The 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle is essential. Holmes' brilliant deductive reasoning in stories like 'A Study in Scarlet' is captivating. He can solve the most perplexing mysteries by observing the tiniest details. These stories have influenced mystery writing for generations.
In 'Hex Hall' by Rachel Hawkins, the main character is sent to a reform school for witches. Mysterious things start to happen at the school, and there are secrets about the students and the school's history. It's a fun read with a lot of mystery and a touch of romance.
For mystery lovers, 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is a must-read. It has complex characters and a twisty plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Another one is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie, which is a masterclass in mystery writing.
Definitely 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It's a noir classic with a complex plot centered around a valuable statuette. Sam Spade, the detective, is a tough and cynical character who has to navigate a web of lies and deceit to solve the mystery.
A notable 2016 fiction book is 'The Association of Small Bombs' by Karan Mahajan. This book looks at the aftermath of a terrorist bombing in Delhi. It's a profound exploration of the human condition in the face of such tragedies. There are also interesting character dynamics that make it a great read.
I really liked 'Babel' by R.F. Kuang in 2022. It's a dark academia novel that delves into themes of colonialism, language, and power. The story is set in a fictional version of Oxford University and follows a young Chinese boy named Robin Swift. It's a complex and engaging read.
Gillian Flynn's 'Gone Girl' was also from 2013. It's a psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its twists and turns about a marriage gone wrong. The unreliable narrators add to the mystery.
One of the must - read 2020 fiction books is 'The Only Good Indians' by Stephen Graham Jones. It's a horror story that also delves into Native American culture and the impact of past traumas. 'Uncanny Valley' by Anna Wiener is also very interesting. It's a memoir - like fiction that gives an inside look into the tech industry.
One more is 'The Nickel Boys' by Colson Whitehead. It's based on a real - life reform school in Florida and the dark secrets it held. It's a powerful story about race, abuse, and the search for justice.