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The best mystery books for those wanting a brain teasing read

Twists and turns galore…
Red-haired woman with glasses wearing a beret, holding a book upright, peeking over it against a brown background.

Do you want to delve into the mystery genre? You’re in luck.

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The Weekly has answered any and every question you could ever have about mystery books below.

Oh, and we’ve also curated a list of the best mystery books for you to immediately add to your reading list.

What is the best mystery book ever?

All art, including books, is subjective. This means there’s no way to really quantify what the ‘best’ mystery book ever is. Of course, you could go off what the most popular – or best-selling – mystery book is…

What is the world’s best-selling mystery?

And Then There Were None, written by Agatha Christie and originally published in 1939, is the best-selling mystery. Since its release, it’s sold over 100 million copies.

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Who is considered the best mystery writer?

Hands down Agatha Christie is considered the best mystery writer. Her masterful plots, memorable characters, and enduring influence on the genre are just some of the reasons why.

What book should I read if I like mystery?

Here are a few books The Weekly highly recommends if you like (or want to try) the mystery genre:

01

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

In Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, ten strangers are invited to a secluded island under mysterious pretences, only to find themselves being killed one by one in accordance with a chilling nursery rhyme. As the remaining guests scramble to uncover the murderer among them, paranoia and fear escalate, making for an unputdownable, suspenseful read.

02

House Rules by Jodi Picoult

Jacob Hunt, a teenager with Asperger’s syndrome, becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation, challenging the perceptions of his family and the legal system. As his mother fights to prove his innocence, the story delves into the complexities of living with autism and the quest for justice, making House Rules a gripping and thought-provoking read.

Best mystery books

03

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

In Happiness Falls, the sudden death of a beloved grandmother sends a close-knit family on a journey through secrets and revelations, challenging their bonds and beliefs. As they unravel the mysteries of the past, they discover unexpected truths that reshape their understanding of love, loss, and resilience.

Best mystery books

04

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes follows the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson as they solve some of London’s most intriguing and perplexing mysteries. This timeless collection of tales not only captivates readers with its ingenious plots and unforgettable characters but also lays the foundation for the modern mystery genre.

Best mystery books

05

Chasing the Dime by Michael Connelly

When biotech entrepreneur Henry Pierce stumbles into a dangerous web of deception and intrigue thanks to a mysterious phone number, he uncovers a high-stakes conspiracy. As he delves deeper he ends up risking everything he has worked for; the suspenseful twists and relentless pace of Chasing the Dime make for a gripping, edge-of-your-seat mystery/thriller.

Best mystery books

06

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

In Alex Michaelides’ The Silent Patient, a successful painter named Alicia Berenson is convicted of murdering her husband and then stops speaking, leaving her case shrouded in mystery. A determined psychotherapist becomes obsessed with unravelling the truth behind her silence, leading to shocking revelations that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Best mystery books

07

Mister Mercedes by Stephen King

Marking a departure from Stephen King‘s usual horror fare, Mister Mercedes is a thrilling mystery that delivers a gripping narrative full of suspense and psychological twists that will keep you on edge. The story follows a retired detective who finds himself drawn into a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with a deranged killer who has a penchant for terrorising innocent lives.

Best mystery books | Midnight and Blue by Ian Rankin
Midnight and Blue by Ian Rankin, credit Hachette

08

Midnight and Blue by Sir Ian Rankin

The 25th inclusion in the Inspector John Rebus thrillers sees the retired detective locked up with the very criminals he had a hand in putting behind bars. He tries to keep his head down until a murder in a locked cell throws him into a new mystery. But with no badge, no authority, and no safety net will Rebus be able to make the solve?

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