14 Best Murder Mystery Books to Read in 2025
Looking for the best books murder mystery fans will love? Our top picks mix thrilling plots, clever clues, and unforgettable characters.
If you love a good puzzle and that ‘who-done-it’ itch, you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered the best books murder mystery fans will drool over, handpicking each one for its smart twists, crooked clues, and page-turning plots. We focus on stories where the suspects are shady, the alibis are shaky, and the big reveal is satisfying—without any boring stuff to slow things down. Whether you like classic whodunnits, shocking twists, or just want to test if you’re better than the detective, our list of the best books murder mystery is packed with stories to hook you from the very first page.
On this list:
14 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
We all know this one. It’s got family drama, hacking, Sweden, and a journalist with a questionable diet. The story is packed with twists, turns, and a cat that comes and goes as it pleases. It’s perfect for readers who like their murder mysteries tangled up with dark secrets and very cold weather.
13 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
This book taught us two things: therapists have tough jobs, and everyone has secrets. The whole story spins around one woman’s silence. There’s a big twist at the end. We gasped out loud and scared the cat. This is one of the best books murder mystery fans will love for a shocking finish.
12 Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
No list of best books murder mystery would be complete without Hercule Poirot’s most stylish train journey. We read this and wanted a mustache of our own. It’s a classic whodunit, and the ending still feels fresh, even though it’s almost 90 years old.
11 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
This marriage is a dumpster fire, and we can’t look away. This book’s got unreliable narrators, wild twists, and more gaslighting than a haunted lighthouse. It’s a must-read for best books murder mystery fans who like their stories spicy and a little bitter.
10 The Maid by Nita Prose
Who knew cleaning rooms at a fancy hotel could be deadly? We laughed, we puzzled, and we started folding towels with military precision. The main character is quirky and lovely, and the mystery kept us guessing.
9 Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
We joined a book club just so we could talk about this one. Moms, murder, and mean girls—they’re all here. Twisty, funny, and real. It’s like Desperate Housewives but with more wine and a lot more secrets.
8 The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Retirement homes just got wild. Four elders try to solve cold cases, and they’re much better at it than us, honestly. This is one of the best books murder mystery newbies will enjoy if you want wit with your whodunit.
7 The Reversal by Michael Connelly
We learned never to trust anyone in LA—especially lawyers. Legal drama, murder, and enough plot twists to make us dizzy. Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller join forces, and the result is a wild courtroom thriller.
6 The Guest List by Lucy Foley
If you love weddings, remote islands, and people who clearly should not get married, this book is for you. We kept guessing who would get bumped off. It’s a modern take on the best books murder mystery style.
5 The Dry by Jane Harper
Australian small town, big secrets, zero rain. This book’s atmosphere is as dry as our humor. The puzzle will keep you hooked, and you’ll be thirsty the whole time. Keep water nearby.
4 Still Life by Louise Penny
Inspector Gamache is the kind of detective we want as a neighbor—he’s kind, smart, and always solves the case before breakfast. This Canadian mystery is cozy but sharp. Plus, there’s a duck named Rosa.
3 One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
A high school murder mystery that’s like The Breakfast Club meets Clue. Someone ends up dead in detention—and it’s not because of the old gym mats. Teen drama, lies, and plenty of red herrings.
2 The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
A broken detective and a dead model—it’s gritty and British, so we made tea for this one. The banter is sharp and the clues are tricky. It’s a solid pick for best books murder mystery beginners.
1 And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
This is it, friends—the best of the best books murder mystery. Ten people, one island, more secrets than socks in a laundromat. We picked it as our top because the suspense is top-notch, and the ending still shocks readers after all these years. Christie keeps us guessing until the last page. The pacing is perfect, the clues are everywhere, and the tension is so tight we almost chewed the book. Pros: it’s a classic that never gets old. Cons: now we look suspiciously at every invitation. If you want to start with the best books murder mystery, this is the ultimate pick. We tested this with friends, and everyone agreed: this set the gold standard for all murder mysteries, and it’s why we keep coming back for more.
