best standalone detective novels

One of the best is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery with a unique protagonist, Lisbeth Salander. Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. The plot twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat. And 'In the Woods' by Tana French is also excellent. It combines elements of a detective's past and a present - day mystery.

Sure. 'The Westing Game' by Ellen Raskin is a fun and accessible standalone detective novel for beginners. It has a group of characters all vying to solve the mystery of a will. 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie is also very suitable. It's set on a train and has a cleverly constructed mystery. And 'The Secret of Chimneys' by Agatha Christie is a great starter. It has an international flavor with lots of suspects and a convoluted plot.

One of the best is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. It has a richly detailed world, a compelling protagonist in Kvothe, and a story full of magic and mystery. The way Rothfuss weaves the past and present narratives is masterful.

Some of the best standalone novels include 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding. This novel shows how a group of boys stranded on an island descend into chaos and savagery. 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte is another wonderful standalone. It tells the story of a young woman's journey through love, self - discovery, and independence. Additionally, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde is a great standalone. It explores the idea of beauty, sin, and the consequences of a hedonistic lifestyle.

Some of the top standalone romance novels are 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger. It has a very original concept of a man who time - travels and his relationship with his wife. 'The Rosie Project' by Graeme Simsion is a charming and humorous love story about a genetics professor trying to find the perfect partner and falling for Rosie. 'Call Me By Your Name' by André Aciman is a beautiful exploration of first love between Elio and Oliver set in Italy. The descriptions of their emotions and the Italian setting add to the allure of the love story.

Some of the top standalone YA novels include 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It's set during World War II and is narrated by Death, which gives it a very unique perspective. 'A Monster Calls' by Patrick Ness is another great one. It beautifully combines elements of fantasy and dealing with grief. 'Looking for Alaska' by John Green is also a popular choice as it delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life.

The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins is also great. The story is told from the perspective of an unreliable narrator, which adds to the mystery. It involves a missing woman and the web of secrets and lies that surround her disappearance, making it a really engaging thriller.

I would also recommend 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. This classic mystery novel is set on an isolated island. As the guests start to die one by one, the mystery deepens. Christie is a master of the genre, and this book is a prime example of her ability to create a suspenseful and engaging mystery.

One of the best is 'Locke & Key' by Joe Hill. It has a great blend of horror, mystery, and family drama. The story revolves around a family who moves into a mysterious house filled with keys that have strange powers, and there are terrifying creatures lurking. Another good one is 'Through the Woods' by Emily Carroll. Her unique art style enhances the spooky tales within.

One of the best is 'A Discovery of Witches' by Deborah Harkness. It combines elements of magic, vampires, and witches in a very engaging way. The story follows Diana, a witch, and her relationship with a vampire. Another great one is 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern, which has a dreamy, magical atmosphere with a touch of mystery and a love story at its core. And 'Beauty and the Werewolf' by Mercedes Lackey is also a top pick, with a unique take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale in a paranormal setting.