Best Recommended Murder Mystery Books 2025: Top 5 Picks

Looking for recommended murder mystery books? Here are our top picks that kept us guessing, laughing, and arguing about whodunnit all night!

The Thursday Murder Club coverThe Guest List coverStillhouse Lake cover

Looking for some recommended murder mystery books that keep you guessing and giggling? You’ve come to the right spot. When we build our list of recommended murder mystery books, we focus on sharp plots, a mix of humor and suspense, and twists you’ll never see coming (unless you’ve got psychic powers, and if so, please pick our next lottery numbers). We also look for books that are easy to follow but impossible to put down. Whether you’re a rookie or a regular sleuth, these picks come from nights spent reading, laughing, and yelling at the plot with our friends. Let’s get to solving!

On this list:

5 The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

The Thursday Murder Club cover

  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2020

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We picked this one because it’s laugh-out-loud funny and full of clever twists. Four older folks in a retirement village get together and try to solve crimes. Honestly, we wish our bingo nights were half as exciting. The mix of humor and suspense makes this a top pick for anyone looking for recommended murder mystery books.

4 The Guest List by Lucy Foley

The Guest List cover

  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2020

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If you like weddings that go very, very wrong, this is your jam. Each character hides a secret, and you get to guess who the killer is—like Clue, but on a creepy island and way fancier snacks. It’s a must-have for any list of recommended murder mystery books.

3 Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

Stillhouse Lake cover

  • Genre: Crime Thriller
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2017

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Who knew living by a lake could be so stressful? We chose this because the suspense nearly made us spill our coffee. The story follows a woman accused of her husband’s crimes, trying to rebuild her life while the past haunts her. Among recommended murder mystery books, this one’s a nail-biter.

2 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient cover

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

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You want a twisty plot? This one delivers. We finished it at 2am, and then laid awake staring at the ceiling. With a woman who won’t speak after her husband’s murder, the mystery goes deep. One of the most talked-about recommended murder mystery books for a reason.

1 And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

And Then There Were None cover

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

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This is the top dog of recommended murder mystery books. Ten strangers get lured to an island (we’re noticing a pattern here…). One by one, they’re picked off, and we still remember our shocked faces the first time we read it. The plot is airtight—no loopholes for your nosy friend to point out. Christie’s writing pulls you in and keeps you guessing, page by page. The suspense never lets up. We played detective with our pals, and none of us guessed the ending right. It’s timeless, clever, and a must-read for any murder mystery lover.

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!