Mystery
Mystery involves solving a crime or uncovering secrets, usually driven by suspense and investigation.
The Fraud
by Zadie Smith
Set in 19th-century London, The Fraud reimagines the Tichborne Trial—a real-life Victorian scandal—as a lens through which to examine truth, authorship, and identity. At the story’s center is Eliza Touchet, housekeeper and cousin to novelist William Ainsworth, who becomes entangled in the trial of a butcher claiming to be a long-lost aristocrat. Through Eliza’s sharp observations and moral grappling, Zadie Smith interrogates class, empire, race, and the shifting lines between fact and fiction. With her signature wit and depth, Smith crafts a historical novel that feels urgently modern, revealing the social and literary frauds that still echo today.
Before I Go to Sleep
by S.J. Watson
In 'Before I Go to Sleep' by S.J. Watson, we are drawn into the gripping story of Christine Lucas, a woman who wakes up every day with no memory of her past due to a rare form of amnesia. As she pieces together fragments of her life through the journal she keeps at the insistence of her therapist, Christine uncovers shocking truths that challenge her perception of reality and the people around her. This psychological thriller delves into themes of trust, identity, and the unreliability of memory, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its twists and turns.
Storm Front
by Jim Butcher
Series: Dresden Files (#1)
Meet Harry Dresden, Chicago's first (and only) Wizard P.I. Turns out the 'everyday' world is full of strange and magical things - and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Harry is the best at what he does - and not just because he's the only one who does it. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal capabilities, they look to him for answers. There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name. And that's when things start to get . . . interesting. Magic - it can get a guy killed.
Jasper Jones
by Craig Silvey
In a small Australian town, teenager Charlie Bucktin is drawn into a web of secrets when local outcast Jasper Jones seeks his help after discovering a girl's body. As they attempt to uncover the truth, Charlie confronts issues of racism, morality, and the loss of innocence. Silvey's coming-of-age novel blends mystery with social commentary, capturing the complexities of adolescence.
No Country for Old Men
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy is a stark, violent meditation on fate, morality, and the unraveling of a modern American landscape. Set in 1980s Texas, the novel follows Llewelyn Moss, a hunter who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and takes a suitcase full of money. He becomes the target of Anton Chigurh, a cold, remorseless killer with a twisted code of ethics. Sheriff Ed Tom Bell, haunted by the past, attempts to bring order amid the chaos. With sparse, powerful prose and existential weight, McCarthy crafts a gripping tale of justice in a world losing its grip on meaning.
You
In 'You' by Caroline Kepnes, readers are drawn into a chilling tale of obsession and the dark side of love. Joe Goldberg, a bookstore manager, becomes infatuated with Beck, a customer who captures his attention. What starts as a seemingly innocent crush spirals into a dangerous obsession as Joe uses social media to meticulously track Beck's every move and eliminate any obstacles in his way. Through Joe's twisted narrative, Kepnes delves into themes of privacy invasion, social media manipulation, and the fine line between love and possession. 'You' is a riveting psychological thriller that will make you question the dangers lurking behind seemingly ordinary interactions.
The Silence of the Lambs
Series: Hannibal Lecter (#2)
Thomas Harris's 'The Silence of the Lambs' is a chilling psychological thriller that follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of the incarcerated cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, to catch another brutal murderer known as 'Buffalo Bill.' The novel delves into themes of evil, manipulation, and the complex relationship between Starling and Lecter. Harris's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create a tense and gripping atmosphere make this book a classic in the thriller genre. The cat-and-mouse game between Starling and Lecter keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final page.
Piranesi
In Piranesi by Susanna Clarke, a man lives in a surreal, labyrinthine house filled with endless halls, statues, and a mysterious ocean. Known only as Piranesi, he catalogs the wonders of his strange world and meets only one other person: the enigmatic "Other." As fragments of forgotten truths emerge, Piranesi begins to question everything he knows. Written in journal entries, the novel is a quiet, meditative mystery exploring identity, solitude, and the nature of knowledge. Both fantastical and deeply human, Piranesi is a beautifully strange tale of wonder and revelation.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
Set in 1970s Pottstown, Pennsylvania, this novel uncovers secrets buried within a tight-knit, racially diverse community. When a skeleton is discovered in a well, the town's residents are forced to confront long-held truths. At the heart of the story is the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, a beacon of kindness owned by a Jewish woman who shelters a deaf Black boy from institutional cruelty. McBride’s novel is a rich tapestry of history, humor, and humanity, illuminating how love and community can thrive despite systemic injustice, making it both a gripping mystery and a moving exploration of American life.
The Haunting of Hill House
Shirley Jackson's 'The Haunting of Hill House' is a timeless classic in the horror genre that delves into the psychological complexity of fear and the supernatural. The novel follows four characters who set out to investigate the eerie history of Hill House, only to encounter terror beyond their wildest imaginations. Through masterful storytelling, Jackson weaves a tale of suspense, mystery, and the blurred lines between reality and the paranormal. The intricate dynamics between the characters and the sinister atmosphere of Hill House create a chilling narrative that lingers long after the final page. A must-read for fans of psychological horror and Gothic fiction.
Last Call
by Elon Green
Last Call investigates the “Last Call Killer,” a serial murderer targeting gay men in 1990s New York. More than a true crime account, the book honors the lives of the victims and exposes systemic neglect by law enforcement. Through meticulous research and empathy, Elon Green illuminates a tragic chapter in LGBTQ+ history and the communities that rallied for justice and remembrance.
I Let You Go
In 'I Let You Go' by Clare Mackintosh, the narrative unfolds with a gripping intensity as it follows the protagonist, Jenna Gray, who tragically loses her child in a hit-and-run accident. Fleeing to a remote Welsh town to escape her past, she attempts to rebuild her life. The story takes a riveting turn as the investigation into the accident progresses, revealing shocking twists and hidden secrets. Mackintosh skillfully weaves together themes of grief, guilt, and the complexity of human emotions, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. With its expertly crafted plot and unexpected revelations, 'I Let You Go' is a must-read psychological thriller that will leave you reeling.
The Talented Mr Ripley
In 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' by Patricia Highsmith, readers are introduced to the complex and captivating character of Tom Ripley. The novel follows Tom as he becomes enmeshed in a world of deception, manipulation, and murder. Highsmith expertly delves into themes of identity, social class, and morality, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns. Through Tom's perspectives and actions, the author raises intriguing questions about the nature of evil and the lengths a person will go to in order to achieve their desires. 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' is a chilling psychological thriller that leaves a lasting impression.
The God of the Woods
by Liz Moore
Set in the Adirondack Mountains in 1975, The God of the Woods by Liz Moore is a compelling mystery that begins with the disappearance of 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar from her summer camp. As the investigation unfolds, it delves into the hidden lives of the Van Laar family and the local community, uncovering long-held secrets and psychological tensions. Moore's narrative weaves a gripping tale of family dynamics, social class, and the haunting impact of past events, creating a suspenseful and emotionally resonant story.
The Memory Police
by Yoko Ogawa
Yoko Ogawa’s The Memory Police is a haunting dystopian novel set on an island where objects—and the memories of them—periodically vanish under the watch of a mysterious authority. The unnamed narrator, a writer, tries to preserve meaning and identity as reality disintegrates around her. When the Memory Police target a man hiding memories, she risks everything to protect him. With quiet intensity and lyrical prose, Ogawa explores loss, surveillance, and the fragility of memory in a world where forgetting is enforced. It’s a chilling and elegiac reflection on control, impermanence, and resistance.
Into the Woods
by Tana French
Series: Dublin Murder Squad (#1)
Tana French's 'Into the Woods' is a gripping psychological thriller that follows detective Rob Ryan as he delves into the murder of a young girl in a small Dublin suburb. The novel intricately weaves together themes of trauma, memory, and the dark secrets that lie beneath seemingly ordinary lives. With a complex and flawed protagonist, French expertly crafts a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, questioning the reliability of both the characters and their own perceptions. 'Into the Woods' is a haunting exploration of the ways in which the past shapes the present, leaving a lasting impact on all who venture into its depths.
The Maid
by Nita Prose
Series: Molly the Maid (#1)
In 'The Maid' by Nita Prose, readers are introduced to the captivating world of Molly Gray, a maid with a keen eye for detail and a secret talent for solving mysteries. Set in the luxurious Regency Grand Hotel, where everything is not as perfect as it seems, the novel unravels a gripping tale of deceit, secrets, and the power dynamics between the hotel staff and guests. As Molly delves into the disappearance of a hotel guest, she navigates a complex web of lies and uncovers shocking truths that challenge the status quo. Prose skillfully weaves together themes of class divide, resilience, and the strength found in unlikely places. 'The Maid' is a must-read for fans of mystery novels with a touch of heartwarming charm.
In a Dark, Dark Wood
by Ruth Ware
Ruth Ware's 'In a Dark, Dark Wood' is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of friendship, memory, and the haunting power of the past. The story follows Nora, who receives a mysterious invitation to a bachelorette party in a remote cabin in the woods, only to find herself trapped in a web of dark secrets and unresolved tensions. As the weekend unfolds, long-buried truths resurface, leading to unexpected twists and chilling revelations. Ware skillfully builds tension and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final, shocking conclusion.
Creation Lake
Rachel Kushner's Creation Lake is a provocative literary thriller that explores themes of espionage, ideology, and identity. The novel follows Sadie Smith, an American covert operative, as she infiltrates an anarchist commune in rural France. Tasked with manipulating a group of eco-activists, Sadie operates through deception and charm, navigating the complexities of communal life and personal morality. Kushner's narrative delves into the intricacies of radical politics and the blurred lines between truth and fabrication, offering a compelling examination of power and authenticity.
The Goldfinch
by Donna Tartt
At thirteen, Theo Decker survives a tragic bombing that kills his mother, leaving him adrift in New York. Taken in by a wealthy friend’s family, he clings to a stolen painting—The Goldfinch—a vivid link to his lost mother. As he grows, the painting becomes both a comfort and a curse, drawing him into a shadowy world of art, crime, and deception. Caught between high society and a dusty antiques shop, Theo navigates love, loss, and identity. The Goldfinch is a sweeping, emotionally charged journey through grief, obsession, and self-discovery—an unforgettable exploration of fate, beauty, and the bonds that shape us.
Artemis
by Andy Weir
In the lunar city of Artemis, smuggler Jazz Bashara gets caught in a high-stakes conspiracy involving corporate sabotage and lunar colonization. Written by the author of The Martian, Artemis blends science-driven storytelling with a rebellious, fast-talking heroine. As Jazz fights to survive and save the city, she navigates crime, politics, and ethical dilemmas in a vividly imagined lunar setting. It's a smart, fast-paced thriller with humor and tech-savvy suspense.
The Christie Affair
In 'The Christie Affair' by Nina de Gramont, readers are taken on a riveting journey through the scandalous love affair between famed mystery writer Agatha Christie and a young archaeologist. Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous era, the novel intricately weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of relationships. As the affair unfolds, secrets are revealed and loyalties are tested, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. De Gramont's vivid storytelling and rich historical detail bring the characters to life, making this a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and literary dramas.
Picnic at Hanging Rock
by Joan Lindsay
Joan Lindsay's Picnic at Hanging Rock is a haunting novel set in 1900 Australia, where a group of schoolgirls from Appleyard College embark on a Valentine's Day picnic to the enigmatic Hanging Rock. During the outing, several girls and a teacher mysteriously vanish without a trace, sending shockwaves through the community. The narrative delves into the ensuing hysteria, the unraveling of the school's facade, and the lingering questions surrounding the disappearances. Lindsay's atmospheric prose and open-ended mystery invite readers to ponder themes of repression, the unknown, and the thin veneer of civilization.
The Girl on the Train
In Paula Hawkins' 'The Girl on the Train,' readers are taken on a gripping journey through the intertwining lives of three women - Rachel, Megan, and Anna. The narrative delves into themes of addiction, deception, and the complexities of human relationships, all against the backdrop of a thrilling mystery. As Rachel observes the lives of others from the train window, a disappearance unravels a series of shocking revelations. Hawkins skillfully crafts a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final, jaw-dropping twist. 'The Girl on the Train' is a finely woven psychological thriller that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.