8 Mystery Novels To Read In 2025

Mystery novels possess a unique power: the ability to captivate readers through suspense, psychological complexity, and plot twists that defy prediction. For avid readers and casual fans alike, a well-crafted mystery novel is an irresistible puzzle waiting to be solved. Below is a list of 8 mystery novels to read in 2025.

1. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

In Before I Go to Sleep, Christine Lucas wakes up every morning with no memory of who she is. Suffering from amnesia after a traumatic accident, she relies on her husband Ben to piece together her past. But when she begins secretly recording her thoughts and memories in a journal, Christine realizes her life may not be as it seems. Each day, the puzzle resets, and the truth slips further away. Watson expertly builds tension as Christine uncovers disturbing secrets about her identity and those around her. The novel’s claustrophobic perspective and shocking finale make it an unforgettable psychological thriller.

2. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

Behind Closed Doors is a chilling psychological thriller that explores the terrifying reality hidden beneath a perfect marriage. Grace appears to have it all—a beautiful home, a charming husband, and a picture-perfect life. But behind closed doors, her husband Jack is a controlling sociopath who has trapped her in a living nightmare. As the narrative unfolds, Grace’s desperation becomes palpable, and the stakes escalate with terrifying urgency. B.A. Paris masterfully builds tension, keeping readers helplessly turning pages. With its claustrophobic setting and emotionally charged themes, the novel is an unflinching look at abuse, control, and the will to survive.

3. The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

Widely regarded as the first true detective novel in English literature, The Moonstone centers on the theft of a priceless Indian diamond during a young woman’s birthday celebration. As suspicion swirls among the guests and household staff, an intricate investigation unfolds, led by the brilliant Sergeant Cuff. With themes of colonialism, obsession, and class, the novel remains a sophisticated and influential masterpiece. Its blend of suspense, humor, and social commentary set the foundation for the modern detective novel as we know it.

4. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

The Thirteenth Tale is a hauntingly lyrical mystery that pays tribute to gothic storytelling. Reclusive author Vida Winter, famous for her collection of twelve tales, invites biographer Margaret Lea to her estate to finally tell her life story—including the elusive, unwritten “thirteenth tale.” As Vida unravels the tragic secrets of her past, Margaret finds disturbing parallels to her own life. The novel’s richly atmospheric prose and slow-burning tension immerse readers in a labyrinth of lies, identity, and grief.

5. The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse

Luxurious hotel has a dark history—it was once a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients, and its past seems to haunt its halls. When a woman goes missing and a snowstorm cuts off access to the outside world, Elin is thrust into an unofficial investigation. As the bodies begin to mount, secrets among the guests unravel. Sarah Pearse’s chilling, claustrophobic setting and gothic atmosphere make this a gripping locked-room mystery with psychological depth and eerie suspense.

6. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

Often considered the first mystery novel, The Woman in White is a gothic masterpiece of identity, deceit, and psychological intrigue. When young artist Walter Hartright meets a terrified woman dressed entirely in white on a moonlit road, he becomes entangled in a sinister conspiracy involving a wealthy family and a stolen inheritance. The novel’s eerie tone, intricate structure, and compelling heroine—Marian Halcombe—have inspired countless writers. It remains a foundational work that shaped the modern mystery and thriller genres.

7. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Set in an affluent coastal town, Big Little Lies explores the dark secrets hidden behind perfect lives. The story revolves around three women—Madeline, Celeste, and Jane—whose children attend the same kindergarten. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that domestic abuse, infidelity, and jealousy simmer beneath the surface. Told through shifting perspectives and punctuated with police interviews, the narrative builds toward a mysterious death at a school event. Moriarty masterfully blends humor and suspense, addressing serious themes like violence and trauma with empathy.

8. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient begins with a shocking act: celebrated painter Alicia Berenson murders her husband and then stops speaking entirely. Enter Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist determined to unlock Alicia’s mind and understand her motive. Michaelides keeps the suspense simmering until the final pages, when a twist recontextualizes everything that came before. With its layered narrative, psychological depth, and explosive ending, The Silent Patient is a mesmerizing modern mystery with enduring appeal.

Final Thoughts

Each of these novels offers more than just a clever puzzle—they provide deep character development, richly imagined settings, and emotional resonance. They explore themes of trust, trauma, identity, justice, and truth, all within the structure of a mystery that keeps readers hooked.