There’s something mysterious and intriguing about a good mystery book. The suspense, the plot twists, the thrill of trying to figure out whodunit – it’s all part of the magic of the genre. If you’re a fan of mystery novels and looking for your next read, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of 10 must-read mystery books that will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you guessing until the very end.
1. “Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn
If you loved “Gone Girl,” you’ll definitely want to check out Gillian Flynn’s debut novel, “Sharp Objects.” This dark and twisted thriller follows journalist Camille Preaker as she returns to her hometown to cover a series of murders. As she delves deeper into the case, she uncovers long-buried secrets that threaten to unravel her own troubled past.
2. “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty
Liane Moriarty’s “Big Little Lies” is a gripping and suspenseful mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. The story follows a group of women living in a picturesque seaside town, whose seemingly perfect lives are shattered by a murder. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets and lies are revealed, culminating in a shocking conclusion.
3. “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson
Stieg Larsson’s bestselling novel “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is a riveting and complex mystery that follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist as he teams up with hacker Lisbeth Salander to solve a decades-old disappearance. As they delve into the dark and twisted world of corruption and betrayal, they uncover a conspiracy that reaches far beyond anything they could have imagined.
4. “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
“The Silent Patient” is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. The story follows Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who has been convicted of murdering her husband and has not spoken a word since the crime. As psychotherapist Theo Faber tries to unravel the mystery of Alicia’s silence, he uncovers dark and twisted secrets that threaten to destroy them both.
5. “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown
Dan Brown’s bestselling novel “The Da Vinci Code” is a fast-paced and thrilling mystery that follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he teams up with cryptologist Sophie Neveu to solve a murder and uncover a secret that has been hidden for centuries. As they race against time to unravel the clues left behind by the enigmatic Leonardo da Vinci, they find themselves caught in a web of conspiracy and deception.
6. “In the Woods” by Tana French
“In the Woods” is the first novel in Tana French’s acclaimed Dublin Murder Squad series, and it’s a must-read for fans of atmospheric and haunting mysteries. The story follows detective Rob Ryan as he investigates a murder in a small Irish town, only to uncover disturbing connections to a traumatic event from his own childhood. As he delves deeper into the case, he realizes that the truth may be more elusive than he ever imagined.
7. “Gone Baby Gone” by Dennis Lehane
Dennis Lehane’s gripping novel “Gone Baby Gone” is a dark and gritty mystery that follows private detectives Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro as they investigate the disappearance of a young girl in Boston. As they delve deeper into the case, they find themselves caught in a web of deception and betrayal that leads them to question their own morals and ethics.
8. “The Cuckoo’s Calling” by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
“The Cuckoo’s Calling” is the first novel in the Cormoran Strike series, written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. The story follows private investigator Cormoran Strike as he investigates the supposed suicide of supermodel Lula Landry, only to uncover a complex web of lies and deceit. With the help of his assistant Robin Ellacott, Strike must unravel the mystery of Lula’s death before it’s too late.
9. “The Woman in the Window” by A.J. Finn
“The Woman in the Window” is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows agoraphobic psychologist Anna Fox as she witnesses a disturbing event from her window, only to question her own perception of reality. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers dark secrets that threaten to unravel her fragile existence.
10. “Before I Go to Sleep” by S.J. Watson
“Before I Go to Sleep” is a chilling and suspenseful novel that will keep you guessing until the very end. The story follows Christine Lucas, a woman who wakes up every morning with no memory of her past, due to a rare form of amnesia. As she pieces together fragments of her life with the help of her husband Ben, she begins to question everything she thought she knew about herself and the people around her.
So there you have it – 10 must-read mystery books that will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you unraveling the secrets until the very end. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, classic whodunits, or dark and gritty mysteries, there’s something for everyone on this list. Happy reading, and may the clues be ever in your favor.