In a world where everything is overexposed, the coolest thing you can do is maintain your mystery, and that’s how the genre has kept itself alive. Mystery has always been one of my favorite genres and has fascinated me always. With mainly being a fan of Agatha Christie and having read quite a lot of her books; I feel that reading mystery books not only make you clever but also helps you create that resentment in your relationships which is helpful in the long run.
Although I have written tons of book reviews to date, in this article, I have come up with short descriptions of all my favorite mystery novels for you to sneak-peek before you buy.
The best mystery novels of all time
Here’s the list of my favorite mystery novels, which you must read if you love mysteries. The storylines of these books don’t just involve murder and crime, but also philosophy at times, straight from my bookshelf.
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And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
▸ Published: 1944
An island with 10 strangers landing on it with various motives comes along just to learn that they have to pay for the sins they all have committed in their respective lives, and finding each of them dying in mysterious circumstances is definitely a plot that stands out from others. Adapted into a famous Bollywood horror flick “Gumnam,” this book is evidently way more than the movie, with a way more realistic ending and approach. This book keeps the reader engrossed till the end.
Endless Night by Agatha Christie
▸ Published: 30 October 1967
A beautiful love story of Penniless Michael Rogers and Ellie in Gypsy’s acre with a touch of darkness due to their ignorance to an old woman’s warning of an ancient curse is what this book is all about along with friendships, love and betrayal. A little different from the other books of Agatha Christie, with a touch of romance and an unexpected end, gives this story its spark.
Night Time Is My Time by Mary Higgins Clark
▸ Published: April 2004
What if a serial killer has been on the loose for the past 16 years, and the most famous detective in town has yet to find many of the links? A High School Reunion turns into a nightmare for its alumni with a 17-year-old student struggling to find the facts to make his article interesting for the college magazine, making it a somewhat funny, yet thrilling experience.
Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz
▸ Published: 25 November 2008
With the title sounding a bit romantic, the book seems to be way far from it. Imagine having your heart donor coming back to ask you for its heart back? With a unique plot, the author does complete justice to the character of Ryan and makes it worth reading.
The Murder Of Rodger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
▸ Published: June 1926
The famous Rodger Ackroyd is found dead in his room, with all the people ready with their alibi. No matter what, Hercule Poirot is sure of one thing: everyone in the house is hiding one thing from him. And that everyone includes the murderer as well. Known to be one of her Bestselling books, the Queen of crime, Agatha Christie, has this book way ahead of its time with unexpected suspense leaving us speechless. It is an amazing experience to read the author’s point of view in helping the Belgian detective crack the case.
Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie
▸ Published: 1 January 1934
One Murder, 12 suspects, and a suspicious setting are what keep the Orient Express on its tracks. Recently been adapted into a movie, this book is royal just like its setting which is on a luxurious train. With almost 12 suspects and the entire plot inside the train itself; Agatha Christie makes it difficult for us to move our eyes from the book. I believe, the makers of the Murder On The Orient Express movie have had the same experience too.
Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins
▸ Published: 6 January 2015
A story of a girl commuting to work via a train every day, looking at a house with her “dream couple” every day. And suddenly, coming across something that changes her life is the central idea with a lot more behind it. Multiple plot twists, spine-tingling suspense, and a wonderful ending are what this book is all about. This book is wonderfully written by Paula Hawkins and keeps us hooked until the end.
Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie
▸ Published: May 1942
Caroline was convicted of poisoning her husband, but there were five other suspects who could’ve done it with all the reasons they were supposed to have. After 16 years, Caroline’s daughter is determined to prove her innocence. Solving a mystery that has taken place recently is what all detectives do, but cracking a case and finding the culprit of the murder that took place 16 years ago is a challenge Hercule Poirot is ready to take.
Third Girl by Agatha Christie
▸ Published: November 1966
In the most unexpected visits, a girl meets Hercule Poirot to confess about a murder which she “thinks” she might have committed. Mental health, Questioning blood relationships and their truth along with multiple identities is what this book is all about. With a murder whose culprit looks obvious, this book keeps you glued till the end with its enigmatic storyline.
The Zahir by Paulo Coelho
▸ Published: 2005
As I mentioned in the introduction. Mystery for me isn’t just crime or murder investigation, but also the philosophy behind the meaning of life and our role in it. I would consider this the biggest mystery that outstands all others, though the genre of the book isn’t so. The author has written breathtakingly about his journey to find his wife, who left him without any notice. And how he finds himself in the process also unravels the mystery of their relationship.
Over to you…
These were my personal favorite mystery books of all time. Though I’m a big fan of Agatha Christie’s novels, I’ll be reading more of other authors this year.
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In the last year, I’ve discovered and read Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs series. I’m completely hooked on them, and the 15th book, The American Agent, just came out last month. The series is:
1. Maisie Dobbs
2. Birds of a Feather
3. Pardonable Lies
4. Messenger of Truth
5. An Incomplete Revenge
6. Among the Mad
7. The Mapping of Love and Death
8. A Lesson in Secrets
9. Elegy for Eddie
10. Leaving Everything Most Loved
11. A Dangerous Place
12. Journey to Munich
13. In This Grave Hour
14. To Die But Once
15.The American Agent