Do you love a good twisty plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat? Are you intrigued by puzzle-solving and character arcs that keep you guessing until the very end? From classic whodunits to thrilling psychological thrillers, this genre has captivated readers for generations - but what factors are contributing to its current surge in popularity? 

In this post, we'll explore some of the reasons why mysteries have become so trendy recently and why they're sure to continue lighting up bookshelves everywhere. So buckle up, grab your magnifying glass, and let's dig into the thrill of a good mystery!

The Mystery Genre

So what exactly is the mystery genre? Many people assume that all mysteries are murder mysteries, but this isn't necessarily the case. A mystery can be any story that revolves around a central question or conflict that needs to be solved. This could be anything from finding a lost treasure to uncovering who stole something from a rival gang.

One of the things that makes the mystery genre so popular is that there is usually a sense of urgency involved. In most cases, the protagonist is up against a ticking clock and must solve the mystery before it's too late. This creates a fast-paced story that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.

Another reason why mysteries are so popular right now is that they offer an escape from the everyday mundane, transporting us into new and exciting situations which we secretly pray we will never actually experience. 

In our busy lives, it's often nice to take a break and immerse ourselves in another world where anything is possible. Mysteries are always compelling and engaging, offering us a chance to solve a puzzle or uncover a hidden truth. If you're looking for your next great read, consider picking up a mystery novel. You won't be disappointed!

Popular Mystery Authors and Titles

In the past few years, there has been a resurgence in popularity for the genre, with more and more people turning to mystery novels for their literary fix. And let’s be honest, we all love that the bad guys get caught in the end!

When it comes to mystery novels, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the Queen of the Whodunnit - Agatha Christie, or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Homes. These classics have kept readers of all ages entertained and have truly stood the test of time.

But these days, mysteries often show us the darker side of society. Recent novels like The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins give us a chilling insight into the world of domestic abuse. The novel follows Rachel, a woman who is struggling with addiction and mental health issues. She becomes obsessed with the case of a missing woman who she saw on her daily train commute. As she tries to piece together what happened, she uncovers some dark secrets about the people around her.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is another classic that delves into the darkness lurking beneath the surface of everyday life. The novel follows a family who moves into an old house that is supposedly haunted. As they settle in, they start to experience strange and terrifying events. Jackson expertly ratchets up the suspense, making this one of the most truly creepy novels out there.

And then there’s Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, which takes a very dark look at marriage and relationships. The novel centers around a man accused of murdering his wife, but as it progresses, we learn that the truth behind what happened is much more complex. This book offers a bleak view of modern relationships and the way that people can be driven to desperate acts in pursuit of what they want.

We simply love Simone St. James’s books; they always seem to capture us from the very first page. Her novel, The Book of Cold Cases, was so popular it won our Best Adult Subscription Box award for 2022. Her inspiration for this book came from her interest in exploring true crime and our ideas and perceptions around serial killers from the perspective of women, and to top it all, she loves ghost stories.

The Satisfaction of Solving a Puzzle

For generations, people have been drawn to puzzles. We love the challenge of finding the pieces and putting them together to create a complete picture. There is a satisfaction that comes with solving a puzzle that can not be found in other genres.

Mystery novels provide the perfect blend of challenge and satisfaction. They are filled with clues and red herrings that keep us guessing until the very end. And when we finally put all the pieces together, we feel a sense of accomplishment that is unmatched.

There is nothing better than a great mystery that captures you so intently that you hold your breath as you turn the page.