2024’s Best Recommended Murder Mystery Books: Top 5 Picks

We've got the best recommended murder mystery books that'll keep you guessing and entertained! Sherlock Holmes to Agatha Christie classics.
The Guest List coverThe Thursday Murder Club coverGone Girl cover

Looking for ‘recommended murder mystery books’ that will keep you on the edge of your seat? We have just the list for you! We focused on gripping plots, jaw-dropping twists, and colorful characters when picking these five thrilling reads. Whether you like a classic whodunit, a modern psychological thriller, or a comedic twist, you’ll find something to love in these page-turners.

On this list:

5 The Guest List by Lucy Foley

The Guest List cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2020
  • Pages: 320

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

We were drawn to the stunning setting on a remote island. Foley masterfully juggles multiple perspectives, and trust us, the twists will leave you dizzy. A wedding to remember, but not in the way you’d think.

4 The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

The Thursday Murder Club cover

  • Genre: Crime, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2020
  • Pages: 382

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

This book surprised us with our very own laughter and a few gasps too! A retirement village and a group of elderly sleuths—hilarious with hints of danger. It’s not just a book, it’s a community.

3 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

We have never been so confused by a book in our lives! Flynn’s storytelling is darker than my morning coffee, which is saying something. The characters are complex, and you won’t see the ending until it’s too late.

2 Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

One word: drama! It’s like Desperate Housewives got a book deal. Moriarty weaves a tangled web of secrets, and we couldn’t stop turning pages late into the night.

1 Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Murder on the Orient Express cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Agatha Christie is the queen of murder mystery. This book stands as a timeless classic in the ‘recommended murder mystery books’ theme. We admire how Christie crafts a story that traps all suspects on a train with a perfect conductor—Monsieur Poirot. We’ve read it several times and each read brings something new. From the mind-bending puzzle to the satisfying ending, this book has it all. It’s not only the best on our list, but one of the best ever. If you miss this, you missed the train.

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!