Murder Mystery Books
If you’re the sort of person who loves a good thriller, you certainly aren’t alone! Mysteries and thrillers are among the top books sold across the globe. Every year, hundreds of great stories are added to this genre. That means that finding the real gems among them can be a challenge. There are so many out there, plus few of us have as much time as we’d like to read!
If you’re curious about the very best ones, here’s a list which may help you narrow down your choices next time you visit a bookstore or click on the “checkout” button online. Warning: we recommend reading some of these in broad daylight, possibly with company!
1) The Cuckoo’s Calling, Robert Galbraith
You might be familiar with this series already, as the author is very famous under another name – J. K. Rowling. That alone is enough reason for many readers to pick up the book. It’s very good in its own right and offers readers a spine-shivering world to step into, with another two books following the first.
2) Journey Under The Midnight Sun, Keigo Higashino
If you love a good detective story with lots of detail and an extensive plot, this is one for you. Set over twenty years, Higashino’s book explores the issues of obsession alongside the traditional murder mystery. It’s a bit different from many in this genre, but definitely a worthwhile and enjoyable read.
3) The Maltese Falcon, Dashiell Hammett
Perhaps one of the more famous names on this list! This book follows the story of a hero called Sam Spade, who accidentally gets caught up in a treasure hunt with a very specific goal: a Maltese Falcon, encrusted with precious gems. This thrilling book is ideal for both die-hard fans and readers dipping a toe into this genre. It makes for a very memorable read.
4) And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie
No list of mystery novels would be complete without at least one Agatha Christie! This is one of the really good ones. The title alone has a pretty chilling air to it and the book does not disappoint. With ten suspicious characters and ongoing murders, devious pasts, and a creepy setting, you won’t know who to trust or believe – the perfect chilling murder mystery.
5) Beware The Young Stranger, Ellery Queen
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be in love with someone who could also be a violent killer, this book might be for you. It has all the answers – or does it? Keeping guessing, along with the main character Nancy, about whether her husband-to-be is responsible for two deaths … Or whether somebody else is using him as a scapegoat to avoid the spotlight themselves.
6) Mystic River, Dennis Lehane
If you haven’t read any Dennis Lehane, you should definitely check him out. This book is not for the faint-hearted, full of blood and drama. For those who love to see a very visual world, there are some great adaptations of Lehane’s books too, including this one. For more on adaptations, CLICK HERE.
7) The Dark Lake, Sarah Bailey
Lakes feature in a lot of murder mysteries because they’re great for creating a spooky atmosphere. There’s no exception in this book, where a dead woman who has been strangled is found floating in the lake. Detective Gemma Woodstock has to dredge up an awful lot of her former schoolmate’s past to get the answers she’s seeking. A debut novel, this book is extremely impressive. Look out for more novels from this author, as she’s well-worth the time and attention!
Check Out These Books
No matter what sort of mystery tickles your fancy, you’re bound to find it, hopefully with some recommendations from this list. There’s so much available, it’s hard to know where to start sometimes, but some of the books included here offer chilling, thrilling, hair-raising worlds which will keep you guessing from start to finish, so don’t hesitate to check them out and start making the shadows come to life!
BIO: Ashley Halsey is a professional writer at Gum Essays and Lucky Assignments who has been involved in many projects throughout the country. Mother of two children, she enjoys travelling, reading and attending business training courses.
