Dueling Detectives is a monthly library program I co-host with my co-worker and fellow mystery lover, Adena. We join virtually as we pit two fictional literary detectives together and ask our audience members who would solve the case first. We have been doing this for close to three years, and we have a lot of fun doing them!
Just like last year, we decided to list our favorite mysteries of the year so far. Between both of us, Adena and I have read about 88 books in 2024 so far, so we had a lot of mysteries and thrillers to choose from. However, the following books are the best of what 2024 offers. So here are the Dueling Detectives duo’s top mysteries of 2024 so far:
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett.
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is a perfect read for fans of true crime books and podcasts. You don’t know the truth until you look into it, but this book also looks at how far a person will go to get the truth out and how it can be altered over the years. That’s all I can say because I don’t want to give too much away! However, if you are looking for a mind-bending and twisty mystery, then this latest by Hallett is a must-read!
The Gathering by C.J. Tudor
When a boy is found with all the blood drained from his body, Detective Barbara Atkins must determine if a member of the Colony, an ostracized community of vampires, is responsible or if she’s dealing with a twisted psychopath as she uncovers secrets darker than she ever could’ve imagined.
The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
Me: One of my favorite mysteries, let alone books of 2024! Even though I read this book last year, it is still a title that I still think about. There isn’t another title out there like this, and the way that Turton brings the speculative and mystery genre together is pure genius.
The New Couple In 5B by Lisa Unger
Adena: This book is perfect combination of real-life mystery and supernatural. I would consider this to be a medium spooky/medium ghost story. What I mean is that there is a ghost story element but it is not the main story. The premise of this really reminded me of Lock Every Door in the beginning, but then it went in a totally different direction. It’s basically every New Yorker’s dream gone wrong.
A Game of Lies by Clare Mackintosh
Me: Ffion Morgan is not like the other detectives you see in books or on TV but there is something about Morgan’s blunt but relatable personality makes you as the reader except her flaws and continue to root for her throughout the book. But let us not forget the heart-racing mystery that Mackintosh has written. Mixed with social commentary about reality television, an intricately plotted thriller with a list of suspects, and beautiful Welsh mountain backdrop, Mackintosh truly excelled at this one and Mystery Fans will have a fun time reading this one from an excellent storyteller.
Murder Road by Simone St. James
Adena: This book is full of spooky elements, with the ghost story at the center. But despite that, Murder Road feels grounded in reality. And I think that is because of the 2 main characters. The characters actually behave believably for people being investigated by the police. The 2 featured characters are really ahead of their time regarding true crime. If this book was set in the present day, they would host a podcast, and it was fun to see how true crime would work in the ’90s.
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
From world-renowned author Holly Jackson comes a mind-blowing masterpiece about one girl’s search for the truth, and the terror in finding out who your family really is. (Credit: Delacorte Press)
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
Adena: I am sure everyone is tired of unreliable narrators, but this one is a little different in the way the narrator directly speaks to the reader. In both meta-narratives, the narrator talks to the audience but tells a convoluted story, but the narrator doesn’t beat you over the head in the same way other narrators do. The last 100 or so pages of this book are bonkers, but in a good way. You will also have a fun tie-in/easter egg for people who read The Silent Patient.
Wander In The Dark by Jumata Emill
Me: This was not only a fast-paced YA thriller where people would kill to prevent a truth to be revealed, but also a diverse mystery where it displays with great detail the brother relationship that I absolutely loved reading. You will find yourself so engrossed in this mystery from beginning to end.
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
Adena’s Pick: In the latest jaw-dropping thriller from New York Times bestselling author Riley Sager, a man must contend with the long-ago disappearance of his childhood best friend–and the dark secrets lurking just beyond the safe confines of his picture-perfect neighborhood. The worst thing to ever happen on Hemlock Circle occurred in Ethan Marsh’s backyard. (Credit: Dutton)
Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Me: I loved Ace of Spades and was so thrilled when Faridah announced her next novel, and I was so excited to read it. And I’m happy to say that “Where Sleeping Girls Lie” so far does not disappoint. This YA novel has everything I am looking for: engaging mystery, dark academic setting, realistic teens (it might be outrageous what they do, but the actions and personalities were authentic), and Diverse characters…this book had everything! Most importantly, it has a story that grips me from the beginning, giving me both chills and excitement. Faridah’s writing is compelling and insightful and entertains you with a thrilling story.
The Atlas Maneuver by Steve Berry
Adena: This is book 18 of the Cotton Malone series, so it is definitely formulaic, but it’s a formula I like. A former government operative agent, similar to the CIA, keeps getting drawn back into the game. You don’t really need to read this series for the most part. You can jump in whenever, but I think it might add context to have read some of the earlier ones for this particular one. Despite that, the author does an excellent job of explaining what happened earlier. This great historical mystery is causing tension in the present day. Perfect for readers who enjoy Dan Brown books.
The Kill List by Nadine Matheson
Me: I love Inspector Anjelica Henley! She is by far one of my favorite literary female detectives. Matheson continues to bring her to life and shine in every new instalment she writes. With this latest thriller, Matheson shines as a new voice in the thriller genre and manages to hook her readers from the first paragraph on the page.
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
Adena: This book feels like two genres in one—a survival story that turns into a murder mystery, and surprisingly, I don’t even like survival stories. Two dramatic twists that I didn’t anticipate really made this one compulsively readable. If you are watching Love is Blind UK, you need to read this. It really is a deep dive into reality TV tropes and how false they are.
Find out More About These Books By Visiting the Bookshop Links Below!
Leave a Reply