10 Mystery Books To Read In 2025

Mystery fiction holds a special allure for readers who crave suspense, intricate plots, and satisfying revelations. These are the titles that deliver unrelenting suspense, psychological depth, and unforgettable twists. Below is a list of 10 mystery books to read in 2025.

1. Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke

In Bluebird, Bluebird, Attica Locke introduces Darren Mathews, a Black Texas Ranger drawn into the racially charged investigation of two murders in a small East Texas town. The narrative is rich with cultural detail, and the mystery unfolds with deliberate, razor-sharp precision. This is more than a murder investigation—it’s a powerful meditation on loyalty, family, and societal divisions.

2. The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths

When diary entries in Clare’s own journal appear in someone else’s handwriting, the mystery deepens. Told from three alternating perspectives—including the lead detective—Elly Griffiths crafts a layered, meta-narrative that plays with literary tropes while delivering genuine suspense. Atmospheric and chilling, this novel is a clever homage to both detective fiction and ghost stories.

3. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl is a psychological mystery that turns the traditional whodunit on its head. Alternating perspectives blur the line between truth and lies, keeping readers constantly second-guessing. Flynn’s sharp prose and deep psychological insight peel back layers of a marriage unraveling under media scrutiny and dark secrets. It’s a disturbing portrait of manipulation, toxic relationships, and revenge. This modern classic keeps readers in suspense through mind-bending twists and is one of the most talked-about mystery thrillers of the 21st century.

4. An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

An Unwanted Guest is a tense, atmospheric locked-room mystery that pays homage to classic whodunits. Set in a remote inn in the snowy Catskills, the story follows a group of guests trapped by a winter storm. When one of them turns up dead—and then another—it becomes clear that the killer is among them.

5. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies explores the secrets, lies, and rivalries among a group of women in an affluent coastal town, culminating in a shocking murder. Told through flashbacks and police interviews, the novel builds suspense as personal dramas escalate—domestic abuse, bullying, infidelity—leading to a deadly school fundraiser night. Liane Moriarty masterfully balances mystery with emotional depth, offering rich, flawed characters and biting social commentary. It’s a page-turner with heart, unraveling the illusion of perfection behind suburban life.

6. The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Donna Tartt’s The Secret History is a literary mystery that begins with a murder and then rewinds to reveal how and why it happened. Set in a prestigious New England college, the story follows a close-knit group of elite classics students led by a charismatic professor. As the group descends into moral ambiguity, obsession, and betrayal, the reader is pulled into a haunting exploration of guilt and consequences. Tartt’s elegant prose and philosophical undertones elevate this novel beyond standard mystery fare.

7. A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell

In A Simple Favor, Stephanie, a widowed mommy blogger, becomes entangled in a dangerous mystery when her best friend Emily vanishes without a trace. What begins as a missing person case soon escalates into a tale of manipulation, deceit, and identity. As Stephanie investigates, secrets from Emily’s past—and her own—begin to surface. Told through blog entries, confessions, and shifting narratives, the novel builds a web of psychological suspense that questions how well we ever really know someone.

8. The Reversal by Michael Connelly

The Reversal brings together two of Michael Connelly’s most iconic characters—defense attorney Mickey Haller and detective Harry Bosch—in a gripping legal thriller turned murder mystery. As Haller digs deeper, with Bosch investigating on the ground, the case becomes more sinister than anyone expected. Connelly’s sharp courtroom drama, layered characters, and relentless suspense make this a standout.

9. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon after he’s summoned to the Louvre, where a curator has been murdered under mysterious circumstances. With cryptologist Sophie Neveu, he uncovers a trail of religious secrets, hidden symbols, and a conspiracy that could shake the foundations of Christianity. The novel’s rapid pacing, short chapters, and cliffhanger endings keep readers hooked. Despite controversy over its historical claims, the book popularized a new wave of religious thrillers.

10. I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll

Teresa Driscoll’s I Am Watching You begins with a chilling premise: a woman overhears two young men flirting with teenage girls on a train—men just released from prison. She debates intervening but ultimately remains silent. When one of the girls goes missing, guilt consumes her. Told from multiple perspectives, this psychological thriller builds tension through fragmented narratives, secrets, and shifting timelines. Driscoll delves into the psychology of guilt, fear, and responsibility, crafting a suspenseful tale that keeps readers guessing.

Final Thoughts

Each of these ten titles offers a different flavor of suspense. Whether you prefer classic detective tales, character-driven whodunits, or fast-paced thrillers, these mystery novels deliver not just intrigue but literary excellence, rich storytelling, and unforgettable revelations.