Best Mystery Books April 2025

Origin

In “Origin,” Dan Brown weaves a thrilling tapestry of science and religion, challenging our very understanding of existence. As symbologist Robert Langdon races through Spain, he uncovers a groundbreaking discovery that could reshape humanity’s future. Brown’s signature blend of art, history, and cutting-edge technology creates a pulse-pounding adventure that kept me up all night. I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew about our origins and purpose. A mind-bending journey that’ll leave you breathless.

The Rose Code

Amidst the chaos of World War II, three unlikely friends find themselves at Bletchley Park, decoding enemy messages. As they navigate the secretive world of codebreaking, their bond deepens, only to be shattered by betrayal. Years later, a mysterious letter reunites them, forcing them to confront their past and unravel one final code. Quinn’s vivid prose brings to life the tension and camaraderie of wartime Britain, weaving a tale of friendship, love, and espionage that kept me up late into the night.

The Huntress

Sarah’s world shatters when she discovers her British fiancé’s dark past. Across the Atlantic, Nina, a fierce Russian fighter pilot, hunts Nazi war criminals. Their paths collide in post-war Boston, where they join forces with Ian, a war correspondent, to track down a ruthless Nazi known as the Huntress. Quinn weaves a gripping tale of vengeance, justice, and unexpected alliances, keeping readers on edge until the very last page.

The Devil in the White City

Erik Larson’s “The Devil in the White City” weaves a mesmerizing tale of two men: Daniel Burnham, the brilliant architect behind Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair, and H.H. Holmes, America’s first serial killer. As Burnham races against time to create a spectacle that will dazzle the world, Holmes constructs his sinister “Murder Castle” nearby. Larson’s vivid prose brings the Gilded Age to life, capturing the excitement of innovation and the darkness lurking beneath. I couldn’t put it down, feeling both awed and chilled by this true story of ambition and evil.

Crooked Kingdom

Kaz Brekker’s crew barely escaped with their lives after pulling off a daring heist in the impenetrable Ice Court. Now, they’re back in Ketterdam, nursing wounds and facing impossible odds. With powerful enemies closing in, Kaz must devise a scheme to outwit them all. As loyalties are tested and old wounds reopened, the gang fights not just for revenge, but for their very survival. Bardugo’s gritty, fast-paced sequel plunges readers into a world of intrigue, where every alliance is fragile and every victory comes at a cost.

Shadow and Bone

Alina Starkov’s ordinary life is shattered when her hidden power awakens, thrusting her into the lavish world of the magical elite. As she struggles to hone her newfound abilities, dark forces conspire against her. Caught between loyalty and love, Alina must unravel the secrets of her past to save her country from the Shadow Fold. Bardugo’s richly imagined Grishaverse comes alive with intrigue, romance, and heart-stopping action that kept me turning pages late into the night.

Ninth House

Galaxy “Alex” Stern never expected to be offered a full ride to Yale. But when she wakes up in a hospital bed—the sole survivor of a multiple homicide—everything changes. Alex is tasked with monitoring Yale’s secret societies, where the future elite engage in sinister occult practices. As she delves deeper into this shadowy world, Alex uncovers a dark conspiracy that threatens everything she holds dear. Bardugo’s adult debut is a gritty, haunting tale that blends the supernatural with real-world issues, creating a gripping narrative that will keep you up at night.

The Cousins

Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story haven’t seen their grandmother in years. When she unexpectedly invites them to work at her island resort for the summer, they’re suspicious. Why now, after all this time? As they uncover family secrets and navigate complex relationships, the cousins find themselves caught in a web of lies and betrayal. With twists at every turn, this gripping mystery will keep you guessing until the very end. McManus masterfully weaves together past and present, creating a suspenseful tale that explores the bonds of family and the weight of long-buried truths.

One of Us Is Next

Bayview High is still reeling from Simon’s death when a new game emerges, daring students to play or risk their secrets being exposed. As the stakes escalate, three unlikely friends find themselves at the center of the chaos. With each round, the game grows more dangerous, pushing boundaries and testing loyalties. McManus weaves a gripping tale of suspense, friendship, and the lengths we’ll go to protect our truths. This pulse-pounding sequel will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Two Can Keep a Secret

In this gripping thriller, Ellery arrives in Echo Ridge, a town haunted by unsolved mysteries. As she digs into her family’s dark past, including her aunt’s disappearance, a new homecoming queen vanishes. Ellery becomes entangled in a dangerous web of secrets, realizing everyone in town has something to hide. With twists that’ll keep you guessing, McManus crafts a suspenseful tale of small-town intrigue that’ll have you questioning who to trust until the very end.