8 Best Murder Mysteries Books of All Time 2024

Want to find the best murder mysteries books of all time? Check our hilarious list to uncover thrilling secrets!
The Hound of the Baskervilles coverGone Girl coverThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo cover

In the thrilling world of literature, the best murder mysteries books of all time captivate us with their suspense, twists, and clever storytelling. We dive nose-first into gripping plots and puzzling scenarios to find tales that leave us guessing until the very end. Our list features books that elevate the genre, turning ordinary armchair detectives into master sleuths. We focus on those unforgettable narratives, strong character arcs, and the intricate dance of suspicion that keeps us on edge, all while sipping our favorite cup of tea. Without spoiling anything, let’s uncover the secrets lurking within these timeless pages.

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 a family curse involving a supernatural hound. It’s a classic tale with suspense and clever deduction.

7 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl cover

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

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Twisting narratives and unreliable characters keep readers guessing in this modern psychological thriller about a marriage gone terribly wrong.

6 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo cover

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

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Complex characters and an intricate plot combine as a journalist and hacker team up to solve a long-standing mystery.

5 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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Ten strangers are invited to a remote island, where they are mysteriously killed one by one. A chilling masterpiece of the genre.

4 In the Woods by Tana French

In the Woods cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Crime
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2007
  • Pages: 429

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A detective with a hidden past tackles a mysterious murder, with the lush Irish setting adding to the story’s haunting atmosphere.

3 The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Detective
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1926
  • Pages: 312

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Hercule Poirot retires to a small village only to be drawn into a case involving blackmail and murder. A brilliant twist awaits.

2 The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Noir
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1939
  • Pages: 231

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Hard-boiled detective Philip Marlowe navigates a world of crime and deceit. Chandler’s style defined a generation of mystery novels.

1 The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Secret History cover

  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1992
  • Pages: 544

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We chose this gem for its intricate plot and unique twist on a murder mystery. It’s like diving deep into a Greek tragedy set in a modern university.

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!