How Many Best Mystery Books 2023 Made The NYT List?

I've been diving deep into mystery novels this year, and a few authors really stood out. Riley Sager is a big name with 'The Only One Left,' blending psychological thrills and gothic vibes perfectly. Tana French’s 'The Hunter' is another masterpiece, continuing her knack for rich character studies wrapped in suspense. Don’t miss out on Stacy Willingham’s 'Only If You’re Lucky,' which keeps you guessing till the last page. For something darker, 'The Silent Patient' author Alex Michaelides returned with 'The Fury,' a gripping tale of revenge and secrets. And if you love a classic whodunit vibe, Richard Osman’s 'The Last Devil to Die' delivers wit and twists in equal measure.

2023 has been a stellar year for mystery novels, and I’ve been absolutely hooked on a few standouts. 'The Last House on Needless Street' by Catriona Ward is a masterpiece of psychological suspense. The way Ward weaves unreliable narrators and shifting timelines keeps you guessing until the very end. It’s not just a mystery; it’s a deep dive into trauma and identity, and the twists hit like a gut punch. Another favorite is 'The Maid' by Nita Prose. It’s a cozy yet gripping tale about a hotel maid who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation. The protagonist, Molly, is endearing and complex, and the story balances heartwarming moments with genuine tension. For those who love historical mysteries, 'The House of Whispers' by Laura Purcell is a must-read. Set in a crumbling mansion, it’s a gothic tale of secrets, betrayal, and supernatural elements. Purcell’s atmospheric writing pulls you into the eerie world she creates, and the mystery unfolds with perfect pacing. On the darker side, 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides continues to dominate the genre. While it was released earlier, its influence in 2023 is undeniable. The story of a woman who stops speaking after a shocking crime is both chilling and thought-provoking. Lastly, 'The Paris Apartment' by Lucy Foley deserves a mention. Foley’s knack for crafting intricate, character-driven mysteries shines here. The setting of a Parisian apartment building adds a layer of claustrophobia, and the multiple perspectives keep you on edge. Each of these novels brings something unique to the table, whether it’s psychological depth, historical richness, or sheer unpredictability. If you’re a mystery lover, 2023 has been a year of treasures.

As someone who devours books like candy, I’ve been absolutely obsessed with the blend of romance and mystery lately. One standout from 2023 is 'The Silent Patient' meets 'The Love Hypothesis' vibes in 'The Last Thing He Told Me' by Laura Dave—it’s got this gripping mystery about a disappearing husband paired with a tender exploration of love and trust. Another gem is 'The Paris Apartment' by Lucy Foley, where the eerie atmosphere of a Parisian building hides secrets and a slow-burn romance that keeps you hooked. For those who love historical twists, 'The Rose Code' by Kate Quinn mixes WWII codebreaking with a heart-wrenching love triangle. And let’s not forget 'Every Vow You Break' by Peter Swanson—a honeymoon thriller with a romance that’s as unsettling as it is captivating. Each of these books balances tension and tenderness in a way that’s perfect for readers craving both genres. If you’re into audiobooks, the narrations for these are phenomenal too!

In 2023, the mystery genre has been dominated by some standout publishers who consistently deliver gripping and innovative stories. Penguin Random House has been a powerhouse, releasing titles like 'The Maid' by Nita Prose, which combines a cozy mystery with a deeply emotional narrative. Their ability to blend traditional whodunits with modern twists is unmatched. HarperCollins has also made waves with 'The Paris Apartment' by Lucy Foley, a suspenseful tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Their knack for atmospheric settings and complex characters is truly impressive. For those who enjoy international mysteries, Europa Editions has been a go-to, with works like 'The Disappearance of Signora Giulia' by Piero Chiara, offering a fresh perspective on the genre. Their focus on translated works brings a unique flavor to the mystery scene. Lastly, independent publishers like Soho Crime continue to shine, with their dedication to diverse voices and unconventional plots. Their release of 'The Last House on Needless Street' by Catriona Ward is a testament to their commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre.

I’ve been diving into mystery fiction this year, and a few books have completely blown me away. 'The Last Devil to Die' by Richard Osman is a standout. It’s the latest in the Thursday Murder Club series, and it’s just as witty and heartwarming as the previous ones. The characters feel like old friends, and the plot keeps you guessing until the very end. Another favorite is 'Bright Young Women' by Jessica Knoll. It’s a gripping, character-driven story that flips the typical true crime narrative on its head. The pacing is perfect, and the emotional depth is incredible. Lastly, 'The Mystery Guest' by Nita Prose is a delightful follow-up to 'The Maid.' It’s cozy yet suspenseful, with a protagonist you can’t help but root for. These books have made 2023 a fantastic year for mystery lovers.

I've been obsessed with mystery novels this year, and the best ones I've read in 2023 were published by Penguin Random House. Their lineup included 'The Last Thing He Told Me' by Laura Dave, which kept me guessing till the very end, and 'The Maid' by Nita Prose, a refreshing take on the genre with its quirky protagonist. HarperCollins also delivered some gems like 'The Paris Apartment' by Lucy Foley, which had me hooked with its atmospheric setting and twisty plot. What sets these publishers apart is their knack for picking stories that balance suspense with deep character development. I also noticed that many of the top-rated mysteries on Goodreads this year came from these two publishers, so they’re definitely doing something right.

As someone who devours mystery romance novels like they're going out of style, 2023 has been a fantastic year for the genre. One standout is 'The Last Thing He Told Me' by Laura Dave. This book isn’t just a love story; it’s a gripping tale of a woman unraveling the secrets of her husband’s past after he disappears. The emotional depth is staggering, and the way the mystery unfolds keeps you hooked until the last page. The romance is subtle but powerful, woven into the fabric of the story in a way that feels organic and real. Another gem is 'The Villa' by Rachel Hawkins. Set in a hauntingly beautiful Italian villa, the story alternates between past and present, blending a modern-day mystery with a historical love story. The atmosphere is intoxicating, and the twists are unexpected. The romance here is bittersweet, layered with secrets and betrayals that make it impossible to put down. Hawkins has a knack for creating characters who feel alive, and the chemistry between them is electric. For those who prefer a darker twist, 'The Housemaid' by Freida McFadden delivers. This psychological thriller with romantic undertones follows a housemaid who gets entangled with her wealthy employer. The tension is palpable, and the romance is fraught with danger and obsession. It’s a page-turner that explores the blurred lines between love and control, making it one of the most talked-about books of the year. If you’re into cozy mysteries with a romantic subplot, 'A Deadly Education' by Naomi Novik is a must-read. Set in a magical school where survival is the priority, the slow-burn romance between the two leads is a highlight. The mystery elements are cleverly integrated, and the world-building is immersive. Novik’s writing is sharp and witty, making this a delightful read for fans of both genres. Lastly, 'The Paris Apartment' by Lucy Foley is a masterclass in suspense and romance. The story revolves around a woman investigating her brother’s disappearance in Paris, uncovering a web of lies and forbidden love along the way. The setting is glamorous yet eerie, and the romance is tinged with tragedy. Foley’s ability to balance emotion with suspense is unmatched, making this a standout of 2023.

I’ve been diving deep into mystery and suspense this year, and the standout publishers for me have been a mix of big names and indie presses. Penguin Random House crushed it with their releases—'The Silent Patient' sequel vibes were strong, and their thriller lineup felt fresh yet classic. But don’t sleep on smaller presses like Pushkin Vertigo; their translated mysteries from Japan and Scandinavia brought this eerie, atmospheric quality that mainstream books often lack. HarperCollins also delivered some gems, especially with their psychological suspense titles. The way they build tension feels like watching a Hitchcock film unfold on paper. Meanwhile, Tor Nightfire surprised me by blending horror and mystery seamlessly—think 'Gone Girl' meets 'The Haunting of Hill House.' If you’re into niche subgenres, indie publishers like Midnight Ink and Felony & Mayhem are gold mines for unconventional whodunits.