My Top Mystery Reads

Looking for books that’ll keep you guessing all night long? These are the murder mysteries and thrillers that totally messed with my brain (in the best way). From Agatha Christie classics to dark high school secrets, these are the reads I couldn’t stop thinking about.

Five Little Pigs – Agatha Christie

A woman asks Hercule Poirot to investigate her mother’s murder, but 16 years after the crime.

Why it’s great: The way the truth slowly unravels through five totally different perspectives is genius. It’s like a puzzle you’re dying to solve.

Death in the Clouds – Agatha Christie

A murder happens mid-flight, and everyone on the plane becomes a suspect.

Why it’s great: The closed-room vibe is SO intense, and Poirot’s deductions are chef’s kiss. Makes you side-eye everyone on your next flight.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – Holly Jackson

Pip reopens a murder case in her small town for a school project, but ends up uncovering way more than she bargained for.

Why it’s great: Pip’s smart, relatable, and fearless. It’s twisty, fast-paced, and full of texts, interviews, and notes that make it feel real.

The Cheerleaders – Kara Thomas

Five cheerleaders died in the same town within a few months of each other. Years later, Monica starts digging, and the truth is buried deep and absolutely shocking.

Why it’s great: Moody, mysterious, and filled with dark secrets. Perfect if you love high school teen drama with a deadly edge.

They’ll Never Catch Us – Jessica Goodman

Two sisters in a competitive cross-country team become suspects when a new girl goes missing.

Why it’s great: The sister tension + murder mystery combo makes it so intense. You’ll be racing to the finish (literally).

The Silent Patient – Alex Michaelides

A famous painter shoots her husband and stops speaking. A therapist becomes obsessed with finding out why.

Why it’s great: That twist. I can’t say more. Just—read it.

Behind Closed Doors – B.A. Paris

Jack and Grace seem like the perfect couple… but nothing about their life is what it seems.

Why it’s great: It’s terrifying in a “this could really happen” way. Chilling, suspenseful, and impossible to put down.

The Good Girls – Claire Eliza Bartlett

After a girl is murdered, her high school’s top girls become primary suspects.

Why it’s great: Think Pretty Little Liars meets true crime podcast. Each girl’s secrets slowly unravel, and no one is innocent. Such an underrated gem.

Death on the Nile – Agatha Christie

A glamorous honeymoon cruise turns deadly when a bride is found murdered.

Why it’s great: Rich people drama + vintage travel + cold-blooded revenge = perfect murder mystery. A classic for a reason.

One of Us Is Lying – Karen M. McManus

Five teens walk into detention. Only four walk out.

Why it’s great: Feels like The Breakfast Club meets Riverdale but with actual stakes. You’ll suspect everyone, including your fave character.

The Ivies – Alexa Donne

Elite prep school girls sabotage their classmates to get into the Ivy League...until someone ends up dead.

Why it’s great: Juicy, ruthless, and totally addictive. If you love dark academia and drama, this one’s for you.