I highly recommend 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines mystery, thriller elements, and strong character development. The story delves into dark secrets and has a very engaging plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It also has a unique protagonist which adds to the overall appeal of the book.
The best mystery thriller fiction books usually have a well - crafted mystery at their core. In 'Sherlock Holmes' stories by Arthur Conan Doyle, the mysteries are presented in a way that makes the readers want to figure them out along with the detective. Another characteristic is the use of red herrings. In many of Patricia Cornwell's novels, like 'Postmortem', there are false leads that keep the readers guessing. And the characters often have to face great danger. In 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins, while it's more of a dystopian adventure, Katniss Everdeen is constantly in danger, which adds to the thriller element.
One great mystery thriller is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It keeps you guessing with its complex characters and plot twists. The story revolves around a man whose wife disappears, and as the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed that completely change the perception of the situation.
Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None' is a classic. It's set on an isolated island where people start dying one by one. Christie masterfully builds suspense and the ending is quite unexpected. Her writing style is engaging and she's known for her brilliant plot construction.
The 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle is a classic. Holmes' brilliant deductions and the Victorian - era settings create a great atmosphere. Each story presents a unique mystery, from stolen jewels to murders, and Holmes always manages to solve them in his own unique way.
You can start by looking at best - seller lists. Often, books that are popular have elements that many readers enjoy. Also, check out reviews from other mystery fans. They can give you insights into the quality of the plot, characters, and twists.
For beginners, 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie is a great choice. It's a classic mystery where ten people are invited to an island and then start getting killed one by one. The mystery is very well - crafted and it keeps you guessing until the end.
I really like 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. The character of Hannibal Lecter is one of the most iconic in crime fiction. The cat - and - mouse game between Clarice Starling and Lecter as she tries to solve a serial killer case is gripping. The book also delves deep into the minds of the characters, which makes it even more interesting.
Another good option is 'A Study in Scarlet' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It's the first Sherlock Holmes story. Doyle's writing is clear and Holmes' deductive reasoning is fascinating to follow. It gives a good taste of what mystery thriller books are all about.
One characteristic is the suspense. They keep you on the edge of your seat, not knowing what will happen next. For example, in 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie, the mystery of who the killer is among the group on the island builds and builds.