Welcome, fellow thrill-seeker! If you’re the kind of person who loves staying up way past bedtime because you just have to know who the killer is—you’re in the right place. From the best mystery books and great crime series to best detective shows and a few quirky mentions like tattoos that are cool, this article has everything your crime-loving, thrill-hunting heart could ever desire.
Brought to you by Riya’s Blogs, this is your ultimate guide to the world of good crime fiction, where every turn of the page or twist in a show leaves you breathless. Whether you’re looking for criminal books to binge-read or the best thriller shows that leave you screaming “Plot twist!”—we’ve got you covered.
Why Crime and Mystery Stories Hook Us So Hard
Let’s start with the why. Why are we so obsessed with mystery novels, best thrillers, and criminal books?
It’s the thrill of the unknown. The puzzle. The adrenaline rush. We’re wired to seek answers, so every unsolved murder or mysterious disappearance taps into that core instinct. Think about it: you’re sitting on your couch, sipping tea, reading the best mystery novels, and suddenly your heart races like you’re in a real chase.
And honestly? There’s nothing quite like a smart, emotionally complex detective outwitting a criminal mastermind. Whether in books or on screen, best detective drama series give us a taste of justice, intellect, and a dash of rebellion.
Best Mystery Books That Will Keep You Up All Night
Here’s a round-up of mystery books and best mystery novels that are so good, you’ll be canceling your weekend plans just to finish them.
1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
This modern classic in good crime fiction gives us Lisbeth Salander—punk, brilliant, and complicated. Set in Sweden, this book is a cocktail of murder, corruption, family secrets, and a badass hacker with… yes, tattoos that are cool (including one on her back that made headlines worldwide). This is one of those criminal books that defines its genre. You’ll love the dark tone, the twisted family dynamics, and the way it blends mystery with tech-age realism.
2. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
This book starts off with a murder—but you won’t know who died or who killed until the very end. It dives deep into suburban secrets, mommy cliques, and domestic drama. One of the best mystery books of recent times, it’s not just about whodunit—it’s about why. And trust me, that “why” will haunt you.
3. The Reversal by Michael Connelly
No list of best detective novels would be complete without mentioning the iconic Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller. This book has courtroom tension, detective grit, and criminal psychology that feels scarily real. It’s part of a series—aka a goldmine for lovers of great crime series.
4. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Set in a small town with big secrets, this psychological thriller explores themes of self-harm, motherhood, and manipulation. Camille Preaker, the protagonist, has a unique relationship with words… let’s just say, tattoo on navel has a whole different meaning after this book. It’s raw, disturbing, and one of the best mystery novels for fans who like their crime fiction dark.
Best Detective Shows You Should Be Watching Right Now
You know what pairs perfectly with a hot drink and a cozy blanket? A binge-worthy detective drama series. Let’s dive into the best mystery shows and best thriller shows that are lighting up screens and breaking hearts.
1. Broadchurch (UK)
An idyllic seaside town, a murdered child, and two flawed but brilliant detectives. It’s atmospheric, emotional, and the mystery unfolds slowly—layer by painful layer. One of the best murder mystery shows 2023 watchers are still talking about!
2. Mindhunter (Netflix)
Ever wondered how the FBI started profiling serial killers? This is your answer. Based on real interviews with infamous criminals, this show is both chilling and cerebral. It’s not just a good crime fiction adaptation—it’s a psychological deep dive. A must-watch among best detective shows.
3. Sherlock (BBC)
A modern twist on a classic. Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock is magnetic, and the dynamic with Watson is full of wit and warmth. You’ll be solving crimes alongside them—and failing gloriously. This is best detective drama series perfection.
4. The Sinner (Netflix)
Why did she kill him? That’s the question in Season 1. And the answer? Chilling. Every season has a new mystery, and each one is emotionally rich and psychologically twisted. If you like best thrillers with deep trauma at the core—this is for you.
5. Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
It’s fresh, funny, and still manages to deliver solid murder mysteries. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez make an unlikely trio in this quirky crime comedy. A surprisingly good addition to the best mystery shows lineup.
Cool Tattoo Moments in Crime Fiction
Let’s take a fun detour for a second. You didn’t think we’d forget the iconic tattoos, did you?
From tattoo on navel symbolism in psychological thrillers to intricate back tattoos in good crime fiction, these artistic choices often say more about the character than dialogue ever could. Think of Lisbeth Salander’s dragon. It’s not just art—it’s armor. These tattoos that are cool serve as metaphors for pain, rebellion, and resilience.
And let’s be honest, you’ve probably Googled “cool tattoo ideas from mystery novels” at least once after finishing a book, right?
Best Thriller Shows That Will Wreck Your Nerves (in a good way)
If you want that edge-of-your-seat vibe, where you can’t blink or you’ll miss the killer—these are the best thriller shows that deliver.
- You (Netflix) – A twisted take on obsession. One of those best thrillers where you feel guilty for loving the anti-hero.
- Ozark (Netflix) – Not exactly a murder mystery, but filled with crime, tension, and moral ambiguity.
- True Detective (Season 1 especially) – Moody, philosophical, and horrifying in the best way. Possibly the best detective drama series of the decade.
Great Crime Series That Keep the Genre Alive
Whether it’s on TV or in print, great crime series do one thing really well: they make us want more.
From criminal books that come in trilogies (like The Millennium Trilogy) to best action-packed detective shows, the ongoing arcs and character growth make the stakes feel personal.
Even better? You don’t have to say goodbye after one season or one book. You get to stay in that twisted world just a little longer.
Top 10 Mystery Novels of All Time (That You Simply Cannot Miss)
It’s hard to pick just ten when there are hundreds of best mystery books and good crime fiction masterpieces. But these novels are timeless—each one has changed the game in its own way and defined the genre for generations. If you’re serious about mystery novels, this list is your holy grail.
1. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Ten strangers. One island. A chilling nursery rhyme. This is the queen of best mystery novels at her peak. As each guest dies, suspicion runs wild. You’ll keep guessing till the last page—and probably still get it wrong. This isn’t just a good crime fiction novel; it’s a masterclass in tension.
2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Nick and Amy look like the perfect couple—until Amy vanishes and Nick becomes the prime suspect. This is psychological suspense done right. Flynn redefined the modern thriller and gave us one of the most iconic twists ever. This book launched an entire wave of best thrillers for the 21st century.
3. The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
Welcome to the dark side. Hannibal Lecter is one of the most terrifying characters in literature—and yet, you can’t look away. This is one of those criminal books that walks the line between horror and thriller. And yes, the film adaptation is stellar, but the book is even better.
4. In the Woods by Tana French
A detective returns to the scene of his own childhood trauma—where his friends vanished, and he was found alone, with no memory. Haunting, lyrical, and emotionally gripping, this novel is one of the finest examples of good crime fiction with literary flair.
5. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Fast-paced, controversial, and filled with riddles—this global bestseller deserves its spot among the best mystery books. Follow Robert Langdon through cryptic clues, ancient secrets, and religious conspiracy in a race that makes every chapter feel like a cliffhanger.
6. The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
A supermodel falls to her death. Suicide? Or something more sinister? Cormoran Strike is a gruff yet lovable detective, and his cases always balance emotional depth with classic sleuthing. This series continues to be a staple in best detective novels conversations.
7. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
Imagine waking up every day with no memory of your life. That’s Christine’s reality. Every night she forgets everything. Every day she must piece together her truth. The tension in this book builds like a pressure cooker—and the reveal is explosive.
8. The Reaper by Nicholas Irving
Based on real military missions, this is a crime-action-thriller hybrid with real stakes. If you love your best action thrillers with a gritty realism, this delivers. Bonus points for exploring justice outside traditional law enforcement.
9. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
A travel journalist witnesses a murder on a luxury cruise… or did she? Isolated setting? Check. Unreliable narrator? Check. Deep-sea claustrophobia? Oh yes. One of the best mystery novels for a weekend binge.
10. The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
A refreshing, gentle twist to the genre. Set in Botswana, this novel follows Precious Ramotswe as she solves cases with wit, wisdom, and compassion. This one’s a heartwarming entry among best detective novels, proving not all mysteries have to be dark to be brilliant.
Best Detective Drama Series to Binge This Weekend
Now let’s talk about best detective shows that have completely redefined the TV crime genre. Whether you’re looking for cerebral puzzles, character-driven arcs, or fast-paced thrillers, this list has something for every kind of sleuth.
🔍 Luther (BBC)
Idris Elba delivers one of the most intense performances in a detective drama series. Luther is brilliant, reckless, and emotionally volatile—and the criminals he chases are even scarier. One of the best murder mystery shows 2023 still couldn’t top its raw energy.
🔍 Veronica Mars (Hulu)
A teen detective balancing high school and heartbreak while solving murders? Yes, please! This one’s a cult favorite among popular mystery shows, with sharp writing and an unforgettable lead performance by Kristen Bell.
🔍 Elementary (CBS)
A modern-day Sherlock Holmes in New York, with Lucy Liu as Watson. This reimagining deserves major credit for tackling addiction, trauma, and complex cases while still honoring the original spirit of the stories.
🔍 Mare of Easttown (HBO)
One of the most talked-about best detective shows in recent years. Kate Winslet plays a small-town cop trying to solve a murder while dealing with personal grief, gossip, and an unraveling community. Gritty, realistic, and totally gripping.
🔍 Happy Valley (Netflix)
Don’t let the name fool you—this British show is a bleak, emotional rollercoaster. Sgt. Catherine Cawood is one of the strongest female leads in best detective drama series, and the writing is simply brilliant.
Bonus: Tattoos That Are Cool (Inspired by Crime Fiction)
Let’s take a short (but fun) detour. Crime fiction lovers don’t just want to read their favorite stories—they want to wear them too. Inspired by characters like Lisbeth Salander or the cryptic symbols in The Da Vinci Code, tattoos that are cool in this genre often feature:
- Coordinates to mystery locations
- Latin quotes or riddles
- Tiny fingerprint or magnifying glass symbols
- Gothic ravens or dragon tattoos
- Even creative spins on a tattoo on navel that links to hidden meanings in a book or show
For die-hard fans, getting inked becomes a tribute to the stories that left a mark—not just on the skin, but on the soul.
Final Thoughts: Why Mystery and Crime Will Always Be in Style
Here’s the truth: good crime fiction never goes out of fashion. Whether you’re unraveling secrets in mystery books, gasping at twists in the best thriller shows, or binge-watching best detective drama series on a lazy Sunday—this genre feeds our curiosity like no other.
So go ahead and explore. Try a criminal book you’ve never heard of. Rewatch that great crime series from a decade ago. Start your own list of best mystery novels and pass it along.
And hey—if you’re wondering what to read or watch next, you know where to come. Riya’s Blogs is always here with the next page-turner, the next detective show worth your time, and maybe even the next tattoo idea that says, “I love mysteries.”
Want to read a bit more? Find some more of my writings here-
The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Magical NYE Home Party
The Living Manuscript: Mysterious Short Story
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