Best 7 Greatest Murder Mystery Novels 2025 Reviewed

Here, we list the greatest murder mystery novels that will keep you guessing and entertained from start to finish.
The Hound of the Baskervilles coverThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo coverAnd Then There Were None cover

Calling all sleuths and armchair detectives! We’ve compiled the ultimate list of the greatest murder mystery novels that promise to keep you guessing until the very end. Our selection process involves a mix of spine-tingling suspense, complex characters, and plots so twisty you’d think they were a rollercoaster ride. Dive into these mysteries, where every page turn reveals a new clue and the shocking truth lies just beyond reach. Whether you’re a seasoned detective or new to the mystery genre, this collection promises thrills, suspense, and, of course, murder!

On this list:

7 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 takes on a spooky legend and an adult-sized dog with terrifying results. Who knew a dog could be so scary?

6 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo cover

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

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This book is like IKEA but with more murder and less Swedish meatballs. You’ll be assembling the pieces with bated breath.

5 And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

And Then There Were None cover

  • Genre: Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1939
  • Pages: 272

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Don’t we all love a party where guests mysteriously disappear? Agatha throws a killer one, literally. It’s like hide-and-seek with murder.

4 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2012
  • Pages: 415

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The marriage counseling session none of us saw coming. It’s twistier than a roller coaster and doesn’t require a seatbelt!

3 The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep cover

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

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No, this isn’t about sleep apnea. It’s about a private eye and a bunch of sleepy uncles who aren’t so sleepy after all.

2 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient cover

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

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We chose this book because of its intricate plot and psychological twists, much like The Da Vinci Code, but with a different focus that keeps readers guessing.

1 Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Murder on the Orient Express cover

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

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Christie delivers a plot twist that can out twist a pretzel in this whodunit. Poirot has eight suspects and only one moustache to solve it. This book deserves the top spot because it’s a masterclass in storytelling. Each character comes alive and keeps you guessing until the very end. The luxury train setting adds charm, while the unique narrative structure invites the reader to engage. You go from being a comfy armchair detective to frantically combing through red herrings. The use of psychological insights and attention to detail reward every turn of the page. It’s brilliantly puzzling and demands rereading to catch all the intricacies. This masterpiece isn’t just one of the greatest murder mystery novels; it’s THE GREATEST by far.

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!