2025’s Best 14 Murder Mystery Books Reviewed
Discover the best books murder mystery genre has to offer. These thrilling tales will keep you on the edge of your seat.
In the thrilling world of murder mysteries, finding the best books to keep you hooked is like solving a puzzle. We scour through suspense, character development, and plot twists to curate our list of the 14 best ‘best books murder mystery’ recommendations. With an eye for gripping stories and unforgettable endings, we present a collection that will keep even the most astute detectives among you guessing until the very end. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned sleuth, these choices promise to make your evenings thrilling, fun, and filled with mystery.
On this list:
14 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
We loved the ferocity of Lisbeth Salander. The plot gripped us tight. Still, some parts slowed, making it hard to keep up.
13 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
This rollercoaster left us in awe. Flynn nails the unreliable narrator. However, the ending split our group in half—love it or hate it.
12 Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
Angels & Demons packs the same punch as The Da Vinci Code, with a blend of art, science, and a thrilling treasure hunt through Rome. It got me hooked on a flight and kept me up until we landed!
11 The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Riding this train was thrilling, with twists and turns. Yet, some found the characters hard to like. We were divided!
10 Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
With scandal and secrets, it kept us guessing. The humor is a bonus. Pacing could be slow, but the reveal was worth it!
9 In the Woods by Tana French
French had us on edge. We loved the prose, but the unresolved mystery grated on some of us. A bittersweet experience.
8 Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Flynn’s dark tale chilled us. The characters are rich but unsettling. Some thought it a slow burn, but oh, so worth it!
7 Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Classic whodunit. Poirot dazzles in solving the case. It feels a bit dated, but that’s part of the charm!
6 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Alec’s silent treatment and the shocking twist sent shivers down our spines. Some felt it was predictable, but we didn’t see it coming!
5 The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Dark academia at its finest. We found the intellectual snobbery amusing. Some parts dragged, but the end left us speechless.
4 Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
This one left us sleepless! The amnesia plot intrigued us, though some found it repetitive. We couldn’t stop turning the pages!
3 The Reversal by Michael Connelly
A gripping courtroom drama. We loved the cat-and-mouse game. However, the legal jargon bogged down a few of us.
2 Anatomy of a Murder by Robert Traver
Old but gold! The courtroom dynamics fascinated us. It felt a bit outdated, but still a classic must-read.
1 And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
The top of the best books murder mystery list. We adored its clever plot. The perfect isolation made hot cocoa necessary as chills ran down our spines. Every turn left us more baffled. Some of us couldn’t sleep alone after reading this classic. Christie’s masterpiece leaves no stone unturned. This whodunit has universal appeal. It’s a game of Clue, but better. The characters’ demise in eerie succession felt spooky. One sentence crafted to a point of perfection can send your heart racing. It’s timeless, always a mystery worth reading again. The tension is palpable. You’re pulled into the web and challenged to unravel the mystery. We dare you to guess the ending. Most of us failed.
