Best-selling Mystery Novels
Best-selling mystery novels are a popular genre of fiction that captivates readers with compelling plots, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists and turns. These novels often center around a crime or series of crimes that must be solved by a detective or amateur sleuth, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they try to unravel the mystery alongside the protagonist. With their gripping narratives and suspenseful storytelling, best-selling mystery novels have become a staple of the literary world, appealing to readers of all ages and backgrounds.
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What sets best-selling mystery novels apart is their ability to keep readers guessing until the very end. From classic whodunits to psychological thrillers, these novels often feature complex and multi-layered plots that challenge readers to think critically and piece together clues to uncover the truth. Additionally, the genre is known for its diverse range of subgenres, including cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and legal thrillers, offering something for every reader's taste. With their timeless appeal and ability to entertain and engage readers, it's no wonder that best-selling mystery novels continue to be a beloved and enduring part of the literary landscape.
Gone GirlView AllGone Girl - A thrilling and twisted tale of deceit and revenge.
The Da Vinci CodeView AllThe Da Vinci Code - A thriller involving secret societies and religious conspiracies.
And Then There Were NoneView AllAnd Then There Were None - Ten strangers trapped on an island, start dying.
The Girl with the Dragon TattooView AllThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Thrilling mystery with a strong, complex female protagonist.
Big Little LiesView AllBig Little Lies - Mystery drama about secrets and lies in a wealthy community.
In the WoodsView AllIn the Woods - Mystery novel about missing children and tangled pasts.
The Silent PatientView AllThe Silent Patient - Artist Alicia Berenson goes silent after husband's murder.
Murder on the Orient ExpressView AllMurder on the Orient Express - A classic murder mystery on a luxurious train journey.
The Woman in the WindowView AllThe Woman in the Window - Thrilling psychological thriller about an agoraphobic woman witnessing a crime.
The Hound of the BaskervillesView AllThe Hound of the Baskervilles - Sherlock Holmes solves a mysterious and haunting case.
Best-selling Mystery Novels
1.
Gone Girl
"Gone Girl" is a gripping psychological thriller by author Gillian Flynn. The novel follows the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne, who vanishes on the morning of her fifth wedding anniversary. As the investigation unfolds, secrets and lies are revealed, casting doubt on the true nature of Amy's marriage to her husband Nick. Told from alternating perspectives, the story delves into the complexities of relationships, manipulation, and the lengths people will go to for love and revenge. With its unpredictable twists and turns, "Gone Girl" keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Pros
Twists and turns- gripping plot
- complex characters
Cons
Disturbing themes- unlikable characters
- intense and dark narrative
2.
The Da Vinci Code
The Da Vinci Code is a mystery thriller novel written by Dan Brown. The story follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he is called to the Louvre Museum in Paris after the curator is found murdered. Langdon teams up with cryptologist Sophie Neveu to unravel a series of cryptic clues left behind by the curator, leading them on a quest to uncover a secret society and a hidden religious mystery. As they race to solve the puzzle, they face danger and intrigue at every turn, culminating in a shocking revelation that could change history.
Pros
- Gripping plot
- thought-provoking themes
- well-researched history.
Cons
- Controversial religious interpretations
- potentially offensive to some readers
- over-hyped.
3.
And Then There Were None
"And Then There Were None" is a mystery novel by Agatha Christie. Ten strangers are invited to a remote island under various pretexts, only to find themselves accused of past crimes by an unseen host. As they are picked off one by one, they realize that the killer must be among them. With no way to contact the outside world and a storm raging outside, tensions run high as they try to figure out who the murderer is before it's too late. The novel is a classic example of a locked-room mystery and has been adapted into numerous films and TV shows.
Pros
- Engaging plot
- suspenseful
- well-developed characters
Cons
- May be too intense for some readers
- contains dark subject matter
4.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is a gripping thriller novel by Swedish author Stieg Larsson. The story follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist and computer hacker Lisbeth Salander as they investigate the disappearance of a wealthy businessman's niece. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover dark secrets and a string of disturbing crimes. The novel is filled with complex characters, intense suspense, and a gripping plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It explores themes of corruption, violence, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Pros
- Gripping plot
- strong female lead
- well-developed characters
Cons
- Graphic violence
- slow start
- complex storyline
5.
Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies is a gripping drama series that revolves around the lives of three mothers living in the affluent community of Monterey, California. The story explores their seemingly perfect lives, which are eventually unraveled to reveal secrets, lies, and betrayals. As the women navigate the complexities of motherhood, relationships, and personal struggles, they become entangled in a web of deception and mystery that leads to a shocking murder. The series delves into themes of domestic abuse, friendship, and the facade of perfection, while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with its compelling storytelling and stellar performances.
Pros
- Strong female characters
- compelling storytelling
- tackling important social issues.
Cons
- Some may find the subject matter too heavy
- slow pacing at times.
6.
In the Woods
{In the Woods} is a psychological thriller novel by Tana French that follows detective Rob Ryan as he investigates the murder of a young girl in a small Irish town. As he delves into the case, he is haunted by his own childhood trauma of being the sole survivor of a mysterious disappearance in the same woods twenty years prior. The novel weaves together a gripping murder mystery with a complex exploration of memory, identity, and the impact of the past on the present. It is a riveting and suspenseful read that delves deep into the human psyche.
Pros
- Atmospheric and suspenseful.
Cons
- Slow pacing
- unresolved plot lines.
7.
The Silent Patient
"The Silent Patient" is a psychological thriller novel by Alex Michaelides. The story follows Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who suddenly stops speaking after being accused of murdering her husband. She is sent to a psychiatric facility where she remains silent for years, refusing to defend herself or explain her actions. The narrative is told through the perspective of Theo Faber, a psychotherapist who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Alicia's silence. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's past, he unravels shocking secrets that lead to a gripping and unexpected conclusion.
Pros
- Gripping plot
- unexpected twist
- unique narrative style.
Cons
- Slow pacing
- lack of character development.
8.
Murder on the Orient Express
Murder on the Orient Express is a classic murder mystery novel by Agatha Christie. The story follows famous detective Hercule Poirot as he embarks on a luxurious train journey from Istanbul to Calais. However, the trip takes a dark turn when a wealthy American passenger is found dead in his compartment, stabbed multiple times. With a train full of suspicious and secretive passengers, Poirot must use his keen detective skills to unravel the web of lies and deceit surrounding the murder and uncover the truth behind the shocking crime.
Pros
- Intriguing plot
- star-studded cast
- beautiful cinematography.
Cons
- Pacing issues
- lack of character development
- departure from original story.
9.
The Woman in the Window
"The Woman in the Window" is a psychological thriller novel by A.J. Finn. The story follows Anna Fox, a woman with agoraphobia who spends her days inside her New York City home, observing her neighbors through the window. When she witnesses a disturbing event in the house across the street, she becomes embroiled in a web of secrets and lies. As Anna's grip on reality begins to unravel, she must confront her own demons and uncover the truth behind what she saw. The novel is a gripping and suspenseful tale of paranoia, deception, and the complexities of the human mind.
Pros
- Gripping plot
- suspenseful
- well-developed characters.
Cons
- Slow pacing
- predictable at times
- reliance on cliches.
10.
The Hound of the Baskervilles
"The Hound of the Baskervilles" is a classic detective novel written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and featuring the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. The story follows Holmes and his trusted companion Dr. Watson as they investigate the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, who is believed to have been killed by a supernatural hound. Set in the eerie moors of Devonshire, the novel is filled with suspense, intrigue, and a sense of impending danger as the duo unravels the truth behind the Baskerville family curse. It is a thrilling and iconic tale that has captivated readers for over a century.
Pros
- Gripping mystery
- memorable characters
- atmospheric setting.
Cons
- Some may find the pacing slow
- dated language and attitudes.