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Best Mystery Books

January 2025

Misery

In this chilling tale, bestselling author Paul Sheldon finds himself trapped in a nightmare beyond his wildest imagination. After a car crash in rural Colorado, he’s rescued by Annie Wilkes, his self-proclaimed “number one fan.” But Annie’s care turns sinister as she holds Paul captive, forcing him to write a new novel to her specifications. King masterfully weaves suspense and psychological horror, exploring the dark depths of obsession and the power of words. A gripping read that will leave you breathless.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse, faces a crisis when her youngest son falls ill just as the family must move to avoid the farmer’s plow. Desperate for help, she discovers a colony of extraordinary rats living beneath a rosebush. These aren’t ordinary rodents, but escaped lab subjects with enhanced intelligence. As Mrs. Frisby learns their incredible story, she finds herself caught up in a daring plan that will test her courage and challenge everything she thought she knew about the world around her.

King Solomon’s Mines

Embark on a thrilling adventure with Allan Quatermain, a seasoned hunter and explorer, as he leads a perilous expedition into the heart of Africa. Haggard’s vivid prose brings to life the untamed wilderness, ancient mysteries, and the quest for legendary diamond mines. I was captivated by the rich characters and nail-biting suspense. This classic tale of courage and discovery left me pondering the allure of the unknown and the price of ambition. A must-read for anyone craving excitement and a dash of Victorian-era charm.

The Westing Game

Sixteen strangers gather at the reading of eccentric millionaire Sam Westing’s will, each a potential heir to his fortune. As they unravel cryptic clues in a high-stakes puzzle, unlikely alliances form and secrets unravel. I was captivated by Raskin’s clever plot twists and quirky characters, especially the brilliant young Turtle Wexler. This masterful mystery kept me guessing until the very end, reminding me why it’s a beloved classic that still feels fresh decades later.

The Maze Runner

In a world turned upside down, Thomas wakes up in a mysterious elevator, memories wiped clean. He’s thrust into the Glade, a sprawling enclosure surrounded by towering stone walls that shift and change each night. Surrounded by other boys who share his confusion, Thomas must unravel the secrets of the Maze that imprisons them. As he pieces together fragments of his past, he realizes their survival depends on his ability to lead them out. But escape may come at a terrible cost, and the truth waiting beyond the walls could be even more terrifying than the Maze itself.

The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses

Stevenson’s gripping adventure transports readers to the tumultuous Wars of the Roses. Young Dick Shelton’s quest for justice becomes entangled with political intrigue and forbidden love. As he navigates treacherous alliances and daring escapes, Dick’s loyalty is tested at every turn. I was captivated by the vivid medieval setting and Stevenson’s masterful blend of history and fiction. The Black Arrow’s twists kept me guessing until the very end – a true swashbuckling classic that still thrills.

The Girl on the Train

Rachel’s daily train commute becomes an obsession as she watches a seemingly perfect couple from afar. When the woman goes missing, Rachel’s hazy memories of a drunken night thrust her into the investigation. Haunted by her own demons, she grapples with reality and fiction, uncovering dark secrets that hit close to home. This gripping psychological thriller kept me on edge, questioning every character’s motives until the very last page.

The Partner

In this gripping legal thriller, Grisham weaves a tale of deception and redemption. Patrick Lanigan, a young lawyer, fakes his own death and steals $90 million from his firm. After four years in hiding, he’s caught and faces a web of legal battles. As the story unfolds, we’re drawn into Patrick’s complex motivations and the moral dilemmas he faces. Grisham’s masterful storytelling keeps you guessing until the very end, blending courtroom drama with heart-pounding suspense.

First Family

In this gripping thriller, Baldacci weaves a tale of political intrigue and family secrets. When the First Lady’s niece is kidnapped, former Secret Service agents Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are thrust into a high-stakes investigation. As they unravel a web of lies, they discover shocking truths that could shake the very foundations of the presidency. With heart-pounding suspense and unexpected twists, this page-turner kept me up all night. Baldacci’s knack for blending real-world politics with edge-of-your-seat action shines through once again.