Top Ten Murder Mystery Books of All Time

Top 10 Must-Read Murder Mystery Novels of All Time

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Murder mysteries have been captivating readers for centuries, with their intricate plots, complex characters, and thrilling twists and turns. From Agatha Christie's classic whodunits to Gillian Flynn's modern thrillers, the genre has something for everyone. In this post, we'll be counting down the top 10 must-read murder mystery novels of all time. Whether you're a seasoned fan or just getting into the genre, these books are sure to keep you guessing until the very end.

1. "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie - Published in 1934, this classic Christie novel follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder aboard the luxurious Orient Express. With an all-star cast of suspects, this book is widely considered to be one of the greatest murder mysteries of all time.

2. "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson - This international bestseller follows a journalist and a computer hacker as they investigate a wealthy family's dark past. With its complex plot, well-developed characters, and powerful themes, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is a must-read for fans of the genre.

3. "The Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris - This chilling thriller follows an FBI agent as she races against time to catch a serial killer known as "Buffalo Bill." With its unsettling atmosphere, strong sense of suspense, and an iconic villain, "The Silence of the Lambs" is considered one of the most terrifying and gripping crime novels of all time.

4. "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote - This true-crime masterpiece is considered a pioneer of the genre. Capote's masterpiece tells the story of a brutal murder case in Kansas, and how the investigation and trial unfold. With its in-depth character studies, sharp prose and almost novelistic structure, this non-fiction book is a must-read for any fans of true crime and murder mystery.

5. "The Big Sleep" by Raymond Chandler - First published in 1939, this hardboiled crime novel is considered to be one of the greatest detective novels of all time. Set in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, the book follows private investigator Philip Marlowe as he uncovers a web of sex, corruption, and murder.

6. "The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman - This debut crime novel follows a group of four retirees who meet up every week to solve cold case murders in their retirement village. With its engaging characters and cleverly plotted mystery, "The Thursday Murder Club" is a must-read for fans of the genre.

7. "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn - This bestselling thriller follows a man whose wife goes missing on their fifth anniversary, and the investigation and media circus that follows. With its surprising plot twists and unreliable narrators, "Gone Girl" is a must-read for fans of modern crime fiction.

8. "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng - This novel not only feature a murder mystery but also delves into themes of identity, class, race and motherhood. The story takes place in the seemingly perfect suburban town, Shaker Heights where the lives of two families become intertwined when a custody battle involving a Chinese-American baby erupts.

9. "The Reversal" by Michael Connelly - This legal thriller follows defense attorney Mickey Haller as he takes on a high-profile murder case. With its fast-paced plot and legal expertise, "The Reversal" is a must-read for fans of legal thrillers and courtroom dramas.

10. "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco - This medieval murder mystery is set in a 14th-century Italian monastery, where a Franciscan friar investigates a series of murders. With its intricate plot, historical accuracy, and philosophical musings, "The Name of the Rose" is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and murder mysteries.

11. And, of course, my own first book: "Body at the Bakery" by Stella Wilkinson. A very British cozy! There really needed to be more cozy mysteries on this list :)  

Article by Author Stella Berry