Mystery
21. Before the Fall
Buy on Amazon"Before the Fall" by Noah Hawley is a gripping mystery novel that opens with a private plane crash off the coast of Martha's Vineyard. Only two passengers survive: an artist and a young boy. The novel explores the lives of the victims and the events leading up to the crash, unraveling the secrets and connections between them. Themes of fame, media, and the unpredictable nature of life are central to the narrative. Hawley's storytelling is both suspenseful and thought-provoking, offering a complex and character-driven mystery that keeps readers engrossed until the final page.
22. The Lincoln Lawyer
Buy on Amazon"The Lincoln Lawyer" by Michael Connelly introduces the character of Mickey Haller, a criminal defense attorney who conducts his legal work from the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car. Haller is called upon to defend a wealthy client accused of a brutal assault, but as he delves into the case, he becomes entangled in a web of lies, secrets, and a dangerous conspiracy. The novel explores themes of justice, ethics, and the complexities of the legal system, and it showcases Connelly's masterful storytelling and knowledge of the legal world, offering a gripping and intellectually stimulating legal thriller.
23. The Reversal
Buy on Amazon"The Reversal" by Michael Connelly is a legal thriller that features the character of Mickey Haller, a defense attorney. In this installment, Haller is asked to switch sides and work as a prosecutor in a high-profile case. He joins forces with Harry Bosch, a detective, and together they aim to secure the conviction of a convicted child molester seeking parole. The novel explores themes of justice, ethics, and the dynamics between attorneys and law enforcement. Connelly's narrative is fast-paced and filled with courtroom drama, making it a gripping and thought-provoking legal thriller.
24. The Outsider
Buy on Amazon"The Outsider" by Stephen King is a gripping blend of crime and supernatural horror. The story begins with the arrest of Terry Maitland, a beloved Little League coach, teacher, and family man, for a heinous crime he claims he didn't commit. The evidence against Maitland is irrefutable, but as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that something much more sinister may be at play. The novel explores themes of doubt, fear, and the inexplicable as the characters grapple with the supernatural forces that challenge their understanding of reality. King's narrative is both suspenseful and eerie, offering a compelling and unsettling read.
25. Magpie Murders
Buy on Amazon"Magpie Murders" by Anthony Horowitz is a meta-mystery novel that weaves together two distinct narratives. The story follows Susan Ryeland, an editor who is given the manuscript of a mystery novel written by her famous author, Alan Conway. As she begins to read the manuscript, she discovers that the novel itself contains clues to a real murder mystery. The novel explores themes of deception, storytelling, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality. Horowitz's narrative is cleverly constructed, offering a layered and captivating mystery within a mystery, and it keeps readers engaged as they unravel the puzzle.
26. The Dry
Buy on Amazon"The Dry" by Jane Harper is a compelling and atmospheric crime novel set in a drought-stricken Australian town. Federal Agent Aaron Falk returns to his hometown for the funeral of his childhood friend, Luke. As he investigates Luke's apparent murder-suicide, he becomes entangled in the town's secrets and grudges. The novel explores themes of loyalty, small-town dynamics, and the impact of past events on the present. Harper's storytelling is evocative and suspenseful, creating a vivid and tense portrayal of the parched landscape and the mysteries hidden beneath the surface of a seemingly quiet town.
27. The Flight Attendant
Buy on Amazon"The Flight Attendant" by Chris Bohjalian is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that follows the character of Cassie Bowden, a flight attendant with a penchant for heavy drinking and risky one-night stands. After a night of partying in Dubai, she wakes up next to a dead body, and her life takes a terrifying turn. Cassie becomes embroiled in a web of conspiracy, murder, and international espionage as she tries to unravel the truth about what happened that night. The novel explores themes of identity, trust, and the consequences of one's choices. Bohjalian's storytelling is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists, making it a gripping and pulse-pounding thriller.
28. An Unwanted Guest
Buy on Amazon"An Unwanted Guest" by Shari Lapena is a classic locked-room mystery that takes place in a remote, snowed-in hotel. A group of guests arrives for a cozy weekend getaway, but when a winter storm cuts them off from the outside world, tensions rise. Soon, a murder occurs, and the guests are trapped with a killer among them. The novel explores themes of trust, fear, and the unraveling of secrets in a confined setting. Lapena's storytelling is suspenseful and filled with twists, offering a modern take on the traditional mystery genre with a chilling and unsettling atmosphere.
29. Then She Was Gone
Buy on Amazon"Then She Was Gone" is a psychological thriller by Lisa Jewell. The story revolves around Laurel Mack, whose daughter, Ellie, disappeared without a trace ten years ago. Devastated and unable to move on, Laurel's life takes an unexpected turn when she meets a charming man named Floyd. As she gets to know him and his daughter, she begins to unravel the dark secrets surrounding Ellie's disappearance. The novel explores themes of loss, redemption, and the haunting mysteries of the past. It's a gripping and emotionally charged story with unexpected twists that keep readers engaged until the very end.
30. The Last House Guest
Buy on Amazon"The Last House Guest" is a suspenseful novel by Megan Miranda. It's set in the coastal town of Littleport, Maine, and follows the friendship between Avery Greer and Sadie Loman, who come from different social backgrounds. When Sadie is found dead, the police rule it a suicide, but Avery is convinced there's more to the story. The novel weaves together timelines and perspectives, exploring the complexities of the two women's relationship and the secrets of the town's elite. It's a compelling tale of trust, betrayal, and uncovering the truth in a small, tight-knit community.
31. The Secret Place
Buy on Amazon"The Secret Place" is a gripping psychological thriller by Tana French. The novel is set in an Irish girls' boarding school, where a boy's murder on the school's grounds remains unsolved. Detective Stephen Moran is called to investigate the cold case when a clue emerges on a bulletin board known as "The Secret Place." The story alternates between Moran's investigation and the perspectives of the girls involved in the case. It's a riveting exploration of teenage friendships, the secrets they hide, and the impact of the past on the present, with a skillful blend of mystery and psychological depth.
32. I Found You
Buy on Amazon"I Found You" is a mystery novel by Lisa Jewell. The story unfolds in two different timelines and locations. In one, a man named Alice Lake discovers a man sitting on the beach outside her home in Yorkshire, with no memory of who he is. In the other, a woman named Lily Monrose arrives in London from Ukraine to search for her missing husband, who seemingly disappeared without a trace. As the narrative weaves between these two storylines, dark secrets and connections gradually surface. The novel is a suspenseful exploration of memory, identity, and the hidden truths that bind the characters together.
33. The Silent Wife
Buy on Amazon"The Silent Wife" by Kerry Fisher revolves around a seemingly perfect marriage unraveling beneath the surface. Told from the perspectives of Maggie and Lara, two women connected by marriage, the novel explores the complexities of relationships, secrets, and betrayal. Maggie, the devoted wife, faces unexpected challenges that force her to reassess her life choices. Lara, her husband's first wife, harbors resentments and secrets that threaten to disrupt the fragile family equilibrium. Fisher weaves a gripping narrative, delving into themes of love, trust, and the consequences of silence. The novel skillfully navigates intricate family dynamics, revealing the profound impact of hidden truths on the lives of its characters.
34. The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Buy on Amazon"The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" is a unique and intricate mystery novel by Stuart Turton. The story follows the protagonist, Aiden Bishop, who finds himself waking up in a different body each day, reliving the same day at a crumbling English manor. His task is to solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle to break the cycle. As Aiden navigates the lives of different guests and uncovers their secrets, the novel offers a mind-bending exploration of time, identity, and the consequences of one's actions. It's a complex and suspenseful narrative with a blend of murder mystery, science fiction, and psychological thriller elements.
35. The Guest List
Buy on Amazon"The Guest List" is a suspenseful thriller by Lucy Foley. The story is set on a remote and stormy island off the coast of Ireland, where a glamorous wedding is taking place. The novel unfolds from multiple perspectives, including the bride, groom, best man, and bridesmaid, as secrets and tensions among the guests emerge. When a murder occurs during the wedding celebrations, the narrative becomes a compelling exploration of deception, grudges, and the dark pasts of the characters. It's a gripping and atmospheric tale with a sense of impending doom, as the mystery of the murder unravels against the backdrop of the storm-swept island.
36. The Silent House
Buy on Amazon"The Silent House" by Nell Pattison follows the gripping story of a deaf woman, Amelia, who witnesses a murder during her sign language class. The victim is her best friend, and as she becomes the key witness, Amelia is thrust into a complex web of secrets, lies, and danger. The novel explores themes of trust and deception, unraveling the mystery through Amelia's unique perspective. Pattison crafts a tense and immersive narrative, blending psychological suspense with elements of the traditional whodunit, making "The Silent House" a compelling thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
37. The Last House on Needless Street
Buy on Amazon"The Last House on Needless Street" is a psychological thriller by Catriona Ward. The novel tells the story of Ted, a reclusive and paranoid man who lives in the last house on a secluded street. He is haunted by the unsolved disappearance of his young daughter, and he becomes convinced that his neighbor Dee is responsible. As the narrative unfolds, it explores themes of trauma, paranoia, and the blurred lines between reality and delusion. The novel is a suspenseful and intricately plotted story that keeps readers guessing about the truth behind Ted's obsession and the dark secrets of the neighborhood.
38. The Searcher
Buy on Amazon"The Searcher" is a novel by Tana French. The story follows the life of Cal Hooper, a retired detective from Chicago who moves to a quiet Irish village to find peace and solitude. However, his plans are disrupted when a local boy asks for his help in finding a missing brother. Cal's investigation uncovers dark secrets and hidden tensions within the seemingly idyllic community. The novel delves into themes of redemption, small-town life, and the complexities of human relationships. "The Searcher" is a compelling and atmospheric mystery novel that combines elements of a traditional mystery with a character-driven narrative.
39. The Vanishing Half
Buy on Amazon"The Vanishing Half" is a novel by Brit Bennett that explores the lives of two African American twin sisters, Desiree and Stella Vignes. They grow up in a small, racially segregated town and run away at age sixteen. Despite identical beginnings, their paths diverge drastically. Desiree returns to her hometown with her dark-skinned daughter, while Stella secretly passes as white and leads a life of privilege. The novel delves into themes of identity, race, and family, offering a poignant examination of the choices people make and the impact of those choices on their lives and the lives of their descendants.
40. The Guest Room
Buy on Amazon"The Guest Room" is a novel by Chris Bohjalian. The story follows Richard, who hosts a bachelor party for his brother in their suburban home. The festivities take a dark turn when the hired entertainment turns out to be involved in human trafficking, leading to a violent and tragic night. The novel explores themes of morality, consequences, and the impact of choices on people's lives. It alternates between the perspectives of Richard and Alexandra, the young Armenian woman who becomes a victim of the sex trade. "The Guest Room" is a gripping and thought-provoking tale of suspense and redemption.