Best Mystery Books January 2025

The Messenger

In “The Messenger,” Zusak weaves a tale of an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Ed Kennedy, a hapless cab driver, finds himself entangled in a mysterious game of chance and destiny. As he receives cryptic playing cards with addresses, Ed becomes an unwitting messenger, touching lives in ways he never imagined. With each task, he uncovers hidden truths about himself and the power of small acts of kindness. Zusak’s prose is both poignant and humorous, crafting a story that lingers long after the final page.

The Last Letter from Your Lover

Ellie stumbles upon a hidden love letter from the 1960s, igniting her curiosity and setting her on a journey to uncover a passionate affair from decades past. As she delves deeper, she becomes entangled in the story of Jennifer and Anthony, whose forbidden romance defied societal norms. Moyes weaves a tale of lost love, missed opportunities, and the power of words to transcend time. With each revelation, Ellie finds herself questioning her own life choices and the true meaning of love. A poignant exploration of human connection that will leave you reaching for tissues.

Golden Girl

Vivian Howe, a beloved Nantucket novelist, meets an untimely end one summer morning. As she watches from the Beyond, she’s granted three “nudges” to influence events on earth. Torn between her children’s struggles and the mystery surrounding her death, Vivian grapples with unfinished business. Hilderbrand weaves a poignant tale of family, love, and second chances, set against the backdrop of sun-soaked beaches and small-town charm. A bittersweet exploration of life’s complexities that’ll tug at your heartstrings.

Winter in Paradise

Irene Steele’s idyllic life in Iowa City is shattered when she learns her beloved husband, Russ, has died in a helicopter crash in the Caribbean. Shocked and grief-stricken, she travels to St. John with her sons to unravel the mystery of his death. As they navigate the sun-drenched island, they uncover secrets that challenge everything they thought they knew about Russ. Hilderbrand’s vivid prose brings the lush landscape to life, while her deft storytelling keeps readers guessing until the very end. A perfect escape for those dreaming of tropical beaches and family drama.

The Perfect Couple

Nantucket’s idyllic charm sets the stage for a wedding that promises perfection, but beneath the surface, secrets simmer. As the Otis family prepares for their daughter’s big day, unexpected twists unravel their carefully woven plans. With each turn of the page, I found myself drawn deeper into a web of lies, love, and loyalty. Hilderbrand’s vivid prose transported me to the island’s sandy shores, where the salty air carries whispers of scandal. A gripping tale that kept me guessing until the very end.

The Escape Room

In this heart-pounding thriller, four Wall Street rising stars find themselves trapped in an elevator-turned-escape room. As the hours tick by, tensions rise and dark secrets surface. Each character’s carefully crafted facade begins to crumble, revealing the cutthroat ambition and betrayal lurking beneath. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late to finish. Goldin’s sharp prose and twisty plot kept me guessing until the shocking end. A claustrophobic, suspenseful read that will make you think twice about office politics.

The Night Swim

Rachel, a true-crime podcaster, arrives in Neapolis to cover a controversial rape trial. As she digs into the case, she’s drawn into a decades-old mystery involving a young girl’s drowning. Haunted by anonymous letters pleading for help, Rachel uncovers dark secrets that have plagued the town for years. With each revelation, she realizes the two cases might be connected, forcing her to confront her own painful past. Goldin’s gripping narrative weaves together past and present, exploring themes of justice, trauma, and the power of truth in a small town where everyone has something to hide.

A Nearly Normal Family

Stella Sandell, a seemingly ordinary teenager, stands accused of murder. Her parents, a pastor and a defense attorney, grapple with the unthinkable as their perfect family unravels. As the trial unfolds, long-buried secrets emerge, challenging everything they thought they knew about each other. This gripping psychological thriller explores the lengths parents will go to protect their child, and the devastating consequences of lies and betrayal. With each twist, Edvardsson masterfully blurs the lines between right and wrong, leaving readers questioning their own moral compass.

When You Disappeared

I vanished from Sarah’s life without a trace, leaving her to pick up the pieces of our shattered family. Twenty-five years later, I return, unrecognizable and bearing secrets that could destroy everything she’s rebuilt. As I slowly reveal the truth behind my disappearance, Sarah grapples with shock, anger, and a rekindling of long-buried emotions. This gripping tale of betrayal, redemption, and the enduring power of love will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Good Samaritan

Sarah can’t bear the thought of another person taking their own life. As a volunteer for a suicide prevention helpline, she’s dedicated her nights to talking people back from the brink. But when she receives a call from a man determined to end it all, Sarah’s world is turned upside down. She becomes obsessed with saving him, crossing ethical lines and risking everything she holds dear. As their connection deepens, Sarah realizes she may have stumbled into a dangerous game where nothing is as it seems. A gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.