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In this article, I’ll introduce my top 10 favorite international mystery novels that I read between 2023 and 2025.
I’ve always loved reading translated mysteries, as I enjoy studying English and have used it professionally.
Though I considered introducing classic masterpieces, I decided to focus on more recent mystery novels that are easier to read.
Please note that although I read these books within the past two to three years, many were published earlier.
If any of these titles pique your interest, I hope you’ll consider giving them a try.
No spoilers—so feel free to read on safely!
① The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson
A page-turner that keeps you on edge the entire time.
At first, you might sympathize with Ted, who plans to kill his wife Miranda after discovering her infidelity—but that’s exactly the trap the author sets.
As the unsettling atmosphere surrounding his accomplice, Lily, intensifies, the story spirals into a shocking truth.
This book made me a huge fan of Peter Swanson. Since then, I’ve read All the Beautiful Lies, Her Every Fear, Before She Knew Him, and Eight Perfect Murders.
② Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
Another Swanson novel, a love letter to classic mystery fans.
The protagonist, Malcolm, owns a mystery bookshop and once wrote a blog post titled “Eight Perfect Murders,” just like the one I’m writing now.
The nostalgic idea of a mystery bookshop reminded me of Nanami Wakatake’s Hamura Akira series—it thrilled me!
Real-life murders resembling Malcolm’s list start happening, and a detective pays him a visit.
Why is someone following his list of fictional crimes?
The novel’s eerie, suspenseful tone—a Swanson trademark—pulls you in, and two Agatha Christie novels become key to solving the mystery.
One of them, The ABC Murders, is mentioned in the summary, while the other is revealed at the end. Christie fans will definitely appreciate the clever twist.
③ A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
The first book in the Pippa Fitz-Amobi trilogy (plus one spin-off).
Pip, a teenager in a small British town, decides to re-investigate a five-year-old murder case for her high school research project.
Her classmate Sal supposedly murdered his girlfriend Andie and then committed suicide—but Pip doesn’t believe he’s guilty.
She’s convinced someone else is responsible, and she’s determined to find the missing Andie.
What makes Pip’s investigation fun is how she uses teen tools—social media, podcasts, and spreadsheets (yes, Google Sheets, not Excel or Word).
She even recklessly shares her progress via podcast, putting herself in real danger (like breaking into a drug dealer’s house!).
With help from Sal’s younger brother Ravi, she uncovers layers of twists and turns in this gripping, thick novel.
In books 2 and 3, Pip’s teamwork with her friends deepens, and the stories continue to explore social issues—especially the third, which is quite controversial.
I highly recommend reading all three. I’ve also written a review of the spin-off on note ( Sorry, it’s written in Japanese), so please check it out.
④ Gallows Court by Martin Edwards
I’ve also written a detailed review of this book on note( Sorry, it’s written in Japanese)—please have a read!
The sequel, Mortmain Hall, featuring journalist Jacob and detective Rachel, is also highly recommended.
⑤ Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
I’ve shared my review of this powerful book on note—please give it a look!
His latest book, All The Sinners Bleed, is a gripping crime thriller that continues the suspenseful tone of Razorblade Tears.
⑥ Time Is a Killer by Michel Bussi
While the plot twist in AU SOLEIL REDOUTE ( I was unable to find an English version of this book on Amazon.) was impressive, Time Is a Killer had a more thrilling pace for me.
My review is available on note (in Japanese ).
AU SOLEIL REDOUTE is also a masterpiece—my review is on note as well.
⑦ The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver
From the author of the famous Lincoln Rhyme series comes a new series featuring bounty hunter Colter Shaw.
I’ve written a review of the first book—please check it out.
My review of the second installment,The Goodbye Man. is also available.
The third book, The Final Twist, and fourth, Hunting Time, are already published—don’t miss them.
Deaver is incredibly prolific and fast-paced as a writer.
⑧ Where Monsters Dwell by Jørgen Brekke
This was my first Norwegian mystery novel.
The story jumps between 16th-century and modern-day settings in both the U.S. and Norway.
I was shocked by how brutally the museum curator is killed at the beginning—though still less graphic than some Craven novels.
There’s a lot of grotesque imagery in the 16th-century scenes, and gender-related themes involving the Norwegian detective, which might not be for everyone.
But I like books that spark mixed opinions.
I knew nothing about Norway, so imagining the culture while reading was a fun experience.
The chaotic tone settles into a fast-paced climax in the latter half.
⑨ The Puppet Show by M.W. Craven
When I threw out my back, I binge-read the first three books in this addictive series.
As a huge Poirot fan, I love mystery series with strong detective characters.
The protagonists—detective Washington Poe and analyst Tilly Bradshaw—are wonderfully contrasting.
Poe is a gruff, old-school cop who bends rules, while Tilly is a brilliant but socially awkward analyst with a neurodivergent perspective and a gift for data.
At first, Poe protects Tilly like a big brother, but soon she becomes his support.
Their relationship never turns romantic, and that deep friendship is one of the best parts.
Their skills complement each other as they unravel horrific crimes.
The sequels—Black Summer, The Curator, Dead Ground, and the latest The Botanist—are all must-reads.
Craven’s new series, Fearless, is also excellent, filled with military-inspired stories from his own background.
⑩ The Midnight Lock by Jeffery Deaver
Book 15 in the iconic Lincoln Rhyme series—maybe this should’ve been mentioned with Colter Shaw.
I started reading this series after hearing from my husband that Japanese comedian Hikari Ota is a fan.
As a book lover, I wanted to try an author admired by another avid reader.
So far, I’ve read The Bone Collector, The Coffin Dancer, The Empty Chair, The Stone Monkey, The Cold Moon, The Burial Hour, and The Cutting Edge.
The Midnight Lock marks the series’ return after a three-year gap.
Lincoln Rhyme, the brilliant, paralyzed forensic detective, teams up with his wife, Amelia Sachs, an expert sharpshooter.
This time, they face a new enemy: “The Locksmith,” who can open any lock.
At first, I thought, “Is this another Watchmaker-level villain?!”
As always with Deaver, the main villain isn’t the only one—there are tons of twists and side plots.
Just when you think you’ve figured things out, more surprises drop, making you wonder which event is the real focus.
Deaver’s endings are always masterfully crafted, and this book is no exception.