The best 10 Adult Mystery books

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Adult Mystery Books: A Better Man by Louise Penny

A Better Man

Louise Penny

What's A Better Man about?

A Better Man by Louise Penny is a gripping mystery novel that follows Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he investigates the disappearance of a woman in the midst of a catastrophic flood. As he delves into the case, Gamache must confront his own past and navigate the complexities of human relationships in order to uncover the truth.

Who should read A Better Man?

  • Readers who enjoy mystery novels with compelling characters
  • Those interested in exploring complex interpersonal relationships and human nature
  • Individuals looking for thought-provoking insights into justice, redemption, and forgiveness

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Adult Mystery Books: Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson

Before I Go to Sleep

S. J. Watson

What's Before I Go to Sleep about?

Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Christine Lucas, who wakes up every day with no memory of her past due to a mysterious accident. As she starts to uncover the truth about her life, she realizes that things are not as they seem. Filled with twists and turns, this book will make you question everything you think you know.

Who should read Before I Go to Sleep?

  • Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with unexpected plot twists
  • Those interested in exploring the complexities of memory and identity
  • Individuals who appreciate stories that keep them guessing until the very end

3
Adult Mystery Books: Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Dark Places

Gillian Flynn

What's Dark Places about?

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of family, memory, and the aftermath of a brutal massacre. The story follows Libby Day, the sole survivor of her family's murder, as she investigates the events of that fateful night and uncovers shocking truths about her past. With its dark and twisted plot, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Who should read Dark Places?

  • Readers who enjoy dark and suspenseful thrillers
  • Those who appreciate complex and morally ambiguous characters
  • People who are interested in exploring the dark side of human nature and society

4
Adult Mystery Books: Defending Jacob by William Landay

Defending Jacob

William Landay

What's Defending Jacob about?

Defending Jacob by William Landay is a gripping legal thriller that delves into the complexities of family, loyalty, and the criminal justice system. When a teenage boy is accused of murder, his father, a respected prosecutor, must confront uncomfortable truths and make difficult choices to protect his son.

Who should read Defending Jacob?

  • Readers who enjoy legal thrillers and mysteries
  • Anyone interested in exploring the complexities of family dynamics and parental love
  • People who appreciate thought-provoking stories with unexpected twists

5
Adult Mystery Books: Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

Ordinary Grace

William Kent Krueger

What's Ordinary Grace about?

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger is a powerful coming-of-age novel set in 1961. It follows thirteen-year-old Frank Drum as he navigates a summer filled with tragedy and unexpected events in a small Minnesota town. Through beautiful prose and compelling storytelling, the book explores themes of family, faith, and the complexities of human nature.

Who should read Ordinary Grace?

  • Anyone looking for a coming-of-age story set in a small town
  • Readers who enjoy a blend of mystery, family drama, and reflection on life's complexities
  • People who appreciate well-crafted prose and richly drawn characters

What's The Accidental President about?

The Accidental President by A. J. Baime is a gripping account of the unexpected rise of Harry S. Truman to the presidency of the United States. Filled with political intrigue and personal drama, this book delves into the challenges and decisions Truman faced as he stepped into the role of leader during a critical time in history.

Who should read The Accidental President?

  • History enthusiasts who want to gain a deeper understanding of Harry Truman's presidency
  • Individuals interested in the behind-the-scenes stories of political power and decision-making
  • Readers who enjoy engaging and well-researched biographies

7
Adult Mystery Books: The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

What's The Forgotten Garden about?

The Forgotten Garden is a captivating novel by Kate Morton that weaves together a tale of family secrets, love, and the power of storytelling. Set in England and Australia, it follows the journey of a young woman who inherits a mysterious book and sets out to uncover the truth about her family's past. With its richly drawn characters and intricate plot, this book will keep you enthralled until the very end.

Who should read The Forgotten Garden?

  • Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery

  • Those who appreciate stories with multi-generational family sagas

  • People who are drawn to atmospheric settings and vivid descriptions of gardens and landscapes


8
Adult Mystery Books: The President Is Missing by James Patterson, Bill Clinton

The President Is Missing

James Patterson, Bill Clinton

What's The President Is Missing about?

The President Is Missing is a gripping political thriller co-written by James Patterson and former President Bill Clinton. The book takes readers inside the high-stakes world of the U.S. presidency as President Jonathan Duncan goes off the grid to prevent a devastating cyber attack. Filled with suspense and unexpected twists, it offers a unique blend of insider knowledge and fiction.

Who should read The President Is Missing?

  • Political thriller enthusiasts and readers interested in behind-the-scenes of government
  • Fans of James Patterson's fast-paced and suspenseful writing style
  • Those who enjoy stories with high-stakes and intense plot twists

What's When We Believed in Mermaids about?

When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of family, secrets, and the power of forgiveness. After seeing her supposedly deceased sister on a news broadcast, Kit embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her sister's past. Set against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand, this book is a poignant exploration of love and redemption.

Who should read When We Believed in Mermaids?

  • Readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories
  • People who are interested in themes of family, forgiveness, and second chances
  • Those who appreciate beautiful descriptions of settings, especially coastal locations

What's Where'd You Go, Bernadette about?

Where'd You Go, Bernadette is a captivating novel by Maria Semple that tells the story of a quirky and brilliant woman named Bernadette Fox who goes missing. Through a series of emails, letters, and documents, the book unravels the mystery of her disappearance while also exploring themes of family, identity, and the pursuit of happiness.

Who should read Where'd You Go, Bernadette?

  • Readers who enjoy quirky and unconventional characters
  • Those seeking a humorous and satirical take on modern society
  • People who appreciate a unique storytelling format, such as through emails, letters, and documents

Related Topics

Adult Mystery Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Adult Mystery book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard A Better Man as the ultimate read on Adult Mystery.

What are the Top 10 Adult Mystery books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • A Better Man by Louise Penny
  • Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson
  • Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
  • Defending Jacob by William Landay
  • Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
  • The Accidental President by A. J. Baime
  • The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
  • The President Is Missing by James Patterson, Bill Clinton
  • When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal
  • Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

Who are the top Adult Mystery book authors?

When it comes to Adult Mystery, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Louise Penny
  • S. J. Watson
  • Gillian Flynn
  • William Landay
  • William Kent Krueger