Best Mystery Books of All Time
Mystery novels have captivated readers for centuries, with their compelling plots, intricate puzzles, and unexpected twists and turns. From the early works of Edgar Allan Poe and Arthur Conan Doyle to the contemporary thrillers of Gillian Flynn and Tana French, the genre has produced some of the most gripping and memorable stories in literature.
The best mystery books of all time have set the standard for the genre, providing readers with unforgettable characters, complex plots, and masterful storytelling. These books range from classic whodunits to psychological thrillers, from cozy mysteries to hard-boiled detective novels. They have influenced countless writers and continue to captivate readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Whether you are a fan of the genre or a newcomer looking for a good mystery to read, the best mystery books of all time offer something for everyone. They are timeless classics that have stood the test of time and continue to entertain and intrigue readers to this day. In this list, we will explore some of the most iconic and beloved mystery novels ever written, and why they have become such enduring favorites.
Top 10 Best Mystery Books of All Time
The mystery genre has produced some of the most thrilling and thought-provoking stories in literature. From classic whodunits to modern psychological thrillers, the best mystery books of all time have captivated readers with their intricate plots, compelling characters, and unexpected twists. In this list of the top 10 best mystery books to read, we will explore some of the most iconic and influential works in the genre, which continue to inspire and entertain readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are a fan of traditional detective novels or prefer more unconventional mysteries, there is something for everyone on this list. So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and prepare to be transported into the fascinating world of mystery and intrigue.
S. No |
Best Mystery Books |
Author |
|
1 |
Murder on the Orient Express |
Agatha Christie |
|
2 |
Gone Girl |
Gillian Flynn |
|
3 |
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo |
Stieg Larsson |
|
4 |
The Name of the Rose |
Umberto Eco |
|
5 |
The Hound of the Baskervilles |
Arthur Conan Doyle |
|
6 |
The Alienist |
Caleb Carr |
|
7 |
The Maltese Falcon |
Dashiell Hammett |
|
8 |
Shutter Island |
Dennis Lehane |
|
9 |
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd |
Agatha Christie |
|
10 |
The Secret History |
Donna Tartt |
TRENDING
1. Murder on the Orient Express (Agatha Christie)
Published in 1934, “Murder on the Orient Express” is a classic whodunit novel by the renowned British author Agatha Christie. The story revolves around the murder of a wealthy American businessman named Mr. Ratchett, who is found dead in his cabin aboard the luxurious Orient Express train. The famous detective Hercule Poirot is on board the train, and he is tasked with solving the murder mystery.
What follows is a complex and intricate plot full of suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists. The novel is known for its ingenious plot and masterful storytelling, as well as for its memorable characters and iconic ending. Christie’s writing style is concise and precise, and she keeps readers on the edge of their seats throughout the book.
“Murder on the Orient Express” has been adapted into several movies, TV shows, and plays, and it remains one of the most popular and beloved mystery novels of all time.
2. Gone Girl (Gillian Flynn)
Published in 2012, “Gone Girl” is a psychological thriller by American author Gillian Flynn. The story revolves around the disappearance of a woman named Amy Dunne, and the subsequent investigation by her husband Nick, who becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance.
What follows is a twisted and dark tale of deceit, manipulation, and revenge, as the novel explores the complex and dysfunctional relationship between Amy and Nick. Flynn’s writing style is gripping and intense, and she masterfully creates a sense of unease and tension throughout the book.
“Gone Girl” has been praised for its complex characters, unconventional plot, and feminist themes. It has been adapted into a critically acclaimed movie directed by David Fincher, and it remains one of the most popular and talked-about thriller novels of the 21st century.
3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Stieg Larsson)
Published in 2005, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is a Swedish thriller novel by the late author Stieg Larsson. The story revolves around the investigation of the disappearance of a young woman named Harriet Vanger and the subsequent collaboration between journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the enigmatic computer hacker Lisbeth Salander.
The novel is known for its intricate plot, complex characters, and vivid portrayal of Swedish society. Larsson’s writing style is immersive and detailed, and he creates a sense of realism and authenticity in his depiction of the characters and settings.
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” has been adapted into several movies, TV shows, and graphic novels, and it remains one of the most popular and influential thriller novels of the 21st century. It has been praised for its feminist themes, social commentary, and portrayal of complex and unconventional characters.
4. The Name of the Rose (Umberto Eco)
Published in 1980, “The Name of the Rose” is a historical mystery novel by the Italian author Umberto Eco. The story is set in a medieval monastery in Italy, where a series of mysterious deaths occur. The Franciscan friar William of Baskerville is sent to investigate the deaths, and he is accompanied by his young apprentice Adso of Melk.
What follows is a complex and intellectual mystery, full of symbolism, historical references, and theological debates. Eco’s writing style is erudite and challenging, and he creates a vivid and immersive atmosphere in the medieval setting. The novel is also known for its exploration of religious and philosophical themes, as well as for its commentary on the power struggles and corruption of the church.
“The Name of the Rose” has been adapted into a critically acclaimed movie starring Sean Connery, and it remains one of the most popular and influential mystery novels of the 20th century.
5. The Hound of the Baskervilles (Arthur Conan Doyle)
Published in 1902, “The Hound of the Baskervilles” is a classic detective novel by the British author Arthur Conan Doyle. The story is set in the moors of Devonshire, where a legendary supernatural hound is said to haunt the Baskerville family. Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson are called in to investigate the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, and to protect his heir Sir Henry from the same fate.
What follows is a thrilling and atmospheric tale full of twists and turns, as Holmes and Watson unravel the secrets of the Baskerville family and confront the evil lurking in the moors. Doyle’s writing style is concise and precise, and he creates a vivid and immersive atmosphere in the moody and eerie setting.
“The Hound of the Baskervilles” has been adapted into several movies, TV shows, and plays, and it remains one of the most popular and beloved detective novels of all time.
6. The Alienist (Caleb Carr)
Published in 1994, “The Alienist” is a historical thriller by the American author Caleb Carr. The story is set in New York City in the late 19th century, where a series of gruesome murders of young male prostitutes occur. Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a pioneering psychologist known as an “alienist” (a term used at the time for someone who studied mental illness), is enlisted by police commissioner Theodore Roosevelt to help solve the case.
What follows is a gripping and dark tale of psychological profiling, forensic investigation, and social commentary. Carr’s writing style is detailed and atmospheric, and he creates a vivid and immersive portrayal of New York City at the turn of the century. The novel is also known for its exploration of psychological and social issues, such as trauma, abuse, and corruption
“The Alienist” has been adapted into a popular TV series, and it remains one of the most influential and innovative historical thrillers of the 20th century.
7. The Maltese Falcon (Dashiell Hammett)
Published in 1930, “The Maltese Falcon” is a hard-boiled detective novel by the American author Dashiell Hammett. The story follows private detective Sam Spade as he gets drawn into a web of intrigue and deceit surrounding the search for a valuable statuette of a bird, the Maltese Falcon. The novel is known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of the underworld of San Francisco in the 1920s, as well as for its iconic characters such as Sam Spade and the femme fatale Brigid O’Shaughnessy.
Hammett’s writing style is spare and direct, and he creates a vivid and immersive atmosphere in the seedy and dangerous setting. The novel is also known for its themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
“The Maltese Falcon” has been adapted into several movies, TV shows, and radio plays, and it remains one of the most influential and iconic detective novels of the 20th century.
8. Shutter Island (Dennis Lehane)
Published in 2003, “Shutter Island” is a psychological thriller by the American author Dennis Lehane. The story is set in 1954 on a remote island off the coast of Massachusetts, where U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule are investigating the disappearance of a patient from a mental institution for the criminally insane. As the investigation unfolds, Teddy’s own past traumas and mental state are called into question, and the line between reality and delusion becomes increasingly blurred.
Lehane’s writing style is immersive and suspenseful, and he creates a vivid and eerie atmosphere in the isolated and unsettling setting. The novel is also known for its exploration of psychological and ethical issues, such as trauma, memory, and abuse of power.
“Shutter Island” has been adapted into a critically acclaimed movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and it remains one of the most haunting and thought-provoking psychological thrillers of the 21st century.
9. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Agatha Christie)
Published in 1926, “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” is a classic detective novel by the British author Agatha Christie. The story is set in a small English village, where the wealthy and charismatic Roger Ackroyd is found murdered in his study. The investigation is led by the famous detective Hercule Poirot, who soon discovers that everyone in the village has a motive for the murder, including himself.
Christie’s writing style is clever and witty, and she creates a vivid and immersive portrayal of English village life in the 1920s. The novel is also known for its innovative and controversial twist ending, which has become one of the most famous plot twists in the history of detective fiction.
“The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” is considered one of Christie’s greatest works, and it remains a classic and influential example of the “whodunit” genre.
10. The Secret History (Donna Tartt)
Published in 1992, “The Secret History” is a literary thriller by the American author Donna Tartt. The story is set in a small liberal arts college in Vermont, where a group of eccentric and privileged students becomes involved in a dangerous and mysterious plot that leads to murder.
Tartt’s writing style is rich and atmospheric, and she creates a vivid and immersive portrayal of college life and the psychology of her characters. The novel is also known for its exploration of themes such as identity, morality, and the nature of truth and beauty.
The novel also explores the darker side of human nature, including the consequences of obsession, secrecy, and group dynamics. The characters are complex and flawed, and their actions have far-reaching consequences that ultimately lead to tragedy.
“The Secret History” has been praised for its haunting and immersive atmosphere, its memorable characters, and its thought-provoking themes. It remains a classic of contemporary American literature and a must-read for fans of literary thrillers.
Which is the Best Mystery Book of All Time?
Murder on the Orient Express is a mystery novel by British author Agatha Christie, first published in 1934. It is widely considered to be one of the best mystery books of all time, and has been adapted into several films, TV shows, and stage productions over the years.
The story is set on the luxurious Orient Express train, which is traveling from Istanbul to Calais. The train is stopped in its tracks by a heavy snowfall, and during the night, one of the passengers, a wealthy American named Ratchett, is brutally murdered. The detective Hercule Poirot, who happens to be on the same train, is asked by the train’s director to investigate the case. Poirot begins to interview the passengers, all of whom seem to have a motive for the murder.
What makes Murder on the Orient Express such a compelling mystery novel is the intricate plot and the surprising twist at the end. Agatha Christie was known for her clever plotting and her ability to keep readers guessing until the very end, and Murder on the Orient Express is no exception. The book is filled with red herrings and false leads, making it difficult for readers to figure out who the murderer is.
In addition to its engaging plot, Murder on the Orient Express also features memorable characters and vivid descriptions of the train and its surroundings. Agatha Christie was known for her attention to detail and her ability to transport readers to the locations in her books, and Murder on the Orient Express is a prime example of this.
The book has been adapted into several films over the years, the most recent of which was released in 2017. The adaptations have varied in their faithfulness to the original text, but all have attempted to capture the essence of the story and the characters. Murder on the Orient Express has also been adapted into TV shows and stage productions, and it remains one of Agatha Christie’s most popular and enduring works.
Murder on the Orient Express is widely regarded as the best mystery book of all time for good reason. Its intricate plot, memorable characters, and surprising twist ending make it a must-read for fans of the mystery genre, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its lasting appeal.
Which Mystery Books Have the Best Plot Twists and Surprises?
Mystery novels are beloved by readers for their ability to keep them on the edge of their seats, guessing and second-guessing the outcome until the very end. One of the hallmarks of a great mystery book is a plot twist or surprise that catches readers off guard, leaving them stunned or amazed.
Here are some mystery books that are known for their unforgettable plot twists and surprises:
1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn – This psychological thriller follows a woman named Amy Dunne who goes missing on the day of her fifth wedding anniversary. Her husband, Nick, becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance. The novel’s plot twist involves a shocking revelation about Amy’s character that turns the entire story on its head.
2. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides – This novel follows a psychotherapist named Theo Faber who is determined to treat a patient named Alicia Berenson, who has been convicted of murdering her husband and has not spoken a word since the crime. The plot twist in this book involves a surprising twist in Alicia’s case that turns everything Theo thought he knew upside down.
3. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie – This classic mystery novel is considered one of Christie’s best works. It follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the murder of wealthy businessman Roger Ackroyd. The plot twist involves a revelation about the identity of the murderer that is so shocking it caused a stir among readers when the book was first published.
4. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins – This thriller follows a woman named Rachel Watson who becomes entangled in a missing persons case after she witnesses something shocking from the window of her train. The plot twist in this book involves a surprising revelation about Rachel’s past that affects the entire course of the story.
5. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown – This mystery novel follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he investigates a murder at the Louvre and becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving the Holy Grail. The plot twist in this book involves a shocking revelation about one of the main characters that changes everything the reader thought they knew about the story.
These books are just a few examples of mystery novels that are known for their plot twists and surprises. Other notable mentions include And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, The Sixth Sense by M. Night Shyamalan, and The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle. The best mystery books with plot twists and surprises are those that keep readers guessing until the very end and then leave them stunned with a revelation they never saw coming.
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