Best Private Investigator Mysteries Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 9, 2023

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Private investigator mysteries books are a thrilling and exciting genre of literature that has captivated readers for decades. These books typically follow a private investigator as they solve complex cases, ranging from missing persons to murder mysteries. The characters are often complex and flawed, adding depth and intrigue to the story. Readers are drawn in by the suspenseful plot twists and the challenge of trying to solve the case alongside the protagonist. Private investigator mysteries books are perfect for anyone who loves a good mystery and enjoys trying to solve puzzles. With a wide variety of titles available, there is something for every reader to enjoy.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

The Running Grave: A Cormoran Strike Novel (A Cormoran Strike Novel, 7) Cover#TOP 1
The Running Grave: A Cormoran Strike Novel (A Cormoran Strike Novel, 7)
ftb score rating icon9.8
Lion & Lamb: Two investigators. Two rivals. One hell of a crime Cover#TOP 2
Lion & Lamb: Two investigators. Two rivals. One hell of a crime
ftb score rating icon9.7
Independence Square: Arkady Renko in Ukraine (10) (The Arkady Renko Novels) Cover#TOP 3
Independence Square: Arkady Renko in Ukraine (10) (The Arkady Renko Novels)
ftb score rating icon9.5

Top 10 Private Investigator Mysteries Books

The Running Grave: A Cormoran Strike Novel (A Cormoran Strike Novel, 7)

Galbraith, Robert
Sep 26, 2023
The Running Grave: A Cormoran Strike Novel (A Cormoran Strike Novel, 7) Cover
The Running Grave: A Cormoran Strike Novel (A Cormoran Strike Novel, 7)
ftb score rating icon9.8
FTB Score

The Running Grave: A Cormoran Strike Novel is the seventh installment in the highly acclaimed international bestselling series, featuring Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott, written by Robert Galbraith, a pseudonym of J.K. Rowling. This book is a testament to Rowling's formidable talents as a crime writer, with a scrupulous plot and masterful misdirection that keeps the pages turning. Stuffed with intrigue, surprise, action, violence, social comedy and romance, this book is a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Overall, The Running Grave is a compelling addition to the series and a testament to Rowling's continued brilliance as a storyteller.

#TOP 2

Lion & Lamb: Two investigators. Two rivals. One hell of a crime

Patterson, James
Swierczynski, Duane
Aug 14, 2023
Lion & Lamb: Two investigators. Two rivals. One hell of a crime Cover
Lion & Lamb: Two investigators. Two rivals. One hell of a crime.
ftb score rating icon9.7
FTB Score

Lion & Lamb is a thrilling private investigator mystery book that follows Veena Lion and Cooper Lamb, two rival PIs working on the same high-profile case in Philadelphia. The murder of a well-known couple, one of whom is the prime suspect, has shocked the city, and the case becomes the talk of the town even before it hits the courtroom. Despite their rivalry, Lion and Lamb must work together to catch the killer before they strike again. James Patterson and Duane Swierczynski have crafted an enthralling story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

#TOP 3

Independence Square: Arkady Renko in Ukraine (10) (The Arkady Renko Novels)

Smith, Martin Cruz
May 9, 2023
Independence Square: Arkady Renko in Ukraine (10) (The Arkady Renko Novels) Cover
Independence Square: Arkady Renko in Ukraine (10) (The Arkady Renko Novels)
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

Independence Square: Arkady Renko in Ukraine is the tenth installment in the Arkady Renko Novels series, written by Martin Cruz Smith. In this book, detective Arkady Renko travels to Ukraine to find an anti-Putin activist who has gone missing just before the Russian invasion. Despite grappling with his Parkinson's diagnosis, Renko throws himself into the case, leading him to Kyiv and eventually Crimea. Smith's portrayal of contemporary Russia is insightful and compelling, making this book a must-read for fans of detective fiction and political thrillers.

#TOP 4

The Ink Black Heart (A Cormoran Strike Novel, 6)

Galbraith, Robert
Aug 30, 2022
The Ink Black Heart (A Cormoran Strike Novel, 6) Cover
The Ink Black Heart (A Cormoran Strike Novel, 6)
ftb score rating icon9.4
FTB Score

The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith is the sixth installment in the Strike series, featuring private detective Cormoran Strike and his business partner Robin Ellacott. In this gripping novel, they are tasked with uncovering the true identity of an online figure who goes by the pseudonym of Anomie, after the cocreator of a popular cartoon, Edie Ledwell, is murdered. The case proves to be complex and dangerous, stretching their powers of deduction to the limits. Galbraith, the pseudonym for J.K. Rowling, does a masterful job of keeping all plot elements in balance, making this a true tour-de-force in the private investigator mystery genre.

#TOP 5

Killing Moon: A Harry Hole Novel (13) (Harry Hole Series)

Nesbo, Jo
Kinsella, Sean
May 30, 2023
Killing Moon: A Harry Hole Novel (13) (Harry Hole Series) Cover
Killing Moon: A Harry Hole Novel (13) (Harry Hole Series)
ftb score rating icon9.2
FTB Score

Killing Moon: A Harry Hole Novel is a gripping thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The book follows Harry Hole, a brilliant but troubled investigator, as he assembles a team to help track down a serial killer who is targeting young women in Oslo. With time running out, Harry must use all his skills to catch the killer before he strikes again. This book is a must-read for fans of the Harry Hole series and anyone who loves a good mystery. Overall, this book is a thrilling and satisfying addition to the series, with complex characters and a plot that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

#TOP 6

Murder on the Orient Express: A Hercule Poirot Mystery (Hercule Poirot Mysteries, 10)

Christie, Agatha
William Morrow Paperbacks
Jan 18, 2011
Murder on the Orient Express: A Hercule Poirot Mystery (Hercule Poirot Mysteries, 10) Cover
Murder on the Orient Express: A Hercule Poirot Mystery (Hercule Poirot Mysteries, 10)
ftb score rating icon9.1
FTB Score

Murder on the Orient Express is a classic traditional detective mystery book by Agatha Christie, featuring detective Hercule Poirot. The story takes place on a stranded train during a snowstorm, where one of the passengers is a murderer. Poirot must solve the case before the killer strikes again. With its brilliantly ingenious plot and well-crafted characters, this book is a must-read for mystery lovers. The book is published by William Morrow & Company and is part of the Hercule Poirot Mysteries series.

#TOP 7

Every Man a King: A King Oliver Novel (The King Oliver)

Mosley, Walter
Feb 21, 2023
Every Man a King: A King Oliver Novel (The King Oliver) Cover
Every Man a King: A King Oliver Novel (The King Oliver)
ftb score rating icon9.1
FTB Score

"Every Man a King: A King Oliver Novel" by Walter Mosley is a carefully plotted mystery that explores fealty, pride, and how deep debt can go. The story follows Joe King Oliver, who is asked to investigate whether a white nationalist is being unjustly set up for murder and selling sensitive information to the Russians. As King gets closer to exposing the truth, he and his loved ones face grave danger. Mosley's evocative prose and astute observations about human nature, race relations, and family bonds make this novel a unique and enjoyable read for fans of gritty noir mysteries."

#TOP 8

The Match

Coben, Harlan
Feb 7, 2023
The Match Cover
The Match
ftb score rating icon9.1
FTB Score

The Match is a gripping thriller by the creator of the hit Netflix series Stay Close. The story follows Wilde, who after a failed domestic life, returns to the Ramapo Mountains. A DNA match on an online ancestry database brings Wilde closer to his past than he's ever dreamed and finally gives him the opening he needs to track down his father. But, meeting his father brings up more questions than answers, and Wilde seeks out his cousin for help. The book is a must-read for fans of action and psychological thrillers, with intriguing characters and a compelling storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

#TOP 9

Not the Ones Dead (23) (A Kate Shugak Investigation)

Stabenow, Dana
Apr 11, 2023
Not the Ones Dead (23) (A Kate Shugak Investigation) Cover
Not the Ones Dead (23) (A Kate Shugak Investigation)
ftb score rating icon8.9
FTB Score

The latest addition to Dana Stabenow's Kate Shugak series, "Not the Ones Dead (23)" is a gripping murder mystery that takes readers on a thrilling ride through the Alaskan wilderness. When a mid-air collision between two small aircrafts leaves ten people dead, Kate Shugak finds herself investigating what appears to be a tragic accident. However, as she delves deeper, she uncovers a case of political intrigue and premeditated murder. Stabenow's rich prose style and fine eye for detail make this outstanding series stand out in the field of crime fiction. "Not the Ones Dead" is a must-read for fans of the genre.

#TOP 10

Fixit: An IQ Novel (An IQ Novel, 6)

Ide, Joe
May 9, 2023
Fixit: An IQ Novel (An IQ Novel, 6) Cover
Fixit: An IQ Novel (An IQ Novel, 6)
ftb score rating icon8.9
FTB Score

In "Fixit: An IQ Novel (An IQ Novel, 6)," Joe Ide delivers another thrilling installment in the series. Isaiah Quintabe, the determined PI, finds himself in a nightmare when the love of his life is kidnapped by a hitman seeking revenge. As Isaiah recovers from his injuries, he must navigate the dangerous landscape of Los Angeles to rescue Grace. The addition of Winnie Hando, a homicide detective, adds a new layer of tension to the story. Ide expertly weaves together humor and suspense in this explosive collision of drug dealers, thieves, and maniacs. "Fixit" is a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the most famous private investigator?

1. Sherlock Holmes. You simply can't list out famous private investigators in film and television without talking about one of the most popular characters, not just in the mystery genre, but of all time — Sherlock Holmes.

2. What are detective books called?

Detective fiction is a subgenre of crime fiction and mystery fiction in which an investigator or a detective—either professional, amateur or retired—investigates a crime, often murder.

3. Do private investigators exist anymore?

Today, about a quarter of the private investigators in the United States are self-employed. Of those who are not, about a quarter work for detective agencies and security services [source: U.S. bureau of Labor Statistics]. The rest work for financial institutions, credit collection services and other businesses.

Editor's Notes

During our private investigator mysteries book research, we found 1,200+ private investigator mysteries book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,222,133 customer reviews through our big data system to write the private investigator mysteries books list. We found that most customers choose private investigator mysteries books with an average price of $21.50.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.