One of the best modern mystery novels is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are well - developed, and the exploration of a troubled marriage within the mystery framework is really engaging.
'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty is a great modern mystery. It weaves together the lives of several women in a small town. The mystery lies in a death that occurs during a school event. Moriarty is brilliant at exploring female relationships, secrets, and the power dynamics within the community while keeping the reader guessing about what really happened.
Tana French's 'In the Woods' is a great modern mystery novel. It has a very atmospheric setting in Ireland. The mystery at the heart of the story is both intriguing and disturbing. French is great at creating a sense of unease and slowly revealing the secrets that lie beneath the surface.
The 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is also among them. It combines a dark mystery with a strong female lead. The story delves into a decades - old disappearance and a web of family secrets, corruption, and serial killer investigations. The unique setting in Sweden adds an extra layer of intrigue.
The 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is also highly regarded. It combines mystery, thriller, and elements of social commentary. The detailed investigations and the mysterious character of Lisbeth Salander make it a great read.
One of the best is 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins. It has a great unreliable narrator and a really engaging mystery. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you guessing until the end.
One of the best is 'The Silent Companions' by Laura Purcell. It has a creepy, old - fashioned mansion setting and a sense of unease that pervades throughout. The plot twists are excellent.
'The Thirteenth Tale' by Diane Setterfield is also excellent. It's a story full of mystery and gothic elements, centered around a famous writer's secrets. The atmosphere is very much like a traditional gothic novel, with an old mansion and a complex family history.
Well, good modern crime mystery novels often have a unique setting. It could be a gritty urban landscape or a small, seemingly idyllic town with secrets. They also usually involve some sort of detective or investigator figure, who may have their own flaws and personal issues, like in many of Tana French's novels. And they tend to play with the readers' expectations, making you think one thing is going on and then revealing something completely different.
I would recommend 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn. It's a dark and disturbing mystery that delves deep into the main character's past and the secrets of a small town. The writing is really engaging and the atmosphere is very moody.
For beginners, 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins can be a good start. It has elements of a locked - room mystery as it mainly focuses on a small set of characters and locations. The mystery is engaging and easy to follow.
Paul Halter's works, like 'The Demon of Dartmoor', are also excellent modern locked room mystery novels. His stories are full of complex puzzles and impossible situations. He often uses classic mystery elements but gives them a modern spin, making them both nostalgic and fresh for mystery lovers.