10 Best Mystery Novels That Will Keep You Guessing

Mystery books have a unique power: they challenge our instincts, ignite our curiosity, and keep us turning pages long into the night. From cleverly crafted puzzles to psychological thrillers that blur the lines between truth and deception, the best mystery novels do more than entertain—they pull us into a world where every detail matters and every character could be hiding something.

In this blog, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best mystery books readers are loving right now. These titles top Amazon’s charts and span genres—from contemporary domestic suspense to classic whodunits and literary crime fiction. If you’re a seasoned mystery lover or just dipping into the genre, there’s a story here that will leave you guessing until the very last page.

1. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

• Category: Psychological Thriller (Amazon #1 bestseller)
• Why It’s a Must-Read: Fast-paced and twisty, this story dives into obsession and betrayal within a seemingly perfect household.
• What Mystery Writers Can Learn: Character-driven suspense and escalating domestic tension.

2. Never Lie by Freida McFadden

• Category: Domestic Suspense (Amazon #2 bestseller)
• Why It Hooks: A labyrinth of secrets, lies, and unreliable narrators keeps you guessing until the last page.
• Writer Takeaway: Mastery of layered perspectives and red herrings.

3. Verity by Colleen Hoover

• Category: Psychological Mystery (Amazon bestseller)
• Why You’ll Love It: Twists blend with romance and horror, delivering unforgettable shocks.
• Story Craft Tip: Push emotional boundaries for maximum suspense.

4. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

• Category: Psychological Thriller (Amazon bestseller)
• Why It Captivates: What appears to be straightforward counseling reveals devastating secrets.
• Mystery Writing Insight: Use silence and introspection to heighten tension.

5. The Wrong Daughter by Dandy Smith

• Category: Psychological Thriller (Amazon #7 bestseller)
• Why It Stands Out: Homecoming becomes a nightmare—twists pile up as family secrets unravel.
• Writing Lesson: Small-town familiarity doubles as a source of suspense.

6. Death Row (Alibis) by Freida McFadden

• Category: Suspense Anthology (Amazon #8 bestseller)
• Why It Resonates: Short-form suspense offers sharp, punchy narratives with high-stakes payoff.
• How to Use in Writing: Hone concise, impactful plotting with strong hooks.

7. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

• Category: Classic Mystery (Timeless bestseller)
• Why Timeless: Ten strangers on an isolated island. Tension escalates as they disappear one by one.
• Writer Takeaway: Perfect red herrings and escalating suspicion.

8. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

• Category: Psychological Crime Classic (Amazon bestseller)
• Why It’s Essential: A tortured killer grapples with guilt and morality in an unforgettable exploration of conscience.
• Writing Lesson: Internal conflict can be as gripping as external mystery.

9. The Originals: Crime & Punishment (unabridged) by Dostoevsky

• Category: Russian Crime Classic (Amazon bestseller)
• Why Pick This Edition: Enhanced with rich literary context—great for writers studying classic narrative depth.

10. Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

• Category: Psychological Fiction (Amazon #3 in mysteries)
• Why It Fits: Mystery lies in the inexplicable transformation of Gregor Samsa—this surreal tale still unnerves.
• Mystery Writing Tip: Embrace allegory for emotional impact.

Why We Love Mystery Novels So Much

There’s something irresistible about a good mystery. It taps into our natural curiosity—every clue, every red herring, pulls us deeper into the story. Mysteries offer mental puzzles, moral questions, and that ultimate thrill: solving the unsolvable.

From locked-room murders to psychological suspense, the genre keeps us guessing—and makes us feel like detectives ourselves.

Types of Mystery Novels You Should Know

Mystery fiction comes in many flavors. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you find your perfect match:

• Whodunits: Classic detective stories where you guess the culprit. (Think Agatha Christie)
• Police Procedurals: Focused on law enforcement solving crimes (Michael Connelly, Karin Slaughter)
• Cozy Mysteries: Light, often humorous, with amateur sleuths (M.C. Beaton)
• Psychological Thrillers: Mess with your mind and blur truth from fiction (Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware)
• Historical Mysteries: Set in the past with rich period details (C.J. Sansom)

The genre is wide—try mixing styles to keep things fresh.

How to Spot a Red Herring in a Mystery Novel

A red herring is a clue designed to mislead you. It pulls your attention away from the real culprit or solution, making that final reveal even more satisfying. Great mystery writers use red herrings to test your instincts and challenge your logic.

Here’s how to spot one:

• Too obvious too soon: If a character seems too guilty early on, chances are they’re a decoy.
• Contradictory alibis: A red herring might give conflicting information that leads nowhere.
• Distracting details: Irrelevant facts that feel important—but don’t add up—often exist to throw you off.
• Over-eager witnesses: Characters who volunteer info too readily? Suspicious.

Red herrings are the lifeblood of a great mystery—they trick you, frustrate you, and ultimately make the solution feel earned.

Plot Your Own Mystery with Estorytellers

Inspired by these gripping reads? Estorytellers can help you craft your own mystery masterpiece. Their services include:

• Plot architecture with twists and red herrings
• Character development tailored to suspense
• Emotional pacing and narrative tension
• Manuscript feedback and editing

Gain the clarity and confidence you need—from first scene to final reveal.

Final Thoughts

These ten mystery novels are some of the most compelling stories capturing readers’ hearts—and minds—today. From psychological thrillers to classic suspense, each offers lessons in pacing, tension, and emotional resonance.

If you’ve always wanted to write a mystery that grips readers to the last page, Estorytellers is ready to guide you. Their experienced team ensures your story is suspenseful, emotionally compelling, and structurally sound—so readers can’t stop wondering, “What happens next?”

Let Estorytellers help you write the mystery novel everyone’s talking about.