Good Mystery Books for Adults | 10 Best Mystery Books

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (1934): This book is part of the Hercule Poirot series by Agatha Christie. The story unfolds on the luxurious Orient Express, where a seemingly random assortment of passengers become suspects in the murder of an American businessman.

As Poirot delves into their backgrounds and alibis, he unravels a complex web of secrets and connections. With its intricate plot, masterful characterizations, and unexpected twists, this novel offers a captivating and suspenseful reading experience.

Each page draws you deeper into a web of intrigue and suspense, making it impossible to put down. You would not be able to guess the killer, or can you? (cue Vsauce music.)

Also, this book was made into an awesome movie in 2017.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (1939): The author had described this book as the most difficult book to write. Ten strangers, each with a hidden past, are lured to a remote island under different pretexts.

Once there, they find themselves ensnared in a chilling plot as they are systematically killed off one by one, according to a haunting nursery rhyme. With no way off the island and the killer among them, suspicion and tension reach a boiling point.

Christie expertly weaves suspense and intrigue, challenging readers to solve the mystery alongside the characters. This novel is a must-read for anyone who loves a classic whodunit with an unexpected twist at the end. Are you ready to uncover the secrets of Indian Island?

This book was also adapted into a movie in 1945.

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown (2000): The first book from the Robert Langdon series by Dan Brown will thrust you into a high-stakes race against time, blending science, religion, and secret societies.

When a canister of antimatter is stolen from CERN and taken to Vatican City, renowned symbologist Robert Langdon is called upon to unravel the mystery. Teaming up with scientist Vittoria Vetra, Langdon must navigate the labyrinthine city of Rome, follow an ancient path of clues, and confront the deadly Illuminati.

As the clock ticks down to a catastrophic explosion, they face a series of harrowing trials, including the mysterious deaths of four cardinals and the sinister machinations of those within the Vatican. “Angels & Demons” is a gripping thriller that will challenge you to think critically about the intersection of science and faith.

This novel was adapted into a movie in 2009. I have also written a short summary of this book. You can find it here.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (2003):  If you have read any of the Dan Brown’s work from the Robert Langdon series, you know you are in for a mysterious adventure through art, history, religion and secret societies.

The story begins with the murder of the Louvre’s curator, Jacques Saunière, who has left cryptic clues which draws symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu into a complex quest. As they race across Europe, they uncover hidden messages in Leonardo Da Vinci’s works and unravel a secret society’s mysteries.

This gripping novel challenges readers with its blend of historical fact and fiction, inviting them to question long-held beliefs and decipher intricate puzzles. Ready to delve into a world of secrets and revelations? Pick up “The Da Vinci Code” and join the quest for the ultimate truth.

This book was adapted in to a movie in 2006.

I have written more about this book here.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (2005): This book’s original title is ‘Men who Hate Women‘ in Swedish. This novel kicks off with journalist Mikael Blomkvist faces career turmoil after a legal setback, leading him to accept an unusual assignment from Henrik Vanger.

Tasked with solving a decades-old family mystery, Blomkvist teams up with the enigmatic hacker Lisbeth Salander. As they unravel dark secrets amidst personal challenges, their investigation uncovers shocking truths that threaten powerful figures. Blomkvist’s pursuit of justice and Salander’s relentless determination converge in a gripping tale of intrigue and redemption.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo will challenge you to question loyalties and confront hidden agendas, promising a thrilling journey through suspense and revelation.

This book was adapted into a movie in 2011.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012): This book by Gillian Flynn is a brilliant account of how private moments between two people can be manipulated to one’s convenience.

Nick Dunne finds himself at the center of a media storm when his wife, Amy, goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary. As the police investigation intensifies, evidence mounts against Nick, painting him as the prime suspect.

Alternating between Nick’s present-day struggle and Amy’s past diary entries, the story unravels a complex web of deceit and manipulation in their troubled marriage. Twists and revelations unfold as both characters’ true natures are revealed, culminating in a shocking conclusion that challenges perceptions of love, truth, and identity.

 This book was adapted into a movie in 2014.

The Shining by Stephen King (1977): Stephen King is known for some of the best thriller-horror novels ever. Prepare yourself for a riveting plunge into Stephen King’s “The Shining,” where every page pulses with suspense and psychological intensity.

As you follow Jack Torrance, Wendy, and Danny into the isolated and malevolent Overlook Hotel, expect a journey that grips your imagination and chills your spine. From Danny’s haunting visions to Jack’s descent into madness, every twist and turn of the plot immerses you deeper into a world where reality warps and nightmares come alive. As you race toward the gripping climax, you’ll find yourself questioning what’s real and what’s imagined, drawn irresistibly toward the heart-pounding conclusion.

The Shining is an immersive experience that leaves an indelible mark on your psyche. Do you dare to step into the chilling corridors of the Overlook Hotel?

This book was adapted into a movie in 1980.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (2019): This book is a debut novel of Alex Michaelides. The book begins with Alicia, a talented painter, who shocks the world by murdering her husband, Gabriel, and then withdrawing into silence, offering no defense for her actions. Enter Theo Faber, a dedicated psychotherapist whose own troubled past fuels his fascination with Alicia’s case.

He navigates Alicia’s haunting artwork and secretive diary entries, piecing together a puzzle that reveals her disturbing childhood and troubled marriage. Theo’s quest for truth leads him down a path of obsession and betrayal, both in his professional life and his own marriage to Kathy. But as Theo gets closer to uncovering Alicia’s buried secrets, shocking revelations turn the story on its head.

Are you ready for this psychological rollercoaster that grips you from the first page to the last? where nothing is as it seems, and every revelation brings a new wave of suspense.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (2019): Be prepared for a thrilling rollercoaster ride through a small town’s darkest secrets.

This gripping mystery follows Pippa as she unravels the truth behind the murder of popular schoolgirl Andie Bell, which was blamed on her boyfriend Sal Singh in a tragic murder-suicide. As Pippa delves deeper into the case, she uncovers shocking revelations, twists, and turns that challenge everything she thought she knew about her community.

Complex characters make for a suspenseful read that keeps you guessing until the very end. Get ready for a compelling mix of suspense, betrayal, and unexpected revelations that will leave you on the edge of your seat. If you love mysteries that keep you guessing and characters who defy expectations, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a must read.

This book is adapted to a Netflix series and is planned to be released in August 2024.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (1938): Set in the hauntingly beautiful estate of Manderley, the novel unfolds through the eyes of an unnamed heroine who becomes the second wife of the wealthy widower Maxim de Winter. Their blissful marriage is overshadowed by the lingering memory of Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca, whose presence seems to permeate every corner of their new home.

“Rebecca” isn’t just a novel—it’s a journey into the depths of human emotions and the complexities of relationships. From the heroine’s initial insecurities to her transformation fueled by the shocking truths about Rebecca, the story grips you with its atmospheric tension and Gothic allure.

You can expect a thrilling exploration of love, betrayal, and the haunting power of the past. Are you ready to lose yourself in a world where every page turns up new mysteries and unexpected twists, leaving you spellbound until the very end?

This novel was adapted into a movie in 2020 and is available on Netflix.