Best New Mystery Books of 2024
I love mystery books so I am always excited to read fantastic new mystery books when they come my way. Not every mystery is created equally. The mysteries that we chose on this list are some of the most creative books I have ever read.
I am so happy that this list includes adult picks as well as young adult and middle-grade picks. My daughter has recently started reading mysteries and I am always so happy to give her some great picks that are age-appropriate.
This list is almost done as the end of 2024 is almost here. If Kirsten and I read more new mystery books of 2024 that are 5-star reads, we will add them to the list so make sure you check back!
The Best New Mystery Books of 2024
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre of new mystery books. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Mystery to Listen To
The Examiner by Janet Hallett- Click here to see the review and see the other books in this category
Best “Who Dun It” Mysteries
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman- Click here to see the review and see the other books in this category
Best Cozy Mystery
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter – Click here to see the review and see the other books in this category
Best Historical Fiction Mystery
The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza – Click here to see the review and see the other books in this category
Best YA or Middle-Grade Mystery
The Misfits by Lisa Yee – Click here to see the review and see the other books in this category
*Mystery Books 2024 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 New Mystery Books to Listen To:
The Examiner
Author: Janice Hallett
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
In the quintessential Hallett style, this story is told in emails and texts. Gela Nathaniel must find six students for her Multicultural Art program or risk losing her funding. But the students give her trouble from the start. Some don’t come regularly, some are very stuck in their ways, and supplies are going missing.
When the examiner for the course starts looking through emails and texts of the students and Gela, he realizes someone is in danger. The question is whether they are dead already.
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this book #gifted and loved every minute. I immediately got a sense of all the characters and their quirks. I quickly loved and hated them simultaneously. I was never sure exactly what was going on, in the best possible way.
Find this book in: August 2024 book releases / Best New Mystery Books of 2024 / Janice Hallett Books in Order / Giftable Books
Listen for the Lie
Author: Amy Tintera
Year: 2024
Genre: Thriller
More info: March 2024 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
2024 is the year of the thriller and this one doesn’t disappoint! Lucy is returning to her hometown for the first time since she was accused, but never charged, with murdering her best friend Savvy 5 years ago.
She has no memories of the night Savvy died, but she needs answers for herself. So she decides to team up with true crime podcaster, Ben Owens, to discover the truth – even if she’s implicated in the process.
Ben is real-time podcasting the whole investigation and his interviews are interspersed between chapters, revealing new insights each time.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, murder
Why Jackie loves it
This is one mystery/thriller that is even better in audiobook format! The background noises and interviews bring the podcast to life. #gifted by Macmillan Audio
Why Kirsten loves it
I felt like I was in the story investigating it myself. I can’t emphasis enough that this one is best consumed by listening. Like Jackie noted, the audiobook adds elements not available in print. I will say I couldn’t figure out the ending on this one and was completely surprised by who committed the murder!
Find this book in: Best Audiobooks / Best Beach Reads 2024 / New Mystery Books of 2024 /Epistolary Novels / Nonlinear Narrative Novels /Best Books of 2024
Best “Who Dun It” Mysteries
We Solve Murders
Author: Richard Osman
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author of Thursday Murder Club series
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Steve Wheeler is retired and prefers spending time close to home where he finds comfort in his routines. His daughter-in-law, Amy, is working private security on a remote Island for a famous author, Rosie D’Antonio. When bodies start turning up, it is clear that Amy is being framed for murder. She doesn’t know who or why but she has to turn to the only person she trusts to help keep her safe and outwit a serial killer.
Now, Steve, Amy, and Rosie are on a worldwide hunt to catch a killer before the killer catches them.
Trigger Warnings
murder, drugs
Why Jackie loves it
Rosie D’Antonio is an outrageous, over-the-top author who had me laughing-out-loud. I loved seeing all of the characters thrown out of their comfort zone in this new book which is the first in a series. The plot is fast-moving and sharp. I had no idea who dun it, so to speak, and loved every minute #gifted.
Find this book in: Best New Mystery Books of 2024 / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024
Best Cozy Mystery Books
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
Author: Ally Carter
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
After losing her assets to her cheating ex-husband, mystery author Maggie Chase agrees to head to the home of her biggest fan for the Christmas holidays. Unfortunately for her, Ethan Wyatt, another author from her publishing house, is also along for the trip.
It turns out, they have traveled to the home of Eleanor Ashley, a prolific mystery writer (clearly inspired by Agatha Christie) who has a sprawling mansion in the middle of the countryside. During a snowstorm, she mysteriously disappears. Now Maggie and Ethan must work together to try to find her. With murder attempts around every corner and a growing attraction between our leads, this is one fun genre-bending story.
Why Kirsten loves it
Once I started this story, I couldn’t put it down! I was completely swept into the mystery, I was enchanted by the crackling chemistry between our two main characters, and the setting and snowstorm just left me craving a snowy night in. I was utterly charmed by this one and you will be too!
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Mystery Books / New Christmas Books 2024 / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024
I Need You to Read This
Author: Jessa Maxwell
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery
More info: Bestselling author of The Golden Spoon
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I am so excited to read this book from the author of The Golden Spoon. In this book, Alex Marks has just taken over the job of advice columnist after Francis Keen, the famous advice columnist of Dear Constance, is murdered.
Francis’s advice helped Alex through her darkest times and with the murderer never apprehended, Alex starts her own investigation into the murder. As she gets closer to the answers, she realizes that her prying may have deadly consequences. She is not sure who to trust and who may be trying to kill her.
Why Jackie loves it
I love Jessa Maxwell and her books are the perfect cozy mysteries. The twists are unexpected but not ridiculous which I appreciate!
Find this book in: August 2024 book releases / Best New Mystery Books of 2024
The Fellowship of Puzzle Makers
Author: Samuel Burr
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery
More info: National Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Clayton Stumper was raised by a group of puzzle makers in the commune where he was left as a baby. When the woman who raised him dies, she leaves him with one more puzzle to solve.
The solution will give him answers about his past and the secrets of his birth as well as point give him directions for his future.
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book in a day and found it even more delightful than the description. It was a medium-paced book, however, the puzzles within are engaging and the dual-timeline story made it unputdownable. I loved this 5-star read. #gifted
Find this book in: Best Puzzle Books for Adults / Best New Mystery Books of 2024 / Best Fiction Books of 2024
Historical Fiction Mystery Books of 2024
Plot
Jo Piazza has written the PERFECT summer novel, striking a delicious balance between being relaxing enough to enjoy on the beach but thought-provoking enough to discuss with your book club.
I was swept into the story of Sara and her quest to learn about her unexpected inheritance and the possible murder of her great-grandmother, Serafina. To solve the mystery and claim her inheritance, she must travel to the Italian countryside – giving her a break from her recently closed restaurant and her failed marriage.
The dual-timeline narrative focuses on Sara’s quest and Serafina’s life as a woman coming into her own in the 1900s. The stakes are high for both women as they balance staying true to their dreams in the face of society’s oppression of women, especially when it turns dangerous.
Why Kirsten loves it
I could go on and on about this one. The vivid imagery that Jo paints with her writing had me picturing the town, tasting the food, and smelling the Sicilian soil. I SWEAR, at one point I touched my chin to see if the oil from the meal she was writing about was dripping down my face.
It’s a multi-genre, multigenerational masterpiece of a beach read. #gifted by Dutton Books
Why Jackie loves it
I could not put this book down. The characters and the plot compelled me to keep reading, the descriptions of the people and the places made me feel like I was actually there. The fact that some of this is based in a true story is just a cherry on top of this sundae!
Find this book in: Beach Read 2024 / Books Set in Italy / Family Drama / Best Historical Fiction of 2024 / Best Mystery Books 2024 / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024
The Main Character
Author: Jaclyn Goldis
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery
More info: Bestselling Thriller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:
Plot
This book had me at Orient Express. Within it, Rory has been sent on a lavish trip to the Italian Riviera aboard the newly remodeled famous train. It’s her reward for being celebrated writer Ginevra Ex’s newest main character – the real-life person who inspires each of Ex’s novels.
But Rory is shocked to see her brother, her best friend, and her ex-fiance aboard as well – all at Ginevra’s expense. The story opens with one of them being murdered but who and by whom remains to be seen.
As the foursome read Ginevra’s new manuscript secrets unravel, but behind the scenes, Ginevra’s own past is catching up to her and just why she was drawn to Rory in the first place remained unanswered.
Why Kirsten loves it
While the who-dun-it mystery within Ginevra’s novel was so well executed and the suspense of who was killed kept me turning the pages, it was Ginevra’s storyline that intrigued me most.
I was enthralled by Russia’s history with the Jewish people, having been mostly unaware of the animosity there before this book, and was shocked to learn that element came from Goldis’s own family history!
Why Jackie loves it
The idea of a novel within a novel is always so much fun and this book was brilliantly executed. I was never sure was a coincidence and what was the next attempt at murder. This was a page-turner I could not put down.
Find this book in: Best Mystery Books of 2024 / Best Jewish Writers
YA and Middle-Grade Mysteries
The Misfits
Author: Lisa Yee
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Year: 2024
Genre: Middle-Grade Mystery
Age: 8-12
More info: Newberry Honor Winner and National Book Award Author, Caldecott Medalist Illustrations
Plot
Olive is usually a misfit at every school she attends, but at her latest school, RASCH, her differences are why she’s chosen for an elite crime-fighting squad.
As she and the other Misfits go undercover to nab a prolific jewel thief, they must learn to work together and lean on one another.
Why Kirsten loves it
The diverse cast of characters comes alive in this story – each bringing their own quirks, skills, and differences to create a cohesive team. #Gifted by Penguin Kids
Find this book in: Best Audiobooks for Kids / Books for 12-year-olds / Mystery Books for Kids / Best New Mystery Books 2024
Plot
Rachel Price disappeared 16 years ago without a trace. Bel, two years old at the time, was found in the abandoned car safe and warm with the engine still running. Now, Rachel and her dad, as well as the rest of the Price family, are doing a documentary about Rachel’s disappearance. Life has never been normal and some still believe Bel’s dad had something to do with Rachel’s disappearance.
Now, in the middle of filming, Rachel comes home. Bel does not believe Rachel’s story about where she has been for the last 16 years.
Why Jackie loves it
The character-building and suspense of this book are fantastic. I love that even though it is written for YA, an adult or even middle grade can read this book and love it. There are twists and turns that feel like natural story development rather than contrived.
Find this book in: Best New Mystery Books of 2024 / Fun Books for Teens
Expert Tip
Are you looking for help in choosing your new mystery book? I’ve got you covered.
- Have a look at who read each book. Are you a “Kirsten” or a “Jackie”? If you aren’t sure, there are a few books on this list we both read and loved.
- Check out the descriptions of the books and the “Why I liked it section”. This should give you a great idea of whether this book appeals to you.
- Still not sure? Check out the subheadings. Do you love to listen to books? Do you love a great cozy mystery? I divided the books into smaller genres to help you pick a book you will love.
- Need more advice? Send me an email and I will give you a personalized book recommendation!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best new mystery of 2024
Kirsten and I both agree that the best new mystery of 2024 is the Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza. It has everything you want in a book! It has mystery, a dual timeline, family drama, and so much more all written with Piazza’s signature wit and humor. You cannot ask for more from a book.
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Epilogue
What was your favorite new mystery book of 2024? Did I include it on the list? If not, please let me know which books I should be reading and adding. I love to hear your recommendations.
The Ultimate List of Mystery Books
Love Mysteries? This is a list of the best mystery books carefully divided by sub-genre for anyone who lives a good mystery as much as I do.
