14 Best Mystery Books of All Time

We wanted to choose the best mystery books ever written and it was not an easy task. We have looked into every mystery novel we have read to give you a list that will keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you guessing until the end.
So, prepare to immerse yourself in the best mystery novels ever written as we reveal our top 14 best mystery books of all time, guaranteed to captivate your imagination and leave you craving for more.
*Best Mystery Books Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Best Murder Mystery Books

Still Life
Author: Louise Penny
Year: 2007
Genre: Mystery
More info: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #1
Age Range: 13+
Plot
This is the first book in the New York Times Best Selling series of Chief Inspector Gamache. I fell in LOVE with the Inspector, the town of Three Pines, a small Canadian village just north of the US, and its residents. Louise Penny CAN WRITE.
The mystery was great (and I didn’t solve it) but what got me the most was Penny’s writing style and reflections on the human psyche. This first Louise Penny book has Chief Inspector Armand Gamache searching a piece of art for clues after its painter, Jane Neal, turns up dead.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best detective books I have ever read. You will fall in love with Three Pines and the people who live there. The wonderful community in this series is the best of what cozy books should be. If you love mystery novels and have not read this series, What are you waiting for?
Find this book in: Louise Penny Books in Order / Best Mysteries of all Time /

Where the Crawdads Sing Deluxe Edition
Author: Dehlia Owens
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: September 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book begins when a body is found in a North Carolina marsh and is identified as Chase Andrews. The story moves between the past and the present to tell the story of Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, who is a suspect in the murder.
Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, is abandoned first by her mother, then by her siblings, and eventually by her father at a very young age. She is forced to fend for herself in the marshes, away from society.
With the help of two beloved friends, she learns to care for herself but not without experiencing cruelty and violence. Then, she finds herself faced with murder charges and is forced to confront her secrets and past that have shaped her into the woman that she has become.
Trigger Warnings
Abandonment, Domestic and child abuse, assault
Why Jackie loves it
I admit that when I saw the description of this coming-of-age book, I was not sold. A trusted individual, who has never steered me wrong in the past, gave me an advanced copy so, I took the leap. And wow, am I glad I did. I read this book and then recommended it to everyone I knew. It is a story about love, nature, and perseverance.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a novel that is so much more than the sum of its parts. It is part mystery and part historical fiction that shows the importance of human connections.
Find this book in: Books About Poverty and Its Impact / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Books Like Where the Crawdads Sing / Book Club for Where the Crawdads Sing/ Books with Food in the Title / Books That Will Emotionally Wreck You

The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon Series #2) by Dan Brown
This is one of the first books about secret societies that I ever read. Dan Brown found a way to incorporate symbolism and brilliant riddles into this modern-day mystery.
While visiting Paris, Robert Langdon receives a phone call that the curator of the Louvre is dead. The body is covered in strange symbols that lead them on a search for the killer and for answers. This is one of the best murder mystery books I have ever read.
Why We Love It: The plot does not slow for a minute from the first page to the last. It is the first in the Robert Langdon series and my favorite as well. I love the mystery, the suspense, and the non-stop action in this amazing novel!
Find this Book in Novels About Art / Books About Puzzles
Best Mystery Books

Gone Girl
Author: Gillian Flynn
Year: 2012
Genre: Thriller
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
One of Time’s 100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books of All Time
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is a psychological thriller book that almost everyone had heard of when it became a hit movie. It is the perfect example of what happens when a marriage goes terribly wrong. You will be questioning this book from the first page to the last.
On her fifth wedding anniversary, Amy Dunne mysteriously disappears. At the top of the suspect list is her husband Nick who seems perfect to the outside world. But, Nick and Amy are not who they appear to be.
There are so many twists and turns in this book that is the epitome of a domestic thriller and, if you love unreliable narrator books, this one is right up your alley. You may end up hating the characters, but this is one of the most popular thriller books ever written.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is such a great psychological thriller. I never knew what was going to happen and it kept me turning the pages to see how this thriller would end.
Why Jackie loves it
This is another book where I loved to hate both Nick and Amy. They are both despicable which adds to the fun of this book
Find this book in: Domestic Thriller Books / Best Mystery Books / Unreliable Narrator / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Best Psychological Thriller Books / Popular Thriller Books

Big Little Lies
Author: Liane Moriarty
Year: 2014
Genre: Thriller Mystery
More info: Emmy and Golden Globe Winning Series
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This book is Liane Moriarty at her finest. It’s all about a group of mothers in a community who share some big lies. Their friendships take center stage, but there is a fair amount of family drama as well in this domestic noir. This is one of the most popular thriller books around.
This novel was recently turned into a show on HBO starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, and more. This book has a little bit of everything from ex-husbands and scandals. Sometimes little lies are so much more.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten likes it
Drama, scandal, and murder are in perfect combination in this thriller. There is a reason it is so popular and the adaptation of the show was done really well!
Why Jackie likes it
This is my favorite Liane Moriarty book. It is full of twists and turns but does not feel too ridiculous or long. It was just the right amount of scandal to keep me turning the pages.
Find this book in: Books About Motherhood / Domestic Thriller Books / Best Mystery Books /Best Psychological Thriller Books / Popular Thriller Books

The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo
Author: Stieg Larsson
Year: 2005
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
More info: Millennium #1
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Lisbeth Salander is not technically a detective but she sure is a bada** investigator. She is able to use her unparalleled computer hacking skills to find information on anybody, anywhere.
Mikael Blomkvist is a journalist who has a libel conviction. He is hired to investigate a disappearance from 40 years ago and convinces Lisbeth to help him in his investigation. These two make the most unusual pairing in this list of detective books. If you have not read this book series, they are fantastic.
Why Jackie loves it
This is also one of the best movies based on books. It was done twice: an American version and the original version with subtitles. Both are fantastic. The premise is so unique, I loved it and had no idea what to expect from these unique characters.
Find this book in: The Ultimate List of Best Thriller Books / Detective Books / Best Mystery Books / Serial Killer Books / Books With Neurodivergent Characters

My Sister, the Serial Killer
Author: Oyinkan Braithwaite
Year: 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Despite the title, this book is more literary fiction than anything else. Korede has to hide the secret that her gorgeous sister, Ayoola, is a serial dater who murders her many boyfriends.
When Ayoola sets her sights on the only man Korede fancies, Korede has to decide where her loyalties lie. More about the emotional bonds of sisters, the murder is just an undercurrent of the story forcing emotions to the surface of this book.
Why Kirsten loves it
Easily one of the most unique books I’ve ever read. This debut was fabulous. It’s not a mystery/thriller so much as a look at the mind of a serial killer.
Find this book in: African Novels / Books About Sisters / Fiction Serial Killer Books / The 20 Best Books of 2018

The Silent Patient
Author: Alex Michaelides
Year: 2019
Genre: Thriller
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This popular thriller book was Michaelides’s debut novel and sold over 65 million copies for good reason. This psychological thriller sucked me in immediately – a woman murders her husband and then doesn’t say a word for 10 years.
Convinced he can help, a psychologist named Theo transfers to the facility where Alice is staying to try to get the real story behind the fateful night of the murder.
Soon, he will become obsessed with Alice and finding out the truth behind the murders.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide Attempt, mental illness
Why Kirsten likes it
This is my first Michaelides book and I can see why this is a bestseller. The story is fast moving and unpredictable and the plot sucked me in immediately.
Find this book in: Unreliable Narrator Books / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Best Psychological Thriller Books / Popular Thriller Books
Best Mystery Novels: Classics

And Then There Were None
Author: Agatha Christie
Year: 1939
Genre: Classic Mystery
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A mysterious person is trying to right the wrongs of the past by luring unsuspecting criminals to a deserted island…and then murdering them one by one. But who is the killer? Why are they killing? And just how long have they been stalking their prey? You have to figure out whodunit in this unreliable narrator book.
Why Kirsten loves it
This Agatha Christie book is one of the best stories she has EVER written. It was fast-paced, totally engaging and I did not see the ending coming. Each murder was more clever then the one before. Check out the black and white movie based on the book. It’s great!
Why Jackie loves it
A classic for a reason, Agatha Christie broke the mold with this book. It’s one of the most well-plotted mysteries I’ve ever read.
Find this book in: Unreliable Narrator Book / Best Classic Novels / Historical Mystery Books / Agatha Christie Books in Order / Best Mystery Books / Locked Room Mysteries

Rebecca
Author: Daphne Du Maurier
Year: 1938
Genre: Thriller
More info: National Book Award Winner, 1938
Anthony Award Winner, 2000
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The OG psychological thriller book, Rebecca is a book set in Cornwall that will leave you checking behind you when you walk down a dark hallway.
The new Mrs. de Winter is haunted by her husband’s first wife, Rebecca. The deceit will have you second-guessing everything you read while you yell at the pages. It is a chilling novel about a naive second wife discovering the truth behind the wife who came before her.
The Netflix book adaptation stars Lily James and it reignited this popular thriller book’s success. If you have not read this book, it is a perfect book for fall.
Why Kirsten loves it
One of the most acclaimed psychological thriller authors, Daphne Du Maurier is at her best in this chilling psychological thriller. Everything about this gothic thriller will make you feel a little bit uncomfortable. I love Du Maurier and I have read this classic more than once.
Why Jackie loves it
I was at least 50 pages into this book when I called Kirsten and asked if I would ever learn the new Mrs. De Winter’s name. The fact that the main character remains nameless throughout the book adds to the thrill of the book. It is a classic that everyone should read at least once.
Find this book in: Best Mystery Novels / Popular Thriller Books / Unreliable Narrator Books / Best Classic Books / British Books / Best Psychological Thriller Books

The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Year: 1887-1927
Genre: Mystery
More info:
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Sherlock Holmes’ ability to solve each crime is fascinating. His observations are astute and I can never, ever guess who committed the crime.
If you are looking for the best mystery books of all time, Sherlock Holmes cannot be missed. This complete collection has all the short stories and the 4 Holmes novels.
Why Kirsten loves it
I am a HUGE detective story lover and no one does detective stories better than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. These books have inspired countless adaptations and retellings since their initial publication.
Find this book in: Sherlock Holmes Books / Literary Classics / Best Mystery Books / British Mysteries / Short Stories

The Thirteenth Tale
Author: Diane Setterfield
Year: 2006
Genre: Gothic Mystery
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A young biographer is called to help a reclusive author of 12 books tell her life story. In the process, she learns there is a thirteenth tale after all. It’s a gothic romance, a mystery, and a story about family ties all in one.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adored this gothic story when I read it on vacation a few years back. The setting and gothic vibes make this book perfect for a chilly autumn day. I was swept into this story and read it to completion at 3 a.m.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Fall Books / Ultimate List of Mysteries
Best YA Mystery Books

Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Author: Alan Bradley
Year: 2009
Genre: YA Historical Mystery
More info: Flavia De Luce #1
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This is the first book in the Flavia De Luce series. This 11-year-old aspiring chemist is a wonderful heroine who is smart and precocious. In this first book, it is 1950 and Flavia has a love of poisons. When she finds a man taking his last breath in a cucumber patch, she is not scared at all, rather, she delights in solving the mystery.
Why Kirsten loves it
Flavia is an absolute delight to read as she’s easily one of the most unique characters in a mystery series. My dad recommended this series to me. I read it, loved it, and promptly passed it on to my 12-year-old. I love that this story works for readers of all generations.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best first mystery books for younger readers as it does not have violence.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Best Books for 13-year-olds / British Mysteries / Mystery Books for Kids / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Fun Books for Teens / Books with Food in the Title

One of Us is Lying
Author: Karen M. McManus
Year: 2017
Genre: YA Thriller
More info: Named one of the ten best books of the year by Entertainment Weekly
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This YA locked room mystery is one of my favorites on the list. It is the breakfast club meets murder and I am obsessed. The Brain, the Beauty, the Criminal, The Athlete, and the Outcast are all in detention together. Only, Simon, the outcast is dead before he can leave the room.
With everyone holding onto secrets and everyone with a motive, can you figure out who did it?
Why Jackie loves it
This is a mystery and psychological thriller wrapped up in one. This is one book where you will not guess the ending.
Find this book in: Best Psychological Thriller Books /Locked Room Mysteries to Die For / Best Mystery Books of All Time

The Inheritance Games
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Mystery
More info: Book 1 of 5: The Inheritance Games
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I knew I had to read this YA mystery series after it was compared to one of my favorite middle-grade mystery books, The Westing Game.
In this story, Avery, a poor orphan is told she’s just inherited a billionaire’s fortune. His family is determined to get to the money, but Avery has bigger fish to fry – the riddles and puzzles the deceased Tobias Hawthorne left behind for her to solve. As she teams up with unlikely allies, she’s forced to figure out who is a friend or foe. In order to receive the money, she must follow the clues.
Why Kirsten loves it
I flew through this story and can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the trilogy!
Why Jackie loves it
I loved everything about this series, from the characters to the plot to the mystery of “why”.
Adaptation Information
Amazon purchased the rights to this book intending to make a TV series with Osprey Productions. Grainne Godfree is writing it and Jennifer Lynn Barnes is one of the producers. Release date is TBD.
Find this book in: Books for 13-year-olds / Best Mystery Books for Teens / Best Puzzle Books / Cozy Mystery Books / Fun Books for Teens / Books Becoming TV Series / Best Books About Siblings / Best Books About Siblings
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The Ultimate List of Mystery Books
Love our list of the best mystery books? We’ve got more mysteries carefully divided by sub-genre for anyone who lives a good mystery as much as we do.