Best 11 Good Murder Mystery Books 2025 Review

Looking for good murder mystery books? Our list guides you to thrilling tales that keep readers guessing until the end.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo coverGone Girl cover

Looking for a thrilling escape into the world of good murder mystery books? We’ve got you covered! Our team handpicked eleven spine-tingling tales to tickle your sleuthing senses. We focused on books that balance suspense and storytelling, ensuring each story captivates your imagination and keeps you guessing. Whether you’re a seasoned detective or new to the genre, this list promises gripping plots, unforgettable characters, and twists to keep you up at night! Dive into the best of murder mysteries with our must-read selection.

On this list:

11 The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith

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

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We loved how J.K. Rowling, under a pseudonym, keeps us guessing till the end with her well-placed twists. You feel like a detective on a stakeout.

10 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audio
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 672

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This Swedish thriller wraps you in suspense. We couldn’t put it down, even though it felt heavier than our grandma’s fruitcake!

9 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl cover

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

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Flynn crafts a psychological thriller that made our heads spin like a merry-go-round. It’s perfect for those who love mind games.

8 The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd cover

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

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Christie has done it again! Hercule Poirot shines, solving a case with a twist so sharp, we nearly spilled our tea.

7 Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies cover

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

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Friendship and secrets blend in a mysterious cocktail here. Moriarty serves us suspense like a skilled bartender. We couldn’t help but binge-read.

6 The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Secret History cover

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

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A classic among good murder mystery books, Tartt combines intellectual prose with a dark plot. It’s like an Ivy League mystery club over here.

5 The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 448

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We chose this book for its unique twist on the classic whodunit. It’s a gripping tale of mystery and time loops.

4 Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

Before I Go to Sleep cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Fiction
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audio
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 359

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Reading Watson’s work feels like a memory puzzle. Every page added a piece, leaving us eagerly guessing and sipping more coffee.

3 Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Novels and Stories by Arthur Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Novels and Stories cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Detective
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1887-1927
  • Pages: 1796

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We experienced the mastering of deduction. Holmes’ razor-sharp logic keeps us applauding. These stories are classics among good murder mystery books for a reason.

2 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient cover

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

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A fresh addition to the genre, Michaelides shocked us more than our morning alarm. The twist? Worth every anticipatory breath held.

1 And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

And Then There Were None cover

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

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This takes the cake as our top pick among good murder mystery books. Christie’s genius lies in its simplicity. A group on an island, ten little soldiers, and the anxiety rises with every page flip. It’s like trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle with your eyes closed! The tension builds masterfully, like watching a pot that’s about to boil over. Just when we thought we had the answer, bam! Another twist knocks us over like a surprise birthday party. Christie’s classic makes our mystery-loving hearts flutter like a first crush. It’s a timeless piece that haunts you long after the final word.

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!