Unlock New Mystery Books: A Guide to Every Twist, Turn & Type

From Cozy Crimes to Gritty Thrillers—And Everything In-Between

If your ideal read includes a curious sleuth, a suspicious alibi, and an ending that leaves you breathless, you’re in the right place. The mystery genre is vast, thrilling, and endlessly surprising—but with so many styles to choose from, finding the right mystery for your reading personality can be, well, a bit of a mystery itself.

That’s why we’ve broken down the many faces of mystery fiction—from cozy whodunits and gripping police procedurals to amateur sleuths, historical cases, and high-stakes espionage. Whether you're craving a fast-paced international thriller, a smart female lead, an LGBTQIA+ debut author, or a twisty YA tale, there's something here to keep you guessing (and turning pages).

In this Bookfinity feature, we’ll explore the most popular mystery subgenres and what makes each one shine. Perfect for Serial Readers, Stunt Doubles, Leading Lady, and Young at Heart Reader Types, this guide will help you match your mood to your next clue-filled read—and maybe even discover a new favorite sleuth along the way.

Crime can be enjoyed and solved more than one way!

AMATEUR SLEUTH
COZY MYSTERY
DIVERSE BOOKS
ESPIONAGE THRILLER
HISTORICAL MYSTERY
INTERNATIONAL CRIME
LGBTQ+ BOOKS
POLICE PROCEDURAL
SUPERNATURAL & SCI-FI
WOMEN SLEUTHS
YOUNG ADULT

AMATEUR SLEUTH

Amateur sleuth mystery books feature everyday characters—like librarians, bakers, or teachers—who find themselves solving crimes despite having no formal investigative training. These stories often focus on tight-knit communities, clever problem-solving, and character-driven plots, offering a lighter, more relatable take on the traditional mystery. As a sub-genre, they stand out for their charm, accessibility, and the personal stakes involved in each case.

We Solve Murders

by Richard Osman

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

The Last Hamilton

by Jenn Bregman

All the Colors of the Dark: A Read with Jenna Pick

by Chris Whitaker

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Read with Jenna Book Club Pick as Featured on Today

COZY MYSTERY

Cozy mystery books are lighthearted, often humorous mysteries that usually take place in small towns or charming communities, with minimal violence and little to no graphic content. The protagonists are typically amateur sleuths who solve crimes using wit and intuition, all while balancing everyday life.

Bearer of Bad News

by Elisabeth Dini

The Rose Arbor

by Rhys Bowen

Bestselling author of The Venice Sketchbook and The Paris Assignment.

How to Age Disgracefully

by Clare Pooley

"An uproarious romp!" --People

diverse

Diverse mystery books feature protagonists, authors, and settings that reflect a wide range of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, bringing fresh voices and experiences to the genre. These stories often explore social issues, identity, and community alongside the central mystery, adding depth and authenticity. Diverse mystery books broadening the traditional mystery landscape, offering readers new angles and richer, more inclusive storytelling.

It's Elementary

by Elise Bryant

NAACP Image Award nominee

Hunted

by Abir Mukherjee

A Washington Post Best Thriller of the Year
An Amazon Best of the Month Mystery & Thriller Pick and an Amazon Editors' Personal Pick

The Queen City Detective Agency

by Snowden Wright

House of Bone and Rain

by Gabino Iglesias

A Barnes & Noble Best Horror Book of the Year

espionage

Espionage mystery books center on spies, intelligence agents, and covert operations, blending mystery with high-stakes political or international intrigue. These stories often involve secret missions, double agents, and complex conspiracies that unfold across global settings. They stand out as a sub-genre for their fast-paced plots, suspenseful twists, and focus on deception, loyalty, and the shadowy world of espionage.

Gabriel's Moon

by William Boyd

From Internationally Bestselling Author

The Last Secret

by Maia Caron

INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER

Phantom Orbit: A Thriller

by David Ignatius

historical

Historical mystery books are set in past eras, weaving together compelling whodunits with rich historical detail and atmosphere. They often feature detectives or amateur sleuths navigating crimes within the customs, limitations, and societal norms of their time.

The Last Dance of Mary Kelly

by E David Brown

Cahokia Jazz

by Francis Spufford

* Winner of the Sidewise Award for Alternate History * Longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction * Named a Best Book of the Year by the New Yorker

The bestselling and award-winning author of Golden Hill

The Impossible Thing

by Belinda Bauer

The Sicilian Inheritance

by Jo Piazza

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

international

International crime mystery books take readers across global settings, featuring crimes that unfold in different countries and cultures. These stories often explore the nuances of local law enforcement, societal norms, and geopolitical tensions, adding depth and complexity to the mystery. What makes them unique is their immersive look into diverse cultures and the way they blend global perspectives.

The Oligarch's Daughter

by Joseph Finder

The Fury

by Alex Michaelides

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Death at the Sanatorium: A Mystery

by Ragnar Jónasson

lgbtq+

LGBTQ+ mystery books center queer characters—whether as sleuths, suspects, or victims—while exploring mysteries through the lens of LGBTQ+ experiences. These stories often blend suspenseful plots with themes of identity, community, and resilience, offering fresh and inclusive perspectives within the genre.

The Boxcar Librarian

by Brianna Labuskes

Voyage of the Damned: A Fantasy Novel

by Frances White

THE TIKTOK SENSATION FROM THE UK HAS COME TO NORTH AMERICA!

Two Truths and a Lie

by Cory O'Brien

From the beloved internet humorist - a debut novel

Rough Trade

by Katrina Carrasco

Named a Best Crime Novel of 2024 by The New York Times Book Review

police procedural

Police procedural mystery books focus on solving crimes through the methodical work of law enforcement officers, often highlighting the day-to-day realities of detectives and investigators. These stories emphasize accurate investigative techniques, forensic evidence, and the inner workings of police departments. They offer a grounded, realistic take on crime-solving that contrasts with more amateur or dramatic approaches in other mystery sub-genres.

Head Cases

by John McMahon

Johnny Careless

by Kevin Wade

The Hunter's Daughter

by Nicola Solvinic

As seen on the TODAY show as “the best thriller.”

supernatural & Sci-fi

Supernatural new release mystery books blend elements of the paranormal, such as ghosts, psychic abilities, or otherworldly beings, with crime-solving. These stories often feature detectives or protagonists who must navigate both the mysteries of human behavior and the unexplained forces around them. They combine the intrigue of traditional mysteries with the thrill of the supernatural, creating a unique mix of suspense and otherworldly tension.

Sci-fi new release mystery books combine futuristic technology, alternate realities, or space exploration with crime-solving plots. Often set in advanced or dystopian worlds, these stories explore complex issues like artificial intelligence, time travel, and extraterrestrial life, all while maintaining the mystery structure. They offer a blend of speculative fiction and investigative intrigue, creating a unique atmosphere where the boundaries of reality and science blur.

Strange Pictures

by Uketsu Uketsu - Jim Rion

The Stardust Grail

by Yume Kitasei

Luminous

by Silvia Park

The Last Murder at the End of the World

by Stuart Turton

From the bestselling author of The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and The Devil and the Dark Water

thriller - crime

Thriller crime books focus on high-stakes, suspenseful narratives where the central crime drives the action, often featuring intense, fast-paced plots. These stories are marked by danger, plot twists, and an escalating sense of urgency as the protagonist pursues the criminal or tries to solve the case before time runs out. The genre combines the intensity of a thriller with the structure of a mystery, often resulting in a gripping, edge-of-your-seat reading experience.

Dead Money

by Jakob Kerr

Bad Liar

by Tami Hoag

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

Don't Let the Devil Ride

by Ace Atkins

women sleuths

Women sleuth mystery books feature female protagonists who take the lead in solving crimes, often challenging traditional gender roles within the detective genre. These stories center around strong, resourceful women—whether professionals or amateurs—using their intelligence, intuition, and determination to unravel complex mysteries. They offer fresh perspectives in crime-solving, often exploring themes of empowerment, resilience, and the unique challenges women face in both the mystery and real-world contexts. Bookfinity Leading Lady Reader Types will love this!

The Four Queens of Crime

by Rosanne Limoncelli

LIBRARY JOURNAL'S DECEMBER DEBUT OF THE MONTH!

The Phoenix Crown

by Kate Quinn - Janie Chang

The Night the River Wept

by Lo Patrick

"An increasingly gripping southern-crime tale" for readers of Where the Crawdads Sing and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. (-Booklist STARRED review)

One of Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Hot New Summer Books"!

The Frozen River

by Ariel Lawhon

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - GMA BOOK CLUB PICK - AN NPR BOOK OF THE YEAR

young adult

Young adult mystery books feature teen protagonists who find themselves embroiled in solving crimes, often within their schools, neighborhoods, or social circles. These stories combine elements of coming-of-age with suspenseful investigations, allowing young readers to relate to the characters' struggles and growth while engaging in thrilling mystery plots.

Mystery Royale

by Kaitlyn Cavalancia

THE INHERITANCE GAMES meets HOTEL MAGNIFIQUE in this genre splicing YA fantastical mystery.

In the Company of Killers

by Elora Cook

Gossip Girl meets The Sopranos

We Are Villains

by Kacen Callender

From bestselling and award-winning author Kacen Callendar

Ready to crack your next case? Whether you're drawn to the charm of a cozy mystery, the grit of a procedural, or the drama of a historical whodunit, there’s a story here that’s calling your name. Don’t let these titles get lost in the evidence files—start building your perfect reading lineup now.

✨ Add your favorites to My Lists and create a custom mystery collection. From your next book club pick to your latest late-night binge, your list of new release mystery books starts here!

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