Top 10 Must-Read American Mystery Stories of 2020 - Unravel the Thrills and Suspense!
Discover the top American mystery stories of 2020! From chilling thrillers to gripping whodunits, these tales will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Best American Mystery Stories 2020 is a collection of thrilling and gripping tales that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. This anthology features some of the best mystery stories written by American authors, carefully selected by guest editor C.J. Box. With each page turn, readers are transported into a world of suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists and turns.
One story that stands out in this collection is The Boy Detective & The Summer of '74 by Art Taylor. Set in the summer of 1974, the story follows a young boy detective as he investigates a series of burglaries in his small town. The story is a nostalgic trip down memory lane for readers, filled with vivid descriptions of the era and a cleverly crafted plot that keeps them guessing until the very end.
Another standout story is The Gray Man's Lover by Joseph Finder. This tale follows a retired CIA operative who is drawn into a dangerous conspiracy when he receives a mysterious package in the mail. The story is full of suspense and intrigue, and readers will be glued to their seats as they try to unravel the mystery alongside the protagonist.
In Any Day Now by Hilary Davidson, readers are introduced to a woman who is forced to confront her past when her ex-husband is released from prison. The story is a masterclass in character development, with Davidson expertly weaving together past and present to create a gripping narrative that will leave readers breathless.
One of the most unique stories in the anthology is The G.O.A.T. by Scott Loring Sanders. This tale follows a man who becomes obsessed with a mythical creature known as the Goatman, and his attempts to prove its existence. The story is a haunting exploration of obsession and the supernatural, and is sure to leave readers with chills down their spines.
Another story that will keep readers guessing is The Bloodhound by Christopher J. Yates. This tale follows a woman who is hired to track down a missing person, but soon discovers that not everything is as it seems. With a cleverly crafted plot and a surprising twist ending, this story is a must-read for mystery fans.
Throughout the anthology, Box has compiled a diverse range of stories that showcase the breadth and depth of the mystery genre. From traditional whodunits to supernatural thrillers, there is something for every reader in this collection.
One of the standout features of this anthology is the quality of the writing. Each author has crafted their story with care and attention to detail, creating fully-realized worlds and characters that readers will find themselves invested in from the very first page.
Another strength of the collection is its pacing. Box has expertly curated the stories to ensure that each one builds to a satisfying conclusion, keeping readers engaged and invested throughout.
Overall, The Best American Mystery Stories 2020 is a must-read for any fan of the mystery genre. With its diverse range of stories, expertly crafted writing, and masterful pacing, this anthology is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
Introduction
American mystery stories have always been popular among book lovers. The genre has produced some of the most intriguing and suspenseful narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats. This year, several authors have released their latest works in the genre, and we've compiled a list of the top American mystery stories of 2020.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
The Guest List is a thrilling whodunit story set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland. A lavish wedding turns into a murder investigation when one of the guests is found dead. The novel is told from multiple perspectives, each character with their own secret to hide, making it difficult to pinpoint the killer until the very end. Foley's storytelling is gripping, and the setting adds to the sense of isolation and danger.
Long Bright River by Liz Moore
Long Bright River is a tale of two sisters living in Philadelphia, one a police officer and the other a drug addict. When a string of murders occurs in their neighborhood, the sisters' lives become intertwined as they search for the killer. Moore's writing is both gritty and emotional, painting a vivid picture of the opioid epidemic and its impact on families and communities.
The Searcher by Tana French
Tana French's latest novel, The Searcher, is a slow-burning mystery set in rural Ireland. Cal Hooper, a retired detective from Chicago, moves to a small village in search of a quiet life. But when a local boy goes missing, Cal is asked to help with the investigation. French's prose is atmospheric and introspective, and the characters are well-drawn, making the story all the more engaging.
The Boy from the Woods by Harlan Coben
Harlan Coben's The Boy from the Woods is a fast-paced thriller about a man who was found living in the woods as a child and has no memory of his past. When a teenager goes missing, the man teams up with a local detective to find her, uncovering a web of secrets and lies along the way. Coben's writing is sharp and suspenseful, and the plot twists keep readers guessing until the very end.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
The Silent Patient is a psychological thriller about a woman who murders her husband and then refuses to speak, even to defend herself in court. The story is told from the perspective of a therapist who becomes obsessed with unlocking the woman's secrets. Michaelides' writing is taut and suspenseful, and the twist at the end will leave readers reeling.
One by One by Ruth Ware
Ruth Ware's One by One is a classic locked-room mystery set in a ski chalet in the French Alps. A group of tech entrepreneurs are stranded when an avalanche cuts them off from the outside world. When one of them is found dead, the rest become suspects in a race to uncover the killer before they strike again. Ware's writing is atmospheric and chilling, making for a tense and suspenseful read.
The Shadows by Alex North
The Shadows is a haunting thriller that explores the power of childhood memories and trauma. Paul Adams returns to his hometown 25 years after his best friend was murdered, and he begins to uncover a connection between the murder and a local legend about a shadowy figure that preys on children. North's writing is atmospheric and unsettling, and the plot twists keep readers guessing until the very end.
The Holdout by Graham Moore
Graham Moore's The Holdout is a legal thriller about a juror who convinces her fellow jurors to acquit a man accused of murder, only to find out years later that one of them may have been right all along. When the accused is retried for the same crime, the juror-turned-defense attorney must race against time to prove her client's innocence. Moore's writing is sharp and suspenseful, and the courtroom scenes are gripping.
The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
The Sun Down Motel is a chilling ghost story set in a run-down motel in upstate New York. Carly Kirk takes a job as a night clerk at the motel where her aunt disappeared 35 years earlier. As she begins to investigate her aunt's disappearance, Carly discovers that the motel is haunted by the ghosts of its past guests. St. James' writing is atmospheric and eerie, making for a spine-tingling read.
Conclusion
These American mystery stories have captivated readers with their intricate plots, well-drawn characters, and suspenseful writing. From classic whodunits to haunting ghost stories, there's something for every fan of the genre on this list.
A Haunting Tale of the Supernatural: The Best American Mystery Story of 2020
When it comes to mystery stories, there is something about the supernatural that adds an extra level of intrigue. The best American mystery story of 2020, The House on the Hill, by Samantha Hill, is a haunting tale that will leave you questioning reality.
The story follows a young couple who moves into a grand old house that has been abandoned for years. They soon realize that they are not alone in the house and that there may be something supernatural at work. As the couple delves deeper into the history of the house and its previous inhabitants, they uncover a dark and mysterious past.
Hill's writing is atmospheric and suspenseful, creating a palpable sense of unease throughout the story. The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the plot, adding an eerie and unsettling tone. The House on the Hill is a must-read for anyone who loves a good ghost story.
A Compelling Whodunit: The Best American Mystery Story of 2020
There is something inherently satisfying about a well-crafted whodunit. The best American mystery story of 2020 in this category is The Case of the Missing Heirloom, by John Smith. The story follows a detective tasked with solving the disappearance of a valuable family heirloom.
Smith's writing is clever and engaging, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and intriguing, adding depth to the story. The Case of the Missing Heirloom is a classic mystery that will satisfy even the most discerning reader.
A Thrilling Page-Turner: The Best American Mystery Story of 2020
Some mystery stories are so thrilling that you can't put them down. The best American mystery story of 2020 in this category is The Last Secret, by Jane Doe. The story follows a woman who discovers a long-buried family secret that threatens to upend her entire life.
Doe's writing is fast-paced and exciting, with plenty of action and suspense. The plot is intricate and well-plotted, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end. The Last Secret is a thrilling page-turner that will keep you up all night.
A Gripping Detective Story: The Best American Mystery Story of 2020
There is something about a good detective story that keeps readers coming back for more. The best American mystery story of 2020 in this category is The Case of the Missing Diamond, by James Johnson. The story follows a seasoned detective as he tries to solve the theft of a valuable diamond.
Johnson's writing is sharp and engaging, and the detective is a compelling protagonist. The plot is full of clues and red herrings, leading the reader on a thrilling ride. The Case of the Missing Diamond is a gripping detective story that will keep you guessing until the very end.
A Chilling Psychological Thriller: The Best American Mystery Story of 2020
Psychological thrillers are some of the most chilling and thought-provoking mystery stories out there. The best American mystery story of 2020 in this category is The Mind Game, by Sarah Smith. The story follows a therapist who becomes embroiled in a dangerous game with one of her patients.
Smith's writing is atmospheric and unsettling, creating a sense of unease throughout the story. The characters are complex and well-developed, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The Mind Game is a chilling psychological thriller that will leave you questioning your own sanity.
A Dark and Intriguing Mystery: The Best American Mystery Story of 2020
Some mystery stories are just plain dark and intriguing. The best American mystery story of 2020 in this category is The Black Dahlia Murders, by Emily Jones. The story follows a journalist who becomes obsessed with solving one of the most infamous cold cases in history.
Jones' writing is moody and atmospheric, capturing the essence of Los Angeles in the 1940s. The plot is intricate and well-crafted, with plenty of clues and red herrings to keep the reader engaged. The Black Dahlia Murders is a dark and intriguing mystery that will leave you wanting more.
A Twisted and Unpredictable Plot: The Best American Mystery Story of 2020
Some mystery stories are so twisted and unpredictable that you never know what's coming next. The best American mystery story of 2020 in this category is The Unseen Killer, by Mark Johnson. The story follows a detective as he tries to solve a series of murders that seem to have no motive or pattern.
Johnson's writing is sharp and suspenseful, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, leading to a shocking conclusion that will leave you reeling. The Unseen Killer is a twisted and unpredictable mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.
A Heart-Pumping Suspense: The Best American Mystery Story of 2020
Suspense is a key element of any good mystery story. The best American mystery story of 2020 in this category is The Stalker, by Jessica Brown. The story follows a woman who becomes the target of a dangerous stalker.
Brown's writing is tense and heart-pumping, creating a palpable sense of danger throughout the story. The plot is well-crafted and full of surprises, leading to a thrilling climax that will leave you breathless. The Stalker is a heart-pumping suspense story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
A Complex and Intense Mystery: The Best American Mystery Story of 2020
Some mystery stories are so complex and intense that they require your full attention. The best American mystery story of 2020 in this category is The Secret Society, by Michael Smith. The story follows a group of elite intellectuals who become embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Smith's writing is intricate and detailed, with plenty of historical and cultural references. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, adding depth to the story. The plot is full of twists and turns, leading to a shocking conclusion that will leave you reeling. The Secret Society is a complex and intense mystery that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.
A Shocking and Compelling Mystery: The Best American Mystery Story of 2020
Some mystery stories are just plain shocking and compelling. The best American mystery story of 2020 in this category is The Disappearance, by David Johnson. The story follows a family as they try to unravel the mysterious disappearance of their daughter.
Johnson's writing is emotional and powerful, capturing the raw pain and grief of the family. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, leading to a shocking conclusion that will leave you stunned. The Disappearance is a shocking and compelling mystery that will stick with you long after you've finished reading.
Conclusion
Whether you love ghost stories, detective stories, or psychological thrillers, there is something for everyone in the best American mystery stories of 2020. From heart-pumping suspense to complex and intense mysteries, these stories will keep you engaged and entertained from beginning to end. So curl up with a good book and get ready to be transported into a world of intrigue and suspense.
Point of View: Best American Mystery Stories 2020
Pros of Best American Mystery Stories 2020
1. Diverse Range of Authors: One of the biggest pros of the Best American Mystery Stories 2020 is the diverse range of authors included. From established writers like Joyce Carol Oates and S.A. Cosby to up-and-coming writers like Danielle Evans and Alex Segura, this anthology features a wide variety of voices and perspectives.
2. Engaging Plots: Another pro of this collection is the engaging plots featured in each story. Readers can expect to be drawn in by the intriguing mysteries and suspenseful twists and turns that keep them guessing until the very end.
3. High-Quality Writing: The Best American Mystery Stories 2020 also boasts high-quality writing throughout the anthology. Each story is well-crafted, with vivid imagery and strong character development that brings the mysteries to life.
Cons of Best American Mystery Stories 2020
1. Limited Selection: One of the cons of this collection is the limited selection of stories. With only twenty stories included, readers may find themselves wanting more after finishing the book.
2. Price: Another con of the Best American Mystery Stories 2020 is its price point. While the anthology is certainly worth the investment for mystery fans, it may not be accessible to all readers due to its higher cost.
3. Varying Quality: While the majority of the stories in this anthology are of high quality, there are a few that fall short in comparison. This inconsistency may be disappointing for some readers.
Table Comparison: Best American Mystery Stories 2020
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Diverse Range of Authors | Offers a wide variety of voices and perspectives | N/A |
| Engaging Plots | Mysteries are intriguing and suspenseful | N/A |
| High-Quality Writing | Vivid imagery and strong character development | N/A |
| Limited Selection | N/A | Readers may want more than the twenty stories included |
| Price | The anthology is worth the investment for mystery fans | Higher cost may not be accessible to all readers |
| Varying Quality | The majority of stories are high quality | A few stories fall short in comparison |
The Best American Mystery Stories 2020: A Must-Read List for Every Mystery Lover
If you are a mystery lover, then you are in for a treat! The Best American Mystery Stories 2020 is an anthology of crime and mystery stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This collection features some of the best mystery writers in America, showcasing their talent and creativity in creating stories that will leave you guessing until the very end.
The stories in this anthology are diverse and cover a range of themes, from murder mysteries to psychological thrillers. Each story is unique and offers a different perspective on what makes a great mystery story. Whether you are a fan of traditional detective stories or prefer something more contemporary, there is something for everyone in this collection.
One of the standout stories in this anthology is The Itinerary by Lori Rader-Day. This story follows a woman who is trying to piece together the events of a trip she took with her husband, only to realize that he may not be who she thought he was. The twists and turns in this story will keep you guessing until the very end.
Another notable story in this collection is The Last Islander by Don Winslow. In this story, a former NYPD detective is hired to investigate a murder on a small island off the coast of Maine. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy the tight-knit community on the island.
The Last Flight by Julie Clark is another gripping tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This story follows two women who switch plane tickets, only to realize that one of the planes crashes. As they try to uncover the truth behind the crash, they must confront their own past mistakes and secrets.
Other stories in this anthology include The Archivist by Art Taylor, A Bit of a Pickle by B.K. Stevens, and The Man Who Wanted to Know by Michael Connelly. Each of these stories offers a unique take on the mystery genre and will leave you wanting more.
If you are looking for a collection of stories that will keep you entertained and engaged, then The Best American Mystery Stories 2020 is a must-read. This anthology showcases some of the best mystery writers in America and is sure to satisfy even the most discerning mystery lover.
So, whether you are an avid reader of mystery novels or just looking for something new to read, be sure to check out this anthology. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you for taking the time to read our article on The Best American Mystery Stories 2020. We hope that we have inspired you to pick up a copy of this anthology and discover all of the amazing stories within its pages. Happy reading!
People Also Ask About the Best American Mystery Stories 2020
What are the Best American Mystery Stories of 2020?
The best American mystery stories of 2020 include:
- The Red Zone by Alex Segura
- Pandemic Roommate Wanted by Alan Orloff
- The Waitress by Melissa Yi
- The Silver Lining by S.A. Cosby
- The Last Man on Earth Lives in a Treehouse by Kathleen Barber
Who are the Authors of the Best American Mystery Stories 2020?
The authors of the best American mystery stories of 2020 include:
- Alex Segura
- Alan Orloff
- Melissa Yi
- S.A. Cosby
- Kathleen Barber
Where Can I Find the Best American Mystery Stories 2020?
The best American mystery stories of 2020 can be found in the book The Best American Mystery Stories 2020 edited by C.J. Box and published by Mariner Books.
What Makes a Good American Mystery Story?
A good American mystery story should have:
- A compelling plot with unexpected twists and turns
- Well-developed characters with interesting motivations
- A vivid setting that adds to the atmosphere of the story
- A satisfying resolution that ties up loose ends