Best Mystery Books April 2025

The Time Traveler’s Wife

Clare first meets Henry when she’s six and he’s thirty-six, appearing naked in her family’s meadow. Their love story spans decades, defying time itself. Henry’s genetic disorder causes him to time travel unpredictably, leaving Clare waiting and wondering. Their relationship is passionate, complicated, and heartbreaking. Niffenegger weaves a tale of enduring love, exploring themes of fate, free will, and the nature of time. It’s a story that will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.

Encyclopedia Brown: Boy Detective

Meet Encyclopedia Brown, the ten-year-old sleuth with a knack for solving mysteries that baffle even the adults. In this charming collection of short stories, young readers join Leroy “Encyclopedia” Brown as he cracks cases in his hometown of Idaville. With his encyclopedic knowledge and sharp wit, Encyclopedia unravels puzzles ranging from stolen bicycles to missing pets. Sobol’s clever writing invites readers to put their own detective skills to the test, making this book a delightful blend of entertainment and mental exercise.

The Summons

Ray Atlee, a law professor, receives a cryptic summons from his dying father, Judge Atlee. Returning to his childhood home in Mississippi, Ray discovers his father dead and a fortune in cash hidden away. Torn between family loyalty and the temptation of wealth, Ray grapples with moral dilemmas and unexpected dangers. As he unravels the mystery behind the money, he confronts long-buried family secrets and a sinister threat lurking in the shadows. Grisham’s gripping tale explores the complexities of family, greed, and the weight of one’s choices.

The Maltese Falcon

Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon” is a gritty, hard-boiled detective novel that grabs you from the first page. Sam Spade, the cynical private eye, gets tangled in a web of lies and murder while hunting for a priceless statuette. I couldn’t put it down, staying up late to unravel the mystery. Hammett’s terse prose and vivid characters bring 1920s San Francisco to life. It’s no wonder this book defined the noir genre and still captivates readers today.

The Indian in the Cupboard

Imagine a world where your toys come to life! That’s exactly what happens to Omri when he discovers his old cupboard has magical powers. With a simple turn of a key, his plastic Indian figure transforms into a real, tiny person from the past. As Omri navigates this incredible secret, he learns valuable lessons about responsibility, friendship, and the complexities of different cultures. Banks weaves a captivating tale that will leave readers of all ages spellbound and yearning for their own magical adventure.

The Rainmaker

Rudy Baylor, a young law school graduate, finds himself thrust into a world of corruption and greed when he takes on a powerful insurance company. Desperate for his first real case, Rudy stumbles upon a family’s fight against a ruthless corporation denying their son’s life-saving treatment. As he navigates the treacherous waters of Memphis’ legal scene, Rudy discovers his own strength and passion for justice. With wit, heart, and a touch of Southern charm, Grisham weaves a tale of David versus Goliath that will keep you turning pages late into the night.

It

In “It,” Stephen King weaves a chilling tale of childhood fears come to life. Set in the seemingly idyllic town of Derry, a group of misfit kids confront an ancient, shape-shifting evil that preys on their deepest terrors. Years later, they’re drawn back to face their nightmares once more. King’s masterful storytelling blends nostalgia, friendship, and gut-wrenching horror, creating a haunting exploration of innocence lost and the power of facing our demons together.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

In this classic whodunit, Christie weaves a tale that still leaves readers gasping. I was captivated by the small English village setting and the cast of quirky suspects. Narrated by the affable Dr. Sheppard, the story follows the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot as he unravels the mysterious death of Roger Ackroyd. Christie’s masterful misdirection kept me guessing until the very end. A must-read for any mystery lover, with a twist that changed the genre forever.

Girl With a Pearl Earring

Delving into the enigmatic world of 17th-century Delft, Tracy Chevalier’s “Girl With a Pearl Earring” breathes life into Vermeer’s famous painting. Through the eyes of young Griet, a maid in the artist’s household, we witness the delicate dance of creativity and desire. Chevalier’s prose is as luminous as Vermeer’s canvases, capturing the play of light and shadow in both art and human relationships. I found myself completely immersed, feeling the grit of pigment and the weight of unspoken longings. A masterful blend of historical fiction and artistic imagination.

The Last Juror

In 1970s Mississippi, young journalist Willie Traynor stumbles into owning a small-town newspaper. As he navigates the complexities of local politics and racial tensions, he becomes entangled in a shocking murder case that rocks the community. Willie’s relentless pursuit of justice puts him at odds with powerful forces, testing his courage and integrity. Grisham’s vivid storytelling brings to life the sultry Southern atmosphere and the colorful characters that populate this gripping tale of crime, redemption, and the power of the press.