8 Murder Mystery Books That Are Better Than Any Netflix Show
Let’s be honest, Netflix murder mysteries are fun for a quick binge, but nothing beats the slow-burn thrill of a really good book. A clever author knows how to plant clues, mislead you, and then drop a twist that makes you gasp out loud (and maybe throw the book across the room). These stories give you that one more page before bed feeling that somehow turns into 3 a.m. and still reading.
If you’re ready for puzzles that outsmart you, characters you won’t stop thinking about, and endings you never saw coming, these eight murder mystery books deserve the top spot on your nightstand.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, shoots her husband in the face—and then never speaks another word. That’s the hook. The rest of the book follows Theo Faber, a psychotherapist who becomes obsessed with getting her to talk. It’s part character study, part psychological puzzle, and entirely unputdownable. The final twist? Let’s just say it made half the world text their friends in all caps.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Destination wedding, remote Irish island, glamorous guests… what could possibly go wrong? Foley sets up the perfect whodunit: as the champagne flows and old resentments bubble up, someone doesn’t make it out alive. Told from multiple perspectives, every character has a motive, making you flip pages like you’re interrogating each guest yourself. It’s sharp, suspenseful, and feels like modern Agatha Christie.
In the Woods by Tana French
In the Woods by Tana French
If you like your mysteries brooding and atmospheric, Tana French is your writer. Detective Rob Ryan is investigating the murder of a girl in the very same woods where he himself vanished as a child—an event that left two of his friends missing forever. The book weaves a haunting personal mystery with a tense police procedural, and French’s writing makes every page feel alive. Don’t expect neat answers; expect obsession, memory, and guilt in the most chilling package.
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
This is a murder mystery inside a murder mystery. You’re reading an old-school detective novel, and suddenly you realize the story mirrors a real crime in the author’s life. The structure is genius—two mysteries for the price of one—and Horowitz plays with classic detective tropes while also poking fun at them. It’s clever, layered, and impossible not to admire as both a reader and a puzzle-solver.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
What if a high school project turned into a full-blown criminal investigation? That’s exactly what happens when Pippa Fitz-Amobi reopens a murder case everyone thought was closed. Told through transcripts, journal entries, and notes, the book feels fresh and interactive, like you’re solving the case alongside Pip. Add in twists that rival the best thrillers, and it’s clear why this one blew up on BookTok.
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
Creepy house? Check. Mysterious inheritance? Check. A dark family past that refuses to stay buried? Double check. When Libby Jones inherits a London mansion, she also inherits its gruesome history: a family found dead inside, children gone missing, and neighbours who definitely know more than they admit. Jewell masterfully blends domestic drama with gothic horror, creating a book you’ll finish in one sitting.
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Not all murder mysteries are grim. This series is cosy, witty, and heartwarming without losing its detective charm. Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s first female private investigator, takes on cases with warmth, humour, and a sharp eye for human behavior. It’s the kind of series you can relax into—mystery with a cup of tea, rather than lights-on-all-night suspense. Perfect if you want something charming but still clever.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
The original locked-room mystery, and still unbeatable. Ten strangers are invited to a mansion on a remote island, and one by one, they’re killed off in line with a sinister nursery rhyme. There are no detectives, no way out, and no one you can trust. Christie’s storytelling is so tight and flawless that even decades later, readers keep coming back for that final, jaw-dropping reveal.