Love a good whodunit? 5 classic mystery novels every thriller fan must read

If the thrill of unraveling a murder mystery excites you, you’re in for a treat! Here are five captivating novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

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1. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd- Agatha Christie (1926)

“Life is only one of great illusions!” ! The line sets stage for Hercule Poirot’s third appearance in Agatha Christie’s iconic crime series. Published in 1926, the novel introduces a twist in the end, ensuring that readers remain glued to the pages as mysteries unravel one after another. Often regarded as one of Christie’s most controversial works, it was nominated by the British Crime Writers’ Association as the ‘Best Crime Novel’ in 2013, solidifying its place in the pantheon of classic detective fiction.

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2. The Hound of the Baskervilles- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1902)

Once again, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson find themselves on a crime scene, ready to take you on a thrilling ride. But this time, it involves a chilling encounter with the supernatural. Haunted by a family curse, Holmes and Watson are summoned to the eerie Devonshire Moorlands to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of Sir Charles Baskerville. With its blend of gothic horror and masterful deduction, this novel is an essential read for any detective fiction enthusiast.

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3. Whose Body- Dorothy L. Sayers (1923)

A corpse, a bathtub, and a missing financier, Dorothy L Sayers introduces Lord Peter Wimsey, at an unsettling crime scene. With his wit and sharp deduction skills, Wimsey – a rich man, who solves crimes ‘just for fun’ – is only too happy to unravel the mystery. This eccentric investigation may be a century old, but remains a classic.

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4. The Blue Cross- G.K. Chesterton (1910)

A notorious criminal and the humble Father Brown make their debut in GK Chesterton’s The Blue Cross. A cat-and-mouse chase between an international thief, Flambeau, and an old priest, Father Brown, a detective, who, unlike others, not just wants to catch the criminal but also to understand them. This classic mystery novel is a blend of wit, sin, deception, misdirection, and a sense of morality.

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5. The Man in the Queue- Josephine Tey (1929)

Published in 1929, the novel introduces Inspector Alan Grant ushering in the golden age of mystery. Inspector Grant skillfully blends empathy and logic as he navigates the unfolding mystery, prioritising justice over rigid procedures. Set against the backdrop of a bustling theatre queue, the story revolves around a man who is brutally stabbed to death in the darkness. This locked-room murder mystery not only captivates readers but also invites them to think critically alongside the detective.

(The writer is an intern with The Indian Express)