12 Best Recommended Murder Mystery Books for 2025

Discover top recommended murder mystery books. Our favorite: 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. Riveting, classic, unforgettable.

Murder on the Orient Express coverGone Girl cover

Hold onto your hats, folks! We’re taking you on a thrilling ride through a world of suspense and intrigue with our list of 12 spine-tingling, recommended murder mystery books. For this post, we dug deep into the heart of mystery novels, handpicking stories that keep you guessing, feature rich characters, and have jaw-dropping plots. Whether you’re a seasoned sleuth or just stepping into the game, there’s something here for every curious reader craving the next great whodunit. Let’s unravel these enigmatic tales together!

On this list:

12 The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith

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

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Written by J.K. Rowling under a pseudonym, this book features intriguing plot twists. We loved the complex characters and witty dialogues.

11 Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Murder on the Orient Express cover

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

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This classic detective story is a must-read for murder mystery lovers. Poirot’s sharp wit and attention to detail make for an engaging read.

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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The plot is full of unexpected turns and the psychological elements keep you on your toes. This book keeps you guessing till the end.

9 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: 465

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We found this book to be a gripping tale of murder, family secrets, and the complexities of relationships with strong female leads.

8 Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies cover

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

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A unique blend of humor, drama, and murder mystery. The characters are relatable, making the story more thrilling as secrets are unravelled.

7 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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A psychotherapist tries to uncover why a famous painter stopped speaking after murdering her husband. The ending will leave you speechless!

6 In the Woods by Tana French

In the Woods cover

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

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The story’s atmospheric setting and intricate plot keep readers gripped. We loved the psychological depth and haunting elements.

5 Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

Before I Go to Sleep cover

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

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Every day, Christine wakes up not knowing who she is. This tense thriller kept us turning pages late into the night.

4 The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Secret History cover

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

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We love ‘The Secret History’ because it mixes intellectual pursuits with a thrilling murder mystery. The clever plot and intriguing characters kept us hooked.

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

The No. 1 Ladies

  • Genre: Mystery, Cozy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1998
  • Pages: 240

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Set in Botswana, this charming tale combines cultural insights with clever mysteries. The protagonist’s warmth draws readers in.

2 The Reversal by Michael Connelly

The Reversal cover

  • Genre: Legal Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2010
  • Pages: 416

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An attention-grabbing legal thriller with layered characters. The interactions between the legal team members are a highlight.

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: 264

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Considered by many as her best work, this story of 10 strangers trapped on an island captivated us from start to finish.

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!