14 Best Mystery Books of All Time

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 by Louise Penny

Author: Louise Penny

Year: 2007

Genre: Mystery

More info: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #1

Age Range: 13+

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.

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

Author: Dehlia Owens

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: September 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:đź’‹

Age Range: 16+

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. 

Abandonment, Domestic and child abuse, assault

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.

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

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 girkl

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+

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.

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.

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+

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.

Domestic Abuse

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!

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 the dragon tattoo

Author: Stieg Larsson

Year: 2005

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

More info: Millennium #1

Age Range: 18+

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.

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 serial killer

Author: Oyinkan Braithwaite

Year: 2018

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Spice Rating:đź’‹

Age Range: 18+

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.

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

silent patient

Author: Alex Michaelides

Year: 2019

Genre: Thriller

More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller

Age Range: 18+

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.

Suicide Attempt, mental illness

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+

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.

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!

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+

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.

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.

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

Sherlock Holmes

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Year: 1887-1927

Genre: Mystery

More info:

Age Range: 12+

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.

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

thirteenth tale

Author: Diane Setterfield

Year: 2006

Genre: Gothic Mystery

Spice Rating:đź’‹

Age Range: 16+

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.

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

The 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+

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.

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.

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+

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?

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+

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.

I flew through this story and can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the trilogy!

I loved everything about this series, from the characters to the plot to the mystery of “why”.

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.

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