Best Murder Mystery Books of All Time 2024: Top 12
Ready to curl up with a good whodunit? We’ve rounded up the 12 best murder mystery books of all time. When picking these gems, we focused on engaging plots, unforgettable characters, and the kind of twists that leave you gasping aloud. These books promise sleepless nights and the thrill of discovering ‘who did it’.
On this list:
12 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
This book gets under your skin. Amy goes missing. Her husband, Nick, is the prime suspect. The twists will leave you dizzy. Read it if you enjoy psychological thrillers.
11 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Mikael Blomkvist is a journalist with legal troubles. Lisbeth Salander is a hacker with a mysterious past. Together, they uncover a chilling conspiracy. A must-read for mystery lovers.
10 In the Woods by Tana French
In the Irish woods, a girl is found murdered. Detective Rob Ryan must confront his past to solve the case. The storytelling is rich and immersive.
9 Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
This story of three women reveals dark secrets beneath a seemingly perfect town. It’s funny, touching, and suspenseful. Perfect for fans of domestic drama.
8 Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Before ‘Gone Girl’, there was ‘Sharp Objects’. Reporter Camille Preaker returns to her hometown to cover the murder of two girls. It’s dark and disturbing.
7 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Alicia Berenson shoots her husband and then stops speaking. Psychotherapist Theo Faber is determined to unravel her silence. A gripping page-turner with a mind-blowing twist.
6 The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
Anna Fox is an agoraphobic woman who believes she has witnessed a crime in her neighbor’s house. The suspense will keep you on edge till the end.
5 Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
A classic! Hercule Poirot is on a train, and a passenger is murdered. Everyone’s a suspect. Christie’s writing is timeless, and the mystery is riveting.
4 The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Rachel Watson watches a couple from her train every day. One day, she sees something shocking. A gripping read with multiple perspectives and twists.
3 And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Ten strangers are invited to an island. One by one, they are murdered. It’s suspenseful and keeps you guessing until the very end. A true masterpiece.
2 The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith
This is J.K. Rowling writing under a pseudonym. Investigator Cormoran Strike looks into the suspicious death of a supermodel. It’s a solid detective novel with great characters.
1 Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
This classic has outlived generations. The new Mrs. de Winter arrives at Manderley and discovers the haunting presence of her husband’s first wife, Rebecca. It’s the best because of its atmospheric setting, rich storytelling, and timeless appeal. As you read, you feel almost part of Manderley, surrounded by suspense and secrets. The narrative is smooth, and the mystery is unforgettable.
