10+ Best Mystery Books for 20-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you a 20-year-old who loves a good puzzle to unravel? If so, diving into the world of mystery books might just be your next great adventure! From suspenseful narratives to intriguing whodunits, mystery books for 20-year-olds offer the perfect blend of challenge and entertainment. Keep reading as we explore various lists of mystery books tailored just for you, promising to keep you hooked until the last page.

Fun Mystery Books for 20-Year-Olds

• The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
  • Genre(s): Crime, Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: The story features Cormoran Strike, a war veteran turned private detective, who investigates the supposed suicide of a famous model. As Strike delves deeper, he uncovers a complex web of secrets in the London elite.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping read that combines a complex plot with deeply developed characters, perfect for young adults looking to lose themselves in a sophisticated mystery.
  • Perfect for: Fans of intricate detective stories and those who enjoy character-driven narratives.

• One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Five students walk into detention, but only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, engaging read that mixes mystery with the dynamics of high school life, making it relatable and exciting for young adults.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a good whodunit with a side of teenage drama.

• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: An eccentric millionaire Samuel W. Westing has left behind clues for his heirs to solve. The winner will inherit his vast fortune, but the game is more complicated than it seems.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a unique and engaging puzzle-like mystery that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, ideal for youthful minds.
  • Perfect for: Puzzle lovers and those who enjoy a good challenge wrapped in a mystery.

• In the Woods by Tana French
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Crime, Psychological Thriller
  • Synopsis: Detective Rob Ryan investigates a murder in a small Irish town, only to find the case intertwined with his own mysterious past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep psychological dive into the protagonist's mind while delivering an intricate mystery, perfect for young adults interested in the complexities of human psychology and suspense.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a darker, more introspective mystery with rich, atmospheric storytelling.

• Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Stevie Bell, an aspiring detective, enrolls at an elite private school with a dark history. She finds herself pulled into an old unsolved case and must use her detective skills to solve it.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling blend of a historical and contemporary mystery with a likable, smart protagonist, ideal for engaging young readers and inspiring a love of the mystery genre.
  • Perfect for: Young adults who enjoy a dual-timeline mystery and stories set in academic environments.

Educational Mystery Books for 20-Year-Olds

• The Secret History by Donna Tartt
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Fiction
  • Synopsis: A group of elite college students at a small Vermont college come under the influence of a charismatic classics professor, leading to a spiral of tragic events.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of classical literature, psychological analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines rich prose with a compelling exploration of morality and the dark side of human nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a deep dive into character psychology and the impact of intellectual elitism.

• The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1915, young Mary Russell meets retired detective Sherlock Holmes and becomes his apprentice. Together, they tackle a series of mysteries, including a life-threatening challenge from Holmes' past.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical reasoning, historical context, deductive reasoning skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes universe from a young female perspective, blending traditional detective work with rich historical details.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Sherlock Holmes and those who enjoy mysteries with strong, intelligent female protagonists.

• The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Aiden Bishop must solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle at a crumbling estate, as he wakes up each day in a different guest's body with only eight days to solve the crime.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, attention to detail, understanding of time loops and speculative concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inventive twist on the traditional murder mystery with a ground-breaking narrative structure.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love complex puzzles and innovative storytelling in their mysteries.

• A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Young Adult, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Charlotte Holmes and Jamie Watson, descendants of the famous Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, meet at a Connecticut boarding school and quickly find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Analytical thinking, literary analysis (connections to original Holmes stories), teamwork and collaboration
  • Why we recommend this book: It updates the classic Holmes and Watson partnership for a modern teen audience, offering a clever, twisty mystery.
  • Perfect for: Young adults and teens who enjoy reimaginings of classic characters with a contemporary twist.

• The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In 1327, Brother William of Baskerville arrives at a wealthy Italian abbey and is soon engaged in a mission to discover the perpetrator of a series of murders.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, philosophical inquiry, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It is both an intellectually stimulating puzzle and a richly detailed historical novel.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a blend of mystery, history, and philosophy in a dense, thought-provoking narrative.

Challenging Mystery Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Thriller
  • Synopsis: The novel presents the disappearance of Amy Dunne and the ensuing media frenzy and police investigation, while slowly unraveling the complexities of her marriage to Nick Dunne.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure alternates perspectives and employs unreliable narration, requiring readers to critically analyze the characters' motivations and truthfulness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterclass in suspense and plot twists, offering a deep dive into psychological complexity and marital dynamics.
  • Perfect for: Fans of psychological thrillers and readers who enjoy dissecting complex character relationships.

• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Crime, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander team up to solve the decades-old disappearance of Harriet Vanger, uncovering deep family secrets and corruption along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves complex plots with intricate details and a large cast of characters, requiring attentive reading and memory.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines investigative journalism and computer hacking with a gripping mystery, all set against the backdrop of Swedish society.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in tech-driven mysteries and multi-layered narratives.

• Night Film by Marisha Pessl
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Noir
  • Synopsis: Investigative journalist Scott McGrath delves into the mysterious death of Ashley Cordova, daughter of a reclusive horror film director, discovering much more than he bargained for.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel is dense with layered narratives, including visual elements like website screenshots, news articles, and other multimedia elements to sift through.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a cinematic and immersive reading experience that blurs the line between fiction and reality, providing a unique narrative approach.
  • Perfect for: Mystery enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of traditional narrative with innovative multimedia storytelling.

• The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Thriller
  • Synopsis: In post-war Barcelona, young Daniel Sempere discovers a book that leads him on a quest through the city's dark past to uncover the fate of the book's mysterious author.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines a complex narrative with rich historical details and multiple interwoven storylines.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating blend of mystery, historical intrigue, and literary storytelling, enriched by the atmospheric setting of Barcelona.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love historical settings intertwined with a compelling mystery and literary depth.

• The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during the New Zealand gold rush, this novel follows a sprawling cast of characters involved in a complex web of mystery and intrigue, revolving around a series of unexplained events.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's structure is based on astrological signs and planetary movements, presenting a unique and intricate narrative framework.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an epic tale of love, murder, and revenge, offering a richly woven tapestry of narratives that reward attentive readers.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate a novel that combines historical context with a challenging and innovative structure.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of mystery books, you're in for some thrilling adventures. But, how can you make the most out of your reading experience? Here are some exercises designed to help 20-year-olds develop strong reading habits while enjoying the suspense and intrigue of mystery novels.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps you consistent and helps in finishing books regularly.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Share and discuss your readings with friends who enjoy mystery books.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives multiple perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Join or start a book club to find like-minded readers.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Try to predict future events and the outcome of the book.
  • How it helps: Improves analytical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check their accuracy as you read.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud.
  • How it helps: Improves focus, pronunciation, and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances concentration.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

Using these exercises, you'll not only enjoy your mystery books more, but you'll also build habits that can last a lifetime. Happy sleuthing and reading!