Mystery novels have an enduring allure, captivating readers with intricate plots, suspenseful twists, and enigmatic characters. As we navigate through 2025, a plethora of compelling mysteries have emerged, each offering a unique journey into the unknown. Whether you’re a seasoned detective fiction aficionado or a newcomer eager for suspenseful tales, this curated list introduces you to the top 25 mystery books of the year. These selections promise to engage your deductive skills and keep you riveted until the final revelation.
1. Shadow Ticket by Thomas Pynchon – A Noir Detective Story from a Literary Giant
Why You Should Read It:
Thomas Pynchon’s return after more than a decade promises a complex, surreal journey through a richly detailed historical setting.
Pros:
Intricate plot weaving historical events with fiction
Deep character development
Exploration of themes like conspiracy and paranoia
Cons:
Dense prose may not suit all readers
Requires careful attention to fully appreciate
Review:
Set in Milwaukee during the Great Depression, Shadow Ticket follows private investigator Hicks McTaggart as he navigates a labyrinth of espionage involving Nazis, Soviet spies, and British intelligence. Pynchon’s signature style—melding historical fact with fiction—creates a narrative that’s both intellectually stimulating and entertaining. McTaggart’s unique talent for dancing adds an unexpected twist, serving as a metaphor for his attempts to maneuver through the complexities of his mission. This novel is a testament to Pynchon’s mastery in crafting stories that challenge and captivate readers.
2. The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman – A Cozy Mystery with Endearing Sleuths
Why You Should Read It:
The beloved Thursday Murder Club returns, blending humor, heart, and a compelling mystery.
Pros:
Charming and relatable characters
Witty dialogue and engaging narrative
Intricate plot with satisfying twists
Cons:
Familiarity with previous books enhances enjoyment
Cozy mystery style may not appeal to those seeking darker themes
Review:
In their fifth outing, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron find themselves entangled in a new mystery when a wedding they’re attending is disrupted by a kidnapping and a death. Osman skillfully balances the lighthearted antics of his septuagenarian detectives with a well-crafted plot that keeps readers guessing. The camaraderie among the characters adds depth to the story, making it not just a mystery but also a celebration of friendship and resilience. Fans of the series will appreciate the continuity, while newcomers will be charmed by the unique blend of suspense and humor.
3. Wake the Wild Creatures by Nova Ren Suma – A Haunting Tale of Identity and Mystery
Why You Should Read It:
This novel offers a lyrical exploration of a young woman’s quest for truth amidst enigmatic circumstances.
Pros:
Beautiful, atmospheric prose
Complex, multidimensional characters
Engaging blend of mystery and self-discovery
Cons:
Pacing may feel slow to some readers
Open-ended conclusions might not satisfy all
Review:
Sixteen-year-old Talia’s life is overshadowed by her past in a mysterious cult known as The Neves. As she attempts to reconnect with her mother and unravel the events that led to the cult’s disbandment, Talia confronts questions of identity, autonomy, and the reliability of memory. Suma’s evocative writing immerses readers in a world where the boundaries between reality and illusion blur, crafting a narrative that’s as thought-provoking as it is suspenseful. This novel is a compelling choice for readers who appreciate mysteries that delve into the complexities of human experience.
4. The Fury by Alex Michaelides – A Locked-Room Mystery with a Grecian Twist
Why You Should Read It:
Because nothing screams “good time” like a remote island, a murder, and a narrator you can’t quite trust.
Pros:
Tense, claustrophobic setting
A classic whodunit feel with modern psychological depth
Masterfully unreliable narration
Cons:
Slow-burn pacing
You will suspect everyone (and still be wrong)
Review:
From the author of The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides brings us another mind-bending thriller with The Fury. The story unfolds on a private Greek island, where a famous ex-actress invites her closest circle for what should be a glamorous getaway—but surprise, someone ends up dead (shocking, we know). The narrator, a playwright, pulls readers through a tangled web of secrets, lies, and shifting loyalties. It’s a modern Agatha Christie with sun, sea, and a side of existential dread. Michaelides keeps the tension simmering until the final explosive twist—and when it hits, you’ll want to go back and reread everything.
5. Everyone on This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson – A Meta-Mystery on Rails
Why You Should Read It:
Because it’s a murder mystery about murder mystery authors on a train—what’s not to love?
Pros:
Hilariously self-aware
Clever plot that plays with mystery tropes
A sequel that’s just as strong as its predecessor
Cons:
Heavy on meta-humor (which may not be everyone’s thing)
Best enjoyed if you’ve read book one (Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone)
Review:
Benjamin Stevenson is back with another wildly entertaining, fourth-wall-breaking mystery. This time, our narrator Ernest is attending an exclusive mystery writer’s festival aboard a luxury train. But naturally, the real murder doesn’t stay fictional for long. The fun lies in Ernest’s commentary as both a participant and analyst of the mystery as it unfolds—he literally tells you the rules of good mystery writing while the bodies drop. Think Knives Out meets Murder on the Orient Express, but with more sass and self-referencing. It’s smart, sharp, and ridiculously fun.
6. Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll – True Crime Fiction Done Right
Why You Should Read It:
Because it flips the true crime narrative and gives voice to the women often left behind in these stories.
Pros:
Feminist perspective on a familiar genre
Inspired by real-life crimes without glorifying the killer
Emotionally powerful and smartly written
Cons:
Heavy subject matter
May be emotionally intense for some readers
Review:
Jessica Knoll’s Bright Young Women is a bold and chilling fictional retelling of the crimes committed by a certain unnamed serial killer (yes, that one with the charm and VW Bug). But this isn’t his story—it’s the story of the women who survived, fought back, and demanded justice. Told through dual timelines, we follow Pamela Schumacher, a college student whose friends are murdered, and Tina Cannon, a woman linked to another victim, as their paths converge. Knoll reclaims the narrative, focusing on grief, trauma, and the strength of the women left behind. It’s harrowing, yes—but deeply necessary and empowering.
7. The Hunter by Tana French – Best Atmospheric Mystery of 2025
Why You Should Read It:
Because no one does slow-burning psychological tension like Tana French—and this sequel packs a punch.
Pros:
Lyrical writing and rich atmosphere
Deeply layered characters
Slow-build mystery with emotional payoff
Cons:
Not action-heavy
Leans literary, so not ideal for quick-thrill seekers
Review:
In The Hunter, Tana French returns to the rural Irish countryside introduced in The Searcher, following Cal Hooper—a retired Chicago cop turned reluctant small-town sleuth. When a stranger with a sketchy past returns to town and a body surfaces, secrets buried beneath quiet lives start to shake loose. French masterfully blends noir and pastoral with a moody, introspective tone that draws you in like fog over a bog (but, you know, in a good way). It’s about justice, corruption, and the lengths people go to protect their own. Less whodunit, more why they did it—and it’s glorious.
8. Murder Road by Simone St. James – A Paranormal Mystery That’ll Haunt You
Why You Should Read It:
Because ghost stories and murder mysteries are the peanut butter and jelly of spooky fiction.
Pros:
Unnerving supernatural elements
Strong female lead
Eerie atmosphere that sticks with you
Cons:
Some may not love the paranormal twist
Pacing can waver in the middle
Review:
Simone St. James delivers another eerie stunner in Murder Road. It’s 1995, and April and Eddie are on a honeymoon road trip when they pick up a teenage hitchhiker… who vanishes into thin air. Suddenly, they’re entangled in the unsolved murder of multiple girls along this same highway—girls who reportedly appear and disappear, ghost-like. It’s part murder mystery, part ghost story, with a good dash of psychological suspense. If you like your thrillers to flirt with the otherworldly, this one will absolutely give you goosebumps—and maybe have you checking the backseat of your car a little more often.
9. Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera – A Murder Mystery with a Wicked Sense of Humor
Why You Should Read It:
Because who says murder investigations can’t be a little sarcastic?
Pros:
Dark humor meets gripping suspense
True crime podcast subplot adds a modern twist
Memorable, snarky heroine
Cons:
Not a typical whodunit format
Unreliable narrator vibes may not be for everyone
Review:
In Listen for the Lie, Amy Tintera introduces us to Lucy—who may or may not have murdered her best friend five years ago. She can’t remember the night, the whole town thinks she did it, and now a true crime podcaster wants her to help investigate the case… featuring herself. Told with dry wit and sharp edges, this novel satirizes our obsession with true crime while also serving up a genuinely compelling mystery. The podcast format breaks up the narrative in a fresh, bingeable way, and Lucy’s voice is as razor-sharp as the tension surrounding her. Think Only Murders in the Building, but darker and dirtier.
10. The Fury by Alex Michaelides – Best Psychological Thriller of 2025
Why You Should Read It:
Because if you loved The Silent Patient, you’re in for another elegantly twisted ride.
Pros:
Mind-bending plot
Luxe island setting turned claustrophobic nightmare
Narrator you can’t trust (and that’s half the fun)
Cons:
Starts off deceptively slow
Big twist may divide readers
Review:
In The Fury, Michaelides trades therapy rooms for a glamorous Greek island where movie star Lana Farrar invites her inner circle for a private getaway. But when a storm cuts off the island and tensions rise, someone winds up dead. Classic, right? Not so fast—this story is told by an unreliable narrator who insists he’s telling the truth… just not all of it. Part locked-room mystery, part psychological mind game, this one peels back layer after layer until you’re not even sure who you’re rooting for. It’s a cocktail of elegance, ego, and escalating paranoia—served ice cold.
11. Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson – A Must-Read Meta Mystery
Why You Should Read It:
Because it’s a murder mystery… about murder mystery writers… ON A TRAIN. What’s not to love?
Pros:
Hilariously self-aware
Fast-paced and fiendishly clever
Great for fans of classic whodunits
Cons:
Heavy on literary in-jokes
Less emotional depth, more fun and games
Review:
A sequel to the brilliant Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, this book stars Ernest Cunningham, a crime novelist whose knack for murder (the fictional kind) lands him an invite to an exclusive author retreat—aboard a luxury train. Naturally, someone gets murdered. Even more naturally, everyone has a motive. With witty narration that winks at the reader, Stevenson crafts a mystery that is both homage and satire. It’s like Agatha Christie and Knives Out had a very nerdy baby. If you like solving mysteries while laughing out loud, hop aboard this wild ride.
12. Before She Finds Me by Heather Chavez – A High-Stakes Mystery with Dual Perspectives
Why You Should Read It:
Because sometimes the most dangerous secrets are the ones that belong to your mother.
Pros:
Dual POV keeps you on your toes
Themes of motherhood, revenge, and identity
Fast-paced, with a cinematic feel
Cons:
Some character decisions feel a little plot-convenient
Can get a bit melodramatic in parts
Review:
Before She Finds Me opens with a school shooting—but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Julia is a mother and assassin (yep), whose daughter narrowly escapes the incident. Ren is a college professor reeling from her husband’s death during the attack. As both women search for answers, their stories entwine in ways neither saw coming. With nonstop tension and a plot that unspools like a thriller-meets-family drama, this book is all about secrets that refuse to stay buried. It’s the kind of story that yanks you in by the collar and doesn’t let go until you’ve read the last page in one sitting.
13. The Last Word by Taylor Adams – A Twisty, Isolated Thriller You Won’t Forget
Why You Should Read It:
Because what happens when you leave a bad review online… and the author shows up?
Pros:
Breakneck pacing
Unique premise that hits close to home for bookworms
Chilling psychological suspense
Cons:
Intense violence in parts
Might make you think twice about reviewing books on the internet
Review:
Emma is house-sitting a remote beach home in the Pacific Northwest, passing time by reading trashy horror novels. When she leaves a scathing review on a particularly awful book, she ends up in a very real horror story—because the author? Yeah, he’s not just bad at plot twists, he might also be a killer. What follows is a tense, twist-filled cat-and-mouse game that turns the quiet, isolated setting into a nightmare landscape. Taylor Adams (No Exit) once again proves he’s a master of the locked-in thriller. The Last Word is meta, menacing, and manages to make Goodreads feel downright terrifying.
14. Zero Days by Ruth Ware – High-Speed Hacker Thriller from a Best Seller
Why You Should Read It:
Because when Ruth Ware ditches the manor houses and boarding schools, she writes a cyber-thriller that flies.
Pros:
Tech-savvy premise with strong female lead
Action-packed and suspenseful
Real-world cybercrime backdrop
Cons:
Some tech jargon may lose less geeky readers
Slightly less atmospheric than her usual fare
Review:
Meet Jack and Gabe, a married couple and ethical hacking team who test security systems for a living. But when Jack comes home to find Gabe murdered and becomes the prime suspect herself, she has no choice but to go on the run. Zero Days is like Jason Bourne meets Mr. Robot, featuring a heroine who’s smart, resourceful, and desperate to clear her name. Ruth Ware delivers a pulse-pounding thrill ride through digital surveillance, corporate corruption, and personal betrayal. It’s fast, fierce, and just different enough to stand out in a crowded field of mysteries.
15. A Death at the Party by Amy Stuart – A Domestic Mystery That’s Anything but Predictable
Why You Should Read It:
Because if you’ve ever hosted a party that spiraled into chaos… imagine it with murder.
Pros:
Set over one wild day
Suburban secrets with a noir vibe
Clever, layered narrative
Cons:
Slow burn at the start
The timeline can be a bit jumpy
Review:
The story unfolds in a single day, as Nadine hosts the most important garden party of the year—while hiding a body in the basement. Told in flashbacks and real time, the novel peels back the layers of family secrets, betrayals, and carefully curated social facades. Amy Stuart writes with a razor-sharp eye for domestic tension, making every smile feel like a veiled threat. A Death at the Party isn’t just about a murder—it’s about how people will go to extreme lengths to maintain their perfect little worlds. If you like your mysteries with a touch of wine-soaked suburbia, this one’s your poison.
16. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden – Domestic Suspense That Will Leave You Gasping
Why You Should Read It:
Because being “the help” in a house of secrets? Let’s just say, it pays in plot twists, not tips.
Pros:
Wild, unputdownable plot
Fast-paced with short, punchy chapters
Killer twists you will not see coming
Cons:
Logic? Occasionally missing in action
A bit over-the-top for lovers of subtle thrillers
Review:
Millie just needs a job—and she finds one working as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy family. But this house isn’t just full of designer furniture and creepy vibes; it’s full of secrets. The wife is unhinged, the daughter is disturbingly quiet, and the husband? Well, let’s just say he’s not winning any Husband of the Year awards. As Millie gets tangled in their twisted lives, she discovers she’s not just cleaning up messes—she’s stepping right into one. The Housemaid is domestic suspense at its juiciest, with each chapter upping the stakes until you’re yelling at the book like it’s a horror movie. Pure popcorn thriller.
17. An Honest Man by Michael Koryta – Political Intrigue Meets Classic Noir
Why You Should Read It:
Because corruption, murder, and power plays make for one heck of a cocktail.
Pros:
Smart, gritty storytelling
Compelling main character with moral complexity
Sharp commentary on politics and justice
Cons:
Dense at times—requires a little patience
Less action, more cerebral
Review:
Israel Pike is trying to lie low on his small Maine island after a scandal torpedoed his political career. But when he discovers seven dead men on a yacht—including two of the most powerful people in the state—he’s instantly back in the game. Or more accurately, back in the line of fire. Koryta blends noir-style narration with a modern political mystery that feels timely and timeless. An Honest Man is about loyalty, legacy, and the cost of telling the truth when everyone else is lying. A slow burn, but once it catches, it’s explosive.
18. Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena – Small-Town Secrets Meet Psychological Mayhem
Why You Should Read It:
Because if everyone’s lying, who do you trust when a child goes missing?
Pros:
Tight pacing and snappy writing
Every character has something to hide
Classic Lapena paranoia at its peak
Cons:
Not a ton of character development
Will make you suspicious of everyone in your neighborhood
Review:
Welcome to Stanhope, where the lawns are manicured, the smiles are forced, and the secrets could fill a stadium. When nine-year-old Avery Wooler goes missing, fingers start pointing and alliances start crumbling. The last person to see her? A man who definitely wasn’t supposed to be anywhere near her. Shari Lapena’s specialty is taking domestic life and twisting it into a psychological maze, and Everyone Here Is Lying is no exception. It’s a classic whodunit wrapped in modern anxieties, where everyone’s telling the truth—just not the whole truth. Perfect for fans of Big Little Lies but with way more lying.
19. Zero Days by Ruth Ware – High-Tech Thriller for the 2025 Digital Age
Why You Should Read It:
Because Ruth Ware proves she’s still the queen of suspense—this time with a side of cybersecurity chaos.
Pros:
Modern setting with timely tech twists
Fast-paced and action-packed
Tough, smart female protagonist
Cons:
Tech-heavy for those who prefer analog mysteries
More thriller than classic mystery
Review:
Jack and Gabe are a dream team: partners in work, life, and white-hat hacking. Their job? To test company security systems by breaking into them. But when Gabe is murdered, Jack becomes the prime suspect. Now on the run, she has to uncover the truth using all her skills—before she ends up the next headline. In Zero Days, Ware taps into the fears of our increasingly digital world, mixing espionage, corporate crime, and pure adrenaline. It’s 2025’s answer to the question: What if Jason Bourne were a badass British woman with a MacBook?
20. The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose – Quirky Mystery with Big Heart for 2025
Why You Should Read It:
Because Molly the Maid is back—and someone’s been murdered again in her hotel.
Pros:
Unforgettable, loveable main character
Wholesome yet sharply plotted
Comforting cozy vibes
Cons:
Not for those who prefer gritty or gory
Slower pace compared to other thrillers
Review:
Remember Molly Gray, the delightfully peculiar maid with an eye for cleanliness and chaos? In The Mystery Guest, she’s climbing the ranks at the fancy Regency Grand Hotel when a famous author drops dead—literally—in the tearoom. Now, with suspects whispering behind every room service tray, Molly must once again clean up the mess… this time figuratively. Nita Prose gives us another delightful whodunit with heart and humor. Perfect if your 2025 reading goal is to find a mystery that makes you smile and gasp.
21. The Only One Left by Riley Sager – Gothic Mystery That Screams 2025 Bestseller
Why You Should Read It:
Because nothing says “cozy evening read” like an old mansion, a creepy past, and a nurse with secrets of her own.
Pros:
Rich gothic atmosphere
Dual timelines with seamless storytelling
Seriously addictive pacing
Cons:
Slightly dramatic (but in a good way)
You might guess the twist early
Review:
Kit McDeere has a second chance—she’s assigned to care for Lenora Hope, a reclusive woman once accused of murdering her entire family in the 1920s. The setting? Hope’s End, a crumbling mansion perched on a cliff. Classic. As Kit digs deeper into Lenora’s eerie silence and scribbled notes, old secrets start creeping out of the woodwork. The Only One Left is Sager doing what he does best—blending horror-lite, mystery, and campy thrills into something deliciously readable. If 2025 is your year of reading dramatic, cinematic page-turners, make this one your next obsession.
22. Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena – Domestic Suspense at Its Peak in 2025
Why You Should Read It:
Because when a child goes missing in suburbia, you just know everyone’s got a dirty little secret.
Pros:
Jaw-dropping plot twists
Multiple POVs keep the tension high
Fast-paced, bingeable read
Cons:
Characters are morally grey (which is kinda the point)
You’ll finish it in one sitting and want more
Review:
Shari Lapena returns with another domestic mystery that’ll make you side-eye your neighbors. In a quiet suburban neighborhood, 9-year-old Avery Wooler disappears. Her father was the last to see her. But he’s not the only one lying. As the investigation peels back layers of deceit, no one is safe from suspicion—not the perfect parents, not the friendly neighbors, not even Avery herself. With tight prose and anxiety-inducing pacing, Everyone Here Is Lying is a masterclass in suburban suspense. A must-read for 2025 if you’re into fast, twisty mysteries that make you question everyone.
23. The Last Word by Taylor Adams – 2025’s Most Meta and Maniacal Thriller
Why You Should Read It:
Because what could go wrong when you leave a bad review for a horror author? Oh, just murder.
Pros:
Unique concept and creepy premise
Claustrophobic, one-sitting suspense
Unexpected blend of horror and mystery
Cons:
Very intense—maybe don’t read at night
Smaller cast limits red herrings
Review:
Emma is living the quiet life—just her dog, her books, and the beachside house she’s house-sitting. Then she writes a negative review of a cheesy horror novel… and the author starts messaging her. At first, it’s annoying. Then it turns disturbing. And then? People start dying. The Last Word is wildly meta, super tense, and totally unhinged in the best possible way. It plays with reader expectations, pokes fun at genre clichés, and delivers genuine scares. If your 2025 TBR needs a thriller that breaks the fourth wall and your nerves, look no further.
24. The Retreat by Sarah Pearse – A Remote Island Mystery That’s 2025 Gold
Why You Should Read It:
Because if there’s a wellness retreat on a remote island, someone has to die.
Pros:
Chilling island setting
Interwoven timelines and secrets
Feminine energy meets dark crime
Cons:
Slow burn
Multiple character arcs to track
Review:
In the sequel to The Sanatorium, Detective Elin Warner heads to a supposedly serene island resort to investigate a series of deaths. What starts as a fatal fall quickly spirals into something far darker as Elin unravels secrets buried beneath the island’s chic wellness façade. Sarah Pearse nails the eerie vibes, from craggy cliffs to cult-ish group therapy sessions. The Retreat is a slow-burning mystery with enough atmosphere to fog up your reading glasses. 2025 is the perfect time to get in your “remote location murder” fix, and this one hits the spot.
25. The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell – A Baking Show with a Killer Twist in 2025
Why You Should Read It:
Because baking + murder = your new guilty pleasure.
Pros:
Cozy yet sharply written
Clever structure inspired by reality TV
Murder mystery meets “Great British Bake Off”
Cons:
Light on gore and high-stakes action
Don’t read hungry—you’ve been warned
Review:
Six contestants. One baking tent. A camera crew. And a dead body. In The Golden Spoon, celebrity baker Betsy Martin’s reality show is thrown into chaos when someone turns up murdered mid-competition. Narrated by multiple contestants (each with a secret or three), the book serves up a layered mystery with delicious pacing and a surprisingly dark edge. Maxwell balances cozy vibes with chilling undertones, making it the perfect read if your 2025 goal is to devour more murder mysteries—along with a scone or two.
Final Chapter: Solved Mysteries and New Addictions
There you have it—25 of the best mystery books to read in 2025, handpicked for every flavor of suspense lover out there. Whether you’re into cozy countryside crimes, high-stakes psychological thrillers, or whodunits set during competitive baking competitions (who knew?), there’s something in this lineup to keep your inner detective happily sleepless.
The mystery genre isn’t just alive and well—it’s thriving. These best sellers and modern classics prove that in 2025, the thrill of the chase is as irresistible as ever. From twisty plots to unforgettable characters and gasp-worthy reveals, these books don’t just entertain—they make you think, gasp, and occasionally yell at fictional suspects.
So grab your trench coat, magnifying glass, and maybe a blanket (because chills), and get ready to lose yourself in crime-solving glory. Who knows? Your next favorite plot twist is just a page away.
Happy sleuthing, bookworms. And remember—trust no one… except the narrator. Maybe.