Mystery fiction reading guide
Heroes and villains. Puzzles and tests. Thrillers and killers. Who doesn't love a good mystery?
Mystery is a broad term that covers stories in a lot of different styles, and settings from the grand to the gritty.
From historical whodunnits, to the golden age of crime writing, cosy and quirky amateur sleuths like Poirot and Father Brown, to the war-torn and world-weary Jack Reacher. We’ve got detectives and psychopaths, accidental heroes, unwitting victims, and vigilante justice – there’s something for everyone in this popular genre, and this page is your doorway into a world of intrigue!
Happy sleuthing…
Mystery fiction reading lists
Mystery fiction sub-genre lists
Mystery - The Modern Detective
Follow a police detective, licensed private eye, or just a citizen with a personal reason to get to the bottom of ‘whodunnit’.
Mystery - Locked Room
There's been a crime, the room locked from the inside - who did it?
Or maybe it's a snowed-in lodge, a lighthouse, or distant planet...
Mystery - Graphic Novels
Captivating mystery stories about crime, the investigation and discovery of who did it with atmospheric artwork to match.
Psychological Thrillers
Tense and suspenseful, expect to be held in their sway as the mysteries are untangled, and psychological intricacies revealed.
Mystery - 20th Century Detective Fiction
These 20th century sleuths and detectives have captivated many, and stood the test of time.
Mystery - Police Procedural and Forensic Thriller
Police procedurals and forensic thrillers follow the protocols and scientific methods used by police forces to try and solve crimes.
Mystery - The Golden Age
Fans of lighter mysteries who are after something a bit more serious, and who appreciate great stories and character may like this genre.
Victorian Mysteries
Victorian mysteries are setting-heavy crime stories that will appeal to those who like historical fiction, as well as a gripping crime story
Mystery - If you like... Lee Child
Jack Reacher is tough and resourceful with a strong sense of justice. This list of readalikes has similarly driven, independent characters.
Mystery - Contemporary
Realistic plot-lines, characters, and experiences - these stories are real page-turners full of intrigue and suspense.
Mystery - Cosy Crime
Soft, easy-read crime stories that are great to curl up and relax with. No gore and violence, but lighter, sometimes funny mysteries.
Mystery - Legal and political thrillers
Stories with intricate plotting, suspense, and with many moving parts. One thing is for sure - don't trust anyone!
Mystery - Hardboiled
Mystery fiction that's gritty, depressing, violent, cynical and seedy - in the style pioneered by Dalshiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler.
Short Stories - Mystery/Thriller/Adventure
Suspense, intrigue, action, adventure, and suspicion - all wrapped up in the short story format, so readable at one sitting.
Historical Mysteries (of the Ancient World)
Fictional tales of murder and intrigue, set in the Ancient eras of Rome, Greece, and Egypt.
Mystery by country
Lists of crime novels grouped by country
Mystery - American Crime
Usually placed in a modern setting, American mystery fiction is good for readers who want to solve the mystery and who like a bit of action.
Mystery - Scandinavian Crime Noir
If you loved Stieg Larsson's blockbuster Millennium series, then check out this list of dark, gritty and confronting titles from Scandinavia
Mystery - Scottish Crime
A selection from the best of Scottish crime writing, from the cosy to more disturbing stories.
Mystery - Irish Crime
Brilliant, sometimes bleak, and always high quality mystery fiction. The Irish sure do punch above their weight in crime writing.
Mystery - British Crime
Human interaction, mysterious documents hidden to conceal truths, and the logical following of clues are staples in this sub-genre.
Mystery - Australian Crime
Titles layered with Australian larrikin culture, dark humour, and some seriously ingenious twists and reveals.
New Zealand crime fiction
Blood-soaked, intricately plotted stories, detectives, seedy urban settings, and often dark humour - explore the darker side of Kiwi fiction
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