Well, if you like a classic, 'Bleak House' by Charles Dickens has elements of mystery within the London setting. It delves deep into the complex web of society. 'The Big Four' by Agatha Christie is also a good pick. It features her famous detective Hercule Poirot solving mysteries in London. And then there's 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson which is set in London and is full of mystery about the duality of man.
One great London mystery novel is 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins. It's often considered one of the first detective novels. Another is 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes' adventures in London are iconic and full of mystery. Also, 'The Woman in Black' by Susan Hill is a spooky mystery set in a desolate London landscape.
Another one is 'The Rosie Project' by Graeme Simsion. While not strictly only about London, it has a lot of the city's essence in it. The protagonist's journey in love is both funny and touching, and the London scenes are quite vivid. There are also the cultural elements of London that are interwoven into the story, making it a great read for those who love London - set romances.
Well, 'Good Omens' by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman is a must - read. Although it's not solely focused on London, it has significant parts set in this city. It's a hilarious and thought - provoking take on the apocalypse. Then there's 'The Dark Is Rising' sequence which includes elements of London and is a classic in the fantasy genre, full of ancient magic and a battle between good and evil. Also, 'The London Eye Mystery' is a great choice for younger readers, with a touch of mystery and fantasy set against the backdrop of London.
Another great one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines mystery, crime, and a strong female lead. The story is set in Sweden and involves a journalist and a hacker investigating a decades - old disappearance. It has a gritty atmosphere and a really engaging mystery to solve.
One great French mystery novel is 'The Chalet' by Catherine Cooper. It has a very engaging plot filled with suspense. The setting in the French Alps adds to the mystery and isolation. Another is 'The Murder on the Links' by Agatha Christie (although she was English, it's set in France). It has a classic whodunit feel with a complex web of characters.
One great Halloween mystery novel is 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' by Washington Irving. It's a classic that combines mystery and the spooky atmosphere of Halloween with the headless horseman. Another is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. The mystery of Count Dracula's existence and his actions in Transylvania and England is really engaging. Also, 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley has elements of mystery as we wonder about the creation of the monster and the consequences that follow.
One of the best mystery thriller novels is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns. The characters are well - developed and the story keeps you on the edge of your seat. You'll be constantly guessing what will happen next as the relationship between the two main characters unfolds in a very unexpected way.
Another is 'Diary of a Madman' by Lu Xun. Although it's not a typical mystery in the modern sense, it contains elements of psychological mystery. The exploration of the protagonist's 'mad' state and the hidden social critique within the text are quite thought - provoking.
One great top British mystery novel is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It's a classic with a very unique and suspenseful plot where ten people are lured to an island and start getting killed off one by one. The mystery keeps you guessing until the very end.
You could start with 'Malice' also by Keigo Higashino. It's a complex tale of envy and murder, full of twists and turns. Higashino is really good at creating mind - boggling mysteries. And then there's 'Ring' by Koji Suzuki. This one is famous for its creepy atmosphere and the mystery surrounding a cursed videotape that kills people who watch it within a week.
The Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle is also a must - read. Holmes' brilliant deductive reasoning as he solves various murder mysteries in Victorian London is truly captivating. Stories like 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' are filled with mystery, danger, and intrigue.