Mystery novels keep us locked in with their suspense, twists, and turns, keeping our eyes open and our thoughts churning. If you’re on the hunt for mystery book recommendations, here are five that you should definitely add to your reading list.
1. A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena
- Hardcover Book
- Lapena, Shari (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages – 08/15/2017 (Publication Date) – Pamela Dorman Books (Publisher)
Shari Lapena’s A Stranger in the House is a novel whose plot will keep you on your toes. Karen and Tom Krupp have a seemingly perfect suburban life until one day, Tom comes home to find Karen has gone missing, only for her to reappear with no memory of what happened. This leaves the story to unfold for the characters, just as it does for the reader. You will be second-guessing yourself until you reach the end.
2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
- Great product!
- Flynn, Gillian (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 422 Pages – 04/22/2014 (Publication Date) – Ballantine Books (Publisher)
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn shares the classic “the husband did it” theme in cases where a spouse disappears. The story follows Nick and Amy Dunne, whose marriage was on the rocks during the time Amy went missing on their fifth wedding anniversary. The dual narrative keeps the reader in the loop as the investigation unveils the secrets behind their marriage, leading to many twists.
3. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
- Hardcover Book
- Jackson, Holly (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 400 Pages – 02/04/2020 (Publication Date) – Delacorte Press (Publisher)
Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a mystery following Pippa as she investigates the murder of a high school student for her senior school project. The investigation into the disappearance of the high school student, Andie, five years ago involved the suicide of Sal, her boyfriend and prime suspect. Pip becomes determined to be the one to find out who the real killer is.
4. Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
- Christie, Agatha (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 352 Pages – 02/01/2011 (Publication Date) – William Morrow Paperbacks (Publisher)
This list wouldn’t be complete without an Agatha Christie novel. Death on the Nile is a timeless mystery story set on a cruise ship on the Nile River. The story follows well-known detective Hercule Poirot, who is given the challenge of solving the murder of a wealthy heiress. As Hercule gets knee-deep into the minds of the passengers of the ship, he reveals a very complex web of lies and deceit. Agatha Christie knows exactly how to write a mystery novel that will keep you up at night in suspense.
5. The Disappearing Act by Catherine Steadman
- Hardcover Book
- Steadman, Catherine (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages – 06/08/2021 (Publication Date) – Ballantine Books (Publisher)
In The Disappearing Act, Catherine Steadman tells a thrilling tale that is set in the glamorous world of Hollywood. The story follows a British actress named Mia. Mia meets another actress, named Emily, in an audition during the pilot season who asks for a favor. When Emily disappears, Mia is left with questions and sets out for answers. A mystery set in Los Angeles is a must-read, in my opinion.
These five mystery books give you a glimpse into the genre. If you’re trying out mystery books for the first time or are an avid fan, add these to your next reading list.