In today’s post, I compiled for you some of the best new mystery books 2023 so far. From pulse-pounding psychological thrillers to classic whodunits, this year’s lineup of mystery novels is sure to keep you captivated until the very last page. Whether you’re a seasoned mystery reader or just dipping your toes into the genre, the collection below will definitely have something that will pique your interest.
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Best New Mystery Books 2023
Here is the list of the best new mystery books 2023
1. One Step Too Far: A Novel, by Lisa Gardner
One Step Too Far by Lisa Gardner is a suspenseful novel about the disappearance of Timothy O’Day during his bachelor party camping trip. Despite leaving behind a trail of clues, Timothy’s whereabouts remain a mystery, breaking his parents’ hearts and driving the other groomsmen mad with guilt.
2. The Last Remains: A Mystery, by Elly Griffiths
The Last Remains by Elly Griffiths is a mystery novel that begins when a skeleton is discovered during a café renovation, leading archeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway to investigate. The bones are determined to belong to Emily Pickering, a missing archaeology student from 2002. Ruth’s friend Cathbad becomes a suspect, along with Emily’s Cambridge tutor and others in the archaeology group. As DCI Nelson and his team investigate, they uncover a web of relationships and look for a link between the group and the café.
3. I Will Find You, by Harlan Coben
I Will Find You by Harlan Coben tells the story of David Burroughs, a man who once had a perfect life with his wife and son until his son was brutally murdered. David was wrongfully convicted of the murder and left to serve time in a maximum-security prison, without the will to fight.
However, five years later, David’s sister-in-law shows him a photograph of a boy who looks exactly like his son, taken at an amusement park. Convinced that his son is alive, David plans a dangerous escape from prison to find him and clear his name. With the FBI hot on his heels, can David evade capture long enough to uncover the truth and save his son?
4. Homecoming: A Novel, by Kate Morton
Homecoming by Kate Morton is a story that begins with a mysterious murder in 1959 in South Australia, and years later, Jess, a journalist, discovers a connection between her own family and the unsolved case. She sets out to unravel the mystery and protect the ones she loves, leading to a journey that spans generations and explores the complexities of family and loyalty
5. Twenty Years Later: A Riveting New Thriller, by Charlie Donlea
In “Twenty Years Later”, Avery Mason, a TV host, investigates the murder of a woman who was accused of killing her married lover. The victim had begged her sister to prove her innocence before she was murdered. Avery becomes involved in the investigation to negotiate a better network contract but soon realizes that there are other players in the game interested in her own secret past.
6. The New Couple: An absolutely addictive psychological thriller with a shocking twist, by Alison James
The New Couple by Alison James is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Stephanie Hamlin, who has just moved into her dream home with her husband Richard and daughter Poppy. But as the new couple on the block, Stephanie struggles to fit in and keep her complicated past hidden from her nosy neighbors. With a shocking twist, this gripping novel explores the lengths people will go to in order to protect their secrets.
7. The White Lady: A Novel, by Jacqueline Winspear
The White Lady is a novel by Jacqueline Winspear about Elinor, a former spy haunted by her past. Living in a village in rural Kent, Elinor is called upon to protect her neighbors from a dangerous organized crime gang in London. With the help of Susie, the child of a young farmworker, Elinor uncovers corruption from Scotland Yard to the highest levels of government.
8. Simply Lies: A Psychological Thriller, by David Baldacci
In “Simply Lies” by David Baldacci, single mother and former detective Mickey Gibson’s life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a dead body in a secret room while inventorying the vacant home of an arms dealer. As she tries to clear her name and keep her job, she becomes embroiled in a battle of wits with a mysterious woman with unknown motives.
9. Collateral Damage, by J.A. Jance
Collateral Damage by J.A. Jance is a thriller that follows the story of Frank Muñoz, a former cop seeking revenge after being released from prison. Meanwhile, Ali Reynolds, still grieving over her father’s death, finds herself caught up in a dangerous situation involving her husband’s car accident and a ransomware conference in London. As the mysteries surrounding High Noon Enterprises begin to unravel, Ali and her team are left wondering who is behind the attacks and if they themselves are in danger.
10. Storm Watch, by C.J. Box
Storm Watch by C.J. Box follows Joe Pickett, a Wyoming game warden, as he investigates the disappearance of a prominent professor, only to discover the man’s frozen and mutilated body. His investigation is complicated by federal agents, extremists, and the governor.
Meanwhile, Nate Romanowski, a falconer, is approached by a militant activist group demanding that Wyoming secede from the Union by force. Joe and Nate find themselves on opposite sides as a dangerous storm gathers around them.
11. Unnatural History: An Alex Delaware Novel, by Jonathan Kellerman
In “Unnatural History,” psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis investigate the murder of a wealthy photographer known for his photos of homeless people in their ideal scenarios. As they unravel the case, they encounter questions about exploitation and family ties, leading them to uncover a complex and deadly plot.
12. The Surgeon: An utterly unputdownable and pulse-pounding psychological thriller packed with twists, by Leslie Wolfe
The Surgeon by Leslie Wolfe is a thrilling psychological thriller that follows the story of a successful surgeon whose world comes crashing down after losing a patient. As she tries to deal with the aftermath, she realizes that she knows the patient and begins to fear for her own safety.
Final thoughts
Wrapping up this roundup of the best mystery books 2023, it’s clear that the genre is not just alive and well, but thriving with innovation and depth. Each story we’ve explored offers a unique escape into the unknown, with twists that challenge our perceptions and characters that stay with us long after the last page is turned. Whether it’s the emotionally charged journey of a man wrongfully imprisoned, the cold case intrigue of a journalist connecting past to present, or the harrowing battles against unseen forces both within and outside the law, these books promise to ignite the detective in all of us.
So, if you’re looking to lose yourself in tales of suspense, secrets, and the intricate puzzles of the human psyche, the titles on this list are your perfect companions as the nights grow longer and the need for a gripping story becomes just as compelling as the mysteries within their pages.
