10 Page-Turning Mystery Novels

10 Page-Turning Mystery Novels

Classic Mystery Books

If you're new to the genre, consider diving into its rich history with these classics:

1. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
2. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
3. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
4. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
5. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

The History & Appeal of Mystery

In Depth

From a huge selection of mystery novels, we have gathered some of the best books with clever plots, interesting character development, and jaw-dropping twists. In no particular order, here is our list of ten.

At the #1 spot is "Baltimore Blues." It is the first in the Tess Monaghan novel series. Written by Laura Lippman, the story begins in Charm City, a dark, sordid, and dangerous place. The plot starts with a murder of a notorious attorney. Tess, a former reporter, is hired to snoop around to help clear the suspect's name. The main character is strong, has a solid personality with some puzzling elements. Set in 1993, this book is a great read for fans of novels with old story-lines, deft plotting, and engaging characters.

Next, at #2 is "Down River," a heart-pounding thriller from two-time Edgar Award-winning author John Hart. In the story, the protagonist Adam Chase returns home after being away for five long years. Not everybody welcomes him with open arms because most of the townspeople believe that he is guilty of a crime. His family is one of the richest in the area, involved in building a nuclear plant. Adam's life is again full of complications as he starts over.

In the story, the protagonist Adam Chase returns home after being away for five long years.

Coming in at #3 "The Western Star" is the basis for "Longmire," a Netflix hit series. Written by Craig Johnson, this book has two primary settings, the old and new. The first story revolves around Walt Longmire's earliest days as a deputy officer. In 1972, he was with Sheriff Lucian Connelly who brought him home from Vietnam. The second tale is set in the here and now, centering on an old photo of 24 men in uniform standing beside a steam-powered locomotive. This picture serves as a powerful flashback for Longmire.

Taking the #4 spot is "Dead Cold Brew" by New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle. This novel features the life of Clare Cosi, a coffeehouse manager who becomes engaged to her boyfriend, Mike. However, the engagement is not all joy and excitement. Clare is on to a new case, trying to solve a 60-year old mystery. She is suspicious that a murder is connected to a sunken ship, a jewelry thief, and a family secret.

Next, at #5 is "The Silent Sister." This enthralling tale of family and loss is by Diane Chamberlain. It tells the story of Riley MacPherson. She had always believed that her sister Lisa committed suicide as a teenager. Then she finds some evidence that she is in fact alive and living under a new identity. Riley is on a mission to uncover the truth, trying to find the reason why Lisa had to leave. As the pages are turned, more surprises are revealed. Readers will be engrossed to the very end.

Readers will be engrossed to the very end.

Coming in at #6 is New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth George's "The Punishment She Deserves." This is a masterfully-created compelling piece of work, rich with emotional nuisance and alternating plot threads. The story is centered on Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers who is sent to the town of Ludlow to investigate the death of a local deacon. The evidence points to suicide, but she is doubtful. As she takes a closer look, she discovers that almost everybody in the area has secrets of their own.

At the #7 spot is "Where They Found Her." Carefully crafted by author Kimberly McCreight, this is a touching story of Molly Sanderson who, after the loss of her second child, is starting over as a reporter for a local paper in Ridgedale, New Jersey. She is then assigned to cover an incident that will bring back painful memories and unearth dark secrets. She dives into reporting about the body of a newborn found dead in the woods. The book is told from different perspectives, featuring suspenseful and intense twists.

Next, at #8 is "Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder." This is the first installment in the long-running Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke. The plot is set in Lake Eden, where Hannah owns a bakery. Her life becomes complicated when a delivery man is found dead behind her building, with her famous crunchies scattered all around him. She sets out to track down the killer and save her reputation. Infused with a healthy mix of humor, this piece serves up a good introduction to a delicious mystery novel collection.

Her life becomes complicated when a delivery man is found dead behind her building, with her famous crunchies scattered all around him.

Coming in at #9 is "The Wife: A Novel of Psychological Suspense." This stunning domestic thriller is a follow-up to Alafair Burke's "The Ex." After just a few months of dating, Angela, the protagonist, marries Jason, a brilliant economics professor. The marriage is Angela's way of escaping her tragic past, but it does not last long. Six years later, Jason faces a number of allegations. The wife is troubled, torn between sticking with her man or choosing to believe the possible truth.

Finally, at #10 is "The Disappeared." Written by C. J. Box, this New York Times-bestseller will keep readers engaged with its tightly-crafted plot. In the story, Joe Pickett is tasked to investigate the disappearance of a prominent British businesswoman. Things become more complicated as the pages are turned. More disappearances occur, the hunters are banned from hunting, and the local law enforcement is demoralized. This is a slow-burn thriller with a good mix of dark and light.