that delves into the complexities of family and loyalty. Set in Lagos, Nigeria, the story follows Korede, a practical nurse, as she grapples with her sister Ayoola's habit of killing her boyfriends. As Korede tries to protect Ayoola, she is forced to confront her own moral choices and the secrets that bind them together.

Night Film is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark and mysterious world of a reclusive filmmaker and his enigmatic daughter. When the daughter is found dead, an investigative journalist becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind her life and death. As he delves deeper into the eerie and twisted realm of the filmmaker’s work, he uncovers shocking secrets that blur the line between reality and fiction.

A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny is a captivating mystery novel that delves into the dark secrets hidden in a picturesque village. When a woman is electrocuted during a curling match, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache must unravel the twisted web of lies and betrayal to uncover the truth behind the murder. With richly developed characters and a cleverly crafted plot, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

A Rule Against Murder is a gripping mystery novel by Louise Penny. Set in a picturesque Canadian village, it follows Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he investigates a murder during a family reunion at a remote inn. With complex characters and a cleverly woven plot, the book delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the dark secrets that bind families together.

Crooked House is a gripping murder mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When wealthy patriarch Aristide Leonides is poisoned in his own home, his family members become the prime suspects. As detective Charles Hayward delves into the twisted family dynamics, dark secrets and hidden motives are revealed. The novel keeps readers guessing until the very end, with a shocking conclusion that will leave them reeling.

From Potter's Field is a crime novel by Patricia Cornwell. It follows forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta as she investigates a series of brutal murders in New York City. As the bodies pile up, Scarpetta races against time to catch the killer before they strike again. Filled with suspense and forensic detail, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Sleeping Murder is a gripping mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When a young woman named Gwenda moves into a new home, she starts experiencing strange and unsettling visions. With the help of the famous detective Miss Marple, Gwenda delves into her own past to uncover a long-buried secret. The book is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.

The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain is a gripping crime novel that delves into the dark and twisted world of adultery and murder. Set in 1930s California, the story follows a drifter named Frank who becomes entangled in a passionate and dangerous affair with a married woman named Cora. As their illicit relationship intensifies, they hatch a plan to get rid of Cora's husband and claim their freedom, leading to a web of deceit and betrayal.

Unnatural Exposure is a gripping thriller by Patricia Cornwell that follows forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta as she investigates a series of mysterious deaths. With a deadly virus on the loose and a cunning killer on the prowl, Scarpetta must use all her expertise to uncover the truth before it's too late.