Best Traditional Detective Mysteries Books of 2025

The Maid: A Novel is a heartwarming mystery that introduces Molly Gray, a one-of-a-kind heroine who will steal your heart. Since her grandmother's death, Molly has been navigating life's complexities all by herself. As a hotel maid, her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. However, her orderly life is upended when she finds the infamous and wealthy Charles Black dead in his bed, and the police target her as their lead suspect. This cozy whodunit is a page-turner that will keep readers guessing until the end.

The Guest List, a William Morrow & Company publication, is a gripping psychological thriller that will have readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Set on an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate a magazine publisher and a rising television star's wedding. However, the festivities take a dark turn when someone turns up dead. The book's alternating points of view keep the reader guessing until the very end. The author's writing style evokes the classic works of Agatha Christie. Overall, The Guest List is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.

The Paris Apartment: A Novel is a gripping psychological thriller by the bestselling author of The Guest List. The story revolves around Jess, who moves to Paris to start anew after leaving her job and ends up staying at her half-brother's apartment. However, when he goes missing, Jess begins to uncover secrets about her brother's life and the eclectic neighbors in the building. The novel is a page-turner with multiple narratives that keep the reader engaged. The author's urgent prose and the well-crafted characters make it a thrilling read. Overall, The Paris Apartment is a unique and beguiling mystery that keeps readers on their toes until the very end.

The White Lady is a thrilling novel that introduces readers to Elinor White, a former wartime operative and trained killer who finds herself drawn back into the dangerous world she has been trying to leave behind. Set in Post-WWII Britain in 1947, Jacqueline Winspear's novel explores corruption from Scotland Yard to the highest levels of government. The story is fast-paced and thoughtful, with a complex, endearing, and achingly flawed hero. The book is a triumph of storytelling and a must-read for fans of traditional detective mysteries.

"And Then There Were None" is a classic detective mystery by Agatha Christie. Ten strangers are invited to an isolated island by a mysterious host who fails to appear. The guests are cut off from the world, and one by one, they die. The survivors must figure out which one of them is the killer. The novel is a masterpiece of the genre, with a clever plot that keeps the reader guessing until the end. Agatha Christie's writing is superb, and her characters are well-drawn and intriguing. This book is a must-read for fans of detective fiction and anyone who loves a good mystery."

"A World of Curiosities: A Novel" is the 18th installment in Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache series. As Three Pines emerges from a harsh winter, a young man and woman reappear in the investigators' lives after their mother was murdered years ago. Gamache and Beauvoir's memories of the tragic case resurface, and they must uncover the truth before an old enemy is released into their world. This traditional detective mystery is filled with puzzles and hidden messages, making it a unique and enjoyable read for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

The psychological fiction book, "Where Are the Children?" by Mary Higgins Clark, is a classic thriller that follows the story of Nancy Harmon, a woman with a terrible secret from her past. After fleeing the heartbreak of her first marriage and the death of her two children, Nancy has started a new life with her new husband and two more children. However, her past comes back to haunt her when she discovers her children missing and only finds one red mitten in the backyard. Mary Higgins Clark's writing style and plot twists keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end.

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone: A Novel is a fiendishly clever blend of classic and modern murder mystery. The author, Benjamin Stevenson, plays the mystery game very well, leaving readers guessing until the very end. With unexpected twists and a witty twist on classic whodunits, this book is not to be missed by fans of the mystery genre. The unique premise of a family where everyone has killed someone adds an intriguing layer to the story. Overall, this book is an exceptional, fresh, and entertaining read.

Who Cries for the Lost by C.S. Harris is a heart-pounding historical mystery set in London during the final reckoning of Napoleon and his forces at Waterloo. Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, investigates the murder of Major Miles Sedgewick and uncovers a web of secrets and suspects, including Sedgewick's lover and friends. As the body count rises, Sebastian races against time to save his friend from the hangman's noose. Harris does an excellent job of combining a page-turning plot with historical accuracy, making this book a must-read for fans of traditional detective mysteries.

Murder on the Orient Express is a classic traditional detective mystery book by Agatha Christie, featuring detective Hercule Poirot. The story takes place on a stranded train during a snowstorm, where one of the passengers is a murderer. Poirot must solve the case before the killer strikes again. With its brilliantly ingenious plot and well-crafted characters, this book is a must-read for mystery lovers. The book is published by William Morrow & Company and is part of the Hercule Poirot Mysteries series.