The 10 Best Whodunit Books of All Time

Whodunit mysteries have captured the imagination of readers for centuries, with their intriguing plots, unforgettable characters, and unexpected twists. In this article, we will explore the origins of whodunit mysteries, the criteria for choosing the best books in the genre, and finally, present our selection of the top whodunit books for your reading list.

The 10 Best Whodunit Books of All Time

The Origins of Whodunit Mysteries

The whodunit mystery is a subgenre of crime fiction, where the primary focus is on the identity of the culprit behind the crime. These stories often involve intricate puzzles and enigmatic clues, challenging readers to solve the mystery before the big reveal.

The history of whodunit mysteries can be traced back to early detective fiction, which laid the groundwork for the development of this fascinating genre.

The Birth of Detective Fiction

Often credited as the origin of detective fiction, Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” (1841) introduced the character of C. Auguste Dupin, an amateur detective who uses logic and deductive reasoning to solve gruesome crimes. This set the foundation for future detective stories and established essential elements of the genre, such as an intellectual detective and a baffling mystery.

Following Poe’s groundbreaking work, authors like Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie took the genre further by refining the whodunit formula and creating memorable sleuths like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, who continue to captivate readers to this day.

The Golden Age of Whodunit Mysteries

The Golden Age of detective fiction, a period spanning the 1920s through the 1940s, saw the emergence of many talented mystery writers who helped to define the whodunit genre. Masters of the craft like Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham contributed to this prolific era, creating complex puzzles and unforgettable characters.

The core elements of Golden Age whodunit mysteries included a closed circle of suspects, a detective who could solve the mystery through sheer intellect, and a focus on the logical process of solving the crime. It is during this era that the whodunit mystery solidified its place in the literary world.

One of the most famous Golden Age whodunit mysteries is Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” (1934), which features her iconic detective Hercule Poirot. The novel is set on a luxurious train traveling from Istanbul to Calais, where a passenger is found dead in his compartment. Poirot must use his unparalleled deductive skills to unravel the mystery and identify the killer among the passengers.

Another notable author of the Golden Age was Dorothy L. Sayers, who created the character of Lord Peter Wimsey. Her novel “The Nine Tailors” (1934) is considered a masterpiece of the genre, featuring a complex plot involving stolen jewels, a mysterious corpse, and a centuries-old curse.

The whodunit mystery has continued to evolve since the Golden Age, with authors like P.D. James, Ruth Rendell, and Tana French pushing the boundaries of the genre. However, the essential elements of a gripping whodunit – a puzzle to solve, a skilled detective, and a satisfying reveal – have remained constant, making this subgenre of crime fiction a perennial favorite among readers.

The Criteria for Choosing the Best Whodunit Books

With countless whodunit mysteries available, identifying the best titles is no simple task. To compile our list of the top 10 whodunit books of all time, we considered the following criteria:

Engaging Plot

An absorbing and well-constructed plot is essential for a successful whodunit mystery. The book should have an intriguing premise, a logical structure, and a good pacing that keeps the reader engaged from the first page to the last.

For example, in Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” the plot centers around the murder of a wealthy American businessman aboard a luxurious train. The premise is intriguing, and the plot is well-constructed, with each character having a motive for committing the crime. The pacing is excellent, with the tension building steadily throughout the book, leading to a satisfying resolution.

Memorable Characters

From the detective to the suspects, strong and well-developed characters are crucial to create an immersive mystery. The reader should feel invested in the protagonists’ journey, and minor characters should add depth to the story.

In Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” the detective Sherlock Holmes is a memorable character who is both brilliant and eccentric. The suspects, including the Baskerville family and their associates, are well-developed and add depth to the story. The minor characters, such as the moorland locals, also play a significant role in the plot.

Clever Twists and Turns

Unexpected twists and clever turns enhance the excitement and enjoyment of a whodunit mystery. A good whodunit novel should constantly surprise its reader, while still adhering to the principles of fair play in mystery writing.

For instance, in Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl,” the plot takes several unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The story is narrated from the perspectives of the two main characters, Nick and Amy Dunne, and the reader is left wondering who is telling the truth and who is lying.

Satisfying Resolution

A well-executed resolution is key to a successful whodunit. The reader should feel a sense of satisfaction when the mystery is solved, and all loose ends are tied up in a plausible manner.

In Tana French’s “In the Woods,” the resolution is both surprising and satisfying. The story follows detective Rob Ryan as he investigates the murder of a young girl in a small Irish town. The resolution ties up all loose ends in a plausible manner, while still leaving the reader with a sense of mystery and intrigue.

Overall, a good whodunit book should have an engaging plot, memorable characters, clever twists and turns, and a satisfying resolution. By considering these criteria, we have compiled a list of the top 10 whodunit books of all time that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

The Top Whodunit Books of All Time

Whodunit books are a thrilling genre that has captivated readers for generations. These books often involve a murder or crime that needs to be solved, with the reader playing the role of detective to try and unravel the mystery. Based on the criteria above, we have compiled our selection of the 10 best whodunit books of all time.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Illustrated): A case for Hercule Poirot

One of Christie’s most famous novels, “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” (1926) features her beloved detective, Hercule Poirot. The story challenges readers with its clever twists and masterful narrative, and it remains a standout title within the genre.

The book is set in the quiet village of King’s Abbot, where the wealthy and popular Roger Ackroyd is found dead in his study. Poirot is called in to investigate, and the plot thickens as secrets are revealed and suspects emerge. The ending of the book is a masterclass in misdirection and will leave readers stunned.

The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

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This classic 1930 hardboiled detective novel introduces the cunning private investigator Sam Spade. A thrilling tale of deception and intrigue, “The Maltese Falcon” has captivated readers for generations with its memorable characters and enigmatic plot.

The book follows Spade as he becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a group of criminals who are all searching for a valuable statuette. The book’s gritty atmosphere and complex characters make it a must-read for fans of the genre.

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

The Hound of the Baskervilles (Wisehouse Classics Edition)

This legendary Sherlock Holmes story (1902) combines a mysterious atmosphere with a thrilling whodunit puzzle. Doyle’s masterful storytelling and vivid characterizations make “The Hound of the Baskervilles” a must-read for any mystery enthusiast.

The book is set in the eerie moors of Devonshire, where the Baskerville family is plagued by a mysterious curse. When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead, Holmes and Watson are called in to investigate. The book is a classic example of the detective genre, with Holmes using his keen intellect and powers of observation to solve the case.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: A Lisbeth Salander Novel (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Series Book 1)

The first book in Larsson’s Millennium series (2005) introduces readers to the unforgettable protagonists Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander. This modern whodunit story intertwines a complex investigation with a gripping thriller, keeping readers enthralled with each turn of the page.

The book is set in Sweden and follows Blomkvist, a journalist who is hired to investigate the disappearance of a young woman. He enlists the help of Salander, a brilliant but troubled computer hacker, and together they uncover a web of corruption and deceit. The book is a thrilling ride that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

You can find this book here.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies

A dark and witty tale of deceit, “Big Little Lies” (2014) skillfully unravels a murder mystery involving a group of suburban mothers. Moriarty’s engaging writing and well-crafted characters make this book a highly satisfying read.

The book is set in a picturesque coastal town in Australia, where a group of mothers becomes embroiled in a murder investigation. As the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed and tensions rise, leading to a shocking conclusion. The book is a masterclass in character development and psychological suspense.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl: A Novel

This psychological thriller (2012) is a contemporary whodunit at its finest, with a shocking twist that has left readers talking for years. Flynn’s intricate plotting and highly manipulative characters make “Gone Girl” an unforgettable reading experience.

The book follows Nick Dunne as he becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife, Amy. As the investigation unfolds, the reader is taken on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns that will leave them questioning everything they thought they knew. The book is a modern classic that has redefined the genre.

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency: A No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Novel (1) (No 1. Ladies' Detective Agency)

Set in Botswana, this charming mystery series (1998) follows private investigator Precious Ramotswe as she solves various cases. McCall Smith’s engaging storytelling and fascinating cultural insights make these books a delight to read.

The series is a refreshing take on the detective genre, with Ramotswe using her intuition and knowledge of human nature to solve cases. The books are a celebration of African culture and are filled with heartwarming moments and memorable characters.

You can find this book here.

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith

The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike Book 1)

Written under a pseudonym by J.K. Rowling, “The Cuckoo’s Calling” (2013) introduces the detective duo of Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott. This modern whodunit is filled with intricate plotting and compelling characters, making it an instant classic.

The book follows Strike, a down-on-his-luck private investigator, as he investigates the death of a supermodel. With the help of his assistant Robin, Strike navigates the world of high fashion and celebrity to uncover the truth. The book is a gripping read that showcases Rowling’s talent for storytelling.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code: A Novel (Robert Langdon)

Combining historical facts with an action-packed thriller, “The Da Vinci Code” (2003) takes its readers on a riveting journey filled with suspense and unexpected surprises. Brown’s captivating storytelling and intriguing premise make this book a page-turner.

The book follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving the Catholic Church and the Holy Grail. As Langdon races to uncover the truth, he is pursued by a shadowy organization that will stop at nothing to keep their secrets safe. The book is a thrilling ride that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient

A spellbinding debut novel (2019) that explores the complexities of human relationships, “The Silent Patient” combines a gripping psychological thriller with a whodunit mystery. Michaelides’ writing showcases narrative twists that keep you guessing until the very end.

The book follows Theo Faber, a psychotherapist who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the murder of his patient, Alicia Berenson. Berenson has been silent since the murder, and as Faber delves deeper into her past, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies. The book is a haunting exploration of the human psyche that will leave readers breathless.

Each of the books listed above embodies the best qualities of the whodunit mystery genre, with engrossing plots, memorable characters, and clever twists that keep readers on their toes. Whether you’re a seasoned mystery lover or new to the world of whodunits, these novels are sure to provide you with hours of thrilling entertainment.

FAQ

What is a whodunit book?

Whodunit books sit inside the mystery genre. They typically begin with a crime or murder and the entire book walks the reader through the investigation to find out who was responsible.

What is the best whodunit book?

Agatha Christie’s repertoire are all-time whodunit favorites, however, others include Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus, and The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler.

What is the most difficult mystery to read?

Cain’s Jawbone by Torquemada has been rated the hardest mystery book to solve.

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