Meet New Books

Books Like...

A groundbreaking classic that redefined detective fiction - ingenious, twisty, and essential reading for mystery fans.

If you liked The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, here are the top 100 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Hercule Poirot)

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
    Save:

    A dark, brilliantly-crafted mystery that keeps you guessing from start to finish - a must-read for any fan of suspense and clever plotting.

    Ten people who don't know each other are invited by a Mr. Owen to spend their holidays on an island where there is nothing but a big mansion. After dinner a recording say them that in fact they are there to pay fot crimes they did in the past. The accusations are well founded and unable to leave the house, the guests are being killed off one by one in mysterious murder. The heartlessness of one particular character was the biggest surprise, and the figurine removal added to the tension. Each character struggles with their sordid past, while outwardly justifying themselves and denying guilt. The ten attempt to socialize and dine with one another, despite the fact that they know one of their number intends to murder them all.

    He went over in his mind all that had appeared in the papers about Soldier Island. There had been its original purchase by an American millionaire who was crazy about yachting—and an account of the lu...
    1939
    261 pages

  2. #2

    Murder at the Vicarage - Miss Marple by Agatha Christie
    Save:

    A charming, quintessential Christie cozy mystery with heaps of village intrigue and clever misdirection - the perfect introduction to Miss Marple and a delight for classic mystery fans, even if she doesn't steal the show just yet.

    "Murder at the Vicarage" by Agatha Christie is the first in the Miss Marple series, introducing the beloved character of Miss Jane Marple. Set in the village of St. Mary Mead, the story revolves around the murder of Colonel Protheroe in the vicar's study, leading to a plethora of suspects with motives to kill him. Miss Marple, an elderly and astute observer of human nature, takes it upon herself to uncover the truth behind the murder, despite facing resistance from the police and village residents.

    Narrated by the vicar, the plot unfolds with intricate details, red herrings, and a cleverly laid out mystery that keeps readers engaged. The story showcases the village life, social dynamics, and the sharp wit of Miss Marple as she navigates through the suspects and clues to ultimately solve the murder, highlighting Agatha Christie's masterful storytelling and suspenseful writing style.

    It is difficult to know quite where to begin this story, but I have fixed my choice on a certain Wednesday at luncheon at the Vicarage. The conversation, though in the main irrelevant to the matter in...
    1930
    280 pages

  3. #3

    Crooked House by Agatha Christie
    Save:

    An offbeat, well-crafted country house mystery with a memorable cast and a satisfying, chilling twist - no wonder it's one of Christie’s own favorites. Perfect for those who like their mysteries clever, their secrets juicy, and their endings unforgettable.

    Crooked House by Agatha Christie is a standalone murder mystery novel that revolves around the murder of wealthy Aristide Leonides in his lavish yet peculiar house. The story follows Charles Hayward, a young man in love with Aristide's granddaughter Sophia, as he gets entangled in the investigation to uncover the murderer among the dysfunctional Leonides family members. With unexpected twists and vivid character portrayals, the book unfolds a classic whodunit plot set in a sprawling mansion in the English countryside, keeping readers engaged till the very end.

    The narrative of Crooked House is filled with suspense, intrigue, and a touch of creepiness that builds up as the story progresses. Agatha Christie masterfully weaves a tale where every family member and even the staff become suspects in the murder, creating a tangled web of motives, alibis, and secrets. The book not only presents a compelling mystery but also delves into the complexities of family dynamics, showcasing Christie's talent for crafting engaging plots and memorable characters in a non-traditional detective story.

    I first came to know Sophia Leonides in Egypt towards the end of the war. She held a fairly high administrative post in one of the Foreign Office departments out there. I knew her first in an official...
    1948
    222 pages

  4. #4

    The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
    Save:

    A fast, addictive psychological thriller with an audacious twist - devour it for the jaw-dropping finale, but don't expect deep literary nuance. Great for suspense junkies seeking their next bingeable read!

    The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Alicia Berenson, a renowned artist who is found with her dead husband, tied to a chair and shot multiple times in the face. Alicia never speaks again and is sent to a mental institution. Theo Faber, a forensic psychologist, takes a job at the facility to treat Alicia and unravel her secrets. The book is filled with twists and turns, red herrings, and a surprising conclusion, making it a gripping and engaging read.

    The novel is centered around the relationship between Alicia, the silent patient, and Theo, the psychotherapist determined to make her speak. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's case, the story unfolds through entries from Alicia's diary and Theo's own perspective. The plot weaves together themes of mental illness, trauma, and suspense, keeping the readers guessing until the unexpected twist at the end. The Silent Patient explores complex characters and intricate storytelling, making it a compelling and thought-provoking thriller.

    They had been married for seven years. They were both artists—Alicia was a painter, and Gabriel was a well-known fashion photographer. He had a distinctive style, shooting semi-starved, semi-naked wom...
    2018
    340 pages

  5. #5

    Endless Night by Agatha Christie
    Save:

    A brooding, twisty thriller where Christie ditches her usual formula for something far more haunting and psychological - definitely worth picking up if you like your mysteries with a side of darkness and a great twist.

    Agatha Christie's 'Endless Night' is a psychological thriller that delves into the sinister and tragic tale of Michael Rogers, an Englishman who falls in love with an American heiress, Ellie, and together they build their dream home on a cursed land known as Gypsy's Acre. The narrative is written in a first-person perspective, showcasing Christie's ability to manipulate the reader's expectations in a romance turned mystery, with a chilling exploration of madness.

    The book is a departure from Christie's typical murder mysteries, focusing more on psychological study and class dynamics, with a plot that starts out as a simple analysis of privilege but evolves into a gripping exploration of obsession, fear, and deception. The writing style is simple yet poetic, creating a sense of uneasiness that grows throughout the book, leading to a brilliant plot twist at the end that leaves readers shocked.

    Did my story begin, perhaps, when I noticed the Sale Bill hanging on the wall of the George and Dragon, announcing Sale by Auction of that valuable property “The Towers,” and giving particulars of the...
    January 1967
    289 pages

  6. #6

    The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
    Save:

    A wildly original, mind-bending mystery that’s as fun as it is challenging - a must-try for puzzle lovers and genre mashup fans, but newcomers beware: buckle up, and bring your A-game!

    'The 71/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' by Stuart Turton is a complex murder mystery novel set in a country estate where the protagonist, Aiden Bishop, wakes up in a different body each day to solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle. The plot unfolds in a Groundhog Day-like scenario where Aiden must navigate through various perspectives and characters to unravel the mystery. The writing style is described as intricate, original, and engaging, offering a unique blend of genres like murder mystery, time travel, and psychological thriller.

    My mind has gone blank. I don’t know who Anna is or why I’m calling her name. I don’t even know how I got here. I’m standing in a forest, shielding my eyes from the spitting rain. My heart’s thumping,...
    September 2018
    512 pages

  7. #7

    Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
    Save:

    A masterfully moody, twisty thriller that grabs you and doesn't let go - just expect mind games and a slow start before the storm hits. Perfect for suspense fans who love a good psychological puzzle!

    'Shutter Island' by Dennis Lehane is a psychological thriller set on an island where an insane asylum is located. The story follows a detective investigating a murder on the island, only to find himself trapped there during a hurricane. The book is described as a fast-paced, gripping mystery with plenty of suspense and plot twists. The author creates a hauntingly stunning piece of work that combines psychological horror, mystery, and normal horror, keeping the readers engaged and thought-provoked till the end.

    TEDDY DANIELS’S FATHER had been a fisherman. He lost his boat to the bank in ’31 when Teddy was eleven, spent the rest of his life hiring onto other boats when they had the work, unloading freight alo...
    2003
    367 pages

  8. #8
    Magpie Murders
    Book 1 in the series:Susan Ryeland

    Magpie Murders - Susan Ryeland by Anthony Horowitz
    Save:

    A smart, playful love letter to classic mysteries that delivers two satisfying puzzles for the price of one. Perfect for fans of clever whodunnits and literary in-jokes - less ideal for those craving gritty realism or emotional gravitas.

    'Magpie Murders' by Anthony Horowitz is a cleverly crafted mystery novel that presents a story within a story. It follows Susan Ryeland, an editor, as she delves into the mysteries surrounding a manuscript by a popular author, Alan Conway, which goes missing after his suspicious death. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the traditional British whodunit style of Conway's manuscript and the real-life mystery Susan finds herself entangled in, creating a metafictional delight for mystery fans. expertly pays homage to classic detective novels while offering a fresh and inventive take on the genre.

    The writing style of 'Magpie Murders' is described as intelligent, classic, and reminiscent of Agatha Christie's works, with intricate plots, well-developed characters, and clever narrative devices. The book's structure, with two interconnected mysteries and a metafictional approach, keeps readers engaged and guessing until the satisfying conclusion. Horowitz's ability to blend different writing styles, explore themes of crime fiction, and deliver unexpected twists and turns throughout the narrative showcases his talent as a mystery writer.

    A bottle of wine. A family-sized packet of Nacho Cheese Flavoured Tortilla Chips and a jar of hot salsa dip. A packet of cigarettes on the side (I know, I know). The rain hammering against the windows...
    2011
    480 pages

  9. #9

    The Guest List by Lucy Foley
    Save:

    A binge-worthy, atmospheric whodunit that cleverly keeps you guessing - ideal for fans of modern, character-driven mysteries (though the twists and structure aren't for everyone).

    'The Guest List' by Lucy Foley is a suspenseful thriller set on a remote Irish island where a wedding turns deadly. The plot unfolds through multiple character perspectives, revealing secrets, lies, and motives for murder. The writing style is described as engaging, with a fluid timeline, clever plotting, and a gripping atmosphere reminiscent of Big Little Lies.

    In an instant, everything is in darkness. The band stop their playing. Inside the marquee the wedding guests squeal and clutch at one another. The light from the candles on the tables only adds to the...
    March 2020
    344 pages

  10. #10

    A Murder Is Announced - Miss Marple by Agatha Christie
    Save:

    A clever, cozy, and twist-filled Miss Marple mystery - perfect for fans of classic detective stories and those who love a puzzle that keeps you guessing till the end.

    In the small village of Chipping Cleghorn, an announcement in the local newspaper about a murder to take place at Little Paddocks intrigues the residents. What starts as a possible joke or party invitation turns into a real murder attempt, leading to a complex mystery involving eccentric characters and unexpected events. The story unfolds with Miss Marple using her wit and keen observational skills to help solve the crime, revealing hidden secrets and surprising twists in a classic Agatha Christie style.

    The plot of 'A Murder Is Announced' by Agatha Christie revolves around a murder announcement that turns into a real crime, leading to a series of events that keep the readers guessing until the end. With a mix of quirky characters, clever plotting, and unexpected revelations, the book offers a glimpse into English village life post-World War II, showcasing Christie's talent for crafting intricate mysteries with engaging narratives and surprising outcomes.

    Between 7.30 and 8.30 every morning except Sundays, Johnnie Butt made the round of the village of Chipping Cleghorn on his bicycle, whistling vociferously through his teeth, and alighting at each hous...
    1950
    308 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Miss Marple )

Page 1 of 10Next Page