Top 5 Page-Turning Mystery Books That Will Keep You Guessing
Introduction
Discover five gripping historical fiction novels that bring unforgettable characters and thrilling plots to life. From the mysterious disappearance of a young woman to unsung heroines seeking justice, these books explore untold stories of resilience, survival, and the pursuit of truth. If you’re a fan of historical thrillers, suspenseful narratives, and emotional depth, these must-read books will keep you turning pages long into the night. Whether you’re interested in strong female leads or stories based on real-life figures, these novels by renowned authors like Ariel Lawhon, Karin Slaughter, Christy Lefteri, and more will captivate you from the first chapter.
1. Local Woman Missing: A domestic Thriller Novel
Over 1 Million Copies Sold! A New York Times Bestseller
Experience the heart-pounding suspense of Mary Kubica's thriller, "Local Gone Missing". When Shelby Tebow disappears without a trace, followed by Meredith Dickey and her daughter Delilah, a peaceful town is plunged into fear. Eleven years later, Delilah mysteriously returns, but the secrets she brings shock everyone.
"Dark, twisty, and impossible to put down!" —Riley Sager, bestselling author
Dive into this gripping thriller and discover why Mary Kubica is the queen of domestic suspense.
More Thrillers by Mary Kubica
- The Good Girl
- Just the Nicest Couple
- She's Not Sorry
Book Details
About the Author
Mary Kubica
Mary Kubica, a New York Times bestselling author, is known for her gripping suspense thrillers like The Good Girl, The Other Mrs., and Local Woman Missing. With over two million copies sold worldwide and translations in 30+ languages, her work has earned praise for its intensity and compelling storytelling. Described as “hypnotic” (People) and “thrilling” (L.A. Times), Mary crafts unforgettable narratives. She lives near Chicago with her husband and children.
Learn more at marykubica.com.
2. The Handler: A Mystery Thriller
A Gripping New Crime Thriller Series
Former K9 Handler Maddie Castle faces a shattered life after a devastating injury and the loss of her loyal partner. Struggling to rebuild, she’s pulled back into action when a fellow K9 handler is murdered. Tasked with assessing a traumatized dog and driven by a mother’s plea to find her missing son, Maddie dives into Pittsburgh’s criminal underworld.
With powerful enemies determined to keep their secrets buried, Maddie must risk everything to uncover the truth. Justice comes at a price, and Maddie’s battle may cost her more than she can bear.
"A thrilling start to a new series from bestselling authors L.T. Ryan and C.R. Gray!"
Follow Maddie Castle in her relentless pursuit of justice in *The Handler*.
Book Details
About the Author
L.T. Ryan
L.T. Ryan, a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, is celebrated for his adrenaline-fueled thrillers. Known for the *Jack Noble* and *Rachel Hatch* series, L.T. masterfully combines action, suspense, and emotional depth, captivating readers around the globe.
His stories, filled with unforgettable characters and high-stakes drama, appeal to fans of Lee Child and Robert Ludlum. When he’s not writing, L.T. collaborates with coauthors, manages a publishing business, and engages with his readers.
Dive into one of L.T. Ryan's page-turning adventures today!
3. Pretty Girls: A Novel
Praised by Lee Child as “stunning” and Kathy Reichs as “extraordinary,” *Pretty Girls* by Karin Slaughter is a gripping tale of family secrets, heartbreak, and redemption.
Claire and Lydia, estranged sisters, are forced to confront their tragic past when Claire's husband is murdered. Decades after the disappearance of their teenage sister Julia, the two women uncover shocking connections between the crimes, leading them into a web of secrets that shattered their family.
With unforgettable characters and twists you won’t see coming, this masterful novel delivers a powerful exploration of loss, resilience, and the search for justice.
Experience the heart-pounding suspense of *Pretty Girls*—a story you won’t be able to put down.
Book Details
About the Author
Karin Slaughter
Karin Slaughter is the bestselling author of over twenty novels, including *Cop Town*, *The Good Daughter*, *Pretty Girls*, and *Girl, Forgotten*. With more than 40 million copies sold worldwide, her books have captivated readers across 120 countries. *Pieces of Her* is a #1 Netflix series starring Toni Collette, and her *Will Trent* series is being adapted for TV.
Slaughter’s work continues to shine on screen, with *The Good Daughter* and *False Witness* in development for film and TV. As the founder of the Save the Libraries project, she advocates for libraries and their essential role in the community. A proud Georgia native, Slaughter resides in Atlanta.
4. The Beekeeper of Aleppo: A Novel
A Journey of Loss, Survival, and Resilience
*The Beekeeper of Aleppo* tells the poignant story of Nuri, a Syrian beekeeper, and his wife Afra, an artist, as they navigate the harrowing journey of displacement caused by the devastating Syrian war. Winner of the Aspen Words Literary Prize, this novel sheds light on the human cost of conflict through the intimate, heartbreaking experiences of a family forced to leave everything behind.
As they journey through Turkey and Greece toward a new life in Britain, Nuri and Afra are forced to confront their losses and find their way back to each other amidst a world broken by war. With themes of hope, survival, and the unbreakable human spirit, this novel serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of conflict and the strength it takes to rebuild from the ashes.
*The Beekeeper of Aleppo* has been hailed as one of the best books of the year by *Real Simple* and is a finalist for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. This unforgettable narrative will leave a lasting impact and is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the refugee experience.
Book Details
About the Author
Christy Lefiter
Christy Lefteri, raised in London to Cypriot refugee parents, is a creative writing lecturer at Brunel University. Her novel The Beekeeper of Aleppo was inspired by her volunteer work at a UNICEF-supported refugee center in Athens. Lefteri is also the author of A Watermelon, a Fish and a Bible.
5. The Frozen River: A Novel
In 1789 Maine, midwife Martha Ballard finds herself investigating a shocking murder when a man’s body is discovered frozen in the Kennebec River. As the only person who knows the truth about a town scandal, Martha’s pursuit of justice threatens to expose the secrets of those she loves. Based on Martha's real-life diary, *The Frozen River* tells the story of a courageous woman who demanded justice in a world where women’s voices were silenced. A gripping historical mystery that will leave readers captivated until the last page.
About the Author
Book Details
Ariel Lawhon
Ariel Lawhon is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction, known for The Wife, The Maid, and The Mistress, Flight of Dreams, I Was Anastasia, and Code Name Hélène. Her books, praised for their compelling storytelling, have been translated into several languages and featured in top selections like Good Morning America, Library Reads, and Amazon Spotlight. Ariel lives just outside Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and four sons, balancing life between the grocery store and the baseball field.
These five captivating books take readers on unforgettable journeys through history, mystery, and human endurance. Whether you’re drawn to the tragedy of war, the intricacies of historical crime, or the emotional depth of personal loss and redemption, each of these novels offers something unique. Dive into these remarkable tales today and experience the power of storytelling that transcends time, place, and circumstance. Don’t miss out on these bestsellers and literary gems that promise to leave you moved, inspired, and completely engrossed.
