2025’s Best Murder Mysteries Books of All Time: Top 8

For the best murder mysteries books of all time, start with Agatha Christie's classic tales, filled with twists and suspense.

The Hound of the Baskervilles coverMurder on the Orient Express coverGone Girl cover

If you’re a fan of suspense, twists, and brain-teasing plots, you’re in for a treat! We’ve put together a list of the best murder mysteries books of all time. We focus on those that make us gasp, gasp again, and sometimes miss our bus stop. From classic whodunits to modern page-turners, these picks will keep you guessing who the culprit is until the very last page. Grab your detective hat and prepare for sleepless nights as we explore stories packed with unforgettable characters and jaw-dropping revelations.

On this list:

8 The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

The Hound of the Baskervilles cover

  • Genre: Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1902
  • Pages: 256

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Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson tackle the eerie legend of a demon dog terrorizing the Baskerville family. A classic tale of suspense.

7 Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Murder on the Orient Express cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Crime
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1934
  • Pages: 265

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Hercule Poirot faces a perplexing murder case aboard a luxurious train. Full of twists that keep you guessing!

6 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2012
  • Pages: 432

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Marriage is a bit like a crime novel, eh? Nick’s wife goes missing, and everyone’s a suspect in this mind-bending thriller.

5 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 465

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Investigative journalist and hacker duo navigate a labyrinth of familial secrets and corporate corruption. Who knew hacking could be this thrilling?

4 The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Secret History cover

  • Genre: Murder Mystery, Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1992
  • Pages: 576

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We picked ‘The Secret History’ because it’s a gripping murder mystery with an intellectual twist. It’s got a cult-like group, secrets, and suspense that keeps you turning pages.

3 Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2014
  • Pages: 460

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Secrets and lies in an upscale school community lead to a tragic, mysterious death. Who knew drop-off could be so dangerous?

2 Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Rebecca cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Gothic
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1938
  • Pages: 416

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A tale of suspense and mystery at a grand estate. With haunting vibes and twists, this novel is a masterful slow burn.

1 And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

And Then There Were None cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1939
  • Pages: 272

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Considered by most as the pinnacle of mystery thrillers, this story of ten strangers on an island captivates until the end. Truly timeless.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!