By Nithya, Grade 10
I’ve been a fan of mystery novels since childhood. My first introduction to the genre was the Nancy Drew series, a classic, and I’ve loved mystery ever since. I’ve read many books, and dabbled in mystery writing, so I know just how difficult it is to keep a reader on their toes and prevent the plot from falling victim to cliches (such as predictable red herrings or convenient coincidences). Although this list contains a diverse set of books — popular, classic, and little-known — they all have one thing in common: a wonderfully-constructed labyrinth of unpredictable twists and turns.
1. The Nancy Drew Diaries by Carolyn Keene
Although loyal fans of the original, yellow flashlight-cover Nancy Drew series may be hesitant to try reading this spinoff, I would highly recommend it. It takes the charm, lovable characters, and dynamic plots of the old series and places them in a modern setting. The writing is impeccable. My favorites in the series were The Magician’s Secret, Curse of the Arctic Star, and The Red Slippers.
2. Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
This is a book that truly kept me on the edge of my seat, guessing as to who the culprit was. The worldbuilding, development of characters, and writing style were all great, but what really caught my attention was the way the author built up the mystery. The author maintained the tension and pacing throughout several books (the series was so suspenseful that I binge-read all of the books in one day). It was masterfully written. I would definitely recommend it to mystery fans, and especially to aspiring writers — they will appreciate the meticulous planning that went into the book.
3. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Recently rising in popularity due to its television adaptation, this book is one of the darker ones on this list. It is a staple in YA literature and is celebrated by many, appreciated because of its relatable, unique characters and gripping writing style. I loved the different formats used throughout the book (the podcast and notes from the main character were incredibly creative), and I was surprised by the final conclusion. I would recommend it to fans of true crime — you may relate to the main character.
4. A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro
This book, and the rest of the series it’s part of, had a very interesting and realistic set of characters. I have read many Sherlock Holmes spin-offs, but this one surprised me the most. Charlotte Holmes, the main character, has many imperfections, as does Jamie Watson, her sidekick and the narrator of the story. They make her seem more real. Many Sherlock Holmes spin-offs can be unrealistic, as the main character possesses an unrealistic level of superhuman deduction. In this book, the characters were amazingly crafted, and the plot and worldbuilding were great as well. I would recommend it to fans of Sherlock Holmes.
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