9 Intriguing Mysteries About Partners Solving Crime

Mystery Novels About Partners: Our 9 Picks

The History of the Mystery Genre

Some of the world's oldest known stories used the same elements that make modern mysteries so enticing. Homer's famous epic poem The Odyssey is something of a prototype of the genre. The hero's life is in constant danger as he uses his cunning to solve problems and overcome his enemies. But the genre isn't exclusive to Western culture. One of the stories in One Thousand and One Nights (commonly known as Arabian Nights) is considered to be the oldest known murder mystery. This tale, The Three Apples, is full of plot twists and revolves around a mysterious death. Centuries later, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle popularized the genre with his stories about the now-famous Sherlock Holmes. Eventually, of course, mystery made its way from the pages of books to the big screen. Some of the most well-known of these movies were directed by Alfred Hitchcock, who worked on several classics throughout his career, including Psycho, Vertigo, and Rear Window.

8 Great Buddy Cop Films

1. Lethal Weapon (1987)
2. The Heat (2013)
3. Hot Fuzz (2007)
4. Bad Boys (1995)
5. The Hard Way (1991)
6. Rush Hour (1998)
7. Se7en (1995)
8. Turner & Hooch (1989)

The History & Appeal of Mystery

In Depth

Investigating a case alone is a daunting task, and it gets increasingly dangerous once the suspect realizes that someone's on their trail. Solving a mystery can be a lot easier with a fresh perspective to help uncover new leads. With that in mind, here are nine intriguing novels about partners solving crimes, listed in no particular order.

First up, at #1, is "Bar None" by Cathi Stoler. Jude Dillane owns a bar in New York City called The Corner Lounge. One day, she visits her friend Sully's apartment, where she finds the dead body of a man named Ed Molina. The police suspect that Ed committed suicide, but after digging into his past, Jude realizes that there's more to this case than meets the eye. Now, she and Sully try to figure out what really happened to the victim, attracting the attention of the killer in the process.

Next up, at #2, we have "Pandora's Succession" by Russell Brooks. While searching for his fiancee's killers, CIA operative Ridley Fox learns that the group he's looking for, The Hands of Ares, has developed a deadly bioweapon known as Pandora, which they plan on unleashing on the world. Together with a fellow operative named Nita Parris, he sets out to avenge his fiancee and save humanity, outsmarting rogue agents and Ares grunts along the way.

While searching for his fiancee's killers, CIA operative Ridley Fox learns that the group he's looking for, The Hands of Ares, has developed a deadly bioweapon known as Pandora, which they plan on unleashing on the world.

At #3 is "Liars' Paradox" by Taylor Stevens. Growing up, Jack and Jill were trained in the arts of espionage and survival by their eccentric mother. Now adults, the twins receive news that their mom's safehouse has been attacked, and she's nowhere to be found. As they try to uncover the mystery behind her disappearance, they learn that several people want them dead, and with only each other to rely on, Jack and Jill will have to remember their training if they ever want to make it through this alive.

Next, at #4, is "Harm None" by Will North. In Penwith, England, an American archaeological team unearths the remains of a missing child under an old tomb. A few days later, they find another body, prompting the Criminal Investigation Department to assign detectives Morgan Davies and Calum West to look into the case. With a plethora of potential suspects to choose from, the partners frantically try to figure out who the killer is before more children disappear.

Next up, at #5, we have "Borderline" by Joseph Badal. When a wealthy socialite who suffers from borderline personality disorder is killed in New Mexico, it's up to detectives Barbara Lassite and Susan Martinez to solve the case. Throughout their investigation, they discover that the victim has ruined the lives of many other people, making it difficult to name anyone as the prime suspect. Will they be able to find the killer, or will the overwhelming list of suspects be too much for them?

Throughout their investigation, they discover that the victim has ruined the lives of many other people, making it difficult to name anyone as the prime suspect.

At #6 is "No Remorse" by Ian Walkley. Delta Force operator Lee McCloud sets off to rescue his goddaughter Sophia, who has been kidnapped by terrorists in Mexico. After an encounter with the culprits goes horribly wrong, he finds himself dishonorably discharged from the military. Still desperate to find Sophia, he starts working for a CIA black ops team that happens to be hunting down the same person responsible for his goddaughter's abduction.

Next up, at #7, we have James O. Born's "Scent of Murder." Tim Hallett is a former detective whose violent outburst against a child molester has caused him to be relegated to the Canine Assist Team. When he and his partner, a Belgian Malinois named Rocky, are tasked with searching for a kidnapper, Tim immediately names the molester who ruined his career as the prime suspect. Unfortunately, not all is as it seems, and when one of the victims is murdered, the police realize that they may be going after the wrong person.

Next, at #8, is "Black Jack Justice: Dead Men Run" by Gregg Taylor. Based on Decoder Ring Theatre's radio dramas, this novel tells the story of the titular private investigator and his partner, Trixie Dixon. Set in the 1950s, this thrilling noir follows Jack Justice as he tries to clear his name after an unknown adversary frames him for a heinous crime. Meanwhile, Trixie is conflicted as she doesn't know if her partner is truly innocent, and they'll both have to learn how to trust each other if they ever want to uncover the truth.

Meanwhile, Trixie is conflicted as she doesn't know if her partner is truly innocent, and they'll both have to learn how to trust each other if they ever want to uncover the truth.

Finally, at #9, we have John Katzenbach's "The Dead Student." Timothy Warner has been trying to keep his alcoholism in check, and when he feels like he's about to break his streak of sobriety, he decides to ask his psychiatrist uncle, Ed, for help. Unfortunately, later that day, he finds his uncle dead in his own office. With no one else to turn to, he calls his ex-girlfriend Andrea Martine for help. Together, they must uncover the mystery behind Ed's death, battling their personal demons along the way.