The Top Mystery Novels of 2017 That Kept Us Guessing

If you’re a fan of gripping plots, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists, then the mystery genre is likely one of your favourites. In 2017, several outstanding mystery novels were published that enthralled readers with their suspenseful narratives.

“The Dry” by Jane Harper

In her debut novel, Jane Harper takes us to a small Australian town where secrets run deep and tensions simmer beneath the surface. When Federal Agent Aaron Falk returns to his hometown for a funeral, he becomes embroiled in a decades-old mystery that threatens to unravel the community.

“Magpie Murders” by Anthony Horowitz

This cleverly crafted novel by Anthony Horowitz is a mystery within a mystery. Editor Susan Ryeland delves into the manuscript of renowned author Alan Conway’s latest book and uncovers dark truths that mirror real-life events. Prepare to be captivated by this meta whodunit.

“The Lying Game” by Ruth Ware

Ruth Ware delivers another gripping tale in “The Lying Game,” where four friends reunite after years apart to confront a shared secret from their past. As lies unravel and tensions rise, the line between truth and deception blurs in this atmospheric thriller.

“Bluebird, Bluebird” by Attica Locke

Set in East Texas, Attica Locke’s novel follows African American Texas Ranger Darren Mathews as he investigates two murders in a racially charged community. With its rich sense of place and complex characters, “Bluebird, Bluebird” is a compelling exploration of justice and identity.

“The Child Finder” by Rene Denfeld

In this hauntingly beautiful novel, Rene Denfeld introduces us to Naomi, a private investigator known as the Child Finder who specialises in locating missing children. When she takes on the case of Madison Culver, who vanished three years ago in Oregon’s snowy wilderness, Naomi is drawn into a harrowing search for truth.

These are just a few of the standout mystery novels from 2017 that captivated readers with their suspenseful storytelling and unforgettable characters. Whether you enjoy traditional whodunits or psychological thrillers, these books offer twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.

 

Top 9 Reasons Why 2017’s Best Mystery Novels Captivate Readers

1. Engaging and suspenseful plots that keep readers hooked from start to finish.
2. Intriguing and well-developed characters that add depth to the story.
3. Cleverly crafted twists and turns that surprise and delight readers.
4. Atmospheric settings that enhance the overall mystery and suspense of the narrative.
5. Thought-provoking themes that prompt reflection on deeper issues within society.
6. Expertly paced storytelling that maintains tension throughout the novel.
7. Multiple layers of mystery that unfold gradually, keeping readers guessing until the end.
8. Innovative approaches to the genre that offer fresh perspectives on classic mystery tropes.
9. Compelling narratives that blend traditional mystery elements with contemporary themes.

 

Criticisms of 2017’s Mystery Novels: Pacing, Complexity, Content, Endings, and Diversity

1. Some readers may find the pacing of certain mystery novels in 2017 to be slow, requiring patience to unravel the plot.
2. Complex storylines in some mystery novels of 2017 could lead to confusion or difficulty in following multiple narrative threads.
3. Certain mystery novels from 2017 may contain graphic or disturbing content that could be unsettling for sensitive readers.
4. Readers who prefer straightforward resolutions may find the ambiguous endings of some mystery novels from 2017 unsatisfying.
5. Limited diversity in protagonists and settings across some mystery novels of 2017 may not offer varied representation for all readers.

Engaging and suspenseful plots that keep readers hooked from start to finish.

The best mystery novels of 2017 are celebrated for their engaging and suspenseful plots that effortlessly captivate readers from the very first page to the final sentence. These gripping narratives are expertly crafted to keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages as they unravel intricate mysteries, piece together clues, and navigate thrilling twists and turns. With each revelation and unexpected development, these novels masterfully maintain a sense of intrigue and excitement that ensures readers remain hooked until the satisfying conclusion.

Intriguing and well-developed characters that add depth to the story.

The best mystery novels of 2017 stood out for their intriguing and well-developed characters that added significant depth to the stories. From flawed detectives grappling with personal demons to enigmatic suspects with hidden motives, these characters breathed life into the narratives, making them more engaging and immersive. Their complexities and nuances not only kept readers guessing about the whodunit but also provided insight into human nature and the intricacies of the human psyche. In a genre where character-driven storytelling is paramount, the memorable cast of characters in these novels truly elevated the reading experience, leaving a lasting impact on audiences long after the final page was turned.

Cleverly crafted twists and turns that surprise and delight readers.

The standout feature of the best mystery novels of 2017 lies in their cleverly crafted twists and turns that consistently surprise and delight readers. From unexpected plot revelations to intricate character developments, these novels masterfully navigate the art of keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Each twist serves as a breadcrumb leading towards a thrilling conclusion, ensuring that readers are constantly engaged and eager to uncover the next surprising revelation. It is this skilful manipulation of suspense and surprise that sets these mystery novels apart and cements their status as must-reads for fans of the genre.

Atmospheric settings that enhance the overall mystery and suspense of the narrative.

The atmospheric settings portrayed in the best mystery novels of 2017 serve as more than just backgrounds; they become integral elements that heighten the overall mystery and suspense of the narrative. From the eerie small Australian town in “The Dry” to the racially charged community of East Texas in “Bluebird, Bluebird,” these settings create a palpable sense of tension and intrigue. The evocative descriptions of landscapes, weather, and local customs immerse readers in the story’s world, adding layers of complexity to the plot and enhancing the atmospheric quality that keeps us on the edge of our seats throughout these captivating mysteries.

Thought-provoking themes that prompt reflection on deeper issues within society.

The best mystery novels of 2017 not only entertained readers with their intricate plots and suspenseful twists but also delved into thought-provoking themes that prompted reflection on deeper issues within society. Through compelling narratives and well-crafted characters, these novels explored complex social issues, ethical dilemmas, and moral questions that resonated with readers long after they turned the final page. By intertwining mystery with profound reflections on human nature and societal norms, these books offered a unique blend of entertainment and introspection, making them truly stand out in the literary landscape of 2017.

Expertly paced storytelling that maintains tension throughout the novel.

The standout pro of the best mystery novels of 2017 lies in their expertly paced storytelling, which skillfully maintains tension and suspense throughout the entire narrative. These novels masterfully weave together intricate plots, compelling characters, and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The gradual build-up of suspense, coupled with well-timed revelations and cliffhangers, creates a gripping reading experience that leaves audiences eagerly turning pages to unravel the mysteries concealed within the storylines.

Multiple layers of mystery that unfold gradually, keeping readers guessing until the end.

One of the standout features of the best mystery novels of 2017 is their ability to weave multiple layers of intrigue that unfurl gradually throughout the story, leaving readers constantly guessing and second-guessing as they navigate through the twists and turns. These novels masterfully build suspense by revealing clues and secrets bit by bit, creating a sense of anticipation and mystery that keeps readers hooked until the very last page. The gradual unfolding of mysteries adds depth to the storytelling, allowing for a more immersive reading experience that challenges readers to piece together the puzzle alongside the characters.

Innovative approaches to the genre that offer fresh perspectives on classic mystery tropes.

One notable pro of the best mystery novels of 2017 is their innovative approaches to the genre, which provide fresh perspectives on classic mystery tropes. Authors in this selection have skillfully reimagined traditional elements of mystery storytelling, injecting new life into familiar themes and plot devices. By challenging conventions and introducing unique narrative structures, these novels push the boundaries of the genre and offer readers a refreshing take on age-old mysteries, captivating them with originality and creativity.

Compelling narratives that blend traditional mystery elements with contemporary themes.

The best mystery novels of 2017 stood out for their compelling narratives that expertly blended traditional mystery elements with contemporary themes. These novels skillfully wove together classic whodunit plots with modern issues, creating a captivating reading experience that resonated with audiences. By infusing age-old mystery tropes with relevant societal topics, such as identity, justice, and morality, these books offered a fresh take on the genre while keeping readers on the edge of their seats with suspenseful twists and turns.

Some readers may find the pacing of certain mystery novels in 2017 to be slow, requiring patience to unravel the plot.

For some readers, delving into the best mystery novels of 2017 may prove to be a test of patience due to the slow pacing of certain narratives. While these books offer intricate plots and nuanced character development, the gradual unfolding of events may require readers to invest time and effort in unravelling the mysteries. However, for those who appreciate a more leisurely exploration of suspenseful tales, these novels provide a rewarding journey that culminates in satisfying revelations and unexpected twists.

Complex storylines in some mystery novels of 2017 could lead to confusion or difficulty in following multiple narrative threads.

The intricate and multifaceted storylines found in certain mystery novels of 2017 posed a challenge for readers, as navigating through multiple narrative threads could sometimes result in confusion or difficulty in following the plot. While complexity can add depth and intrigue to a story, it also requires a heightened level of attention and engagement from the reader to piece together the various elements and unravel the mysteries woven throughout the narrative. For some, the intricate storytelling techniques employed in these novels may have presented a barrier to fully immersing themselves in the plot, highlighting the fine balance between complexity and clarity in crafting a compelling mystery novel.

Certain mystery novels from 2017 may contain graphic or disturbing content that could be unsettling for sensitive readers.

Certain mystery novels from 2017 may contain graphic or disturbing content that could be unsettling for sensitive readers. While these novels excel in building tension and suspense, some scenes or themes may involve violence, explicit language, or disturbing imagery that could potentially trigger discomfort or unease in those who prefer milder content. It is important for readers to be aware of the nature of the content in these mystery novels before delving into them, ensuring that they are prepared for the darker and more intense elements that may be present within the pages.

Readers who prefer straightforward resolutions may find the ambiguous endings of some mystery novels from 2017 unsatisfying.

For readers who appreciate clear-cut conclusions and neatly tied-up endings, the ambiguous resolutions found in certain mystery novels of 2017 may prove to be a source of dissatisfaction. While ambiguity can add depth and complexity to a story, leaving room for interpretation and discussion, it can also leave some readers craving closure and definitive answers. The nuanced and open-ended conclusions in these novels may challenge readers to think beyond the final page, but for those seeking more definitive resolutions, the ambiguity could leave them feeling unsettled or unfulfilled.

Limited diversity in protagonists and settings across some mystery novels of 2017 may not offer varied representation for all readers.

In reflecting on the best mystery novels of 2017, it is important to acknowledge a significant drawback observed in some works within the genre. A notable con was the limited diversity in protagonists and settings across certain mystery novels of that year. This lack of varied representation may have hindered some readers from seeing themselves reflected in the stories or exploring different cultural perspectives. By broadening the range of characters and settings in mystery fiction, authors have the opportunity to offer a more inclusive reading experience that resonates with a wider audience and enriches the genre as a whole.