Best Mystery Books April 2025

Crime and Punishment

“Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a gripping exploration of morality, guilt, and redemption. The novel follows Raskolnikov, a destitute student in St. Petersburg, who believes he can transcend conventional ethics. His theory is put to the test when he commits a brutal murder. As he grapples with his conscience, the psychological tension is palpable. Dostoyevsky’s deep dive into the human psyche left me pondering the complexities of right and wrong long after I turned the last page.

Dracula

In the heart of Victorian England, young solicitor Jonathan Harker travels to Transylvania to assist a mysterious nobleman, Count Dracula, with a real estate transaction. What begins as a routine business trip quickly spirals into a nightmarish ordeal as Harker discovers Dracula’s dark secret: he is a centuries-old vampire. As Dracula sets his sights on London, Harker, along with his fiancée Mina and a band of determined friends, must confront the ancient evil threatening their world. Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” is a chilling tale of horror, love, and the eternal battle between good and evil.

Great Expectations

“Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens is a timeless tale that follows the life of Pip, an orphan with grand dreams. From his humble beginnings in the marshes of Kent to the bustling streets of London, Pip’s journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns. Along the way, he encounters a cast of unforgettable characters, including the enigmatic Miss Havisham and the beautiful yet unattainable Estella. Dickens masterfully weaves themes of love, ambition, and redemption, making this novel a poignant exploration of human nature. Reading it, I felt a deep connection to Pip’s struggles and triumphs, and it left me reflecting on the true meaning of success and happiness.

Frankenstein, or, the Modern Prometheus

Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist driven by ambition, discovers the secret to creating life. In his fervor, he assembles a creature from stolen body parts, only to be horrified by the result. Abandoned and shunned, the creature embarks on a journey of vengeance against his creator. Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is a haunting tale of ambition, responsibility, and the monstrous consequences of playing god. A timeless classic that still resonates deeply.

A Tale of Two Cities

In “A Tale of Two Cities,” Charles Dickens masterfully weaves a story of love, sacrifice, and redemption set against the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution. The novel follows the lives of Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton, two men who look strikingly similar but lead very different lives. As their paths cross, they become entangled in a web of political intrigue and personal drama. Dickens’ vivid characters and poignant themes make this a timeless classic that resonates with readers even today.

Jane Eyre

“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë is a timeless classic that swept me off my feet from the very first page. The story follows the resilient and fiercely independent Jane, who overcomes a harsh childhood to become a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she meets the enigmatic Mr. Rochester, and their complex relationship unfolds with passion and mystery. Brontë’s vivid descriptions and emotional depth make this novel an unforgettable journey of love, morality, and self-discovery.

First Lie Wins

In “First Lie Wins,” Ashley Elston crafts a gripping tale of deception and identity. Evie Porter has the perfect Southern life—except she doesn’t exist. Tasked by her enigmatic boss, Mr. Smith, Evie infiltrates towns and targets unsuspecting marks. But when Ryan Sumner becomes her latest assignment, things get complicated. Evie starts to dream of a different life, even as her past threatens to unravel everything. A thrilling story of love, lies, and second chances.

Angels & Demons

When Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to a Swiss research facility to analyze a mysterious symbol, he discovers evidence of the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati. Racing against time, Langdon teams up with a brilliant scientist, Vittoria Vetra, to unravel a deadly plot. Their quest takes them from the archives of the Vatican to the catacombs of Rome, blending science, religion, and history in a thrilling adventure.

Yellowface

“Yellowface” by R.F. Kuang is a gripping exploration of identity, ambition, and the literary world’s dark underbelly. When struggling writer June Hayward witnesses the sudden death of her more successful friend Athena Liu, she makes a split-second decision to steal Athena’s unpublished manuscript. As June’s star rises, she grapples with guilt, cultural appropriation, and the haunting legacy of her deceit. This novel is a thought-provoking, page-turning journey into the complexities of authorship and authenticity.