What are some of the best standalone mystery novels?

Some of the best standalone novels include 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding. This novel shows how a group of boys stranded on an island descend into chaos and savagery. 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte is another wonderful standalone. It tells the story of a young woman's journey through love, self - discovery, and independence. Additionally, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde is a great standalone. It explores the idea of beauty, sin, and the consequences of a hedonistic lifestyle.

Another aspect is the development of a single set of characters. Usually, the focus is on a main character or a small group of characters who are involved in the mystery. Like in 'Sherlock Holmes' short stories which can be considered standalone in a sense. Holmes and Watson are the central characters, and each story has its own mystery that they solve, and their relationship and personalities are explored within that single story.

The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins is also great. The story is told from the perspective of an unreliable narrator, which adds to the mystery. It involves a missing woman and the web of secrets and lies that surround her disappearance, making it a really engaging thriller.

Another excellent one is 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman. It weaves together a story of old gods and new in a modern - day America. It's full of unique characters, from the wily Mr. Wednesday to the various deities from different mythologies. It makes you think about the role of belief and the power of stories.

One of the best is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. It has a richly detailed world, a complex and engaging protagonist in Kvothe, and a beautifully crafted story that draws you in from the start. The magic system is well - thought - out and adds depth to the narrative.

Some top standalone graphic novels are 'A Contract with God' by Will Eisner. It was one of the first graphic novels and is a great exploration of urban life and human nature. 'Bone' by Jeff Smith is also highly regarded. It's an epic fantasy adventure with engaging characters and a richly detailed world. 'Fun Home' by Alison Bechdel is another notable one. It's a memoir that delves into Bechdel's relationship with her father and her own sexual identity.

One of the best is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery with a unique protagonist, Lisbeth Salander. Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. The plot twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat. And 'In the Woods' by Tana French is also excellent. It combines elements of a detective's past and a present - day mystery.

One of the best is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex and detailed world - building with its desert planet Arrakis, political intrigue, and the spice melange that drives the economy. The characters are well - developed, like Paul Atreides who goes through a great transformation. Another great one is 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson. It's a cyberpunk classic that introduced many concepts that are now staples in the genre, such as cyberspace. Then there's 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card, which tells the story of a young boy, Ender, being trained in military strategies in a future where Earth is at war with an alien race. The moral and ethical dilemmas presented in the story make it a thought - provoking read.

One of the best is 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman. It weaves together modern and ancient mythology in an urban setting. The story follows Shadow as he gets caught up in a battle between the old gods and the new gods. It's a masterful exploration of belief, identity, and the power of stories.

Yes. 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie is a classic standalone mystery. It's set on an isolated island where guests start to die one by one in mysterious ways. Christie is a master of mystery writing, and this book keeps you guessing until the very end. Also, 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a well - known standalone mystery in the noir genre.