The Greatest Mystery Books of 2017

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Mystery

The Mystery genre is a category of books that typically involves a crime, puzzle, or enigma that needs to be solved by the protagonist or a group of characters. These books often feature suspenseful and thrilling plotlines, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end. Mystery novels can range from cozy mysteries, which are lighter and more lighthearted, to hard-boiled detective stories, which are darker and more gritty. Overall, the Mystery genre is a popular and diverse category of books that appeals to readers who enjoy solving puzzles and uncovering secrets.

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  1. 1. Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke

    "Bluebird, Bluebird" follows the story of Darren Mathews, a black Texas Ranger who finds himself caught in a small East Texas town plagued by racial tensions and unsolved murders. When two bodies are discovered, one black and one white, Darren is determined to uncover the truth behind these racially charged crimes. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets, corruption, and long-buried truths that threaten to tear the town apart. In a gripping and atmospheric narrative, the book explores themes of race, justice, and identity while unraveling a complex mystery.

    The 5660th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 2. The Changeling by Victor LaValle

    The novel is a dark fairy tale that explores themes of parenthood, identity, and the impact of technology on modern life. It follows Apollo Kagwa, an antiquarian book dealer from New York City, whose life is turned upside down when his wife, Emma, commits a horrific act and then disappears. As Apollo searches for answers, he is drawn into a world filled with mythical creatures, secretive societies, and ancient folklore. Along his journey, he must confront his own past and the dark history of his family while navigating a city that seems to harbor magical secrets. The story blends the fantastical with the everyday to create a narrative that examines the fears and anxieties of being a parent in the 21st century.

    The 7050th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 3. The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley by Hannah Tinti

    "The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley" is a gripping novel that explores the life of a rugged, hardened criminal named Samuel Hawley, who attempts to protect his daughter Loo from his violent past. The narrative alternates between the present, where Hawley and Loo are trying to settle down in Massachusetts, and the past, where the circumstances surrounding Hawley's twelve bullet wounds (each representing a "life") are revealed. Through their journey, the book delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and survival.

    The 9832nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  4. 4. The Silent Wife by Kerry Fisher

    A gripping emotional page turner with a twist that will take your breath away

    In this gripping tale of family secrets and personal redemption, two women, bound by marriage into the same family, navigate the complexities of their intertwined lives. As they confront the shadows of their pasts, they uncover hidden truths that threaten to unravel the fragile fabric of their relationships. Through a journey of self-discovery and resilience, they learn to confront their fears and embrace the power of forgiveness, ultimately finding strength in their shared experiences and forging a path towards healing and hope.

    The 10833rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  5. 5. Hollywood Homicide by Kellye Garrett

    A Detective by Day Mystery

    In "Hollywood Homicide," a former actress turned amateur sleuth finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation when her friend, a rising starlet, is found dead. With her dreams of becoming a detective reignited, she navigates the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to uncover the truth, facing off against a cast of eccentric characters and discovering that fame can be deadly.

    The 10995th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Destroyers by Christopher Bollen

    "The Destroyers" is a suspenseful novel set on the idyllic Greek island of Patmos. The story revolves around two childhood friends, one a wealthy inheritor of a construction empire and the other a struggling playboy, who reunite under mysterious circumstances. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into themes of wealth, friendship, betrayal, and identity, all against a backdrop of escalating danger and suspense. The protagonist finds himself embroiled in a web of deception and murder, as the seemingly paradise island reveals its darker underbelly.

    The 11162nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  7. 7. Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh

    The Island of Monsters

    "Spirit Hunters" is a gripping tale of a young girl who moves into a new house with her family, only to discover that it harbors dark secrets and restless spirits. As eerie events unfold and her younger brother's behavior becomes increasingly strange, she must confront the chilling truth about the supernatural forces at play. With the help of her grandmother and her own burgeoning abilities as a spirit hunter, she embarks on a perilous journey to save her brother and put the troubled spirits to rest, uncovering her family's hidden past and her own connection to the spirit world in the process.

    The 11924th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  8. 8. City Of Miracles by Robert Jackson Bennett

    In the concluding volume of a genre-blending trilogy, a once-powerful minister, now a reclusive fugitive, is thrust back into the chaotic world of political intrigue and divine magic following the murder of his old friend. Seeking vengeance, he navigates a city teeming with divine entities and their earthly agendas. As he uncovers secrets that could reshape the world, he finds himself becoming a linchpin in the struggle for power among the gods and their human conduits. The narrative weaves a tale of redemption, the cost of power, and the nature of miracles in a reality where the divine walk among men, and the fate of all rests on the brink of monumental change.

    The 13885th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  9. 9. Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

    This novel delves into the life of a teenager grappling with obsessive-compulsive disorder as she embarks on a journey to solve a mystery involving a fugitive billionaire. The story is as much about the complexities of friendship, love, and coming-of-age as it is about the protagonist's internal struggles with her mental health. Through her eyes, readers are offered a deep, nuanced understanding of living with mental illness, all while navigating the challenges of adolescence. The narrative combines elements of mystery, romance, and a profound exploration of the human condition, making it a compelling read for young adults and adults alike.

    The 14122nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  10. 10. Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan

    Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and World War II, the novel follows the life of a young woman who becomes the first female diver to repair ships at the Brooklyn Naval Yard, where her father once worked before his mysterious disappearance. As she grows into her new role, she is drawn into a complex web of underworld figures, sailors, and her father's past, all of which converge to reveal profound truths about her family and the larger world around her. The story is a rich tapestry of a bygone New York, exploring themes of resilience, the impact of war, and the quest for self-discovery amidst the tides of history.

    The 14232nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  11. 11. The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams

    The Winnowing Flame Trilogy, Book One

    In a fantasy world plagued by the cyclical invasions of monstrous creatures, a scholar with a thirst for adventure, a disgraced noblewoman with a secret, and a fell-witch with mysterious powers form an unlikely alliance. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to uncover the truth behind the long-lost race known as the Eborans and the source of the deadly rains that bring forth the terrifying creatures. As they journey through a landscape filled with ancient ruins, dark magic, and political intrigue, they must confront their own demons and unite to prevent the impending Ninth Rain, which threatens to destroy their world.

    The 14984th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  12. 12. The Rift by Nina Allan

    The novel is a speculative fiction tale that intricately weaves the story of two sisters, Selena and Julie, after Julie mysteriously disappears and then reappears, claiming to have been on another planet. The narrative delves into themes of memory, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of family, as Selena tries to unravel the truth behind her sister's disappearance. Through a blend of science fiction and psychological drama, the book explores the impact of trauma and the nature of reality, challenging the reader to question what is truly possible in a universe that may be stranger and more complex than it first appears.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  13. 13. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

    Set against the backdrop of two world wars, the story intertwines the lives of two courageous women: Eve Gardiner, a former spy from the Alice Network during World War I, and Charlie St. Clair, an American socialite searching for her missing cousin in post-World War II Europe. As their paths converge, they embark on a journey filled with danger, secrets, and redemption, uncovering the haunting truths of the past and the enduring strength of friendship and resilience.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  14. 14. If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio

    The novel revolves around a group of seven Shakespearean actors at an elite arts college, whose close-knit friendship is tested by intense rivalries and the pressures of their craft. As they immerse themselves in their roles, the lines between performance and reality blur, leading to a tragic event that shatters their lives. The story unfolds through the eyes of Oliver Marks, who, after serving a decade in prison for a crime he may not have committed, recounts the events leading up to the fateful night. Themes of ambition, loyalty, and the destructive power of art are explored as the truth behind the tragedy is gradually revealed.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  15. 15. Right Behind You by Lisa Gardner

    The novel is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the complex dynamics of a family haunted by a violent past. The story centers around a former child victim turned FBI agent, who is forced to confront her traumatic history when her troubled younger brother becomes the prime suspect in a series of brutal murders. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she must navigate a web of secrets and lies, testing her loyalties and challenging her perceptions of truth and justice. The narrative explores themes of redemption, familial bonds, and the enduring impact of childhood trauma.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The 4th Man by Lisa Gardner

    A Short Story

    In this gripping thriller, a cold case detective and a seasoned FBI profiler join forces to unravel a decades-old mystery involving a brutal murder. As they delve into the past, they uncover a complex web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives that challenge their investigative skills and personal beliefs. The story weaves through unexpected twists and turns, keeping the tension high as the duo races against time to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victim.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Ragdoll by Daniel Cole

    In this gripping thriller, a detective is drawn into a chilling investigation when a body is discovered, grotesquely stitched together from the parts of six different victims, earning it the nickname "Ragdoll." As the detective races against time to uncover the identity of the killer, he is taunted by a list of future victims, including his own name. The story weaves through a complex web of secrets, personal vendettas, and moral dilemmas, keeping readers on edge as the detective confronts his past and battles to prevent further murders.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  18. 18. One Of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

    In a gripping tale of mystery and suspense, five high school students walk into detention, but only four make it out alive. The story unravels as each of the remaining students becomes a suspect in the murder of their classmate, Simon, who was notorious for running a gossip app that exposed their deepest secrets. As the investigation unfolds, hidden truths and lies emerge, forcing the students to confront their own demons and question their relationships with each other. With twists and turns at every corner, the narrative explores themes of identity, trust, and the consequences of deception.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Universal Harvester by John Darnielle

    Set in the late 1990s in a small Iowa town, the story follows Jeremy, a young video store clerk, who discovers unsettling footage spliced into the tapes returned by customers. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of secrets and hidden connections that intertwine the lives of the townspeople. The narrative weaves between past and present, exploring themes of loss, grief, and the haunting nature of memory, ultimately revealing how the past continues to shape the present in unexpected ways.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  20. 20. Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough

    In this gripping psychological thriller, a single mother finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and lies after embarking on an affair with her enigmatic boss, only to discover that his seemingly perfect wife harbors dark and mysterious secrets of her own. As the story unfolds through alternating perspectives, the lines between reality and illusion blur, leading to a shocking and unpredictable conclusion that challenges the boundaries of trust, love, and betrayal.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  21. 21. The Long Drop by Denise Mina

    Set in 1950s Glasgow, this gripping crime novel intertwines fact and fiction to explore the chilling events surrounding a notorious serial killer. The narrative follows a tense night in which two men, one being the accused killer and the other a desperate father seeking answers, embark on a harrowing journey through the city's dark underbelly. As secrets unravel and the lines between truth and deception blur, the story delves into themes of guilt, justice, and the haunting shadows of the past, painting a vivid picture of a city grappling with its own moral complexities.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 22. Strange Practice by Vivian Shaw

    A wry, compassionate physician who specializes in treating vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural patients in modern London is jolted into a dangerous investigation when one of her patients is violently killed; using medical skill, stubborn curiosity, and a ragged band of supernatural and human allies, she navigates occult politics, long-buried secrets, and rising prejudice to uncover the truth, balancing day-to-day care, personal loyalties, and the darker forces that threaten her community.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  23. 23. Cold Harbor by Matthew FitzSimmons

    After brutal isolation in a CIA black-site prison, former Marine and hacker Gibson Vaughn is freed with no idea where he was or how much time he has lost. Struggling to hold on to reality, he races to rebuild the life he left and becomes consumed by vengeance against the man responsible for his rendition. As old enemies and once-trusted allies resurface, a murderous conspiracy closes in and forces him to confront the truth about those he once trusted.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  24. 24. Дорогуша by C.J. Skuse

    Рианнон кажется самой обычной женщиной: у нее есть парень, который ей изменяет, непризнанная работа и любимая собачка. Она составляет списки тех, кого хотела бы убить, от грубого кассира в супермаркете до водителя, который ее подрезал, от соседки-клептоманки до начальницы, называющей ее дорогушей. Иногда она переходит к действиям; никто не заподозрит тихую секретаршу, которая однажды обезвредила и обесчленила напавшего на нее человека.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  25. 25. My Favorite Thing Is Monsters by Emil Ferris

    Set in 1960s Chicago, this vividly illustrated coming-of-age tale is narrated by a ten-year-old who documents her life in a monster-filled sketchbook as she investigates the suspicious death of an elderly Jewish neighbor, unraveling hidden family histories, neighborhood violence, and questions of identity, grief, and otherness through a mix of childlike noir forensics, graphic imagery, and intimate memoir.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download

To download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.

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