Nothing captures the imagination quite like a gripping detective novel. The suspense, the intrigue and the satisfaction of solving a mystery alongside a brilliant sleuth can be irresistible.
So, we’ve put together a list of 25 detective novels that every mystery lover should explore. Whether you’re a fan of classic whodunits or modern psychological thrillers, these books promise to keep you hooked until the very last page.
1. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle 🥇
Sherlock Holmes is more than just a detective; he’s a symbol of deductive brilliance. Doyle’s collection of stories introduces readers to Holmes’ uncanny ability to solve crimes through logical reasoning, acute observation and methodical evidence gathering.
Each tale showcases his partnership with the ever-loyal Dr. Watson, who serves as the perfect foil to Holmes’ eccentric genius. From the puzzling case of “The Speckled Band” to the heart-pounding “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle,” these stories transcend time, embedding themselves in literary history. Holmes’ adventures offer not just a series of mysteries but a look into Victorian London’s societal complexities, where crime and intrigue hide behind every corner.
Known for his razor-sharp deductive reasoning and the ability to spot the most minute details, Holmes remains the most iconic fictional detective of all time.
Why you’ll love it:
- Master of deductive reasoning
- London’s foggy streets and Victorian atmosphere
- Timeless appeal and captivating mysteries
2. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie 🥈
Agatha Christie’s masterpiece features one of the most ingeniously plotted mysteries ever written. Hercule Poirot, the meticulous and eccentric Belgian detective, faces one of his most challenging cases aboard the famous Orient Express. A snowdrift halts the train and a murder is discovered with an abundance of suspects – each harbouring their secrets. As Poirot digs deeper, Christie skilfully layers the investigation with red herrings and false leads, culminating in a solution that is as stunning as it is unpredictable. More than a mere whodunit, the novel explores themes of justice, morality and the complexity of human nature.
Why you’ll love it:
- Complex character development
- Brilliantly woven plot with a surprise ending
- The charming, moustachioed Poirot at his best
3. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett 🥉
Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon introduces readers to Sam Spade, the prototype for the hard-boiled detective. Set against the gritty backdrop of 1930s San Francisco, the story is steeped in corruption, deceit and betrayal. Spade is drawn into a dangerous hunt for the elusive Maltese Falcon, a priceless artifact that everyone is willing to kill for. The narrative is packed with double-crosses and manipulative characters, all rendered in Hammett’s crisp, no-nonsense prose. As Spade navigates through the moral murkiness of his world, his cool detachment and unwavering sense of self-preservation make him a captivating lead.
Why you’ll love it:
- Noir style, dark and atmospheric
- A cynical, intriguing protagonist
- Clever twists and entertaining dialogue
4. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a modern mystery phenomenon. The novel introduces two unforgettable characters: investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the fierce, brilliant hacker Lisbeth Salander. Together, they delve into a decades-old cold case involving a wealthy Swedish family with dark secrets. Larsson’s storytelling is filled with suspense, complex relationships and biting social commentary, particularly on the issues of corruption and abuse. The plot twists relentlessly, keeping the reader hooked, while Lisbeth’s enigmatic, anti-hero persona offers a refreshing departure from typical detectives.
Why you’ll love it:
- Dark, twisted mystery with strong characters
- Social commentary on corruption and abuse
- Edge-of-your-seat suspense
5. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
Philip Marlowe, Chandler’s famous private detective, first appeared in The Big Sleep (1939).
Set in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, this novel is a classic detective tale, with Marlowe’s biting wit and moral integrity guiding him through the deceit around him.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Sharp dialogue and unforgettable one-liners
- Classic detective noir atmosphere
- Marlowe’s hard-edged yet honourable character
6. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl takes the psychological thriller genre to new heights. When Amy Dunne goes missing, her husband, Nick, quickly becomes the prime suspect. What starts as a standard missing person case soon spirals into a twisted, dark exploration of marriage, media manipulation and hidden identities. Flynn’s portrayal of Amy and Nick’s toxic relationship—told through alternating perspectives—keeps the reader constantly questioning who to believe. With razor-sharp prose and shocking plot twists, Gone Girl is as much a study in human psychology as it is a mystery.
Why you’ll love it:
- Unpredictable, chilling plot twists
- Dark psychological exploration
- Complex characters with hidden motives
7. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré
Set during the Cold War, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy offers a masterclass in espionage-driven detective work. George Smiley, a quiet and calculating intelligence officer, is called out of retirement to uncover a mole within British intelligence. Le Carré’s narrative is dense with layers of betrayal, paranoia and moral ambiguity, making this not just a spy novel, but a deeply introspective look into the world of intelligence. Smiley’s methodical, patient approach contrasts with the chaotic world of espionage, creating a cerebral, slow-burn mystery.
Why you’ll love it:
- The shadowy world of espionage
- Intelligent and methodical protagonist
- Intricately detailed plot
8. The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Precious Ramotswe is Botswana’s first female detective in The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (1998). This enjoyable series offers a fresh take on detective work, with Ramotswe solving small-town mysteries with humour and warmth.
Why you’ll love it:
- Heartwarming, charming storytelling
- Unique African setting and culture
- Gentle but sharp-witted detective work
9. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
In The Silent Patient, Alicia Berenson is a successful painter who seemingly has the perfect life—until she shoots her husband and then never speaks another word. Forensic psychotherapist Theo Faber becomes obsessed with uncovering her motives, leading him into a dark and twisted investigation. Michaelides expertly blends psychological thriller elements with a traditional detective narrative, keeping the reader guessing until the shocking finale. This isn’t just a story of a crime but a profound exploration of trauma, guilt and the hidden recesses of the human mind.
Why you’ll love it:
- Haunting and unpredictable narrative
- Psychological depth and emotional tension
- A shocking twist you won’t see coming
10. In the Woods by Tana French
Tana French’s In the Woods transcends the typical detective novel by combining literary prose with a deeply atmospheric mystery. The story follows Detective Rob Ryan, who is tasked with investigating the murder of a young girl in a small Irish town—coincidentally, the same place where he experienced a traumatic event in his own childhood. French’s storytelling is moody and layered, weaving psychological complexity into a slow-burn narrative. The unresolved nature of both Ryan’s past and the case itself adds a haunting quality to the novel, leaving readers both satisfied and unsettled.
Why you’ll love it:
- Dark and atmospheric setting
- Complex psychology
- Unresolved mystery and haunting emotions
11. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
One of Sherlock Holmes’ most famous cases, The Hound of the Baskervilles mixes detective work with Gothic horror. The eerie Dartmoor setting, combined with the legend of a supernatural hound, adds a chilling dimension to Holmes’ usual methodical investigation. Doyle masterfully builds tension as Holmes uncovers the human motives behind the haunting. This novel stands out not only for its thrilling mystery but for its exploration of fear and superstition.
The novel is atmospheric and filled with suspense, making it one of the most memorable Sherlock Holmes adventures.
Why you’ll love it:
- Supernatural elements mixed with detective work
- Suspenseful and eerie setting
- Holmes at his most methodical and brilliant
12. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
In The Secret History (1992), a group of elite college students in Vermont is embroiled in a murder that unravels their tight-knit circle. More psychological thriller than a traditional detective story, it’s a must-read for mystery lovers.
Why you’ll love it:
- Rich psychological insights
- Dark academic setting
- Gripping twists
13. The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins
Considered the first detective novel in the English language, The Moonstone is a Victorian masterpiece. The plot revolves around the theft of a valuable Indian diamond – and Collins weaves an intricate narrative filled with twists, red herrings and multiple perspectives. Sergeant Cuff, an early example of a professional detective, uses forensic methods and logical deduction to solve the case. Collins’ writing not only shaped the detective genre but also delves into colonialism, class and morality.
Why you’ll love it:
- Pioneering work in the detective genre
- Victorian charm and atmosphere
- Complex mystery with multiple perspectives
14. The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
J.K. Rowling, under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, introduced private detective Cormoran Strike in The Cuckoo’s Calling (2013).
Strike investigates the suspicious death of a supermodel in this engaging modern mystery.
Why you’ll love it:
- Gritty modern-day setting
- Flawed yet relatable detective
- Intricate plotting
15. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
The Woman in White (1859) is a tale of identity, madness and hidden secrets. The novel’s intricate plot and multiple narrators make it a detective story that has stood the test of time.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Gothic with mysterious characters
- Engrossing and detailed storytelling
- Suspenseful twists
16. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
In The Name of the Rose (1980), set in a 14th-century Italian monastery, William of Baskerville must solve a series of murders. The novel combines historical fiction with an intellectual detective story.
Why you’ll love it:
- Unique historical setting
- Philosophy mixed with a classic mystery
- Detailed world and complex characters
17. The Reversal by Michael Connelly
Harry Bosch teams up with defence attorney Mickey Haller in The Reversal (2010). Together, they work to keep a convicted child molester behind bars while uncovering unsettling new evidence.
Why you’ll love it:
- Strong, engaging characters
- Legal drama combined with detective work
- Fast-paced and full of tension
18. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
Before I Go to Sleep (2011) is a psychological thriller that dives deep into the fragility of memory and identity. The novel follows Christine Lucas, a woman suffering from amnesia, where every day she wakes up without remembering the events of the day before. Each night, her memory resets, leaving her confused and vulnerable, with only a journal to help her piece together the fragmented details of her life.
Christine must rely on those around her – her husband and doctor – while being plagued by uncertainty about whom to trust as she slowly uncovers hidden truths about her past. The unreliable narration adds tension and keeps readers on edge, as we experience Christine’s fears and confusion alongside her. S.J. Watson expertly crafts a claustrophobic sense of paranoia and psychological suspense, making every new discovery a twist that upends both Christine’s world and the reader’s expectations.
Why you’ll love it:
- Intriguing and unreliable narration
- Emotional depth and suspense
- A gripping mystery with unexpected turns
19. Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
Magpie Murders (2016) is a brilliantly structured, intricately layered whodunit that pays homage to the golden age of detective fiction, particularly the works of Agatha Christie. This novel within a novel tells two interwoven stories: one involving fictional detective Atticus Pünd, and the other about Susan Ryeland, an editor tasked with reviewing the latest manuscript from her author, Alan Conway.
When Susan discovers that the final chapter is missing, she realizes that the book’s mystery may connect to a real-life murder. As she dives deeper into the manuscript, the lines between fiction and reality blur, and Susan finds herself embroiled in a real-world case that echoes the fictional murder plot. Horowitz’s intricate plotting and clever meta-commentary on detective novels keep readers engaged as they untangle the dual-layered mysteries.
Why you’ll love it:
- A clever, intricately layered plot
- Homage to Agatha Christie-style mysteries
- Engaging and witty writing
20. The Black Echo by Michael Connelly
In The Black Echo (1992), Detective Harry Bosch investigates a mysterious death in a Hollywood tunnel. Connelly’s tightly woven plot and strong character development make this series perfect for modern mystery fans.
Why you’ll love it:
- Realistic portrayal of police work
- Tense, fast-paced plot
- Gritty and atmospheric
21. The Alienist by Caleb Carr
Set in 1896 New York, The Alienist (1994) follows psychologist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler as he investigates a series of gruesome murders using emerging forensic science. A historical thriller, it blends psychology with gripping detective work.
Why you’ll love it:
- Rich historical setting
- Pioneering forensic techniques
- Dark and thrilling mystery
22. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
Welcome again, the queen of murder mysteries. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926) delivers a shocking twist that has left readers stunned for decades. Poirot’s detective work here is meticulous and brilliant, with an unforgettable ending.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Groundbreaking twist
- Poirot’s brilliant methods on full display
- Suspenseful and carefully plotted
23. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
Shutter Island (2003) is a dark, atmospheric mystery set on an isolated island psychiatric hospital. U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is tasked with finding an escaped patient, but the deeper he goes, the more unsettling it becomes.
Why you’ll love it:
- Claustrophobic, eerie setting
- Psychological tension
- Unsettling twists
24. The Snowman by Jo Nesbø
Detective Harry Hole is on the hunt for a serial killer in The Snowman (2007). This Norwegian thriller is chilling, both in its atmosphere and its terrifying crimes, making it a standout in Scandinavian noir.
Why you’ll love it:
- Dark, cold atmosphere
- Tense and suspenseful writing
- Flawed, determined character
25. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
While not a traditional detective novel, Rebecca (1938) is a gothic mystery that explores the secrets of Rebecca and her influence over those at Manderley estate. The haunting narrative and sense of dread make it a gripping mystery.
Why you’ll love it:
- Gothic atmosphere
- Complex, layered storytelling
- Dark secrets and haunting suspense
If you loved this list of great detective novels, don’t forget to read: 20 Greatest Famous Private Detectives – Real & Fictional. You can find timeless classics like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, quirky personalities such as Columbo and Philip Marlowe, and even real-life investigators like Raymond C. Schindler and Allan Pinkerton. The list also celebrates strong female detectives like Nancy Drew and Jessica Fletcher, alongside modern figures such as Cormoran Strike and John Luther. It’s a must-read for fans of detective stories!
Real-world investigations with M19 Solutions
Many of us understand the thrill of a good fictional mystery. Whether you’re solving puzzles with Sherlock or hunting serial killers with Harry Hole, these novels will keep you guessing until the very end.
