Books to Read if You Love Murder Mystery TV Shows

Considered one of the best mystery and thriller books of all time, Stieg Larsson’s masterpiece introduces readers to Lisbeth Salander, a pierced and tattooed hacker, who alongside journalist Mikael Blomkvist, investigates the decades-old disappearance of Harriet Vanger. The chilling Swedish backdrop combined with the dark narrative promises a deep dive into corruption that will resonate with fans of murder mysteries.

Erik Larson’s gripping narrative blends the architectural grandeur of the 1893 World's Fair with the chilling reality of serial killer H.H. Holmes. This true crime book is not only a well-researched history but also a suspenseful tale where two men—the fair's brilliant architect and its cunning murderer—are intertwined. The intricate storytelling keeps readers peeling back layers of intrigue and horror.

The electrifying account of the manhunt for Pablo Escobar, Colombia’s most notorious drug lord, is penned by journalist Mark Bowden. He delves into the secret details behind the missions led by U.S. military and intelligence operatives that brought down Escobar. Bowden's narrative reads like a fast-paced thriller, revealing the chaos that swept Colombia and the high-stakes battles to bring order to a nation under siege.

Enter the psychological world of Tana French with her debut novel, "In the Woods." Detective Rob Ryan is drawn back to his childhood when a girl is murdered in the same woods where he survived a traumatic incident in his youth, allowing readers to explore the complex interplay of memory and nostalgia in crime-solving. The atmospheric prose will captivate lovers of eerie murder mysteries.

Meet Dexter Morgan, a likable blood spatter analyst for the Miami police who leads a double life as a vigilante serial killer. Jeff Lindsay crafts a unique character who only targets those who have escaped justice, creating a moral dilemma that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. Readers will be drawn into Dexter's world of dark humor and suspense.

Kathy Reichs introduces forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan in this heart-pounding series. As she investigates a dismembered corpse's discovery, readers are ushered into the chilling environment of crime-solving through forensic evidence. Reichs crafts a suspenseful narrative steeped in intricate details and a complex protagonist that fans of the forensic crime genre will appreciate.

The classic true crime novel by Truman Capote recounts the brutal murder of the Clutter family in Kansas and the subsequent pursuit of their killers. Capote’s deep character explorations combined with a factual narrative weave an unsettling tale that raised the bar for literary reporting, leaving readers grappling with the complexity of human nature.

Jeffery Deaver’s thriller features Lincoln Rhyme, a former criminalist turned quadriplegic, as he partners with police detective Amelia Sachs to catch a serial killer in New York City. The meticulous attention to detail and the psychological depth of the characters make the tension palpable, drawing readers into a dark, twisted game of wits that feels like a front-row seat to a twisted game.

In this chilling thriller by Charlie Donlea, the disappearance of two girls and the return of one leads to a winding narrative filled with twists. Livia, a forensic pathologist determined to uncover the truth behind her sister’s kidnapping reveals a complex investigation that unveils past secrets, challenging readers with its unexpected turns. A compelling read for those who enjoy unraveling layers of intrigue.

Richard Lloyd Parry’s non-fiction account dives into the disappearance of British woman Lucie Blackman in Tokyo. The gripping exploration of her tragic fate gives insight into the intricacies of Japanese law and the nature of evil. This book reads like a noir mystery, revealing both the crime and the efforts to unveil the truth, ensuring that it leaves a lasting impact on its readers.