Top Rated Murder Mystery Novels: Which Ones Should I Read First?

One of the top rated romance novels is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Their relationship develops through misunderstandings and social differences. Another great one is 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. It combines time - travel and historical romance. The strong - willed Claire Randall is transported back in time and falls in love with Jamie Fraser. And 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks is also highly rated. It's a heart - wrenching love story of two people, Noah and Allie, who face many obstacles in their relationship.

Well, I'd recommend 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It's a modern murder mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are so well - developed, and the plot twists are unexpected. It's about a man whose wife goes missing, and as the story unfolds, you realize there's much more to it than it seems at first. Also, 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a classic noir mystery that has a great detective story filled with murder, blackmail, and all kinds of seedy characters.

Well, I'd recommend 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov. It's a classic that features an epic story of a galactic empire in decline and the efforts to preserve knowledge. Then there's 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams. It's a hilarious and mind - bending adventure through space. And 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is also a top pick. It delves into the psychology of a child prodigy in a military - like space - training environment.

Another great one is 'Watchmen' by Alan Moore. It's not just a superhero story but a complex exploration of power, morality, and the human condition. The characters are morally ambiguous, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you engaged from start to finish.

One great top British mystery novel is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It's a classic with a very unique and suspenseful plot where ten people are lured to an island and start getting killed off one by one. The mystery keeps you guessing until the very end.

You could start with 'Malice' also by Keigo Higashino. It's a complex tale of envy and murder, full of twists and turns. Higashino is really good at creating mind - boggling mysteries. And then there's 'Ring' by Koji Suzuki. This one is famous for its creepy atmosphere and the mystery surrounding a cursed videotape that kills people who watch it within a week.

The Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle is also a must - read. Holmes' brilliant deductive reasoning as he solves various murder mysteries in Victorian London is truly captivating. Stories like 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' are filled with mystery, danger, and intrigue.

One great modern murder mystery novel is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the very end. The characters are well - developed and the story is told from multiple perspectives, which adds to the mystery.

A great new murder mystery is 'The Guest List' by Lucy Foley. Set on a remote island during a wedding, things start to go wrong and a murder occurs. The multiple perspectives of the characters keep the reader on their toes as they try to figure out who the killer is among the wedding guests.

A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth is also highly rated. It's a long, sweeping epic that gives a detailed look at post - independence India, with a focus on family, love, and society. There are numerous characters and storylines that all weave together to create a vivid portrait of the time.