Best Mystery Books January 2025

The Devil and the Dark Water

Embark on a treacherous voyage with Stuart Turton’s “The Devil and the Dark Water,” a gripping maritime mystery that will leave you breathless. Set in 1634, this tale follows a doomed ship’s journey from Batavia to Amsterdam, where dark forces and sinister secrets lurk in every shadow. As a passenger myself, I was captivated by Turton’s masterful blend of historical detail and supernatural intrigue. With each turn of the page, I found myself questioning reality and sanity alongside the characters. A must-read for anyone craving a unique, atmospheric thriller.

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

Aiden wakes up in a body not his own, tasked with solving a murder that hasn’t happened yet. He has eight days, eight hosts, and one chance to unravel the mystery of Evelyn Hardcastle’s death at Blackheath Manor. As he navigates through a twisted game of time loops and body-swapping, Aiden uncovers dark secrets and hidden agendas. With each new day bringing fresh revelations and dangers, he must race against time to break free from this nightmarish cycle. Turton’s mind-bending thriller kept me guessing until the very end, leaving me breathless and in awe of its intricate plot.

The Starless Sea

Zachary stumbles upon a mysterious book in his university library, unlocking a world of underground harbors, magic, and lost cities. As he delves deeper, he discovers his own story intertwined with ancient tales of pirates and star-crossed lovers. Morgenstern’s lyrical prose weaves a spellbinding tapestry of interconnected narratives, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. I found myself lost in the labyrinthine plot, savoring each twist and turn like a perfectly crafted cocktail. A love letter to storytelling that left me breathless and yearning for more.

A Conjuring of Light

Darkness looms over the magical world of Red London as the final battle approaches. Kell, Lila, and Alucard must face their greatest challenge yet: an ancient evil that threatens to consume everything in its path. As alliances shift and loyalties are tested, our heroes grapple with their own demons and the weight of their destinies. Schwab’s masterful prose weaves a spellbinding tale of sacrifice, love, and the true nature of power. I couldn’t put it down, my heart racing with every twist and turn. A thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable trilogy.

A Gathering of Shadows

Kell’s London is a world of magic and danger, where parallel realities collide. Four months after the harrowing events of “A Darker Shade of Magic,” he struggles to adjust to his new life. Meanwhile, Lila Bard, the pickpocket turned pirate, chases adventure on the high seas. As the Element Games approach, bringing magicians from across the empire to compete, dark forces gather in the shadows. Kell and Lila’s paths intertwine once more, testing their loyalties and pushing them to their limits in this thrilling sequel that will leave readers breathless for more.

A Darker Shade of Magic

Kell, a rare magician who can travel between parallel Londons, smuggles forbidden artifacts for thrills. But when a dangerous object falls into his hands, he’s thrust into a perilous adventure. Joined by Lila, a cunning thief with dreams of becoming a pirate, Kell must navigate treacherous magic and political intrigue to save his world. Schwab’s vivid prose brings each London to life, weaving a tale of loyalty, power, and the consequences of wielding magic that will keep you spellbound until the very last page.

Vicious

In a world where extraordinary abilities are born from near-death experiences, two brilliant college roommates become bitter rivals. Victor and Eli’s dangerous experiment spirals into a decade-long vendetta, blurring the lines between hero and villain. Schwab’s dark and thrilling tale explores the complexities of power, ambition, and morality, leaving readers questioning their own definitions of good and evil. I couldn’t put it down, finding myself captivated by the intricate plot and morally ambiguous characters. A must-read for anyone craving a fresh take on the superhero genre.

The King of Crows

Dive into the thrilling conclusion of Libba Bray’s Diviners series. As the King of Crows looms over a devastated New York City, our beloved characters must confront their deepest fears and harness their supernatural powers. With heart-pounding action and gut-wrenching emotion, Bray weaves a tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the fight against darkness. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late to see how it all unfolds. A bittersweet farewell to characters who feel like old friends.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

In a moment of desperation, Addie LaRue makes a Faustian bargain: immortality in exchange for being forgotten by everyone she meets. Thus begins her extraordinary journey through centuries, leaving no mark, until one day, she encounters a young man who remembers her name. Schwab’s prose is hauntingly beautiful, weaving a tale of love, loss, and the ache of loneliness that spans lifetimes. As Addie navigates the complexities of her curse, readers are drawn into a mesmerizing exploration of what it truly means to leave a lasting impression on the world.

Before the Devil Breaks You

Dive into the thrilling world of 1920s New York in this gripping tale of supernatural intrigue. As the Diviners grapple with their newfound powers, a sinister force lurks in the shadows, threatening to unravel everything they hold dear. Bray’s masterful storytelling weaves together history and fantasy, creating a rich tapestry of characters you can’t help but root for. With each page, I found myself more entangled in their lives, feeling the weight of their choices and the pulse of a city on the brink of change. A haunting, atmospheric read that’ll keep you up well past midnight.