Mystery books have an advantage over all other genres. All readers cannot leave the book in the middle. They must read on to the last page. Though very scrumptious for the reader, it is challenging for the writer to keep the reader posted and guessing until the climax.
Few writers have succeeded at this feat, and that’s why their writings are considered the best mystery books of all time. Here is a list that you should consider before shopping for books next time:
- Into The Ether – David Sherer
People put their lives in the hands of doctors because they trust their oath, but what about an anaesthesiologist?
David Sherer spotted a dark opportunity for an anaesthesiologist to exploit and extract valuable information from his patients under the influence of drugs. It’s only the beginning of one of the best mystery novels of this time. The plot thickens when Adrian Wren – the lead character – has an affair with his financial advisor, avenges an old score with an attorney, and leaves the country to go underground. Just when you think things are cooling down in the story, Adrian is arrested and brought back to the USA with an offer involving the President of the United States and a criminal case in Boston.
The book ‘Into The Ether’ is available on amazon.com in Kindle and paperback.
- The Secret History – Donna Tartt
This novel makes the list of great mystery books because of its portrayal of society and its inevitable fate of degeneration into the evils of the previous paradigms.
Set in a college in New England, some students inspired by their professor decide to make their own haven away from the boring life of the masses. Though seemingly successful at first, the students slowly succumb to evil thoughts and seep into the very despicable acts that they advocated against in the first place. What happens next is even more surprising.
- The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
A famous psychological thriller about a girl on the train – Rachel. Rachel observes many people from the train daily and has even named them in her mind. But when she sees something very shocking, her life turns upside down as she realises that sometimes knowing a secret can be the biggest burden on your chest.
- The Silence of the Lambs – Thomas Harris
You may have seen the movie but reading the novel is always more thrilling. This novel that was adapted into the film starring Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster is known for its scary, dark, and gruesome sequences. The book is a sequel to ‘Red Dragon’ and carries the story forward with a twist.
The cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lector is now working against Special Agent Clarice Starling, and the result is messier than you can imagine. If you haven’t watched the movie, give the novel a chance first.
- The Postman Always Rings Twice – James N. Cain
One of the classics in mystery, this novel from the 1930s is famous for its mix of violence and eroticism. A young tramp within an inconvenient husband is only the beginning of a story with much more to reveal than you can imagine from the cover.
Even though the novel was subjected to criticism by many, it was still adapted into a movie in 1981 and has been on the list of good mystery books to date.
- One of Us Is Lying – Karen M. McManus
Five students are taking detention in Bayview High, but only four come out alive. One of them is lying and the urge to quickly find out which one will keep your brain awake till you finish this novel.
One of the finest mysteries of the current times, this novel is being adapted into a movie and is expected to be released in October 2021.
- And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie
One of the top five best-selling individual books of all time, this novel has remained in the hands of the readers for more than 80 years. Strangers on an island meet their fate one by one until none is left. The explanation comes only on the book’s last page, and it is totally worth reading it all.
