“The course of true love never did run smooth.”
— William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 1, Scene 1
There’s something irresistibly addictive about a romance and mystery story that keeps your heart racing in more ways than one. Whether it’s the thrill of uncovering a long-buried secret or the slow, smoldering burn of an unexpected romance, books that blend mystery and love perfectly are in a league of their own. Think stolen glances during murder investigations, kisses under moonlight after close calls, and plot twists that leave you gasping just as much as the chemistry between characters does.
For readers who adore their romance with a touch of danger, or their mystery with a generous sprinkle of passion, this list which is full of romance and mystery is your dream come true. These stories feature heroines who are sharp, bold, and unafraid to chase both the truth and their hearts, and heroes who are equal parts charming and mysterious.
From shadowy estates and small-town secrets to deadly conspiracies and sizzling slow burns, these ten books have it all: suspense that keeps you guessing and romance that makes you swoon. So grab a blanket, pour yourself something cozy (or strong), and prepare to fall headfirst into stories where romance and mystery go hand in hand, and neither lets go until the very last page.
1. You by Caroline Kepnes
You by Caroline Kepnes is the ultimate dark, twisted romantic mystery for readers who love their love stories with a side of obsession. Yes, the famous Netflix series-Penn Badgley ‘You’. Told from the perspective of Joe Goldberg, a charming, bookish guy with serious stalker tendencies, it’s a wild ride through love, lies, and literary references. When he meets aspiring writer Guinevere Beck, he falls hard… and then starts manipulating everything in her life to win her over. Creepy? Yes. Addictive? Absolutely. It’s like Gossip Girl met Dexter and had a romance and mystery baby.
Despite the chills, there’s a weird allure to Joe’s twisted affection. It’s the kind of book that makes you question every cute guy in a bookstore, and maybe your taste in fictional men. Smart, sharp, and totally un-putdownable.
2. The Art of Theft by Sherry Thomas (Lady Sherlock series)
The Art of Theft by Sherry Thomas is a fabulously clever blend of high-stakes heists, romance and mystery. Lady Charlotte Holmes, yes, a totally re-imagined female Sherlock, is back with her signature wit, cake cravings, and sharp intuition. This time, she’s pulled into a scandalous art theft involving a royal client, an exotic setting, and of course, the ever-dashing Lord Ingram. Their slow-burn chemistry? Swoon.
Think gowns, secrets, and grand ballrooms, mixed with clues, codes, and capers. It’s brainy, bold, and oh-so-fun, perfect for fans of strong heroines who solve crimes while looking effortlessly fabulous. With a cast of loyal friends and romantic sparks flying under all the mystery, this book is pure, stylish detective delight. Smart girls solving mysteries? Yes, please.
3. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse series)
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris is like your favourite cozy romance and mystery novel that has got a sexy, supernatural makeover. Meet Sookie Stackhouse, a sassy, telepathic waitress in small-town Louisiana who just wants a normal life. But when she falls for the mysterious (and ridiculously hot) vampire Bill Compton, things get wild. Cue murders, secrets, and fang-filled drama. It’s the perfect blend of romantic tension, quirky humour, and creepy whodunits, with Sookie as your bold, no-nonsense guide.
The mystery keeps you guessing, the romance keeps you swooning, and the Southern charm gives it all a deliciously unique vibe. If you like your heroines sharp, your love interests brooding, and your mysteries laced with the supernatural, this fang-tastically fun book is totally your next guilty pleasure.
4. Verity by Colleen Hoover
Verity by Colleen Hoover is a dark, twisty romance and mystery novel that will leave you gasping, and maybe questioning everything. When struggling writer Lowen is hired to finish a bestselling author’s series, she moves into the eerie Crawford home, only to uncover a secret manuscript that’s seriously messed up. Cue the brooding (and heartbreakingly handsome) husband, Jeremy, and a forbidden, slow-burn romance that’s as intense as the mystery unravelling around them. It’s emotional, disturbing, and unputdownable.
Lowen’s torn between desire and danger, and you’ll be flipping pages way past your bedtime. It’s got all the suspense of a thriller, with the juicy tension of a forbidden love story. Think Gone Girl meets The Notebook, but darker. Moody, sexy, and completely addictive. The perfect romance and mystery novel for colleen hoover fans.
read more about this book at: goodreads
5. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
With its eerie atmosphere, sinister secrets, and intensely passionate love, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is the quintessential gothic romance and mystery novel. Our unnamed heroine is wooed by the mysterious (and incredibly wealthy) Maxim de Winter, who then whisks her away to his magnificent estate, Manderley. The problem is that Rebecca, his previous wife, continues to haunt every hallway, shadow, and hushed talk. Yes, it’s lovely, but it’s also somewhat disturbing.
You’ll get obsessed with the slow-burning tension, the sophisticated yet unsettling atmosphere, and the secrets that are revealed and cause you to doubt everything. Somewhat like downtown abbey, but with a sinister, psychological undertone. Rebecca is a melancholy classic that provides romance and mystery fix, in a severe way. It is exquisitely written, spine-tingling, and emotionally rich.
6. The Girl in the Mist by Kristen Ashley
The Girl in the Mist by Kristen Ashley is a dreamy, slow-burning romantic mystery with just the right amount of suspense and swoon. Set in a cozy, misty mountain town, it follows bestselling author Delphine, who’s retreating from fame and heartbreak, until she’s pulled into a chilling local mystery. Enter Cade, a brooding, ex–Green Beret with serious protector energy. Their chemistry? Off the charts. As danger creeps closer, Delphine and Cade team up to unravel the town’s secrets, and fall hard along the way.
Think cozy cabins, flirty banter, and a plot that keeps you guessing (and blushing). With strong heroine vibes and a hero who’s all rugged charm, this book is the perfect mix of thrilling and romantic. Girly, gripping, and totally addictive. The perfect rainy weekend read with some romance and mystery.
7. Mind Games by Nora Roberts
Mind Games by Nora Roberts is a thrilling romance and mystery novel that’s equal parts spine-tingling and swoon-worthy. The story follows Thea, a brilliant psychologist with a psychic gift she’s tried to keep quiet, until she starts seeing visions of a serial killer’s crimes. Enter the rugged and oh-so-captivating detective, who’s sceptical at first but can’t deny Thea’s gift, or their undeniable spark. As the danger gets closer, so does their connection, creating the kind of tension that’s both nail-biting and heart-fluttering.
Thea is smart, fierce, and totally relatable, while the romance is steamy in the best way. With Nora Roberts’ signature blend of mystery, heart, and female strength, Mind Games is a must-read for anyone who loves thrillers with a deeply romantic twist.
8. Lethal by Sandra Brown
Lethal by Sandra Brown is a fast-paced, steamy romance and mystery novel that grabs you from page one and does not let go. Honor Gillette is a sweet, strong single mother whose world is turned upside down when a wounded man, suspected of murder, shows up in her yard. That man? Lee Coburn: dangerous, intense, and seriously irresistible. As they go on the run together, trying to uncover a deadly conspiracy, the chemistry between them sizzles.
The tension (romantic and suspenseful) is so thick, you’ll be flipping pages like mad. Honor’s bravery and Lee’s hidden softness make them a perfect opposites-attract duo. It’s gritty, sexy, and thrilling in the best way. If you love high stakes, hot guys, and bold heroines, Lethal totally delivers.
9. Deadly Secrets by Angel Sefer(The Greek Isles Series)
Deadly Secrets by Angel Sefer is a romance and mystery novel that’s equal parts dreamy and dangerous, with a touch of Greek-island magic. When reporter Helena gets a mysterious letter about her late godmother’s death, she returns to her beautiful island home, only to uncover secrets that someone’s willing to kill for. Enter handsome, enigmatic Dimitris, who may be an ally, or hiding something himself. Their chemistry is instant, electric, and complicated (hello, trust issues!).
With stunning scenery, family drama, hidden pasts, and a mystery that keeps unfolding, this story is a total escape. Helena is a smart, brave heroine, and Dimitris is the perfect brooding mystery man. It’s the kind of suspenseful romance that makes you want a glass of wine, a sun hat, and the next chapter now. It’s the perfect romance and mystery novel for girl book clubs.
10. A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn
A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn is a witty, Victorian-era romance and mystery novel with major girl-power vibes and irresistible slow-burn chemistry. Meet Veronica Speedwell, a fiercely independent, butterfly-hunting heroine who doesn’t care one bit for society’s expectations. After a strange break-in and the sudden death of her guardian, Veronica is thrust into a whirlwind of danger and secrets. Enter Stoker, a grumpy, tattooed natural historian with a dark past and a surprisingly soft heart. Their banter? Pure gold.
As they unravel a deadly mystery, the tension between them simmers deliciously. It’s smart, sassy, and full of historical flair, think corsets, conspiracies, and clever comebacks. If you adore strong heroines, brooding heroes, and mysteries with a romantic twist, this book is your next obsession.
more reads: new book releases of 2025
