What’s not to love about those thrilling murder mystery books that leave you questioning everyone around you? From the classic “trapped-on-an-island-with-no-lights” scenario to the “everyone-has-a-motive” twist, there’s a gripping tale waiting for every mystery lover, and we’re here to deliver! 🫡
This curated list is packed with page-turners that will keep you hooked from start to finish. They’ll leave you gasping as you try to keep track of every plot twist and secret. So, settle into your reading nook and prepare to explore stories where trust is fleeting, and every character hides a secret. 🤫
11 Unforgettable Must-Read Murder Mystery Books
1. Murder On The Orient Express By Agatha Christie 🚂🕵️♂️
A classic whodunnit, Murder On The Orient Express is an enjoyable and easy read. This murder mystery book is inspired by the disturbing true story of the Lindbergh case, where the twenty-month-old son of American hero Charles Lindberg was held for ransom and eventually killed. 😶🌫️
As a snowstorm traps the train, a passenger is found dead. Hercule Poirot finds himself surrounded by a group of strangers—each with a secret to hide. It’s down to Poirot to determine who the killer is before the death certificates begin to pile up.
Prepare for a suspense-filled ride, red herrings, and shocking twists! 😱
2. One Of Us Is Lying By Karen M.McManus 🤫
One of BookTok’s highest performers, this teen drama, narrated by four suspected murderers, is a well-built mix of high school romance and murder mystery all in one! 🫡
This young adult book launched author Karen M. McManus into worldwide fame! One Of Us Is Lying features the story of greatly hated student Simon Kelleher, who dies unexpectedly.
With the other four main characters remaining in the room at the time, this unlikely group must prove their innocence while all the clues point at them. Whether you’re a fan of gripping mysteries, a lover of complex characters, or just curious about the twists and turns that keep you guessing the whole time, you won’t want to miss this one! 🤞
3. Gone Girl: A Novel By Gillian Flynn 🫣
Gone Girl is more than a murder mystery book. Its themes of mental health, crime, and manipulation take readers on an emotional journey. 😲Are you ready?
The strong sense of the domestic suspense genre complements the drama surrounding the disappearance of the book’s protagonist, Amy.
The main plot point highlights her twisted personality: she frames her husband for her disappearance in a well-constructed plan to punish him for his infidelity.
Dark psychological thrillers, complex relationships, or shocking plot twists? Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn has it all (and more)!
4. Mr. Mercedes By Stephen King ☂️
Prepare for an exhilarating crime novel that combines horror, suspense, and mystery in an epic King interpretation of a tragic, true story. It’s all part of the Bill Hodges Trilogy, and amongst those thrilling murder mystery books you won’t want to miss! 🤩
After receiving a letter from the suspected killer of a mass murder case that was never closed, retired detective Hodges declares the case reopened.
This climatic book will keep readers entertained, guessing, and horrified in a battle of good versus evil by the storytelling master, Stephen King. Unsurprisingly, after showing off his skill for giving readers hope amid tragedy and drama, Mr Mercedes debuted as number one on the New York Times bestseller list. And we bet it will score high on your TBR as well. 🤭
5. Mad Honey By Jennifer Finney Boylan And Jodi Picoult 💛😈
What would you do if your son was the only witness to his girlfriend’s murder? After all, it’s always the boyfriend, isn’t it? Following her son’s arrest, Olivia risks everything to prove his innocence. 😶🌫️
This pair of authors is arguably one of the best team-ups ever, with the clever bee imagery used ingeniously throughout the book. They managed to compose one of the century’s most heart-pounding yet heart-breaking stories.
If you’re intrigued by deeply emotional stories, powerful themes of identity and love, or unexpected twists, make sure you add Mad Honey to your murder mystery books to read next! 🫡
6. Thursday Murder Club By Richard Osman 🔎 🔪
At first, this group of retired unlikely friends only intends to solve past murder cases. But not for long! A murder takes place on their doorstep, throwing them right at the center of an investigation. 🔎
Osman’s Thursday Murder Club may be based on crime, but the witty nature of the story and the dialogue between the characters add some warmth to the chilling thrill. For example, including one of the main character’s diaries adds a deeply personal touch to the book, captivating the readers even more.
Some would say it’s a “warning to never underestimate the elderly”, but we’re ready to take risks and find it out! 🤞
7. The Maiden By Kate Foster 👩🏻⚖️
This book not only stars a murder mystery but also takes the readers back in time. 🕰️ Inspired by a real murder trial from seventeenth-century Edinburgh, this remarkable story is as real and chilling as it gets.
It is the story of how a young woman was executed for the murder of her lover. The political diatribe aims at the sexism of this period and gives women a voice when the patriarchy had previously silenced them.
Succeeding its release, The Maiden was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2024 and even won the Bloody Scotland Pitch Perfect Award 2022 and the Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year 2023.
So prepare to enter the 17th century of Scotland, a world of intrigue, scandal, historical mysteries, and gripping suspense, in this beautifully rich narrative by Kate Foster. You won’t be disappointed!
8. Daisy Darker By Alice Feeney🌼🖤
A brilliant combination of gothic, psychological, and mystery fiction? Find it all in this suspenseful tale by Alice Feeney that will immediately spark your interest if you’re a fan of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.
After avoiding each other for years, Daisy’s family reunites for Nana’s birthday on a secluded island. Surprising timing or not, they are cut off from the rest of the world on Halloween for eight hours when the tide comes in. When the tide goes back out, at first glance, everything seems normal. However, little do they know that one of them is a killer. 🔪
Prepare for an unforgettable ride into a world of family secrets and chilling revelations. Meet Feeney’s captivating storytelling in one of those murder mystery books that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page! 😳😳
9. Where The Crawdads Sing By Delia Owens 🦀
Young Kya, or the ‘Marsh Girl’, has been accused of murder, and as a member of North Carolina’s lower class, it’s hard for her to fight the stereotypes.
As the story progresses, the investigation into the murder threatens to unveil secrets, and the case only becomes more confusing. 😵
Kya was crafted as a highly relatable protagonist with whom readers could instantly resonate, making this coming-of-age narrative a bestselling literary sensation in the reading world.
With a list of awards for the book and the movie, make sure you add Where The Crawdads Sing to your murder mystery books. It’s the perfect escapism and entertainment, so make sure you check it out! 🫡
10. The Guest List By Lucy Foley 👥📝
The lights have gone out, and everyone has secrets.
It’s the wedding of Jules and Will, but at a time when all should be happy and celebratory, betrayal and murder lurk in the shadows. 😶🌫️ Secrets from the past begin to spill, and trust begins to break. Bonds loosen when the characters learn that not everyone is who they seem.
With its limited number of suspects and long-buried secrets, this murder mystery has been linked to Agatha Christie’s works. No wonder The Guest List was recognized for its brilliance, shortlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger Award, and won the 2020 Goodreads Choice Award for Mystery and Thrillers!
11. The Hunting Party By Lucy Foley 🐾☠️
This twisted thriller follows a group of friends as they navigate their holiday in the Highlands of Scotland. The friends have the personalities you’d expect of a high school drama: the hot couple Miranda and Julien, struggling new parents Samira and Giles, aspiring lawyer Kate, and strange Mark and his outsider girlfriend, Emma. And let’s not forget the burdened owners of their holiday home, Heather and Doug.
It’s New Year’s Eve, and they’re isolated with no phone signal. Trapped in each other’s company, the tension between the lifelong friends builds up to the point where it’d be cut with a knife.
But it’s not the mood that gets killed.🫢 Instead, by the end of their holiday, one winds up dead. If you’re a fan of gripping whodunits, intricate plots, and the chilling dynamics of friendship, The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley is a must-read!
This genre is one of my favorites, and it is one more readers should check out! If you want to explore it, these captivating murder mystery books will definitely add some intrigue to your TBR. 🌟
So buckle up and prepare to lose trust in those around you as you explore the means, motive, and opportunity of some of the most fascinating villains and thrilling murder tales.
This article was written by our Bookly Pro Reader, Jess! 💙
Before Heading To Your Favorite Murder Mystery Books, Here Are Other Recommendations!
Tap into even more psychological tension and intrigue, and make space on your TBR for some of our Psychological Thriller Books and Mystery and Thriller recs. Light a candle, get cozy, and prepare to second-guess everyone and everything! 🧐🫣
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