10 Mystery Books in the Philippines 2023

From the outside looking in, Nick and Amy Dunne’s relationship was the textbook definition of a perfect marriage. However, things changed when Amy suddenly goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary and frames Nick for her apparent murder. Full of unexpected twists and turns, readers are kept on the edge of their seats as the couple engages in a battle of wits against each other.

Gillian Flynn's mystery-thriller novel claimed the #1 spot as the New York Times Bestseller during its release in 2012. It has also won the Goodreads Choice Award under the Mystery & Thriller category in the same year. 

Jesuit priests and forensic experts Gus Saenz and Jerome Lucero are tasked to perform an investigation regarding the murders of young boys in an impoverished slum area in Payatas. 

While trying to pin down the killer and give justice to the victims, the protagonists are caught up in tensions between people of authority and the plight of the ordinary citizens. 

Smaller and Smaller Circles sheds a light on significant social issues while engaging the readers with its heart-racing and interesting storyline. Batacan’s masterpiece has won the prestigious Carlos Palanca Grand Prize 3 years after its initial release. Shortly after, the novel won the National Book Award as well as the Madrigal-Gonzalez Award Best First Book Award. 

Based on a true story, Lost Girls gives tribute to the lives of five girls who were helplessly killed by an unknown killer in Long Island. It discusses the sad reality that police investigations seem to slow down once their families reveal their occupation. More importantly, this book aims to destroy the stereotypes that most people have about sex workers and sheds a light on the lack of justice for these victims.

This chilling mystery-memoir has been praised by the New York Times, the Guardian, and the Boston Globe for its magnificent storytelling and flawless transition between recounting the victims’ life and discussing the crime that has happened. 

One reviewer has even mentioned that Kolker did a good job in “personifying” the girls since they were people too who had dreams and aspirations just like everybody else.

The novel begins with the murder of Jacques Saunière, a curator at the Louvre museum, who was shot dead by a monk called Silas. It was then revealed that Saunière left a series of cryptic clues that only selected people can decode. Hence, the police enlist the help of acclaimed symbolist Robert Langdon and renowned cryptographer Sophie Neveu in order to solve the mystery. 

As the story progresses, the clues get more complicated which the two protagonists have to solve to the best of their abilities.

Dan Brown’s second installment of the Robert Landon series was named Book of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2005. It has sold over 80 million copies worldwide and is praised by most literary critics.

Despite its success, however, it has been a subject of criticism due to claims about the novel’s historical, scientific, and religious inaccuracies. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a high-action mystery novel, then this book is for you!

In this Agatha Christie classic, ten strangers are invited to an isolated island by hosts Mr. And Mrs. U.N. Owen, a wordplay of the anonymity of the latter. The promise of luxury and prestige convinces them to accept the invitation despite the risk. 

When the group has gathered into a room, a recording plays which accuses each person of a crime. Shortly after, a guest dies and the main characters have to figure out who the killer is while trying to survive.

Renowned mystery author Agatha Christie has gained praise for this novel due to its unique plot and shocking twists. Published in 1939, it has been regarded as one of the most bestselling mystery novels of all time and is still relevant up to this day.

Lydia Lee was the perfect daughter. Never one to cause trouble, she always followed her parents' wishes and was regarded as the favorite child. Thus, her death comes as a shock which forces her family to confront their inner demons and deep-set issues. On top of that, they would soon discover that Lydia has been living a different life all along.

Celeste Ng’s debut novel has been named the Amazon Book of the Year in 2014 and has won multiple awards in the United States. Besides being an award-winning book, this novel discusses and incorporates important issues such as racism and queer identity.

Jessica Chamberlain, a recently divorced mother of two, is trying to start anew after her painful breakup. However, a phone call and a mysterious death changes her life even more. Based on the clues that she has gathered, Jess learns that these unfortunate events are linked to the adoption of her son Gabriel. 

This book presents a heart-wrenching twist to your usual mystery stories. Baart’s novel has been praised by literary enthusiasts and critics for its tasteful incorporation of adoption in the mystery genre. Also, the well-timed twists and gripping storyline will keep you reading until the very last page.

The 23rd book in the Alphabet Series follows the story of Kinsey Millhone, a private investigator who is trying to solve the mystery behind her former colleague’s murder and a homeless person’s sudden passing. 

Once ruled out as two separate cases, she begins to discover a link between the two deaths. However, as she investigates further and gets tangled in a series of interconnecting scenarios, she puts her life at risk.

One notable contribution that the late Sue Grafton made in the mystery genre is the introduction of female detectives in the aforementioned category, which was unfortunately uncommon during that time. In addition to that, the award-winning author is known for her distinct writing style which keeps readers coming back for more.

Sherlock Holmes has become a household name in the mystery genre ever since his inception. Holmes is known for his wit and great attention to detail, which makes him a well-known private detective in London. His right hand, Dr. Watson, also joins him on most of his adventures.

Due to Holmes’ widespread influence in all forms of media, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation was awarded as the most portrayed literary character in film and television by the Guinness Book of World Records. His relevance still rings true today with fans creating clubs in honor of the beloved character.

In the first installment of the series, the story revolves around finding a missing will written by a wealthy man named Josiah Crowley, who has recently passed away. 

As she tries to piece the puzzle together, Nancy Drew gets involved in a battle between the greedy Tophams and Crowley’s other relatives who would like to get their share of the inheritance. Nancy Drew then spends her time in order to help the latter claim what is rightfully theirs.

Nancy Drew is almost synonymous with the mystery genre and is well-loved by children and adults alike. Dubbed as the female version of the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew teaches young children to be cautious about their surroundings and to stand up for what is right.