2025’s Best Murder Mysteries: Top 11 Books Reviewed

Discover the best murder mysteries books of all time. Unravel mysteries, plot twists, and unforgettable characters in these thrilling reads.
The Hound of the Baskervilles coverGone Girl coverThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo cover

Ah, murder mysteries, where suspense dances with intrigue, and our imaginations run wild! In creating this list of the 11 best murder mysteries books of all time, we focused on clever plots, unforgettable characters, and stories that keep us guessing until the final page. Each tale is a rollercoaster of twists and shocks, crafted to leave us craving more. So grab your detective hat and join us on this thrilling journey through the world of mystery and crime!

On this list:

11 The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Hound of the Baskervilles cover

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

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A classic Sherlock Holmes tale set on moody moors. This book gets us every time with its suspense and clever detective work.

10 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Suspense
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2012
  • Pages: 422

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A modern psychological thriller with twists and turns. We couldn’t put it down and neither could our friends.

9 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo cover

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

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Combines mystery with thrilling plots. We love how Lisbeth Salander’s character breaks the mold of typical detectives.

8 Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Murder on the Orient Express cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Detective
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1934
  • Pages: 256

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Poirot solves a murder on a train. Who doesn’t love mysteries set in confined spaces with a great detective?

7 The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

The Name of the Rose cover

  • Genre: Historical Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1980
  • Pages: 512

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We chose this book for its intriguing blend of mystery, historical setting, and deep philosophical themes. It’s a cerebral journey filled with puzzles and intrigue, similar to ‘The Da Vinci Code’, but with a unique medieval twist.

6 The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep cover

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

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Philip Marlowe’s gritty detective work makes this a cornerstone of classic noir literature. We admire Marlowe’s sharp wit and tenacity.

5 In the Woods by Tana French

In the Woods cover

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

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A modern mystery with deep emotional layers. French’s writing haunted us long after we closed the book.

4 The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

The Maltese Falcon cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Detective
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1930
  • Pages: 217

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Another classic that shaped the detective genre. Sam Spade’s adventures were hard to forget.

3 Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Rebecca cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Gothic
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1938
  • Pages: 456

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A gothic masterpiece filled with mystery and suspense. We found the eerie atmosphere simply captivating.

2 The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Secret History cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Psychological
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1992
  • Pages: 559

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Complex characters and a gripping plot. We dove into the lives of these secretive students with great curiosity.

1 And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

And Then There Were None cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1939
  • Pages: 264

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Our top pick! It redefined mystery storytelling with its innovative plot. Everyone gets suspicious when you are trapped on an island with a killer. The masterful pacing and relentless suspense make this book impossible to put down. Christie’s work is a testament to her genius in crafting intricate plots, leaving readers guessing until the final pages. We remember the thrill of reading this for the first time, eagerly discussing theories and suspects with friends. Truly, the quintessential murder mystery, beloved by readers worldwide.

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!