The Maltese Falcon
Private detective Sam Spade navigates a web of deceit and obsession in 1920s San Francisco, all centered around a priceless artifact. Hammet…
50 Best Detective Books of All Time
Discover the top 50 detective novels that have captivated readers with their intricate plots and memorable characters. This list features classics and modern masterpieces alike.
Case Histories
Jackson Brodie, a former police inspector turned private investigator, unravels three seemingly unrelated cases in sweltering Cambridge, onl…
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
A gripping mystery that combines a chilly Swedish backdrop with a serial-killer thriller, featuring an angry punk heroine and a down-on-his-…
The Eyre Affair
Join Thursday Next, a literary detective, as she navigates a world where literature is crime and characters can be kidnapped. This whimsical…
In the Woods
A detective returns to the woods of his childhood, where a tragic event occurred, to solve a new murder that eerily mirrors his past.
The Moonstone
A classic mystery novel featuring a stolen diamond, multiple suspects, and a brilliant detective. Inspired by a real-life crime, it's a grip…
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
In the summer of 1950, young Flavia de Luce, a budding chemist with a fascination for poisons, finds herself entangled in a mysterious murde…
Rivers of London
Join probationary constable Peter Grant as he dives into a world where magic and mystery collide in modern-day London, uncovering secrets th…
Still Life
Chief Inspector Armand Gamache investigates the murder of a beloved artist in the seemingly idyllic village of Three Pines, uncovering dark …
The Name of the Rose
A gripping medieval mystery unfolds in a secluded abbey, where a series of bizarre deaths lead to a labyrinthine investigation that challeng…
Finders Keepers
A thrilling suspense novel by Stephen King that explores the dark side of literary obsession and the lengths one man will go to reclaim his …
The Yiddish Policemen's Union
In a world where Jewish refugees thrive in a temporary Alaskan haven, detective Meyer Landsman must solve a murder in his own flophouse whil…
The Big Sleep
Dive into the gritty world of Philip Marlowe in Raymond Chandler's classic crime novel, where secrets and double-crosses abound in the sun-s…
Shutter Island
U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels investigates a disappearance on Shutter Island, home to a hospital for the criminally insane, in this gripping ps…
The Snowman
In Oslo, a sinister snowman marks the disappearance of a woman, drawing detective Harry Hole into a chilling hunt for a potential serial kil…
Killing Floor
A man finds himself in a rural Georgia jail, accused of a crime he didn't commit, uncovering a ruthless conspiracy that makes him the perfec…
The Silence of the Lambs
A trainee investigator seeks help from a brilliant but dangerous inmate to catch a serial killer, but the price of his assistance may be her…
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
A surreal and captivating journey through the subconscious, where dreams and reality blur in a tale of love, loss, and self-discovery.
And Then There Were None
Ten strangers are invited to a mysterious island, only to find themselves marked for murder in this classic whodunit.
Gone Girl
On their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne's wife Amy disappears, leaving behind a trail of secrets and suspicion. As the police investi…
In Cold Blood
A chilling true crime masterpiece that redefined the genre, 'In Cold Blood' delves into the brutal murder of a Kansas family and the subsequ…
The genre of detective novels is rich with quirky private investigators, dark back alleys, sultry heiresses, and shocking villains. This curated list of the 50 best detective books of all time is a must-read for any mystery enthusiast. The selection includes timeless classics like Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' and 'And Then There Were None,' as well as modern gems such as 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson and 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. Each book on this list has been carefully chosen for its compelling narrative and enduring appeal. Whether you're a seasoned reader of detective fiction or new to the genre, this list offers a diverse range of stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Dive into the world of mystery and intrigue with these top picks, and enjoy the thrill of solving complex cases alongside some of literature's most iconic detectives.