Dark autumnal nights call, for one thing, a good mystery book. What could be better than curling up in a blanket and reading something spooky? If you’re stuck on what kind of mystery book you want to try, here’s a range.
In this list, you’ll find some 1800s and 1900s mysteries. You’ll also find some more humorous mystery too. Let this list as a clue in finding the best mystery book for you.
The Thursday Murder Club, by Richard Osman
Richard Osman’s debut novel, The Thursday Murder Club, took off with immediate success. It follows the story of four elderly friends, all living in the same retirement village. They get on with their day-to-day lives until a murder is committed in the village. The murder has a big impact on their lives, and the four pensioners must work together to solve it.
It’s a really hilarious and heartwarming story. It shows us never to discount older people just because of their age, because these four are seriously sharp. It’s great fun trying to unravel the mystery alongside them. Underneath all the humour is a genuine mystery and cold-blooded murder to enjoy too. This is a great book to ease yourself into the mystery genre with.
The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins
Now also known as a successful film too, this book has all the spooky mystery you’ll ever need. The story is told from the perspective of three women, one of which is murdered. Each woman is somehow involved in the other’s life. When one of them is killed, it’s up to them to figure out who by, and why.
Without giving too much away, this book has it all. Psychological shocks, unreliable narrators, and much more. It’s in equal parts disturbing, thrilling and confusing. If you’re looking for something sinister and dark, this book is for you.
Death on the Nile, by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie is just irresistible if you want mystery. She’s regarded as one of the best mystery/crime authors in history, and it’s easy to understand why. There are so many fantastic mystery books by her, but I chose Death on the Nile for a few reasons. One, if you’ve got the summer blues, this will transport you to Egypt. Two, this mystery book is about on detective-based mystery.
Most people have heard of Hercule Poirot, Christie’s beloved detective. In Death on the Nile, Poirot finds himself on a cruise ship with a killer. And time is running out to find the killer. It’s a quick book with a sharp story that will keep you guessing. It’ll take you back in time to the mysterious 1930s.
Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
There’s no real single Sherlock story to recommend here. That’s because there are so many. Conan Doyle wrote several Sherlock-based short stories, as well as novels too. All of them are fantastic! If you want to read some vintage mystery, I recommend Sherlock!
Narrated by Dr John Watson, the Sherlock Holmes stories feature just about everything. They’re very relevant to the time of writing, so if you fancy some 1800s mystery then pick up some Conan Doyle.