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9 murder mystery books to read

9 murder mystery books to read

by Lucy Pearson

min read

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From locked-room puzzles to classic whodunits and modern thrillers, these murder mysteries promise intricate plots, shocking twists, and unforgettable characters. Whether set in eerie Arctic landscapes, unnerving small towns, or luxurious private islands, each story will keep you guessing until the final page. The following are the nine murder mysteries we can’t wait to read. Which one will you pick up first?

Death in the Arctic by Tom Hindle

Tom Hindle’s Death in the Arctic takes the classic locked-room mystery and gives it a fresh, modern twist. Instead of an isolated country estate, the crime scene is an airship soaring over the Arctic, adding an extra layer of tension and suspense. With eight guests and eight crew members onboard, a murder sets off a thrilling whodunit filled with red herrings and clever twists. Hindle’s knack for creating engaging characters and atmospheric settings shines through, making this an unforgettable read.

Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz

Anthony Horowitz returns with the much-anticipated follow-up to Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders. Susan Ryeland is back, drawn into a new literary puzzle as she edits a manuscript and realises it mirrors real-life events surrounding the mysterious death of Miriam Crace. With Horowitz’s signature storytelling style of staging a mystery within a mystery, this intricate tale is packed with anagrams, red herrings, and unexpected twists. It’s a must-read for fans of clever crime fiction.

Death at the White Hart by Chris Chibnall

This debut crime novel from the creator of Broadchurch is as engaging as it is atmospheric. Detective Nicola Bridge returns to her home village of Fleetcombe, only to be confronted by the murder of pub landlord Jim Tiernan. As she investigates, long-held grudges and buried secrets come to light, revealing a web of deception within the seemingly peaceful community. With vivid settings, realistic characters, and a satisfying mystery, we can see why Death at the White Hart is being adapted into an ITV drama.

Read more: Debut novels of 2025.

You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego

This locked-room mystery set on a secluded island sees former aspiring writer Mila del Ángel co-host an exclusive crime writer’s retreat. The attendees? Six renowned authors, all skilled in deception. But when one of them is murdered, and a storm cuts them off from the mainland, the guests must unravel the mystery before the killer strikes again. Pliego masterfully weaves tension, literary tropes, and dark humour into this fast-paced, clever mystery that will keep readers hooked until the final reveal.

The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha

Set on a private island off the west coast of Scotland, The Inheritance is a high-stakes locked-room thriller centred on the ultra-wealthy Agarwal family. They gather for a lavish celebration, but beneath the opulence lies deep-seated family tensions, greed, and hidden secrets – and then there’s a murder. With its chilling setting and sharp psychological insight, The Inheritance is a compelling read for fans of dark, atmospheric mysteries, as well as shows like Succession and The White Lotus.

Murder Below Deck by Orlando Murrin

Celebrated chef Paul Delamare embarks on a lavish cruise aboard the superyacht Maldemer, expecting relaxation – until a priceless necklace vanishes and a guest is found dead. As the ship drifts off-course, Paul must uncover the killer among the glittering passengers and crew. Filled with humour, delectable descriptions of food, and an irresistible puzzle, this maritime whodunit is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie-style mysteries with a dash of high-society scandal.

This Is Not a Game by Kelly Mullen

Set on Michigan’s picturesque Mackinac Island, This Is Not a Game follows widow Mimi and her granddaughter Addie as they attend a lavish party at an isolated mansion. When the host is found murdered, the duo must use their combined skills (Mimi loves crosswords, Addie is a game designer) to crack the case before the killer strikes again. With an intergenerational sleuthing team, immersive world-building, and clever twists, this book is a fresh take on the locked-room mystery genre. A compelling read for both mystery lovers and gaming enthusiasts alike.

Killer Instinct by Nicola Williams

When the head clerk of a Chambers is murdered, the crime is pinned on junior clerk Dean – young, working-class, and an easy scapegoat. But barrister Lee Mitchell knows how prejudice leads to wrongful convictions, and takes on his defence. As the trial unfolds, long-held secrets emerge, and her once-trusted colleagues become suspects. But are some secrets too dangerous to expose? Killer Instinct is a gripping legal thriller full of twists, deception, and high-stakes courtroom drama.

Death at the Sanatorium by Ragnar Jónasson

A criminology student returns to Iceland to investigate an unsolved mystery for his dissertation: a nurse’s murder and the suspicious death of a chief physician at a remote tuberculosis sanatorium in 1983. As he digs deeper, the dark secrets of the staff and the flawed investigation unravel. Spanning three decades, this atmospheric whodunit blends psychological intrigue with classic detective storytelling, making for a gripping and suspenseful read steeped in Nordic noir’s signature darkness.

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