10 Best New Mystery Books to Devour This Spring—You Won’t See These Twists Coming!
See our picks from acclaimed authors Rosie Walsh, Tana French, Gillian McAllister and more
Thanks to the longer, sunnier days, the fresh energy of a new season and the joy of reading with the windows open, there’s something especially satisfying about cracking open a good mystery in the spring. The mystery genre has long been one of the most beloved genres for a reason: Few forms of entertainment are as fun as trying to solve an immersive on-page puzzle before the final reveal. And here at Woman’s World, we love mysteries of all kinds—from cozy whodunits to sharp crime procedurals, psychological thriller mysteries, historical mysteries and more.
So to celebrate the upcoming change of season, we combed through hundreds of new releases and hand-picked the best new mystery books to read this spring! Whether you’re in the mood for a high-stakes suspense by bestselling author Gillian MacAllister, a dual-timeline historical mystery by Jennifer F. Brown or a buzzy 1960s-set caper by Elizabeth Arnott, these books are sure to keep you hooked from the first clue to the final page. Happy reading!
‘Two Kinds of Stranger’ by Steve Cavanagh
Fans of John Grisham will love Irish author Steve Cavanagh’s new novel—the ninth installment in his Eddie Flynn series. Internet celeb Ellie Parker has a “perfect” life and a brand built on viral acts of kindness. But then, a betrayal turns her life upside down. At her lowest, Ellie still can’t resist helping a stranger. This pulls her into a dark game—and only Eddie Flynn, former con man turned lawyer, can help. (Out March 24, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “Oh boy—just give me a comfy couch, an endless tray of snacks, a chilled bottle of Santa Barbara or Monterey Chardonnay (2023 vintage, please!), and an Eddie Flynn book, and I’m in pure bliss. This book blew me away. The pacing was flawless, the twists kept me glued and Eddie’s daring, borderline-unethical methods had me cheering. The ending made me laugh out loud—it was sharp, brilliant, and perfectly executed.”
‘Strangers in the Villa’ by Robyn Harding
A marriage on the rocks? Check. A beautiful beachy setting? Check. Dark twists and mounting tension? Absolutely. In Robyn Harding’s newest novel, danger lurks around every corner. After Sydney finds out her husband had a fling, he begs her to retreat to Spain to fix their marriage. At their isolated hilltop villa, they meet an Australian couple looking for help. As the days go on, chilling truths are unearthed.
What early readers are saying: “At breakfast one morning, a couple of Australians show up at their door, stranded from car trouble. As the story progresses, each chapter alternates point of view among the four main characters. The tension is so thick you can cut it with a knife! The unique POVs create complex and layered characters. Through excellent writing and misdirection, you question more and more as the story unfolds. The ending was something I never expected! I can’t recommend this enough for lovers of psychological thrillers with well-developed characters and an immersive, atmospheric setting that is also a familiar tourist destination!”
‘The Keeper’ by Tana French
Stephen King once described Tana French’s writing as “incandescent,” and her latest novel, The Keeper, the final book in the hit Cal Hooper trilogy, is another stunner. Set in an Irish village, the story begins when a woman is found dead in a local river. Retired Chicago detective Cal Hooper has friends in the village and wants to help—even though his fiancée Lena wants to stay far from the town’s drama. As secrets are uncovered, dangers lurk closer than ever. (Out March 31, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “This is another slow-burn mystery involving all the main and supporting characters from the previous books in the series. Cal, Lena and Trey have all become increasingly integrated into society, despite their hesitations and reservations about this. French’s prose, ability to capture emotions and sense of place are as superb as ever. The book is gorgeously written and engaging from start to end. I’m jealous of those who haven’t read the series yet and can immediately jump from one book to the next and savor the character development and bonds that stretch across all three novels!”
‘The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton’ by Jennifer N. Brown
Fans of dual-timeline historical mysteries inspired by real women will adore this fascinating new novel. When historian Alison Sage uncovers a long-lost manuscript of 16th-century prophetess Elizabeth Barton—whose visions once condemned Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn—her discovery catapults her to academic fame. Then, she receives an invitation to the Codex Consortium at a crumbling English manor. But what begins as a dream week of research turns deadly when murder strikes, secrets surface and centuries-old legends hint at hidden treasure. As Alison races to solve the mystery, old rivalries and unexpected romance complicate the hunt, making the stakes higher than ever. (Out April 14, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “An absolute marvel of a story. It tells the story of The Maid of Kent (Elizabeth Barton) and, with a dual-timeline, a historian who finds the ‘lost book’ of Elizabeth. The author does a great job keeping the historical facts about Elizabeth while humanizing the circus of events that surrounded her claims of visions. The more modern story becomes a treasure hunting/murder mystery as only the English can do. Although I had my suspicions of one of the characters very early on—and I was right!—the mystery was interesting and exciting from start to finish.”
‘The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives by Elizabeth Arnott
Bestselling author Emilia Hart described this new mystery as “beautifully written” and stated it’s “as if Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote a crime novel.” Based on that description alone, we’re sold!
In this forthcoming mystery—which was just named a GMA Book Club pick—Beverley, Elsie and Margot have one shocking thing in common: They’re all former wives of convicted killers. In the summer of 1966, the three women form an unlikely friendship as they try to rebuild their lives after their husbands’ crimes come to light. Beverley is a protective mother, Elsie is a determined newsroom reporter in a male-dominated world and glamorous Margot hides her heartbreak behind perfect parties. But when a string of new murders rocks their California town, the trio decides to investigate on their own—because if anyone knows how killers think, it’s the women who once shared their homes.
What early readers are saying: “Arnott’s writing is clear and engaging, but she doesn’t romanticize. Instead, she balances the harsh realities of the crimes with intimate moments. The narrative shifts between the three women’s perspectives, providing a textured understanding of their emotions and enhancing suspense and depth. The tone alternates skillfully between sadness and wit, reflecting the women’s complex experience. The increasing tension provides a gripping reading experience.”
‘Murder at the Highland Games’ by Dee Macdonald
If you prefer your mysteries on the cozy side, we have you covered! Dee MacDonald’s upcoming whodunit—the fourth installment in her Ally McKinley Mystery series—promises an entertaining, sleuth-tastic ride. It’s the annual Locharran Highland Games, and Ally McKinkley is tickled to see her little Scottish village buzzing with excitement. Amid all the dancing, bagpipes and cheering competitors on, champion challenger Archie Armstrong shockingly drops dead in the middle of tossing the caber. Now, Ally once again vows to investigate on her own and crack the case! (Out April 16, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “Murder at the Highland Games is a charming, gently paced cozy mystery set against the colorful backdrop of a Scottish Highland festival. With bagpipes, kilts and village traditions woven throughout, the setting is easily the star—rich in atmosphere and full of small-town personality. Fans of traditional cozy mysteries—those who enjoy community settings, a touch of humor and a murder that doesn’t overwhelm the charm—will feel right at home here. A solid choice if you’re in the mood for something comforting, scenic, and gently engaging rather than dark or intense.”
‘The One Day You Were My Husband’ by Rosie Walsh
A whirlwind romance, a shocking arrest and a mystery that refuses to stay buried—Rosie Walsh, bestselling author of Ghosted, delivers another twist-filled page-turner. Carrie thought she’d found her forever with Johan, the man she fell for and married on a beach in Thailand after just five months together. But their wedding night takes a stunning turn when Johan is suddenly arrested and refuses to explain why. Twelve years later, Carrie has built a new life with a loving husband and 6-year-old twins—until she learns Johan has been released from prison. Unable to let the past rest, she risks everything to uncover the truth about the man she once believed was the love of her life. (Out May 19, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “I loved this book even more than the author’s previous two novels, which I also enjoyed. It carries a touch of The Last Thing He Told Me energy—quieter in the beginning, but absolutely relentless in the final act. The mystery is tightly executed, the character development is deeply satisfying and the twist is worth every page. I’m obsessed.”
‘Good People’ by Patmeena Sabit
On the surface, the Sharaf family seems to embody the American dream. Once refugees with nothing, they’ve built a life of wealth and success in an elite neighborhood—and their brilliant daughter, Zorah, is the pride of the family. But when an unthinkable tragedy shatters their carefully built world, whispers begin to swirl about what life behind closed doors was really like. Told through multiple perspectives, Good People is a gripping, thought-provoking novel that peels back the layers of family, reputation and truth. It’s a story that will leave readers questioning just how well we ever know the people closest to us.
What early readers are saying: “I’ve never read a book like this! The story is stitched together by a cacophony of people close to the family, eyewitness accounts and newspaper pieces surrounding a family tragedy that you aren’t privy to until halfway through the book. I think anyone who loves family drama, multiple POV and crime narratives will be hooked immediately. The cultural themes of immigration, integration and many others make the story that much more important in today’s climate. I’ll be watching closely for her next novel! Patmeena Sabit is such a beautiful and intriguing new voice in the book world!”
‘Caller Unknown’ by Gillian McAllister
Gillian McAllister became an auto-buy author for many after her mind-bending thriller-mystery from 2022, Wrong Place Wrong Time—and her forthcoming book is another story about a mother racing against the clock. Simone would do literally anything for her daughter, Lucy. As Lucy prepares to leave home for university, they plan a mother-daughter vacation and leaves the U.K. for Texas. But on their first morning there, Simone wakes up to find Lucy missing from their rental cabin—and there’s a cell phone in her place. The voice on the call is demanding a ransom. Simone’s husband tells her not to bring the police into it and she agrees—they just can’t risk Lucy’s safety. That night, Simone drives to the isolated meet-up and what she discovers there upends her entire world. (Out May 5, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “Gillian McAllister never lets me down, and this one was no exception. It was a heart-pounding, compelling, thrilling novel that I found difficult to put down. Okay, so I had to suspend disbelief towards the end, but nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
‘Served Him Right’ by Lisa Unger
Danger, deception, murder… bestselling author Lisa Unger’s newest book has it all. Ana Blacksmith gathers her friends and sister, Vera, for a brunch to celebrate her breakup with Paul. But then, news about him drops—and someone falls deathly ill after brunch. As an investigation unfolds, rumors about a secret network using ancient, evil tactics of justice emerge. Now, Ana and Vera vow to uncover the truth. (Out March 10, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “Served Him Right is so impeccably layered. The double entendre of the title alone lends to its incredible depth. The history of The Cove and The Knowledge were my favorite parts of the story. I loved the network of women looking out for one another, righting wrongs, serving justice, and holding each other accountable to their own moral code. This was not only a thrilling mystery, but a beautiful story of generations, friendship and sisterhood. I loved literally everything about it and cannot recommend it enough!”
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