BEST MYSTERY BOOKS OF ALL TIME WHOA! WHAT’S THAT YOU HEAR? IS IT A GUNSHOT OR A CAR BACKFIRE? IN ANY CASE, WE MUST FIND OUT!!!!
Let’s be honest here, all of us have a natural inclination towards ‘whodunnits’. Be it a broken glass in the office break room or suicide of a celebrity, all of us put on our detective hats and start making deductions as soon as we come across it. Blame it on the natural curiosity of the human spirit or the sheer enjoyment brought by the chaos in our lives, all of us have dreamt of being the center of our personal mystery saga. A perfect story where we rise to the occasion and save the day with our cunning detective skills. And we have no doubt that most of us have been caught reading too much into mundane situations and embarrassed ourselves.
Mystery is our perfect escape from the boring, mundane reality we are forced to become a part of. It offers us an adventurous escape from our everyday lives where we get to play killers, detectives, and police all in one. Simply described, the mystery genre is a genre of fiction that follows a crime (like a murder, suicide or disappearance) from the moment it is committed to the moment it is solved. Mystery novels are often called “whodunnits” because they turn the reader into a detective trying to figure out the who, what, when, and how of a particular crime. In the following list, you will find the most thrilling and adventurous mystery books of all times. We hope that these reads bring you all the goosebumps you need to get through the day of boredom and mundane reality.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
It would not be wrong to call Agatha Christie the queen of mystery genre. Her books are full of mystery, romance and thrilling adventures. Agatha Christie described And Then There Were None as one of her most difficult books to write.
The book is set in a small isolated island near the Devon coast. The novel starts off when eight people arrive on a small, isolated island off the Devon coast, each having received an unexpected personal invitation.
They are met by the butler and cook-housekeeper, Thomas and Ethel Rogers, who explain that their hosts, Ulick Norman Owen and Una Nancy Owen, have not yet arrived, though they have left instructions. Without spoiling the plot, let’s just say that the hosts never arrive and the guests are served with something very cold and no we are not talking about dinner.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
“Read a good book before Hollywood ruins it” is as the saying goes and we agree. If you are not living under a rock up till now, you must have heard of the major motion picture Gone Girl. Well, yes, we thoroughly enjoyed the movie but it would be safe to say that the novel is 100% times better than the movie itself.
Inspired by true events, Gone Girl is a crime thriller novel by Gillian Flynn. Right after its release, the novel went widely popular and was very well received by the true crime junkies. It even made the New York Times bestseller list. In terms of the plot of the novel, the narrative alternates between the point of view of Nick and Amy Dunne.
Nick’s narration begins shortly after arriving home on his fifth wedding anniversary to find Amy is missing; there are signs of a struggle. Amy’s narration comes in the form of her diaries and follows the earlier stages of their relationship. After a series of pretty thrilling events, the novel moves towards a peaceful resolve. We definitely recommend this to our mystery junkies.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
I am sure all of us have thought out our escape plans while crossing an abandoned subway station. Train stations are often the perfect setting of a true crime thriller or a mystery epic. The Girl on the Train is yet another modern day psychological thriller which had us on the edge of our reading chair for several hours.
This mystery thriller is the debut novel of renowned journalist Paula Hawkins. The book was very well received by the readers. It even charted at the top of New York Times bestseller list. Seeing its growing popularity, The Girl on the Train has been made into not one but two major motion pictures. In terms of the plot, the story is a first-person narrative told from the point of view of three women: Rachel Watson, Anna Boyd, and Megan Hipwell.
The protagonist Rachel Watson is a 33-year-old alcoholic, reeling from the end of her marriage to Tom, who left her for another woman. Rachel’s drinking has caused her to lose her job; she frequently binges and has blackouts. The disappearance of her neighbour Megan Hipwell drives most of the plot. The conflict gets built up throughout the novel and ends in a chaotic resolve. The book excellently incorporates psychological tropes and motifs while carefully touching the sensitive topics of alcoholism and abuse.
All The Devils Are Here by Louise Penny
Evident by the title, All the Devils Are Here is a true crime thriller by Louise Penny. Well, there is no doubt about the credibility of this police thriller as it is penned down by none other than Louise Penny.
Louise Penny is the author of the number 1 New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling series of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels. She has won numerous awards, including a CWA Dagger and the Agatha Award (seven times). All the Devils Are Here is the 16th book in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series.
The plot of this book follows the protagonist Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec in his investigation of a sinister murder in the City of Lights Paris. Followed by the main conflicting incident, Ganache’s whole family is caught up in a web of lies and deceit. In order to find the truth, Ganache has to decide whether he can trust his friends, his colleagues, his instincts, his own past and most of all, his own family.
The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain
We all love the books which reek of suspense and horror in their titles. Same is the case with James M. Cain’s marvel The Postman Always Rings Twice. You can sense the urgency and danger of the novel by merely taking a glance at the title of the novel.
In terms of the plot, the story is brought to you by Frank Chambers, who is narrating the story from death row, summing up all the incidents of the novel. Narrated in the first person by Frank Chambers, a young drifter who stops at a rural California diner for a meal and ends up working there.
The diner is operated by a beautiful young woman, Cora, and her much older husband, Nick Papadakis, sometimes called “the Greek”. The story follows these characters in their romance engulfed by the mystery and ends on a tragic note. But, afterall what is mystery without a little tragedy?
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
If you haven’t given “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” a read yet, you’re missing out big time! It is one of the most enthralling and captivating mystery thrillers of all time. This novel has multiple movie adaptations with the first adaptation into a Swedish film in 2009 and the second adaptation in 2011 when Hollywood released its own version, critical acclaim was received by both the versions. But before Hollywood got its hands on it the novel overtook the world with its sinister turn and ominous, chronical, and its striking persona.
The story revolves around the journalist Mikael Blomkvist and cryptic hacker Lisbeth Salander, two farfetched fellows investigating a years old disappearance that occurred about ten years ago. But keep faith in us for this not your everyday murder mystery suspense novel! It has an inscrutable saga following it.
Da Vinci Code
If suspense and thriller had a persona it would be none other than Da Vinci Code, written by Dan Brown. This masterpiece is more than just a normal thriller with its roller coaster of emotions, hidden symbolism, secret societies, and historical conspiracies. Da Vinci Code involves a homicide at the Louvre and a concealed truth linked to Leonardo Da Vinci, religious history and the Holy Grail. This novel is followed by the protagonist Sophie Neevu attempting to solve a centuries old puzzle tied to Leonardo Da Vinci’s works.
This thriller is a race against time with plot twist at every edge keeping you at the edge of your seat and pulling you deeper into the quick sand of the mysteries. It’s fast paced intense and chillingly addictive, and it will no doubt be on of the book that will captivate you to finish it in one sitting.
Angels & Demons
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown is a thrilling and a fast paced story from its very beginning to its core. If you thought that the Da Vinci Code was a heart pounding conspiracy fiction, then you’re not ready for this nail biting thriller. This story is centered on a Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon as he uncovers a lethal scheme targeting the Vatican following the murder of a physicist and the theft of a powerful anti-matter weapon, Langdon collaborates with scientist Vittoria Vetra to prevent the secret society illuminati from obliterating St. Peter’s basilica during the papal conclave.
The novel intertwines history, science and religion into a captivating mystery. Just when you are of the opinion that you have the mystery all figured out… kaboom! A new plot twist hits.
Rebecca
Imagine marrying a person of your dreams only to find yourself living in the shadow of someone you’ve never met. This is the eerie situation in Daphne du Maurier’s gothic classic, Rebecca filled with intrigue and tension.
A young unnamed protagonist weds the affluent Maxim de Winter and reallocates to the lavish estate, Manderley. However, from the instance she arrives she feels as though she is being haunted, not by a spectator but by the entering presence of Rebecca, Maxim’s first wife. Everyone around her appears to be fixated on Rebecca especially the ominous housekeeper, Mr. Danvers, who is intent on preserving Rebecca’s legacy.
As the mysteries unfold, the new Mrs. de Winter must unfold the mysteries and reveals the truth about the fact that who really was Rebecca and what truly happened to her. With this good read youre in for a memorable rollercoaster of emotions that you’re bound to never get over.
The Godfather
In the realm of organized crime respect is obtained through violence. When Don Vito Corleone, the most dreaded mafia leader in The New York declines a request and it triggers a lethal series of events. The Godfather by Mario Puzo is one of the greatest classics in novels and its adaptation is extremely favored by the thriller enjoying audience.
This book follows an assignation attempt that leaves the mafia leader Don Vito Corleone exposed, his sons impulsive Sonny, feeble Fredo and hesitant yet astute Michael become embroiled in a brutal struggle for power. As Michael evolves from an outsider to a merciless leader, he guarantees the Corleone’s families’ survival through intelligence and brutality.
Power is never granted it is ceased and Michael acquires his father’s former seat closing the door on his final ruminants of his innocence. Though one fact is undeniable, the Corleone family will persist regardless of the sacrifices required. This nail biting thriller is greatly favored by crime fiction fans and detective story devotees as it keeps them on the edge of their seats.
Mystic River
What if the specters of your history never really abandoned you? Mystic Rivers by Dennis Lehane transcends being just a crime novel, it is a gripping psychological drama which delves into how childhood trauma, hidden truths and destiny mold lives in a way that are beyond anyone’s control.
This story is followed by three childhood friends; Sean, Jimmy and Dave. Their lives are forever changed when Dave is abducted and later escapes. Decades later their lives collide again when Jimmy’s daughter is murdered, Sean now a detective investigates the case while the suspicion falls on Dave who returned home the night of the murder covered in blood.
As tensions rise the novel explores justice, revenge and the weight of the past leading to a haunting and unforgettable conclusion featuring a captivating storytelling, morally intricate characters and an emotional resonance that stays with you long after you finish the book. This novel is an essential read for enthusiast of psychological thrillers and profound character explorations.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
What if the fiercest conflict you ever encountered was with yourself? Robert Louis Stevenson’s strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is an enduring psychological thriller that delves into the duality of human nature, the internal battle between good and evil present in all of us.
This story follows Dr, Henry Jekyll a respected scientist who creates a potion that enables him to distinguish his darker urges from his virtuous self, transforming into the brutal and violent Edward Hyde. Initially he relishes the thrill of indulging in his most sinister desires without repercussions, but before long Hyde starts to dominate his existence.
As Jekyll struggles to maintain his grasp on reality hi experiment devolves into terror resulting in catastrophic outcomes. The novella skillfully explores themes of identity, morality and the perils of unchecked ambitions, leaving readers to ponder the essence of good and evil. 1`2
The Zombie Room
What action would you take if your deepest secrets risked your ruins. The Zombie Room by R. D. Ronald is an engaging psychological thriller that delves into themes of crime, redemption and the fallout from the previous errors.
The storyline is followed by Ben, Mick and Frank, three individuals with difficult histories who develop a bond after spending time in prison. When they uncover a human trafficking ring they find themselves in a perilous reality that surpasses anything they’ve faced before.
As they strive to reveal the truth while confronting their personal struggles the novel intricately portrays a gripping emotional quest for survival, ethics and redemption featuring intricate character, height and tension and insightful themes. This book is an excellent choice for those who appreciate dark gritty thrillers filled with unforeseen twists.
Sharp Objects
Secrets can wound more profoundly than blades, Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn was the debut novel published in 2006 and quickly became a best seller due to its dark psychological themes and intense storytelling.
Journalist Camille Preaker heads back to the small town to report the gruesome murder of two young girls. Burdened by her own troubled past and a contentious relation with her controlling mother, Camille begins to uncover unsettling realities about bot the town and herself.
As she works to unravel the mystery she comes to the shocking realization that the murderer maybe much closer than she ever thought possible yet in community where the scars are deep can she find a way to escape before she becomes the next victim. Some injuries remain unhealed and certain truths can be more perilous than fabrications and way more dangerous than lies. As she peels back the layers of deceit, Camille must face a chilling reality sometimes family is the real horror and as she digs deeper the more she realizes some monsters are made not born!
The Woman in White
Certain secrets refuse to remain hidden when the art instructor Walter Hartright meets a mysterious woman on a desolate road. He becomes entangled in a web of deceit, insanity and crime. Hired to educate the affluent Laura Fairlie, he soon uncovers a shocking link between her and the spectral figure.
As malevolent forces work against Laura, Walter must reveal the truth before it’s too late. In a world where the powerful silence the vulnerable, can justice truly be served? Amidst the shadows of betrayal, even love might not be sufficient to endure. This novel continues to be a classic in Victorian literature with its mystery and sensational story lined with compelling female characters.
