Best Mystery Books of 2024: Top 14 Picks!

Mystery books make life thrilling! Pick up 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie for a gripping read.

Gone Girl coverBig Little Lies cover

Grab a magnifying glass, fellow sleuths! We’re on a mission to uncover the 14 best mystery books out there. Our selection focuses on heart-stopping twists, unforgettable characters, and the kind of suspense that keeps you up at night. We can’t say the titles yet, but we promise each book delivers a thrilling rush and leaves you guessing until the very end. Whether you’re a newbie to mystery books or a seasoned detective, this list has something for everyone. Let’s solve the case of a good read together!

On this list:

14 The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith

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

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This book kicks off an addictive series featuring Cormoran Strike. We love the mix of wit and the intricate plot that keeps you guessing.

13 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl cover

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

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Gone Girl is a wild ride of a book. We remember staying up till 3 AM, just trying to piece together the puzzles.

12 Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies cover

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

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We chose this for its rich storytelling and well-developed characters. The layers of mystery unfold like different layers of cake.

11 The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

The Hound of the Baskervilles cover

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

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This is a classic for a reason. We chose it because it blends gothic elements with a plot tighter than our pants after Thanksgiving.

10 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo cover

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

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This book is a powerhouse of emotions and plot twists. We recommend reading this while wearing a helmet to protect against mind blown.

9 Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Sharp Objects cover

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

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Gillian Flynn hit the nail on the head with this one. A dark tale that feels like the mystery glasses being all fogged up.

8 In the Woods by Tana French

In the Woods cover

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

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We love how this book explores secrets and lies. It’s a slow burn, but once it gets going, it’s a bonfire of thrill.

7 The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

The Woman in White cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Victorian
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audio
  • Year released: 1859
  • Pages: 672

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This is one of the earliest mystery novels. It’s long, but the suspense weaves like a needle through fabric, creating a beautiful design.

6 The Last Secret of the Deverills by Santa Montefiore

The Last Secret of the Deverills cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2017
  • Pages: 400

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This book delivers an intriguing blend of mystery and historical fiction with family secrets and a gripping narrative.

5 The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Secret History cover

  • Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1992
  • Pages: 524

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A spellbinding tale of moral ambiguity. We were enchanted by the mix of intellect and murder, feeling like detectives in an ivy-covered college.

4 The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audio
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 316

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An intense psychological thriller that’s as twisty as a roller coaster. We couldn’t stop reading even if we tried, which we definitely didn’t.

3 Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson

Before I Go To Sleep cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 372

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A creepy thriller about memory loss. Every time we closed the book, we checked all the doors and windows just to be sure.

2 The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

The No. 1 Ladies

  • Genre: Mystery, Detective
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audio
  • Year released: 1998
  • Pages: 235

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This delightful series brings a smile with its charming lead detective. We picked it for its whimsical take on solving mysteries.

1 And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

And Then There Were None cover

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

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This is the queen of mystery books, a masterpiece of suspense and intrigue. Agatha Christie carefully lays out the clues, crafting a puzzle that keeps you guessing until the final page. We rank this as the best one because it combines an eerie atmosphere with brilliant storytelling. You feel like part of the isolated island alongside the characters, each of whom has secrets that slowly bubble to the surface. The awe shtuck sensation of not knowing who to trust or what will happen next earns it the top spot. It’s a classic that stands the test of time, just like our dog Sparky does with his favorite chew toy.

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!