(Image viaFew things compare to the thrill of picking up a mystery novel and letting its twists and turns draw you in. The best mysteries aren’t just about solving crimes or exposing secrets; they’re about keeping you on the edge of your seat, breathlessly flipping pages to figure out what happens next. Whether you love classic whodunits or fast-paced modern thrillers, this list has something to satisfy your curiosity. Here are some must-read mysteries that will have you guessing until the very end.
1. "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie
You can’t talk about mysteries without mentioning Agatha Christie, the queen of the genre. And Then There Were None is a masterclass in suspense. The story follows ten strangers, each invited to a remote island under mysterious circumstances. When they begin to die off one by one, it becomes clear that someone among them is the killer. But who? Christie’s meticulous plotting will keep you second-guessing until the jaw-dropping finale.
Why It’s a Page-Turner:
The isolated setting ramps up the tension, and the eerie nursery rhyme guiding the murders adds a layer of sinister intrigue. You’ll find yourself hanging on every word.
2. "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
This modern classic is a gripping blend of mystery, investigative journalism, and rich character development. The story introduces readers to journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they team up to solve the decades-old disappearance of a wealthy heiress. The deeper they dig, the darker the secrets they uncover.
Why It’s a Page-Turner:
The combination of complex characters, shocking revelations, and a high-stakes investigation makes it impossible to put down. Salander alone is worth the read—she’s one of the most unforgettable protagonists in modern fiction.
3. "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides
This psychological thriller became an instant bestseller for good reason. It tells the story of Alicia Berenson, a famous artist who’s been silent since the day she shot her husband. When a psychotherapist becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth, readers are taken on a twist-filled ride that questions everything they think they know.
Why It’s a Page-Turner:
The suspense builds steadily, and the shocking twist at the end will leave you stunned, making this one of those books you’ll want to discuss the moment you finish.
4. "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn
If you love mysteries full of unreliable narrators and shocking twists, this bestselling novel is for you. It starts with the disappearance of Amy Dunne on her fifth wedding anniversary, and as the investigation unfolds, so do chilling secrets about her marriage. Both her husband, Nick, and Amy herself have plenty to hide, making it impossible to figure out who to trust.
Why It’s a Page-Turner:
Flynn’s dark storytelling and unexpected twists make this a rollercoaster of psychological suspense. Each chapter reveals a new layer, leading to a climax that hits like a punch.
5. "Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty
This addictive mystery begins with an unknown murder at a school fundraiser, but who died? And why? The story rewinds to follow three women whose seemingly perfect lives unravel as they’re pulled into an escalating series of secrets and lies. The mix of humor and tension makes it a truly unique read.
Why It’s a Page-Turner:
The humor makes the suspense feel even more intense, and Moriarty’s clever use of multiple perspectives keeps you piecing clues together until the very end.
6. "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier
This gothic classic begins with the haunting line, “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” It’s the story of a young woman who marries a widower and moves into his grand estate, only to find herself living in the shadow of his deceased first wife, the glamorous and mysterious Rebecca. Strange occurrences and secrets about Rebecca’s death keep the tension simmering.
Why It’s a Page-Turner:
The atmospheric writing and slow-building dread draw you in completely, while the mystery of Rebecca’s true nature keeps you guessing until the final pages.
7. "The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" by Stuart Turton
Imagine Groundhog Day meets a murder mystery. This clever novel follows the protagonist as he wakes up every day in a new body, trapped in a loop where he must solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle. Each new perspective provides another piece of the puzzle, but time is running out.
Why It’s a Page-Turner:
The unique premise and mind-boggling twists make this a challenging yet incredibly rewarding read. It’s a fresh take on the genre you won’t forget anytime soon.
8. "Before I Go to Sleep" by S.J. Watson
Christine, the protagonist of this chilling thriller, wakes up every day with no memory of her life due to a rare type of amnesia. Gradually, she discovers she’s been keeping a secret journal that hints her life isn’t as it seems. The search for the truth leads her into dangerous territory.
Why It’s a Page-Turner:
The constant feeling of unease and the creeping suspicion that no one can be trusted makes this an unrelenting psychological mystery.
9. "The Couple Next Door" by Shari Lapena
This domestic thriller is all about what happens after a baby goes missing while her parents attend a dinner party next door. Secrets unravel, lies are exposed, and what starts as a simple investigation spirals into chaos.
Why It’s a Page-Turner:
The short, punchy chapters make it addictive to read “just one more,” and the surprising twists will keep you hooked.
10. "Magpie Murders" by Anthony Horowitz
If you love meta mysteries, Magpie Murders blends a classic whodunit with a modern detective story. It begins with a mystery manuscript that ends abruptly, leaving both the fictional detective and the real-life editor searching for answers.
Why It’s a Page-Turner:
The two-story framework keeps you flipping pages, and Horowitz’s homage to old-school mysteries makes this a must-read for fans of the genre.
