Curling up with a good murder mystery is a timeless pleasure. The thrill of the chase, the puzzle of unraveling the whodunit, and the satisfaction of a well-earned reveal – it’s no wonder these captivating stories have endured for centuries.
But with countless new releases every year, finding the best murder mystery to lose yourself in can be hard. Fear not, fellow sleuths! FestiveLagoon has combed through the stacks to present you with the top 10 best murder mystery books of 2023, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds for intrigue.
So, grab a steaming mug of cocoa (or your beverage of choice!), dim the lights, and prepare to embark on a thrilling journey with these page-turners:
10 Best Murder Mystery Books of 2023
Here are the top 10 best murder mystery books of 2023:
1. The Devil Takes You Home by Gabino Iglesias
If you enjoy your mysteries with a dash of the supernatural, then “The Devil Takes You Home” is the book for you. This unique blend of genres follows Mario, a man whose poor choices spiral into a murder investigation. Set against the backdrop of the US-Mexico border, the story explores complex themes of religion, the drug trade, and the flawed healthcare system, all wrapped in a suspenseful mystery.
2. Our Perfect Murder by Camille Cabrera
Move over Agatha Christie! “Our Perfect Murder” takes the classic murder mystery game and injects it with a lethal dose of reality. Set in a luxurious retirement community where appearances are everything, a seemingly harmless game of whodunit takes a dark turn when one of the residents is found dead. Be prepared to question everything you think you know about your fellow retirees!
3. The Bitter Past (Porter Beck, #1) by Bruce Borgos
Calling all fans of hard-boiled detective novels! “The Bitter Past” introduces us to Porter Beck, a disgraced journalist with a nose for trouble. When he’s hired to investigate the cold case murder of a young woman, Beck finds himself entangled in a web of corruption that reaches far deeper than he ever imagined. This debut novel is a gripping exploration of the past’s dark secrets and the lengths people will go to keep them buried.
4. Blood on the Breakwater by Jean Paetkau
There’s something undeniably atmospheric about a murder mystery set on a remote island. In “Blood on the Breakwater,” Detective Constable Maggie Walsh investigates the seemingly accidental death of a wealthy businessman found on the rocky shores of a windswept island off the coast of British Columbia. But as Maggie digs deeper, she uncovers a tangled web of lies and hidden motives that suggest foul play.
5. The Running Grave (Cormoran Strike, #7) by Robert Galbraith
The return of the dynamic duo, Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott, is a cause for celebration for fans of the popular detective series. In “The Running Grave,” Strike is tasked with finding a missing person, a case that takes a horrifying turn when human bones are unearthed. With their usual sharp wit and relentless determination, Strike and Robin must navigate a dangerous underworld to uncover the truth.
6. The Housemaid’s Secret (The Housemaid, #2) by Freida McFadden
If you enjoy domestic suspense with your murder mystery, then “The Housemaid’s Secret” is a must-read. Freida McFadden’s sequel to the acclaimed “The Housemaid” follows our protagonist as she returns to the scene of a past trauma – the unsolved murder of her employer. This time, she’s determined to expose the dark secrets of the wealthy family she once worked for, even if it jeopardizes her life.
7. None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
Lisa Jewell is renowned for her ability to craft intricate plots with unforgettable characters. “None of This Is True” is no exception. The story centers on seemingly ordinary people whose lives become irrevocably intertwined when a harmless lie spirals out of control. When one of them is found murdered, the truth comes crashing down, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
8. The Only One Left by Riley Sager
Hold on to your hats, suspense lovers! Riley Sager’s “The Only One Left” is a tension-building masterclass. The story follows a group of college friends who are forced to reunite after one of them mysteriously disappears. As they delve deeper into the search for their missing friend, they are forced to confront the dark secrets of their shared past, blurring the lines between truth and deception.
9. The Last Devil to Die (Thursday Murder Club, #4) by Richard Osman
This delightful addition to the beloved Thursday Murder Club series proves that age is …just a number when it comes to cracking a good case. The charming group of elderly sleuths from Coopers Chase Retirement Village are back in action, and this time it hits close to home. When a beloved friend falls victim to a mysterious murder, the Thursday Murder Club utilizes their collective experience and sharp minds to bring the culprit to justice. “The Last Devil To Die” is a heartwarming and suspenseful read that proves you’re never too old to solve a good mystery.
10. Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead
For those who crave a dash of historical fiction with their murder mystery, Colson Whitehead’s “Crook Manifesto” is the perfect choice. This sequel to the critically acclaimed “Harlem Shuffle” follows Ray Carney, a man desperately trying to stay on the straight and narrow in the gritty Harlem underworld of the 1970s. But when a dead body turns up in one of his businesses, Ray is pulled back into the world of crime he so desperately wants to escape. With its sharp social commentary and thrilling plot twists, “Crook Manifesto” is a captivating read that will stay long after you turn the last page.
A Feast for the Mind
This curated list offers a diverse selection of the best murder mystery books to tantalize your taste buds for intrigue. Whether you prefer a classic whodunit, a suspenseful thriller, or a story with a touch of the supernatural, there’s a book on this list waiting to be devoured. So, grab your favorite blanket, settle into a comfy chair, and prepare to be transported to a world of thrilling investigations and unforgettable characters.
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