Best Ghost Mysteries Books of 2025

Haunting Adeline by Cat and Mouse Duet is a suspenseful thriller that tells the story of a manipulator and a shadow. The manipulator can control the emotions of anyone who lets her, but the shadow is immune to her powers. As they fall in love, the shadow becomes obsessed with making her his. This book is a continuation of Satan's Affair and ends on a cliffhanger. The storyline is gripping and the characters are well-developed, making it a must-read for fans of suspense thrillers.

The House on Prytania by Karen White is a thrilling novel that blends suspense, ghosts, and family secrets, all set in the atmospheric backdrop of New Orleans. Nola Trenholm, the protagonist, finds herself haunted by both the ghosts of the past and the present, as she navigates through the sudden return of Beau Ryan's long-lost sister. The author expertly weaves a twisty, satisfying tale that keeps readers on edge until the very end. Overall, The House on Prytania is a must-read for those who enjoy ghost fiction books with a touch of mystery and romance.

The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner is a gripping tale about two women who join forces to solve a high-profile murder. Set in 1873, the novel follows Lenna Wickes as she accompanies acclaimed spiritualist Vaudeline D’Allaire to England to investigate a crime. As they delve into the mystery, they begin to realize that they may be in danger themselves. Penner's writing is suspenseful and atmospheric, and the story blurs the lines between truth and illusion. Overall, The London Séance Society is a captivating read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Independence Square: Arkady Renko in Ukraine is the tenth installment in the Arkady Renko Novels series, written by Martin Cruz Smith. In this book, detective Arkady Renko travels to Ukraine to find an anti-Putin activist who has gone missing just before the Russian invasion. Despite grappling with his Parkinson's diagnosis, Renko throws himself into the case, leading him to Kyiv and eventually Crimea. Smith's portrayal of contemporary Russia is insightful and compelling, making this book a must-read for fans of detective fiction and political thrillers.

None of This Is True: A Novel by Lisa Jewell is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Alix Summers, a podcaster who unwittingly becomes the subject of her own true crime podcast. When Alix meets Josie Fair, she thinks she has found an interesting subject for her podcast. However, as she delves deeper into Josie's life, she uncovers some dark secrets that put her and her family in danger. Jewell's superb pacing and captivating prose make this a page-turner that readers won't be able to put down. This book is a must-read for fans of the genre.

The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny is the third book in the Three Pines mystery series featuring Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. The story takes place in the idyllic village of Three Pines, where an Easter séance goes awry, and one of the attendees dies of fright. Gamache is called upon to investigate, forcing him to confront his own demons. The book is a well-written police procedural that draws the reader into the quaint traditions of the Canadian village. Penny's plotting has been compared to Agatha Christie's, and indeed, she follows the same method. Overall, The Cruelest Month is a compelling read that will keep you guessing until the end.

FantasticLand is a gripping novel that explores the consequences of a society built online. After a hurricane ravages the Florida coast, the employees of FantasticLand, a popular theme park, find themselves stranded and cut off from the world. The story is presented as a fact-finding investigation and a series of first-person interviews, as the authorities try to piece together the horrific events that occurred during the five weeks the employees were left on their own. Mike Bockoven's clear, conversational prose creates a world that is both merciless and curiously humane. The book is a unique, terrifying and utterly unforgettable read.

The Ghost Goes to the Dogs is a delightful addition to the Haunted Bookshop Mystery series from Cleo Coyle. The story follows Penelope McClure and her ghostly partner, PI Jack Shepard, as they investigate the shooting of a kind-hearted animal shelter volunteer. With the help of a stray dog, they uncover clues that lead them to some unexpected twists and turns. Coyle's writing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, making it easy to get invested in the story. Overall, this book is a fun and unique read that will appeal to cozy mystery fans and pet lovers alike.

The Whisper Man by Alex North is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Tom Kennedy and his son Jake move to Featherbank, a small town with a dark past. Twenty years ago, a serial killer nicknamed "The Whisper Man" abducted and murdered five residents by whispering at their windows at night. When a young boy goes missing, it seems like the killer may have returned. North weaves a hauntingly beautiful tale about grief, loss, and the bond between a father and son. The Whisper Man is a must-read for fans of Thomas Harris and Stephen King.

The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton, winner of the Man Booker Prize, is a gripping page-turner set in New Zealand's gold rush boom and bust of 1866. The story follows Walter Moody, who stumbles upon a secret meeting of 12 men discussing unexplained events. Moody is soon drawn into a complex web of fates and fortunes that is as intricate as the night sky. The Luminaries is a fiendishly clever ghost story and a thrilling novelistic achievement. Catton's meticulous and precise descriptions of characters create a finely wrought fun house of a novel. Overall, a must-read for those who enjoy historical fiction and intricate plotlines.