Are you looking for something with a plot twist or an unexpected ending? If yes, you’re at the right spot, as this list of mystery thriller books will leave you in awe with amazing stories and startling pleasures. Reading a book about mystery or thrilling suspense can be one of life’s unique preferences. So, be ready for a startling list of the best mystery books of all time!
Are Mystery and Thriller the Same?
Most probably, thriller and mystery have a slight difference, as thriller devotes most of its concentration on building suspense and fear mainly of an expected crime. In contrast, mystery novels reveal a crime, and then the protagonist or the main characters work backward to know the actual circumstances.
Is it Good to Read Mystery Books?
Yes, of course. Mystery fiction gives readers a tremendous puzzling opportunity that is important for mental exercise. Every mystery book has a unique approach that helps you develop your analytical thinking capability. So, reading mystery books is an excellent way to boost your knowledge while doing a mental workout.
What is the Best About the Mystery Novels?
The best thing about mystery novels is that they help readers build their questioning skills, such as asking, ‘Why?’ Another interesting element of mystery thrillers is that they offer a variety of complex themes. Readers like mystery novels because they find various aspects of our society in a single book, which is undoubtedly impressive about these classic reads.
List of 10 Best Mystery Thriller Books
Are you ready to have a look at the top mystery books in this genre that you can’t put down without reading them? If yes, let’s start this search!
1. “Inside the Enemy” by BK Spencer
In the category of best mystery books of all time, “Inside the Enemy” by BK Spencer stands out for its startling features – fear, uncertainty, and helplessness. This mystery thriller will take readers into the lives of people who reside in a war zone and face the harrowing nature of war-torn Iraq. The central character, protagonist, of this thriller is Amirah, who is a courageous Arabic journalist covering the overall situation of a particular time there. But, her life takes a dramatic turn, as she finds herself stuck in the desert in the midst of conflicting conditions in Iraq.
This story is a fantastic depiction of how a lonely girl finds a way to escape from the deadly land, with the sight of horror and dread in her heart. Amirah’s miraculous survival is based on several jaw-dropping moments that readers will experience in this book. Meanwhile, the protagonist’s journey will also give a glimpse into her love life as she finds the love of her life – a brave US Army Sergeant, Kevin. BK Spencer offers an unprecedented tale that is a perfect combination of romance, action, and suspense; however, the author makes sure to keep her readers on the edge of their seats.
You may also like to read about Inside The Enemy: A Book About War by BK Spencer
2. “The Return of Ellie Black” by Emiko Jean
This story surrounds a mysterious character, Ellie Black, a girl who disappeared years earlier. Detective Chelsey Calhoun is out of her mind because of this reappearance, but she further gets puzzled when she comes across that there are more questions than answers in relation to Ellie’s return.
3. “The Hunter” by Tana French
As a New York Times best thriller of 2024, “The Hunter” by Tana French is getting appraised from around the world for its revenge-based story. This crime fiction will make you in love with Tana’s story writing, as she perfectly spins around a tale of retribution, sacrifice, and family.
4. “A Flicker in the Dark” by Stacy Willingham
With this smartly written, thrilling fiction, readers will be on the edge of their seats till the last page, with several plot twists and the actual truth behind the story. The protagonist, Chloe Davis, gets to know that her own father is the culprit of a heinous crime. Her life after this incident changed, but she found her way out of these dark memories. But wait! There is another thing that will transport her to her past. Get this amazing lyrical thriller to know the secret!
5. “Before She Disappeared” by Lisa Gardner
There are a number of best mystery thriller books, and it becomes difficult to choose some of them. Lisa Gardner’s book, a propulsive thriller, is one of them that features an ordinary woman who is ready to surpass everything for the sake of finding the missing people that the rest of the world has forgotten.
6. “Northern Spy” by Flynn Berry
Flynn Berry has carried out various themes in this moving contemporary thriller: loyalty, betrayal, motherhood, sisterhood, surveillance, and sacrifice. Transporting readers to Northern Ireland, the author gradually builds tension while dramatically moving towards the actual crisis point.
7. “Lost Man’s Lane” by Scott Carson
In this coming-of-age mystery thriller, readers will not only experience the essence of suspense but also enjoy a concoction of other genres, including murder mysteries and ghost stories. Every part of this excellent book is a treat for those who love to delve into such narratives. Supernatural elements are the center of attention in this well-written book.
8. “First Lie Wins” by Ashley Elston
Evie Porter, a nice Southern girl, has everything in her life she wished for – a nice and doting partner, a perfect house, and a trustable group of friends. But, there is something that she doesn’t have. What is that? Her identity!
This fast-paced thriller is a perfect read, with chilling vibes on every page. The most twisting tale starts when you stumble across secret identities, a mysterious boss, and a cat-and-mouse game.
9. “Farewell” by Walter Mosley
Walter Mosley is known as the ‘master of mystery thrillers’, and his exceptional skills of writing will make you in love with his wisdom sprinkled within. In the list of best mystery thriller books, you can’t miss Mosley’s “Farewell,” which takes you into the life of a Black detective, Easy Rawlins. This fantastic story has several elements that can be celebrated, but the focus remains on how the new expectations of Black and White usher.
10. “Symphony of Secrets” by Brendan Slocumb
This compelling page-turner is a celebration of music and a cautionary tale about legacy, privilege, and creative genius. If you love to read musical mysteries, this gripping story is for you that will expose a mysterious and complicated history no one can believe.