Murder novels have a unique way of gripping the reader’s attention while pulling them into a web of suspense, secrets, and deception.
From detailed plots to dark secrets waiting to be uncovered, these stories keep us on the edge of our seats, desperate to finally piece together the truth.
Each twist and turn forces us to question everything we thought we knew, leading to unexpected revelations that leave us breathless.
10 Best Murder Novels
1. Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke
The main investigates two racially charged murders in a rural Texas town. Locke’s Bluebird, Bluebird masterfully combines murder mystery with social commentary while examining race and justice.
Aticca’s vivid prose and sharp observations make this both a powerful and compelling mystery that will hook you.
2. The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith
Private investigator Cormoran Strike is hired to uncover the truth behind a supermodel’s alleged suicide.
Galbraith’s The Cuckoo’s Calling combines classic detective work with modern sensibilities and introduces a brave protagonist and delivering a twist-filled mystery.
3. The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson
Ted and Lily catch quite a deadly plot after meeting on a regular flight, but secrets quickly surface.
Swanson’s The Kind Worth Killing is filled with moral ambiguity and shocking twists, making readers question their sympathies as they navigate this dark, clever thriller.
4. You by Caroline Kepnes
This murder novel introduces Joe Goldberg, a bookstore manager who becomes obsessed with the women he loves. His relationship with the main lead turns toxic as he manipulates, stalks, and eventually kills to keep her close.
While the romance in You is anything but sweet, it creates a twisted narrative where love and obsession collide, making for a great gripping psychological thriller.
5. The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
This one is a chilling and underrated psychological horror/murder mystery which will keep you questioning what’s real and what’s not. The Last House on Needless Street tells the story of a man named Ted who lives a solitary life in a house at the edge of a forest.
When a new neighbor, Dee, moves in, she becomes suspicious of Ted and starts to uncover secrets about his past which will tangle her in a mystery she won’t be able to unfold.
6. I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll
This murder novel is told from multiple perspectives as a young woman goes missing and numerous characters are drawn into the mystery.
Each chapter reveals different pieces of this puzzle, building a complex narrative filled with secrets, lies, and shocking truths. Driscoll’s novel keeps readers guessing until the very end.
7. The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware
When Hal receives a mysterious letter claiming she’s the heir to a large estate, she travels to the remote estate in an attempt to claim the inheritance, but, she soon realizes that everything is not as perfect as it seems.
A gothic, atmospheric thriller with a strong sense of foreboding, this novel is filled with suspense and unexpected twists.
8. The Girl with a Clock for a Heart by Peter Swanson
George, the main male lead, has tried to move on from a tumultuous relationship with Liana, the main female lead, and a woman with a dangerous past.
But when Liana comes back into his life, he finds himself caught up in a web of murder, lies, and betrayal. The story is dark and twisted, with a relentless pace that keeps readers hooked.
9. The Girl in the Green Dress by Cath Staincliffe
In this murder novel, a young woman is found murdered in a quiet suburban neighborhood, detective Donna Bell begins investigating. She soon discovers that the case may be more complicated than she thought.
With a focus on police procedure and psychological drama, this novel explores the impact of crime on ordinary people.
10. The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
A psychological mystery is set in a smart house, The Turn of the Key follows Rowan, a nanny who is hired to care for children in a remote mansion. However, when one of the children dies the story gets twisted and Rowan gets accused of the crime and must unravel the mystery behind the events.
The author’s atmospheric writing and exploration of technology, isolation, and secrets make this a captivating and eerie read.
Related: Best Serial Killer Books To Read
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 10 murder mystery novels will not only entertain you but also challenge your perceptions, expectations and will make you believe that what you see is sometimes not the truth.
Whether you love atmospheric settings, complex characters, or nail-biting twists, each of these novels offers something completely different.
These murder novels have unpredictable plots, suspenseful writing, and jaw-dropping revelations, these books are sure to satisfy your craving for a thrilling, thought-provoking mystery.
