Master investigators and homegrown sleuths carry readers who love mystery and intrigue to the final exciting pages of detective novels. Anyone who wants to sink into an intricate puzzle and work out clues for themselves can find them within the pages.

This list of the best detective novels includes stories set in diverse locations where brilliant protagonists set their wits against dastardly criminals. Explore justice, adventure, all facets of human nature, and exciting action from start to finish.

Top 17 Best Detective Novels​

	Killing Floor by Lee Child In the list of non-traditional crime solvers, Jack Reacher, an ex-military police officer who turned drifter, tops the list. Lee Child’s first book in the popular series has to solve a murder. The only problem is that people think he is the killer. This page-turner introduces readers to the 30-Jack Reacher book collection with twists and turns on every page.
	The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle One of the most well-known detectives of all time, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle introduces the world to Sherlock Holmes in this full collection. Each story explores a unique plot with unforgettable characters, mysterious clues, and the highly intelligent sleuth and his sidekick Dr. Watson carrying the suspense to unforgettable conclusions.
	In Cold Blood by Truman Capote Author Truman Capote brings readers one of the best seller detective novels of all time. Even more interesting is that it is based on a true story of the horribly murdered Clutter family. This is so much more than a simple non-fiction recounting of the capture and trial.
	The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco This historical detective book takes readers back to 1347 when mysterious deaths and heresy occur at an abbey. Brother William and his apprentice search for clues and uncover more strange evidence that they expected. This masterpiece by Umberto Eco gives mystery fans something unique.
	Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane Also a popular movie, the novel by Dennis Lahane gives readers more to sink their teeth into. The strange world, thought-provoking ideas, and plenty of action and suspense. A patience goes missing at a secure psychiatric facility, and the US Marshal detective who investigates gets drawn into a nightmarish situation both on the island and inside his own mind.
	And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie Well-loved mystery writer Agatha Christie thrills readers with a secret meet-up of ten strangers on a forgotten island. Filled with suspense, the characters must figure out who is killing them all one by one until, as the title implies, there was no one left.
	Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie Another Agatha Christie mystery novel involves master detective Hercule Poirot, a respected genius, who sets out down the Nile River in Egypt to solve a brutal murder. The book combines a stunning setting, opulent surroundings, and a secret mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers turning pages until the end.
	Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie When it comes to detective novels, anything by Agatha Christie is a sure bet. This Hercule Poirot mystery puts him and a cast of unique characters onto an elegant train. The problem is, there’s also a murdered aboard, the intelligent detective must figure things out before the enemies strike again.
	Red Dragon by Thomas Harris The success of The Silence of the Lambs movie shone a light on Thomas Harris’s Hannibal Lecter series and titular character. This first book opens the door to gruesome killings, dark sacrifices, and detective Will Graham. It takes readers on a twisted psychological journey and transcends the mystery genre into pure horror at times.
	Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan Although commonly included in science fiction top lists, this book by Richard K. Morgan also fits into the detective and crime genres well. Uniquely reincarnated Takeshi Kovac must travel across the galaxy to help solve a crime steeped in conspiracy and strange, futuristic abilities.
	In the Woods by Tana French Written by Tana French, this popular detective novel introduces detective Rob Ryan, the only survivor of a traumatic multi-child abduction years earlier. When a similar crime occurs in the same forest, he and his partner must dive back into a treacherous world of memories and unsolved cases.
	The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler Raymond Chandler’s classic crime novel weaves together complex threads of character, secrets, and cunning investigative work. It is the first in the ‘Philip Marlowe’ series, the name shared by the iconic hardboiled detective who inspired an entire genre. The book gives a realistic view of the dark side of 1930s and 40s Los Angeles.
	The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson A cold disappearance case brings a distraught uncle and a journalist with dark problems of his own together in an investigation. Add punk girl Lisbeth Salander to the mix, and they have the team it takes to unearth horrible corruption and decades of evil deeds. This wildly popular novel and movie was written by Stieg Larsson.
	The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz This first book in the ‘Hawthorne and Harowitz’ Murders series introduces readers to detective Daniel, a disgraced yet brilliant police officer, and Anthony, a novelist turned amateur sleuth, who is also the author of note for the book itself. A young woman was murdered, and it’s up to them to figure out who did the horrible deed.
	The Guest List by Lucy Foley A classic murder mystery forms the backbone of this intriguing detective novel by Lucy Foley. All the unique characters attending a fancy wedding on a private island end up as suspects, under threat, or as players in figuring things out at last.
	Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn This wildly successful bestseller by Julia Whelan sinks readers into a twisting tale of guilt and innocence. Happy young wife, Amy, goes missing, and her husband Nick is the obvious suspect. Nothing is as it seems, however, and it takes smart detectives to figure things out.
	The Maltese Falcon by Samuel Dashiell Hammett This classic of literature and film written by Dashiell Hammett sends detective Sam Spade on an adventurous journey to find a unique treasure. This iconic tale has an unforgettable cast of characters and enough twists and turns to delight any reader.