10 of the Best Mystery Books

Mystery books are one of the staple genres of books as a whole. Everyone is familiar with the mystery solving prowess of Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot as they observe, deduce, and subsequently identify with razor-sharp accuracy the culprit of some dastardly crime.

In more modern times, Dan Brown thoroughly entertains us with vast conspiracy theories while Tom Harris scares the socks off us with the chilling machinations played out in the most macabre ways by Hannibal Lecter.  All these world-class books require thought and deduction to get the most out of them and will surely provide an entertaining evening’s read. Our top ten list aims to give you a ‘heads up’ on the best this genre has to offer.

Sherlock Holmes – Arthur Conan Doyle

The Sherlock Holmes books by Arthur Conan Doyle are the most recognizable murder mystery books in existence. Without them, this genre would be much less popular. Sherlock Holmes is a detective whose incredible deductive powers are used to figure out the cases that most have given up on.

Murder On The Orient Express – Agatha Christie

Another classic, Murder On The Orient Express follows private detective Hercule Poirot who boards a train unknowingly with the victims and murderer themselves. This is one of the great reads, which can be made even more atmospheric if on a long train journey whilst you’re doing so.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo – Stieg Larrson

A very Swedish murder mystery, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is about Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist who has recently lost a libel case to a billionaire, who must find out the fate of Henrik Vagner’s grandniece. When Mikael completes this task Henrik will give him crucial evidence to correct his lost case.

Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl is a mystery about Nick and Amy, husband and wife. These two greatly troubled characters will deceive all and the reader about what they have done and why. A well-composed mystery, Gone Girl is sure to entertain you.

Red Dragon – Thomas Harris

Red Dragon follows retired FBI profiler Will Graham who must use the expertise of Hannibal Lecter, a notorious serial killer he himself arrested, in order to capture “The Tooth Fairy” who will continue murdering random families if he fails.

The Name of The Rose – Umberto Eco

A most unusual setting for a murder mystery, The Name of The Rose is about the sudden “suicides” of various monks attending a dispute of religious origin. William and Adso must uncover the mysteries of the monastery in order to solve the various secrets within.

The Alienist – Caleb Carr

Narrated by John Moore, a crime reporter in New York, the story attempts to uncover the unusual deaths of various children who have been mutilated akin to the handiwork of Jack The Ripper. The Alienist is a much darker novel, featuring gruesome content that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie

Another classic from Agatha Christie tells of 8 unrelated characters who are invited to an island off the coast of Devon being offered employment or a free holiday. The characters must figure out the riddle of the owner before they are all gradually killed one by one.

The Woman In White – Wilkie Collins

One of the oldest mystery novels, hailing from 1859, this novel follows the young art teacher called Walter Hartwright who is in love with a woman with various identities and past troubles. He must uncover these problems and solve them before nefarious agitators begin and finish their dark plan.

 

 

Angels and Demons – Dan Brown

Angels and Demons follows Robert Langdon, a renowned scientist who must uncover the origin of a mysterious symbol imprinted on the chest of another dead scientist. The source of the symbol goes much deeper than anyone would expect and brings out much more than just a group of murderers.

 

 

And there you have it, 10 of the best mystery books in existence which are sure to wow you at the twists and turns this genre is known for. Each one will have you guessing right up until the end, as the machinations of evil try and overcome the forces of good.

 

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