Best Mystery Books January 2025

The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero

Jason wakes up on a bus with no memory, thrust into a world of demigods and monsters. Alongside Piper and Leo, he embarks on a perilous quest to rescue Hera and uncover his past. As they face mythical dangers, Jason grapples with his identity and newfound powers. Riordan weaves Greek and Roman mythology seamlessly, creating a thrilling adventure that had me on the edge of my seat. The characters’ banter and growth kept me invested throughout this rollercoaster ride of a novel.

Son

In this haunting tale, Lowry explores the depths of a mother’s grief and the power of memory. When Claire’s son vanishes without a trace, she’s left grappling with unanswered questions and a gnawing emptiness. As she sifts through fragments of the past, Claire uncovers long-buried secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew about her family. Lowry’s prose is both tender and unflinching, weaving a story that will linger in readers’ hearts long after the final page.

Messenger

In “Messenger,” Lois Lowry weaves a haunting tale of a young boy’s journey through a world teetering on the edge of darkness. As Village’s only connection to the outside, Matty must confront the sinister changes creeping into his once-idyllic home. With lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance, Lowry explores themes of sacrifice, community, and the power of human connection. This gripping story will linger in your thoughts long after the final page.

Gathering Blue

In a world ravaged by disaster, young Kira faces an uncertain future. Orphaned and crippled, she discovers a hidden talent for intricate embroidery that becomes her lifeline. As she unravels the secrets of her dystopian society, Kira grapples with questions of free will and the power of creativity. Lowry’s haunting prose paints a vivid picture of a world both familiar and alien, leaving readers pondering the true meaning of humanity long after the final page.

The Fever Code

Delving into the origins of the Maze, Dashner’s prequel to The Maze Runner series unravels the mysteries that have haunted readers. Through Thomas’s eyes, we witness the birth of WICKED and the sinister experiments that shaped the Gladers’ world. As friendships form and loyalties are tested, the line between truth and deception blurs. With each page, I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew about the series. A gripping, emotional rollercoaster that left me breathless and craving more.

The Death Cure

Trapped in a world ravaged by a deadly virus, Thomas faces his most harrowing challenge yet. As he grapples with lost memories and betrayed trust, he must lead his friends through treacherous trials to uncover the truth behind WICKED’s experiments. With each step, the line between ally and enemy blurs, forcing Thomas to confront his deepest fears. Will he find the cure, or will humanity’s last hope crumble in the face of insurmountable odds? Dashner’s gripping finale keeps you on edge until the very last page.

The Kill Order

Delving into the chaotic world before “The Maze Runner,” Dashner’s prequel grips you from the start. Sun flares have ravaged Earth, and a deadly virus threatens what’s left of humanity. Mark and Trina, survivors of the apocalypse, face unimaginable horrors as they search for answers. The author’s vivid descriptions and relentless pacing kept me up way too late, heart racing. It’s a haunting exploration of survival, friendship, and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we love. A must-read for fans of the series.

The Scorch Trials

Escaping the Maze was only the beginning. Now Thomas and his fellow Gladers face an even more treacherous challenge on the open roads of a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles. Their quest for answers about their past leads them to WICKED, a powerful organization with shocking secrets. As they navigate a world ravaged by sun flares and a deadly virus, Thomas must confront his own identity and make heart-wrenching choices. Dashner’s gripping sequel keeps you on the edge of your seat, blending suspense, friendship, and the struggle for survival in a dystopian world that feels all too real.

Project Hail Mary

Ryland Grace wakes up alone, millions of miles from Earth, with no memory of how he got there. As fragments of his past slowly return, he realizes he’s humanity’s last hope. Armed only with his wit and a handful of improvised tools, Ryland must unravel the mystery of an alien threat and find a way to save not just Earth, but two civilizations. Weir’s trademark blend of humor and hard science shines in this gripping tale of survival and discovery that kept me up way too late, frantically turning pages.

Artemis

Jazz Bashara, a small-time smuggler on the lunar city of Artemis, stumbles into a conspiracy that could change everything. Weir’s witty prose and meticulous research bring the moon to life, complete with its unique challenges and opportunities. As Jazz navigates the high-stakes world of lunar politics and economics, readers are treated to a thrilling adventure that’s equal parts science and suspense. It’s a story that’ll make you laugh, gasp, and dream of life beyond Earth.