20 Books Like And Then There Were None (Detective Mysteries)

And Then There Were None was a play written by Agatha Christie in 1943. It was developed into a play after she released the book in 1939, which was released under a different name. This name is racially inappropriate and the play is way more popular, so let’s dive into that.

20 Books Like And Then There Were None (Detective Mysteries)

And Then There Were None is known for its spooky atmosphere, huge plot twists, and whodunit narrative. It is one of her most complicated works, and Christie herself said it was one of the most difficult to write.

The plot is jam-packed with twists, turns, and suspense. It follows 7 people, who have been summoned to an eerie manor house on an isolated island. One by one they are killed and must determine who is responsible before it’s too late.

If you haven’t already, make sure you read And Then There Were None. It’s one of the most well-known mystery stories in global literature, so you’re in for a treat.

Finding something as good as And Then There Were None is difficult but this list is going to provide you with a variety of mystery and detective stories so that hopefully, regardless of your preferences, you’ll find something here that you love.

So, without further ado, here are 20 brilliant books like And Then There Were None.

The Dying Game by Asa Avdic

DYING GAME, THE

Merging futuristic dystopia, mystery, murder, and secrecy, The Dying Game is the ultimate captivating mystery.

The story is set in 2037 on a small isolated island, on which 7 people have been chosen to participate in a competition for a top-secret intelligence position. The test is 48 hours long and will secure them a place within the Union of Friendship, a totalitarian organization. 

But a murderer is among them and the psychological games are about to begin. This test will push them to the limits and encourage them to go to extremes. Who will thrive and who will fail? 

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

The Guest List: A Reese's Book Club Pick

Many reviewers have said the same thing – that The Guest List evokes a brilliant Christie-esque tone. It follows the mysterious circumstances of an island wedding. What begins as a picture-perfect scene, ends in death and destruction. 

Secrecy, jealousy, and history all play a part in this mystery (If you want more mystery, check out Cain’s Jawbone and other books like it right here). Cracks begin forming in friendships and relationships and odd things start happening. Minor accidents soon develop into deadly events and the atmosphere slowly becomes more and more uncomfortable. 

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd - A Hercule Poirot Mystery

This is part of Christie’s iconic Poirot series which has received global recognition and has since been adapted for the screens. 

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd follows as Roger pieces together the clues of one intriguing mystery. He wonders what happened to the woman he loved. A woman who poisoned her abusive husband and took her own life. Suspicious that more lurked beneath the surface of the situation, Roger investigates further and finds one more clue. But just as he discovers this new information, he is stabbed to death. This is where the gripping story really begins.

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

In Cold Blood

Now known as a modern classic, In Cold Blood uncovers the truth behind the Clutter family – a family shot to death in Kansas in 1959. 

The story dives into the circumstances of their death and closely follows the investigation which eventually ends up in execution. The story is one of the most well-known investigation stories and sheds light on the harsh realities of violence in America.

The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

Providing a fascinating and innovative new approach to the murder mystery genre, The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle follows Aiden Bishop’s investigation into Evelyn’s death. 

They are both forced into a repetitive cycle – Evelyn will die in the same way every single time and Aiden will appear as a different guest every time. The cycle will continue until Aiden has identified the murderer.

A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

A Study in Scarlet (1891 Illustrated Edition): 100th Anniversary Collection

This is one of the most iconic and influential detective books ever written. A Study in Scarlet kickstarts the Sherlock Holmes series. It introduces the captivating character of Sherlock Holmes and his endearing, veteran friend Dr. Watson. 

Holmes and Watson uncover the truth behind a plethora of intriguing cases. Their friendship and comradery are additional driving forces of these novels and their complex characterizations provide further interest for any reader. If you’re a detective fan and haven’t yet read any of Conan Doyle’s work, head over to your nearest bookshop immediately!

Love is Murder by Allison Brennan

Love Is Murder: A Novella of Suspense (Lucy Kincaid Novels)

Aspiring FBI agent Lucy and her ex-police officer brother are keen to escape for the weekend, isolated from work pressure and cut off from the rest of the world. Love is Murder is set in the middle of an isolated lodge in the mountains, but when someone ends up dead, the atmosphere quickly becomes less idyllic.

When her brother falls mysteriously ill, Lucy realizes that these dangers could be a lot closer to home and her quiet getaway soon turns into a dangerous trap.

The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep (A Philip Marlowe Novel)

This iconic mystery thriller is the first in the 8-book Philip Marlowe series. Jam-packed with complex relationships, suspicious characters, and double-crosses, there’s no wonder why The Big Sleep is one of the best-rated detective fiction books out there.

With hidden meanings and philosophical undertones, this book is far more than a suspenseful mystery. Enjoyable, thought-provoking, and unforgettable, this is certainly one to add to your reading list.

Still Life by Louise Penny

Still Life

Louise Penny is a well-renowned detective and mystery writer with a captivating style, interesting plot lines, and unpredictable twists and turns along the way. Still Life is just one of her many fantastic books and it follows Chief Inspector Armand Gamache in Quebec.

He is called to the scene of a suspicious death which is located just south of Montreal and has been framed as a hunting accident. But as Gamache finds out more about the community and the woman who tragically died, the sinister truth comes to light.

The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

The Daughter of Time, Book Cover May Vary

This is part of the Inspector Alan Grant series, so if you like the sound of this book, we recommend investing in the whole series!

The Daughter of Time follows Inspector Grant who works for Scotland Yard and delves into the historical case of Richard III, known for killing his nephews in order to secure the crown for himself. But maybe history has twisted the story and this villain isn’t all he’s cracked up to be.

All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda

All the Missing Girls: A Novel

If you’re looking for a challenging novel – one that will keep you on your toes and perhaps confuse you – this is your best bet. 

All the Missing Girls follows Nicolette, who moved away from her little village after her best friend, Corinne, vanished. She returns back when her father falls ill and is soon swept up as Corinne’s case resurfaces. More people disappear and secrets are revealed, forcing every character under the microscope. 

The Yellow Room by Mary Roberts Rinehart

The Yellow Room

This is an older classic, but it’s a brilliant read from one of America’s leading detective writers. The Yellow Room follows Carol and her war-torn life – her home and her partner have been taken from her just as she was about to embark on married life.

Carol is forced to join her mother in an abandoned mansion instead of joining the war effort, but upon arrival, they find a body in the closet. Once reported, the police determine Carol as suspect number 1, so she must find the evidence that proves her innocence and identify the real culprit.

They All Fall Down by Rachel Howzell Hall

They All Fall Down by A. K. Mason (2015-09-12)

Eager to inject a little more mystery into her life, Miriam accepts an invitation to holiday on a private island near Mexico with a bunch of total strangers. But what starts as a luxury paradise, soon turns to dangerous entrapment. Accidents crop up and the atmosphere gets eerier – something lurks on this strange island and suspicion starts spreading.

They All Fall Down is gripping, mysterious, and investigative – a truly captivating read for any detective reader.

Exiles by Jane Harper

Exiles (International Edition) (International Edition)

One year after Kim’s unexpected disappearance, her daughter remains determined to find her and get to the bottom of what happened that eerie night. 

Exiles follows a group of people obsessed with the case, led by Federal Investigator Aaron Falk. Together they piece together the clues and try to create a clear picture of what happened – did she disappear herself? Or was someone else involved?

The Cat Who Caught a Killer by L.T. Shearer

The Cat Who Caught a Killer (Conrad the Cat Detective, 1)

This is a more light-hearted book that centers around Conrad, a cat, who also happens to be a detective. 

Lulu meets Conrad at the perfect time – her mother-in-law has just died and the death does not appear to be natural. With the help of Conrad, Lulu must uncover the truth behind this mystery, forced to dive into her history and find out if anyone had a motive.

The Cat Who Caught a Killer is a great comfort read that brilliantly blends a light-hearted tone with mysterious plot lines. Often compared to Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club. 

The Rising Tide by Ann Cleeves

Rising Tide (Vera Stanhope, 10)

Ann Cleeves’ Vera Stanhope series has been widely recognized as a suspenseful mystery, led by a complex and likable protagonist. 

The Rising Tide is one of the books in this series and follows a group of friends who repeatedly return to the site of one of their school trips – a trip that took the life of one of their friends. Now, 50 years on, another is found hanged. So Vera steps in. This story nosedives into the dark histories of each friend and follows Vera as she quickly discovers that each of them has something to hide.

Daughters of Night by Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Daughters of Night

Immersing you in English history, Daughters of Night tracks the manhunt for an unknown killer responsible for the death of three women. 

Set in London in 1782, this story follows Caro, a friend of one of the victims as she, alongside a private investigator, gets to the bottom of this horrific case.

The Firm by John Grisham

The Firm: A Novel (The Firm Series)

Reading more like a legal thriller The Firm closely depicts the difficult position Mitch McDeere finds himself in, as he finds himself conflicted between loyalties and in far too deep.

The Firm is fast-paced, complex, and delves into the inner workings of the FBI – a truly gripping read.

An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by P.D. James

An Unsuitable Job for a Woman (Cordelia Gray Mysteries, No. 1)

His death was determined a suicide but the lipstick smeared across his face tells another story. When Mark Callender is found hanged, his affluent father invests in a private investigator to unveil the truth about his son’s tragic death.

An Unsuitable Job for a Woman uncovers the realities of this case, diving into Mark’s past and unearthing the secrets that surrounded his last few years.

The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

The Kind Worth Killing: A Novel

The Kind Worth Killing follows the relationship between Ted Severson and Lily Kintner who meet on a flight and, with the help of a drink or two, share far too much information, including inappropriate details of Ted’s marriage with his wife, Miranda.

As they land in Boston, the two twisted characters grow closer and closer and begin planning Miranda’s murder after suspecting that she’s cheating. But as past secrets resurface and a detective is thrown in the mix, things are about to get messy.

Final Thoughts

Take your pick from this wide-ranging list of detective stories. Any of these 20 books will provide you with intriguing, gripping mysteries that will keep you interested until the very last word.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Agatha Christie so popular?

She produced some of the best mystery, crime, and detective novels the world has ever seen. She was a best-selling author who wrote 75 novels, including 14 short stories and 66 detective novels. Her intense plot lines and broad repertoire have made her one of the most famous novelists of all time.

When was Agatha Christie writing?

She began writing at the end of World War I, after working as a nurse in the war effort. Her last novel was published in 1973.

What happened to Agatha Christie in 1926?

Mysteriously, Agatha Christie went missing for 11 days in 1926, which provoked a nationwide search.

What is the best detective novel of all time?

Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series is one of the most adored detective stories of all time. It has sparked numerous film and series adaptations and Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson have both become familiar favorites.

Who is the best detective fiction writer?

Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and P.D. James are widely recognized as three of the best detective writers of all time.

YouTube video
Colton Cowie