Who Did It? 15 Riveting Murder Mystery Books for a Spooky Halloween

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Halloween is the perfect time to dive into the chilling world of murder mysteries. Whether you’re a seasoned detective fiction fan or just starting to explore the genre, these books are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready for a Halloween filled with suspense, intrigue, and a touch of spine-tingling terror!

“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn

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This modern classic is a rollercoaster of a thriller that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about the characters involved. With jaw-dropping twists and turns, it’s the perfect read for a Halloween night in.

“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson

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Set in the cold, atmospheric landscapes of Sweden, this book is a masterclass in suspense. Investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander team up to unravel a decades-old mystery, leading to shocking revelations.

“In the Woods” by Tana French

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Tana French weaves a tale of a detective haunted by his own past while investigating a murder in a small Irish town. The story’s vivid descriptions and complex characters make for a hauntingly atmospheric read.

“Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn

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Another gem by Gillian Flynn, “Sharp Objects,” delves into the dark secrets of a small town. Journalist Camille Preaker returns home to investigate a series of gruesome murders, uncovering a web of disturbing family secrets along the way.

“The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides

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This psychological thriller takes you on a mind-bending journey. When Alicia Berenson shoots her husband and then stops speaking, psychotherapist Theo Faber is determined to unravel the mystery behind her silence.

“Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty

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While not a traditional murder mystery, this book intertwines a murder investigation with a story of friendship, secrets, and domestic intrigue. Set against the backdrop of a school trivia night, it’s a gripping tale with a shocking conclusion.

“The Woman in White” by Wilkie Collins

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A classic in the genre, Wilkie Collins’ novel is filled with a gothic atmosphere and mysterious characters. When a drawing teacher encounters a woman in white on a moonlit road, he becomes entangled in a web of secrets and deception.

“The Dry” by Jane Harper

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In the drought-ridden town of Kiewarra, Federal Agent Aaron Falk returns for a funeral, only to find himself investigating the death of his childhood friend. Jane Harper’s vivid storytelling brings the harsh Australian landscape to life.

“The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle

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No list of murder mysteries is complete without the legendary Sherlock Holmes. In this tale, Holmes and Watson confront an ancient curse and a spectral hound haunting the moors of Devonshire.

“The Thirteenth Tale” by Diane Setterfield

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Margaret Lea, a bookish biographer, is summoned to the home of the enigmatic writer Vida Winter. As Winter unravels her life story, Margaret becomes entangled in a dark mystery that spans generations.

“Dark Places” by Gillian Flynn

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Gillian Flynn strikes again with this haunting tale of Libby Day, the only survivor of a family massacre. As Libby investigates her own past, she discovers shocking truths about what happened that fateful night.

“The Woman in Cabin 10” by Ruth Ware

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Set aboard a luxury cruise ship, this gripping thriller follows journalist Lo Blacklock, who believes she witnessed a murder in the cabin next door. She’s drawn into a web of deception and danger as she investigates.

“The Secret History” by Donna Tartt

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While not a traditional murder mystery, this novel delves into the aftermath of a murder within an elite group of students. Donna Tartt’s mesmerizing prose and complex characters make for a haunting exploration of guilt and obsession.

“Before I Go to Sleep” by S.J. Watson

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Every day, Christine Lucas wakes up without remembering the past twenty years. Through a series of journal entries, she begins to piece together a terrifying truth about the night she lost her memory.

“The Likeness” by Tana French

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In this atmospheric mystery, Detective Cassie Maddox goes undercover to investigate the murder of a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to her. Tana French’s lyrical writing and intricate plotting make for a compelling read.

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