2025’s Best 11 Good Murder Mystery Books Reviewed

For fans of good murder mystery books, our list reveals thrilling plots, unexpected twists, and unforgettable characters in each recommendation.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo coverGone Girl coverThe 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle cover

Searching for good murder mystery books can be like finding a needle in a haystack. We focus on suspenseful plots, memorable characters, and jaw-dropping twists. In this list, we explore 11 captivating reads that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready to unravel some mind-boggling mysteries!

On this list:

11 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: 672

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A rollercoaster of suspense. Lisbeth Salander’s antics kept us up till 3 AM. Well worth the baggy eyes!

10 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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Reading this was like peeling an onion. Twists and turns that make your head spin!

9 The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 432

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This book offers a clever twist on the classic murder mystery by blending elements of time travel and body-swapping. It’s a mind-bending tale that will keep you guessing until the very end. We recommend it for fans of intricate plots and suspenseful storytelling.

8 Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies cover

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

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A tale of secret lives and deception. Perfect for those who love a slow build with a big payoff!

7 The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith

  • Genre: Crime, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2013
  • Pages: 464

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J.K. Rowling in disguise. A mystery with style and flair!

6 Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Sharp Objects cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 272

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Dark and gritty, it kept us rooted to our chairs. This one’s not for the faint-hearted!

5 In the Woods by Tana French

In the Woods cover

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

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Haunting and atmospheric. Once you start, you won’t stop till the end!

4 The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Secret History cover

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

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A thrilling look into moral ambiguities. This classic keeps you engaged from page one!

3 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 336

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Intriguing puzzle of a book. You’ll want to play therapist with this mystery!

2 Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

Before I Go to Sleep cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 368

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Think Groundhog Day with a twist. Keeps you wondering what is real and what’s not.

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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Classic Christie at her best. This masterpiece encapsulates what makes good murder mystery books so captivating. Ten guests, each with a secret, gather on a remote island. Then, they start dying one by one. Each death adheres to a chilling nursery rhyme. The air of suspense is palpable, and even seasoned sleuths will be scratching their heads. Christie’s intricate plotting and knack for misdirection shine through. This book is the godmother of murder mysteries, plain and simple. It’s the literary equivalent of a chess game. Every move is calculated, and every clue matters. The climax? Simply mind-blowing! A must-read for anyone looking to experience the best of good murder mystery books.

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!