Best Mystery Books January 2025

Playing Nice

Pete and Maddie’s world shatters when they learn their toddler isn’t biologically theirs. A hospital mix-up switched babies, leaving them raising another couple’s child. As they grapple with this earth-shattering revelation, they form an uneasy alliance with the other family. But beneath the surface, dark secrets and manipulations threaten to unravel everything. Delaney masterfully explores the complexities of parenthood, identity, and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we love. A gripping, emotional rollercoaster that’ll keep you up all night.

Her Every Fear

Kate Priddy’s life is upended when she agrees to a six-month apartment swap with her Boston-based cousin. Escaping London and her haunting past, she hopes for a fresh start. But her new home harbors dark secrets. As Kate unravels the mystery of her neighbor’s disappearance, she can’t shake the feeling of being watched. Swanson masterfully weaves a tale of paranoia and suspense, keeping readers on edge with every creaking floorboard and shadowy figure. I found myself holding my breath, unable to put it down until the shocking finale.

The Kind Worth Killing

On a night flight to London, Ted Severson meets the enigmatic Lily Kintner. Over martinis, they play a game of truth, revealing dark secrets. When Ted confesses his desire to murder his unfaithful wife, Lily offers to help. What follows is a twisted tale of deception and betrayal, where nothing is as it seems. As the body count rises, Ted begins to question Lily’s motives and his own sanity. Swanson’s chilling thriller will keep you guessing until the very last page, leaving you breathless and wondering: who can you really trust?

Before She Knew Him

Henrietta’s new neighbors seemed perfect—until she glimpsed something chilling through their window. Obsessed with true crime, she can’t shake the feeling that Matthew is hiding a dark secret. As she digs deeper, the line between curiosity and danger blurs. Swanson masterfully weaves a tale of suburban suspicion and psychological intrigue, keeping readers on edge with each twist. A gripping exploration of how well we truly know those around us, and the lengths some will go to protect their secrets.

The Night Watch

In the shadowy streets of wartime London, four lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Sarah Waters weaves a haunting tale of love, loss, and resilience as her characters navigate the perils of blackouts and air raids. With her signature attention to historical detail, Waters paints a vivid portrait of a city under siege, where passion blooms in unlikely places and secrets lurk behind every door. A masterful exploration of human connection amidst chaos, “The Night Watch” will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

In the Woods

In Tana French’s haunting debut, a chilling murder case intertwines with a detective’s own mysterious past. Twenty years after escaping a childhood tragedy that claimed his two best friends, Rob Ryan finds himself investigating a eerily similar crime. As he delves deeper, long-buried memories resurface, blurring the lines between past and present. French’s lyrical prose and intricate plotting create a atmospheric thriller that lingers long after the final page, exploring the shadowy recesses of memory and the lasting impact of trauma.

The Cuckoo’s Calling

Cormoran Strike, a war veteran turned private detective, is barely scraping by when a new case falls into his lap. The supposed suicide of a supermodel draws him into a world of multimillionaires, rock stars, and desperate designers. As Strike delves deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of secrets and lies. With his determined assistant Robin by his side, Strike must navigate London’s seedy underbelly to unravel the truth. This gripping mystery had me hooked from the first page, with its vivid characters and unexpected twists. Galbraith’s attention to detail brings the gritty streets of London to life.

The 5th Wave

Cassie Sullivan’s world shatters when the Others arrive. Waves of destruction decimate humanity, leaving her alone and desperate to find her little brother. Trust becomes a luxury she can’t afford. As she navigates a treacherous landscape, Cassie clings to a promise made to Sammy. Along the way, she encounters Evan Walker, mysterious and alluring. Is he friend or foe? In a world where nothing is as it seems, Cassie must unravel the truth to survive. Yancey’s gripping tale of alien invasion will keep you on edge, questioning everything you thought you knew about humanity and survival.

The Last Thing He Told Me

Hannah’s world shatters when her husband Owen disappears, leaving behind a cryptic note: “Protect her.” Determined to uncover the truth, Hannah embarks on a perilous journey with her reluctant stepdaughter Bailey. As they dig deeper, they unravel a web of lies and secrets that challenge everything Hannah thought she knew about Owen. With each revelation, the stakes grow higher, and Hannah must confront the possibility that the man she loved may not be who he claimed to be. A gripping tale of love, loyalty, and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we care about.

Cloud Cuckoo Land

Doerr’s masterful storytelling weaves together five seemingly disparate lives across centuries, bound by a single ancient text. From 15th-century Constantinople to a future spaceship, each character’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of stories. With lyrical prose and intricate plotting, Doerr explores humanity’s resilience in the face of adversity. This ambitious novel left me pondering our connection to the past and the timeless nature of human dreams. A truly unforgettable read that lingers long after the final page.