What are the absolute best mystery novels?

Sure. 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is an excellent mystery. It combines elements of crime, mystery, and a bit of social commentary. The main character, Lisbeth Salander, is a very interesting and complex character.

A common characteristic is the element of surprise. In 'Magpie Murders', just when you think you've figured out one part of the mystery, another twist comes along. The authors use red herrings effectively. They lead the reader down one path, only to reveal that it was a false lead. This keeps the readers engaged and constantly re - evaluating their assumptions.

One of the best 2023 mystery novels is 'The Maid' by Nita Prose. It features a unique and endearing protagonist, Molly, who works as a maid in a hotel. The mystery unfolds as she becomes involved in a murder investigation within the hotel. Another great one is 'The Cartographers' by Peng Shepherd. It combines elements of mystery with a touch of the fantastical, centered around maps and a family mystery.

Some of the 2023 best mystery novels include 'The Cartographers' by Peng Shepherd. This book combines mystery with cartography in a really engaging way. The secrets hidden within maps and the past of the main character create a thrilling mystery. Also, 'The It Girl' by Ruth Ware is quite popular. It tells a story of a murder mystery that spans years and has many twists and turns as the truth is gradually uncovered.

One of the best mystery novels is 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Watson solving complex cases. Another great one is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It has a very unique and suspenseful plot set on an isolated island. 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is also highly regarded. It combines mystery with elements of social commentary.

One of the best 2020 mystery novels is 'The Guest List' by Lucy Foley. It's set on an island and full of secrets among the wedding guests. Another great one is 'The Invisible Girl' by Lisa Jewell. It has a complex plot with a missing girl at the center. And 'The Thursday Murder Club' by Richard Osman is also a top pick. It features a group of retirees solving murders.

Well, 'Force of Nature' by Jane Harper is a remarkable 2018 mystery novel. The story takes place in the Australian bush and there's a mystery surrounding a corporate retreat gone wrong. The characters are well - developed and the setting adds to the overall sense of mystery and unease. And 'The Chalk Man' by C. J. Tudor is also great. It weaves together past and present mysteries, starting with a discovery of some chalk men figures that lead to a web of secrets and a dark past.

Well, in the list of best 10 mystery novels, 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is a must - mention. It has a mind - boggling plot full of twists and turns. 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is also a classic. It's known for its hard - boiled detective style. 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is an interesting one too. It's based on a real - life crime and has a very detailed and engaging narrative.

One of the best mystery novels is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It's a classic with a very unique and suspenseful plot. Ten strangers are lured to an isolated island, and one by one, they start to die in mysterious ways.

Some of the well - known ones could be 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It's a classic with brilliant detective work. Another is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie, which has a very intriguing and unique plot. Also, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is quite popular for its complex mystery and strong female lead.