There’s a unique pleasure in settling down with a good mystery, isn’t there? The intricate puzzle, the red herrings, the cast of suspicious characters, the final, satisfying reveal. But take that experience and add a masterful narrator—someone who can embody the cunning detective, the shifty suspect, the atmospheric setting—and you elevate the genre entirely.
As an audiobook expert who’s spent countless hours deciphering clues delivered through headphones, I’ve found that the mystery genre thrives in audio. A skilled narrator controls the flow of information, builds suspense with a well-placed pause, and uses subtle vocal shifts to make you second-guess everything. They become your partner in deduction, guiding you through foggy London streets, charming English villages, or gritty L.A. back alleys.
But finding that perfect combination of a baffling case and a brilliant performance can be a mystery in itself. The sheer volume of whodunits available is overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put on our detective hats. We’ve interrogated the evidence (thousands of listener reviews), followed the leads (critical acclaim and awards), and used our expert intuition (thousands of hours listening) to crack the case.
This list represents the 10 best mystery audiobook experiences available right now. From cozy village crimes to complex police procedurals and mind-bending meta-puzzles, these are the audiobooks that deliver unforgettable performances alongside baffling cases. Get ready to listen closely—the clues are waiting.
Our Top 10 Mystery Audiobooks (Quick Picks)
| Rank | Title | Author | Subgenre | Narrator(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Thursday Murder Club | Richard Osman | Cozy Mystery | Lesley Manville |
| 2 | Magpie Murders | Anthony Horowitz | Meta Mystery | Samantha Bond & Allan Corduner |
| 3 | The Guest List | Lucy Foley | Locked Room | Full Cast |
| 4 | Still Life (Chief Inspector Gamache, #1) | Louise Penny | Cozy / Procedural | Ralph Cosham |
| 5 | The Murder of Roger Ackroyd | Agatha Christie | Golden Age | Hugh Fraser |
| 6 | A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder | Holly Jackson | YA / Podcast | Full Cast |
| 7 | The Lincoln Lawyer | Michael Connelly | Legal Mystery | Adam Grupper |
| 8 | Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers | Jesse Q. Sutanto | Humorous Cozy | Eunice Wong |
| 9 | In the Woods (Dublin Murder Squad, #1) | Tana French | Police Procedural | Steven Crossley |
| 10 | The Word Is Murder | Anthony Horowitz | Meta Mystery | Rory Kinnear |
The 10 Best Mystery Audiobooks: A Detailed Review
1. The Thursday Murder Club
Why It’s a Must-Listen
This book is a global phenomenon for a reason: it’s witty, charming, clever, and surprisingly poignant. The audiobook, narrated by the acclaimed British actress Lesley Manville (known for *The Crown* and *Phantom Thread*), is an absolute masterclass in cozy mystery narration. She perfectly captures the book’s unique blend of dry humor and genuine heart.
The Story
In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends—Elizabeth (a former spy?), Joyce (a retired nurse with a secret diary), Ibrahim (a meticulous psychiatrist), and Ron (a firebrand former union boss)—meet weekly to discuss unsolved murders. They call themselves the Thursday Murder Club. When a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the club finds themselves in the middle of their first live case. Teaming up with a rookie policewoman, they use their combined life experience, unique skills, and sheer nosiness to unravel a complex web of secrets.
The Performance (Expert Analysis)
Lesley Manville’s performance is flawless. Her voice has a warm, sophisticated, and slightly mischievous quality that is the perfect fit for Osman’s wry prose. She gives each of the four main characters a distinct and instantly recognizable voice. Her Elizabeth is cool, calculating, and authoritative. Her Joyce is gentle, observant, and endearingly ditzy (but is she really?). Her Ron is gruff and opinionated, and her Ibrahim is precise and thoughtful.
Manville excels at delivering the book’s deadpan humor. Her timing is impeccable, letting the jokes land with a subtle wink. She also handles the more emotional moments with grace, particularly Joyce’s diary entries, which provide the heart of the story. It’s a performance that feels less like a reading and more like spending 12 delightful hours eavesdropping on the most charming group of amateur detectives imaginable.
Who It’s For:
Fans of Agatha Christie, witty British humor, and character-driven mysteries. If you’re looking for a clever, heartwarming, and genuinely funny listen, this is the gold standard of modern cozy mysteries.
2. Magpie Murders
Why It’s a Must-Listen
Anthony Horowitz is a genius of the mystery genre, known for his incredibly clever plotting and homages to the Golden Age. *Magpie Murders* is perhaps his most brilliant creation: a mystery novel wrapped inside another mystery novel. The audiobook, with its dual narrators, perfectly executes this complex structure, making it an utterly delightful and mind-bending listen.
The Story
Susan Ryeland is an editor who receives the latest manuscript from her star author, Alan Conway, creator of the wildly popular Atticus Pünd detective series. She settles down to read *Magpie Murders*, a classic Golden Age-style mystery set in an English village. But just as Pünd is about to reveal the killer, Susan discovers the final chapters are missing. Even worse, Alan Conway has apparently died, leaving behind a cryptic note. Susan realizes that the clues to Conway’s death might lie hidden within the manuscript she just read.
The Performance (Expert Analysis)
The dual narration is key here. Samantha Bond (known for playing Miss Moneypenny) reads the “outer” story of Susan Ryeland, the editor. Her voice is crisp, intelligent, and modern, perfectly capturing Susan’s frustration and determination. She makes you feel like you’re right there with Susan, piecing together the real-world mystery.
Allan Corduner reads the “inner” novel, the Atticus Pünd mystery *Magpie Murders*. His performance is a perfect pastiche of classic Golden Age narration. His Atticus Pünd sounds exactly like you’d imagine a Poirot-esque detective to sound—precise, slightly accented, and deeply observant. He gives the village characters distinct, period-appropriate voices. The clear separation between the two narrators makes the complex “story-within-a-story” structure effortless to follow and doubly engaging. It’s a technical and artistic triumph.
Who It’s For:
Fans of Agatha Christie, clever puzzles, and books about books. If you love a traditional whodunit but also appreciate a modern, meta twist, this is unmissable.
3. The Guest List
Why It’s a Must-Listen
Lucy Foley has become the modern queen of the atmospheric, locked-room mystery, and *The Guest List* is arguably her best. Set during a glamorous wedding on a remote, storm-swept Irish island, this audiobook uses a full cast to brilliant effect. Each narrator voices a different key character, pulling you deep into their secrets and suspicions as the body count rises.
The Story
It’s the wedding of the year: Jules, a driven online magazine publisher, is marrying Will, a handsome, charismatic TV star. The location is a remote island off the coast of Ireland, accessible only by boat. The guests arrive—the best man, the bridesmaid, the wedding planner, the plus-one, the childhood friends—each carrying their own baggage and long-simmering resentments. Then, a storm rolls in, cutting the island off from the mainland. The lights go out. A scream is heard. Someone is dead. And everyone is a suspect.
The Performance (Expert Analysis)
The full-cast approach is perfect for this multi-perspective narrative. Each of the six narrators embodies their character completely. Olivia Dowd as the brittle, perfectionist bride; Aoife McMahon as the resentful, forgotten sister; Chloe Massey as the loyal but troubled best friend; Sarah Ovens as the efficient, observant wedding planner; Rich Keeble as the drunken, volatile best man; and Jot Davies as the slightly sinister plus-one.
Hearing the story unfold directly from each character’s point of view, in their own distinct voice and accent, creates an incredible sense of immediacy and paranoia. You’re constantly re-evaluating who you trust as new secrets are revealed. The production uses subtle atmospheric sound effects—the howling wind, the crashing waves—to enhance the claustrophobic setting. It feels less like listening to a book and more like being trapped on that island with them. This one definitely overlaps with our best thriller audiobooks list.
Who It’s For:
Fans of Agatha Christie’s *And Then There Were None*, modern locked-room mysteries, and atmospheric suspense. If you love a “whodunit” where everyone has a motive, this is a fantastic choice.
4. Still Life (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 1)
Why It’s a Must-Listen
Louise Penny’s Chief Inspector Gamache series is the pinnacle of modern “cozy but deep” mystery writing. These books are beloved for their rich characters, evocative setting, and profound exploration of human nature. The late Ralph Cosham’s narration of the early books in the series is legendary. His warm, gentle, and intelligent voice *is* the sound of Three Pines for countless fans.
The Story
Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec is called to the tiny, idyllic village of Three Pines, nestled south of Montreal. A beloved local resident, Jane Neal, has been found dead in the woods, apparently killed by a hunting arrow. It seems like a tragic accident, but Gamache suspects murder. As he and his team investigate, they uncover the hidden secrets, long-held grudges, and complex relationships simmering beneath the surface of the picture-perfect village.
The Performance (Expert Analysis)
Ralph Cosham’s narration is perfection. His voice has a calm, reassuring, and deeply intelligent quality that embodies Gamache himself. He reads with a gentle pace, allowing the listener to savor Penny’s beautiful prose and get lost in the atmosphere of Three Pines.
His character work is subtle but masterful. He gives each of the village’s quirky residents—the eccentric poet Ruth, the kind bistro owners Olivier and Gabri, the artistic couple Clara and Peter—a distinct voice without resorting to caricature. He handles the French names and phrases with effortless grace. Listening to Cosham read these books feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold day, even as you’re trying to solve a murder. (Note: After Cosham’s passing, Robert Bathurst took over narration and also does an excellent job, but Cosham’s original performances are cherished by fans). For those seeking profound character studies, our best biography audiobooks list might also appeal.
Who It’s For:
Fans of traditional mysteries with strong characters and a deep sense of place. If you’re looking for a series to fall in love with, this is it. The perfect blend of cozy and complex.
5. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Why It’s a Must-Listen
You can’t have a “best mystery” list without the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie. And you can’t talk about Christie audiobooks without mentioning Hugh Fraser. Known to millions as Captain Hastings alongside David Suchet’s Poirot on television, Fraser brings an unparalleled authenticity and charm to his narration of the Poirot novels. *Roger Ackroyd* is arguably Christie’s most famous (and famously controversial) work, and Fraser’s performance is perfection.
The Story
Hercule Poirot has retired to the quiet village of King’s Abbot, hoping to cultivate vegetable marrows. His peace is shattered when his friend and neighbor, Roger Ackroyd, is found brutally murdered in his study. Ackroyd had just received a letter revealing the identity of his first wife’s blackmailer—a secret he was about to share. Everyone in the household has an alibi, and everyone has a secret. Poirot must use his “little grey cells” one more time to unravel one of the most ingenious plots ever conceived.
The Performance (Expert Analysis)
Hugh Fraser *is* the voice of Poirot’s world (apart from Poirot himself, whom he wisely doesn’t try to imitate David Suchet too closely). Having played Hastings for decades, he instinctively understands the rhythm, the tone, and the dry wit of Christie’s writing. His narration is crisp, clear, and perfectly paced.
He gives each character a distinct, period-appropriate voice, easily distinguishing the nervous Dr. Sheppard (the narrator of this particular story), the imperious Mrs. Ferrars, the flighty Flora Ackroyd, and the various other suspects. His performance feels utterly authentic to the Golden Age setting. Listening to Fraser read Christie is like stepping back in time—it’s elegant, intelligent, and deeply satisfying. This is a must for anyone interested in the classics or exploring our best history audiobooks for a different perspective on the past.
Who It’s For:
Anyone who loves classic mysteries, brilliant puzzles, and iconic detectives. This is the perfect starting point for exploring Christie’s genius in audio.
6. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
Why It’s a Must-Listen
This YA sensation took the world by storm, and the audio production is a major reason for its crossover appeal. The story is presented as a high school senior’s capstone project investigating a closed murder case, incorporating interview clips, phone calls, and log entries. The full-cast production brings this “mixed media” format to life brilliantly, making it feel like you’re listening to a gripping true-crime podcast like “Serial.”
The Story
Five years ago, popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then supposedly killed himself. The case is closed; everyone in the small town of Fairview knows Sal did it. But Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi isn’t convinced. For her senior capstone project, she decides to re-examine the case. As she starts interviewing people connected to Andie and Sal, recording her findings, she uncovers inconsistencies and dark secrets the town wants kept buried. Soon, Pip realizes she’s not just chasing a grade—she’s putting herself in danger.
The Performance (Expert Analysis)
The full-cast, multi-format production is outstanding. The main narration follows Pip’s project log entries, voiced with sharp intelligence and growing determination. But the real stars are the “found audio” elements. When Pip interviews suspects or witnesses, you hear different actors portraying those roles, often with subtle background sounds placing them in specific locations (a coffee shop, a car). Phone calls have that slightly tinny, distant quality.
This approach makes the investigation feel incredibly immediate and real. You’re not just being told about Pip’s interviews; you’re *hearing* them. The voice actors for the supporting characters are excellent, bringing the various suspects, allies, and red herrings to life. It’s a dynamic, engaging production that perfectly suits the story’s format. A great pick for younger listeners exploring our best teen audiobooks list.
Who It’s For:
Fans of true-crime podcasts, cold-case investigations, and smart, determined female protagonists. While technically YA, its clever plotting and excellent production appeal to all ages.
7. The Lincoln Lawyer
Why It’s a Must-Listen
Michael Connelly is the undisputed master of the modern L.A. crime novel, and Mickey Haller is one of his most iconic creations. This first book in the series introduces the cynical, sharp, and street-smart defense attorney who runs his practice out of the back of his Lincoln Town Car. Adam Grupper’s narration perfectly captures Haller’s voice—weary, witty, and always working an angle.
The Story
Mickey Haller is a low-rent defense attorney who specializes in keeping guilty people out of jail. He gets the case of a lifetime when Louis Roulet, a wealthy Beverly Hills playboy, is accused of brutally assaulting a prostitute. Roulet swears he’s innocent, the victim of a setup. The evidence seems straightforward, and Haller believes he’s landed an easy, high-paying gig defending an innocent man. But as he digs deeper, Haller realizes this case might be connected to a past client—one he may have let take the fall for a crime he didn’t commit.
The Performance (Expert Analysis)
Adam Grupper *is* Mickey Haller. His voice has a natural L.A. edge—not overly gritty, but world-weary and sharp. He delivers Haller’s first-person narration with a perfect blend of cynicism, confidence, and underlying vulnerability. You can hear the wheels turning in Haller’s head as he navigates the complex legal system and the dangerous streets.
Grupper handles the courtroom scenes with particular skill, shifting his tone to capture the formal language of the lawyers and judges, then snapping back to Haller’s internal, street-smart commentary. He gives distinct voices to the various clients, cops, and prosecutors without overdoing it. It’s a grounded, compelling performance that makes Connelly’s intricate plot easy to follow and Haller’s moral dilemmas feel real. This legal angle might also interest fans exploring our best business audiobooks.
Who It’s For:
Fans of legal thrillers, John Grisham, and gritty L.A. noir. If you enjoy clever courtroom maneuvering and morally complex heroes, Mickey Haller is your guy.
8. Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
Why It’s a Must-Listen
This book is an absolute delight—a warm, funny, and surprisingly moving mystery featuring one of the most memorable amateur sleuths in recent memory. Narrator Eunice Wong brings the titular Vera Wong to life with such pitch-perfect comedic timing and genuine heart that you’ll wish Vera was your own meddling, tea-serving auntie.
The Story
Vera Wong is a lonely, sixty-something Chinese-American widow who runs a sparsely-visited tea shop in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Her life is boringly routine until one morning she finds a dead man in the middle of her shop, clutching a flash drive. Seeing her chance for excitement (and maybe some company), Vera decides *not* to call the police right away. Instead, she pockets the flash drive and resolves to solve the murder herself. When four seemingly unconnected people show up asking about the dead man, Vera “adopts” them as her prime suspects—and potential new friends.
The Performance (Expert Analysis)
Eunice Wong’s narration is the heart and soul of this audiobook. Her portrayal of Vera is a comedic tour-de-force. She perfectly captures Vera’s accented English, her bossy-yet-loving demeanor, her blunt pronouncements, and her hilariously inaccurate deductions. Wong delivers Vera’s lines with a cadence that is both authentic and incredibly funny, never crossing into caricature.
She also gives distinct, empathetic voices to the four main suspects, highlighting their individual secrets and vulnerabilities. The story blends humor with genuine emotional depth as this unlikely group forms a found family, and Wong navigates this tonal shift beautifully. Her performance makes you laugh out loud one minute and tear up the next. It’s a truly heartwarming and hilarious listening experience.
Who It’s For:
Fans of *The Thursday Murder Club*, cozy mysteries with quirky characters, and anyone looking for a mystery that is as heartwarming as it is puzzling.
9. In the Woods (Dublin Murder Squad, Book 1)
Why It’s a Must-Listen
Tana French writes mysteries that are less about the “whodunit” and more about the “whydunit”—deep, atmospheric, character-driven dives into the psychology of crime and detection. *In the Woods*, the first book in her acclaimed Dublin Murder Squad series, is a haunting and complex debut. Steven Crossley’s narration perfectly captures the book’s brooding atmosphere and the protagonist’s fractured psyche.
The Story
In 1984, three children went into the woods near a Dublin suburb. Only one came out—Adam Ryan, found clinging to a tree, his shoes filled with blood, with no memory of what happened. Twenty years later, Adam is now Rob Ryan, a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad, his past a secret. When a 12-year-old girl is found murdered in the *same* woods, Rob and his partner Cassie Maddox are assigned the case. Rob is forced to confront the darkness of his own past as the two investigations—past and present—begin to dangerously intertwine.
The Performance (Expert Analysis)
Steven Crossley has the perfect voice for Tana French’s world. His narration is deep, slightly somber, and carries an authentic Irish lilt that grounds the story firmly in its Dublin setting. He voices Rob Ryan with a quiet intensity, capturing his tightly-controlled facade and the simmering trauma beneath.
French’s writing is dense with psychological insight and atmospheric detail, and Crossley’s deliberate pacing allows the listener to absorb it all. He handles the large cast of suspects, witnesses, and fellow detectives with subtle shifts in tone and accent, always keeping the focus on the central mystery and Rob’s internal struggle. It’s an immersive, intelligent, and deeply unsettling performance that perfectly matches the book’s haunting quality. This deep dive into psychology might also appeal to those exploring personal development or self-help audiobooks.
Who It’s For:
Fans of literary mysteries, psychological suspense, and atmospheric crime novels. If you prefer character depth and atmosphere over fast-paced plotting, Tana French is a must-read (and listen).
10. The Word Is Murder (Hawthorne and Horowitz Mystery, Book 1)
Why It’s a Must-Listen
Anthony Horowitz returns to the list with another fiendishly clever concept: a mystery novel where the author himself is a character, reluctantly playing Watson to a brilliant but abrasive detective. The audiobook, narrated by the acclaimed British actor Rory Kinnear, is a pitch-perfect rendition of Horowitz’s witty, self-deprecating, and highly engaging voice.
The Story
The author Anthony Horowitz (yes, the real author, as a character) is approached by disgraced detective Daniel Hawthorne with an unusual proposition: Hawthorne will allow Horowitz to shadow his latest investigation and write a true-crime book about it, splitting the profits. The case involves a wealthy woman who planned her own funeral and was then murdered six hours later. Horowitz, initially reluctant to work with the difficult Hawthorne, finds himself drawn into a baffling puzzle with a cast of suspicious characters, all while trying to figure out the enigmatic Hawthorne himself.
The Performance (Expert Analysis)
Rory Kinnear is the perfect choice to narrate this. The book is told from Horowitz’s first-person perspective, and Kinnear captures the author’s voice—as written by the author—flawlessly. He sounds intelligent, slightly flustered, witty, and perpetually exasperated by Hawthorne. It genuinely feels like you’re listening to Anthony Horowitz recount his strange adventure.
Kinnear’s portrayal of Hawthorne is equally brilliant. He gives him a clipped, dismissive, and utterly confident tone that makes him both infuriating and compelling. The dynamic between Kinnear’s “Horowitz” and “Hawthorne” is the heart of the book, and he plays both sides perfectly. His narration highlights the humor and the cleverness of the central meta conceit, making this a uniquely entertaining listen. For more great stories, check out our general best fiction audiobooks list.
Who It’s For:
Fans of *Magpie Murders*, Sherlock Holmes (with a modern twist), and clever, funny mysteries. If you enjoy books that play with the conventions of the genre, Horowitz is your man.
Explore More: From Chills to Thrills and Beyond
While a good mystery scratches a particular itch, the world of audiobooks offers endless possibilities. Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding suspense, epic adventures, or real-life stories, our curated lists have something for every listener:
- Best Thriller Audiobooks
- Best Fantasy Audiobooks
- Best Romance Audiobooks
- Best Non-Fiction Audiobooks
- Best History Audiobooks
- Best Biography Audiobooks
- Best Personal Development Audiobooks
- Best Self-Help Audiobooks
- Best Business Audiobooks
- Best Finance Audiobooks
- Best Teen Audiobooks
- Best Children Audiobooks
How We Chose These Mystery Audiobooks (Our EEAT Commitment)
Assembling this list required careful deduction. Our team combined years of dedicated listening (Experience) with a structured evaluation process (Expertise). Our rankings are independent and based on criteria prioritizing your listening experience as a mystery lover.
- Narrative Performance (50%):** Crucial for mysteries. Does the narrator handle suspense effectively? Can they voice a diverse cast of suspects clearly? Is their tone appropriate for the subgenre (cozy vs. procedural)? We selected performances that enhance the puzzle and atmosphere.
- Plot & Puzzle Quality (30%): The mystery itself must be compelling. We looked for clever plotting, fair-play clues (mostly!), satisfying reveals, and engaging characters.
- Production Value (10%): Clean audio is essential. For full-cast productions, we ensured clarity and immersive quality. Atmospheric elements, if used, needed to enhance, not distract.
- **Authoritativeness & Trust (10%):** We leverage our position as audiobook experts. We also consider industry awards (like Audies), critical acclaim, and strong listener consensus to ensure these selections are not just our preferences but are widely recognized as top-tier examples of the genre (Trustworthiness).
Frequently Asked Questions About Mystery Audiobooks
What makes a mystery audiobook particularly good?
A great mystery audiobook narrator excels at clarity and control. They need to voice multiple suspects distinctively so the listener doesn’t get confused. They must master pacing to build suspense during tense moments and deliver clues effectively. Tone is also key – a cozy mystery needs a different voice than a dark police procedural. Narrators like Hugh Fraser (classic, warm) or Steven Crossley (atmospheric, intense) are masters of matching voice to subgenre.
What’s the difference between a mystery and a thriller audiobook?
Think of it this way: a **Mystery** focuses on the *puzzle* of a crime that’s already happened (“whodunit?”). The listener is usually solving it alongside the detective. A **Thriller** (like those on our best thrillers list) focuses on *suspense* and *danger* (“will they survive/stop it?”). The protagonist is often in immediate peril. While there’s overlap, mysteries emphasize deduction, while thrillers emphasize adrenaline.
Are full-cast audiobooks better for mysteries?
Not necessarily better, but different! Full-cast productions like *The Guest List* or *A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder* can feel very immersive, like a radio play or podcast, making it easy to distinguish characters. However, a single, highly skilled narrator like Lesley Manville or Ralph Cosham can provide a more consistent tone and intimate feel, guiding you through the story personally. It often comes down to personal preference.
Where can I find these mystery audiobooks?
All the titles featured in this list are readily available on Amazon’s Audible platform. Audible offers the largest selection for U.S. listeners. You can buy them individually or use a monthly membership credit, which is usually the most economical option for new releases.
The game is afoot! We hope this curated list helps you uncover your next captivating mystery listen. Happy sleuthing!