Life is all about challenges, riddles and our thrive to explaining the impossible and that’s exactly what mystery is, something puzzling, mind-boggling and difficult to understand, these challenges excite our glial cells and neurotransmitters, thrill us and leave us in suspense. When speaking of novels and literature a bookworm looks for art, action, fiction, narration, suspense; and mystery is the genre that covers it all. A mystery novel would include riddles, secrets, unsolved problems, crime, suspense, murder, death, morbidity and puzzles. Therefore if you’re weak-hearted who is easily threatened by jumps and surprises should probably step back. However those who are the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ of their family, those of you who wake up to crack  riddles and puzzles, resolve disputes and get enthralled by the mysterious world and love to live in suspense should definitely give these best mystery books a read!

1. The Whistler by John Grisham

I’ve grown up looking up to a bookshelf full of John Grisham books since my uncle was a die-hard Grisham fan, therefore when it comes to mystery this American bestseller is the first one I can think of, some may contradict with my views as to this novel being the first on my list as it won’t do justice to all the other extraordinary reads but this one by far has to be my favorite. This story is about a lawyer who comes across a rather dangerous and deadly case that reveals the truth about the corruption in the judicial system. The case reveals unfathomable misconducts that she has to face.

2. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code which was also made into a movie, with the main character executed exceptionally well by Tom Hanks. The post effects of this book will leave you in a hypnotic trance; I must admit I spent nights over the internet in search for the ‘code’. The book is about a symbolist, Langdon, who wakes up one day to a phone call after which his entire life is turned around. After this point he is on the run away from the police on the quest for the historical secret. His journey is accompanied with the French cryptologist, Sophie. Together they crack a series of bizarre riddles and codes hidden under the art of Leonardo Da Vinci.

3. The Woman in White by Wilkie Colins

This novel is set in the 19^th century, the whole set up portrayed and depicted brilliantly. This is an excellent mysterious novel, daunting, peculiar with immaculate and well explained characters and scenes that will send a chill down your spine.

4. The Eye of the Beholder by Marc Behm

No matter how many times I read this book it always gives me goose bumps and chills. The plot revolves around a female serial killer who has an intense dislike for men, however it is somehow validated. This ‘slayer’ is being followed around by the private detective, the eye, for about ten years. The relationship that has been described between these two characters is by far the most unexpected and intriguing one that you will ever find.

5. Sneaky People by Thomas Berger

When talking about mystery one immediately thinks of murder, offense, maliciousness, and violence. However this novel is rather a humorous crime story. A simple guy called Buddy Sandifer who wants his wife dead and therefore hires a someone to do so. The purpose behind this is to spend the rest of his days with a promiscuous woman who he’s been having an affair with. The book takes a few hilarious spins making this the most comic mysterious novels ever!

6. A Simple Plan by Scott B. Smith

The title simple plan suggests something about a simple plan but it’s anything but that! Two brothers come across a crashed plane and after thorough search they find a handsome amount of money and all they have to do is come up with a simple plan in order to conceal the fortune they’ve stumbled upon. The plot takes some unexpected turns and these innocent people end up becoming criminals. Anyone looking for a more of a realist read should definitely go for this novel.

7. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

There has been a Hollywood version of this book but of course movies never do justice to novels. The layout is the cliché where people are stranded on an island and start to die one after the other and start accusing each other of the misconduct. Therefore there are a total of ten people who have allegedly been accused of the murders until all ten of them have died and there’s no one left who could be the last suspect!

8. The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

The layout is set back during the era of the Tudors. An inspector Alan Grant has a special skill and a hobby of studying portraits brought to him by a friend and gets indulged in a case from almost five hundred years ago during the time of the Tudors! Sounds kind of peculiar doesn’t it? Hence, if you are a historical mystery kind of a reader this book is the one to choose.

9. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

This is an eerie story about a family who was murdered in their own house without any traces of motive to cause this mishap. An investigator gets involved with this case and gets to the bottom of it. Captoe invented this legendary genre of literary non-fiction which creates an absolutely fascinating read.

10. Tales of Mystery & Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe

Poe started off writing short mystery stories, eventually to become the father of this genre. His plot includes all the basics that you would need to get indulged into a mystery novel; it is a compilation of different writings by this author. This novel has claimed to be one of Poe’s best written pieces. The ones who have read are accustomed to Poe’s writing style but the ones who haven’t should give this gothic literature a read.

Science fiction quite literally means the literature of change; this includes all the modern day technological and scientific advancements to create an imaginative future. The sci-fi genre can be subdivided into astronomy, astrophysics, fantasy, science, time travel and so much more that it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss them all. Hence when I sit back to contemplate the top 10 of the list it is impossible not to exclude some of the ‘all-time-favorites’. The science fiction experts reading this blog might give the writer a condescending nod as I leave out their top best science fiction books, however, I’m going to take the risk and go ahead with my list.

1. Dune by Frank Herbert
As cliché as this might be (since this book seems to be the number one on every list), this book just seems to be a classic, a story that can be read over and over. Therefore Dune has turned up as the number one on my list.

The novel is set about 20,000 years ahead with Dune Leto as the main character. The plot of this novel takes some excitingly shocking twists that leave the readers in suspense. The ending is definitely a cliff hanger which will make the reader want to keep reading on. The Dune series have been a popular hit since the 1990’s coming a long way up to 2009.(Buy)

2. Neuromancer by William Gibson
This book is set in the future. About a simple cowboy who turns into a cyberpunk and gets caught up with a shadowy organization that turn out to be cyber terrorists. The novel takes some mysterious instructions to moving through cyberspace. The author captures the complex cyber technology, mystery and excitement in his novel.

Therefore if you are a ‘cyberpunk’ or and ‘IT freak’ you should undoubtedly give this novel a read.(Buy)

3. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
This must have been of one of my favorites as I was growing up when the entire idea of time travel and a time machine, to me, sounded so bizarre!

As the name suggests this book is about a time machine created by the time traveler, the star of this story. The time traveler travels through different times going from 802,701AD and making several stops after which he ends up thirty million years into the future. The story takes the reader through the different times; the reader is in a trance as travelling through with the time traveler into the whimsical world of HG Wells.(Buy)

4. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
There have been so many Frankenstein stories out in the market that the audience almost wants to say ‘Yet, not another one of the Frankenstein’s monsters!’. However this novel supercedes all those novels that have not failed to saturate our brains.

This story revolves around Victor Frankenstein’s tragic story- the story of Frankenstein’s monster.

The story of Victor is told in third person by Robert Walton who narrates to the audience every detail about Victor’s life. Victor being the genius since childhood, ends up accidentally creating a monster. The monster is now dedicated to avenge his rejection from mankind from his creator and his creator’s family.(Buy)

5. Hyperion by Dan Simmons
The reader is taken into another dimension, another world, another time. In a world called Hyperion a creature named Shrike is worshiped, feared by some, and hated by the others. Due to the contradicting beliefs of the people of Hyperion the entire galaxy seems to be at war. Seven pilgrims to Hyperion hold several mysteries that are unraveled towards the end of this novel. Definitely a page turner!(Buy)

6. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
Only my second novel on the list by a female author, as we know women are not well appreciated in the sci-fi genre, it was important for me to mention this outstanding author, Ursula who breaks the stereotype of science-fiction being a male oriented domain. The book deals with issues of gender crisis and identity. The characters of this story are gender-less with conflicting human characteristics. Ursula has portrayed this unique plot magnificently. This novel will give you goosebumps. A must read.(Buy)

7. The Forever War by Joe Haldeman
The forever war by Joe Haldeman is a series of novels; here’s a little about the first novel of the series. The novel is based on a fierce alien that seems to have a hostile approach. The hero, William Mandela propelled through space takes changes of saving his planet and goes through any challenges that he has to survive through.(Buy)

8. The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester
This nerve-racking novel portrays an imaginative future in which the people protect themselves from the radioactive hit men.

The book takes the reader through a journey with a mix of emotions about the main character, Foyle. Great read, highly recommendable.(Buy)

9. The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov
This trilogy has served as an inspiration to many in the science fiction genre. This novel takes you on a voyage to a time beyond our imagination. A time so far ahead in the future that the humans have settled into the galaxy to explore the universe. This novel welcomes you into the world of fantasy, a world where there are no limitations and everything can be worked out into a mathematical equation. This will push your imagination to the edge and excite your neural cells.(Buy)

10. The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe
The book of the new sun by Gene Wolfe is one of the series. The story has a fantasy background, concentrating on magical wonders and powers. The plots set around as we are introduced to a dying sun and the ‘Conciliator’ who happens to be the savior of the earth but is not aware of it as yet. The character has been bestowed magical powers. The ‘Conciliator’ faces many challenges before he is crowned and set to world to be judged. His aim is to save the life of a dying world.(Buy)

Often times, most people avoid browsing through the nonfiction category, claiming that the genre doesn’t suit their taste, because non-fiction is too ‘serious’, too depressing even, at times.

But non-fiction is often more chilling and shaking than fiction because we know that the horrors in the books are the reality that we’re living in. Non-fiction is true, truer than fiction, and we can’t handle the ugly truth.

But it’s always there and non-fiction will always be here, whether we like it or not. So brace yourself for these top 12 nonfiction books that are equally shocking as they are inspiring.

1. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou is a woman of color who has had to deal with abuse, which makes her book a very painful and emotional read. Because it reminds of how women all around the world still suffer these consequences and are living with them. (Buy)

2. The Diary Of A Young Girl by Anne Frank

A world classic which was discovered in an attic, gives us the vivid descriptions of war and it’s horrors and consequences. Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who had abandoned her home in Amsterdam to seek shelter from the Nazis. She was living with her family in hiding where her diary was discovered. (Buy)

3. Princess Trilogy by Jean Sasson

The three books talk about Princess Sultana of Saudi Arabia and what life really is like for people behind the veil, regardless of royalty and otherwise.(Buy)

4. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Some people tend to believe that if you have a loving husband, a country home and a successful career, you’ve got it made. That’s not the case, most times and in her book, Elizabeth Gilbert explores the reasons of her confusion and lack of fulfillment. (Buy)

5. A Room Of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

Despite it having a fictional narrative, A Room Of One’s Own is considered to be non-fiction where Virginia talks about women, both as writers and the characters in fiction. (Buy)

6. Guns Of August by Barbara W. Tuchman

In her hauntingly informative book, Barbara talks about the events that led to World War One and despite the fact that the war could’ve been stopped, it wasn’t. It’s a horrifying reminder of how inhumane humanity can be. (Buy)

7. Between Two Worlds by Zainab Salbi

Taught from a young age, to forget what she saw around her and to be always be silent, because violating that silence was dangerous, Zainab Salbi witnessed some truly horrific wrongs and in her book, finally broke her silence. (Buy)

8. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

As a woman of color struggling to be recognized for her efforts, Roxane talks about her contradicting views and how complex the nature of the world we live in is. She has a humorous taste as well, which makes the book more interesting and relatable. (Buy)

9. Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray

True, men and women are very different from each other but this book just proves that and also helps us to communicate our needs in a way that won’t allow any conflicts to arise. John Gray’s book has helped and re-constructed many people’s relationships. (Buy)

10. The Interpretation Of Dreams by Sigmund Freud

As one of the pillars of modern psychology, Sigmund’s book is very knowledgeable and interesting and one that you wouldn’t want to miss out. Especially if you’re a curious reader. (Buy)

11. Do They Hear You When You Cry by Fauziya Kassindja

Running away from her home in Africa to avoid an arranged marriage and painful rituals, Fauziya Kassindja seeks refuge in the U.S only to be locked up prison. In her book, she talks about the terrifying 16 months behind bars. (Buy)

12. Bad Blood: A Memoir by Lorna Sage

Your family is something that you should be able to lean on but for Lorna Sage, who came from a dysfunctional, claustrophobic family, she was only eager to escape. But can you really untangle yourself from your past? (Buy)

Love, passion, feelings and relationships: all these are easy to experience but difficult to express in the written word. However, the following 10 love stories (in chronological order) have been able to accomplish this monumental task and thus allowed us to experience some the best romance novels of all time.

1. Pride and Prejudice (1813) by Jane Austen

Selling over 120 million copies and having numerous adaptations and imitations, it is needless to state that Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice has stood the test of time. When Elizabeth Bennet comes of a suitable age she has her own ideals of love, marriage, manners and relationships which clash with 19th century English society. Given her independent mindset she has a series of unpleasant encounters with many including Mr. Darcy-a proud and class conscious bachelor – with whom she gradually develops an odd chemistry. (Buy)

2. Wuthering Heights (1847) by Emily Brontë

Initially criticized and largely ignored for its inappropriate depiction of blind love, this romantic classic is today one of the best-known love stories ever written in English Literature. Brontë’s protagonist, Heathcliff is a foster child who develops an unconditional love for his foster sister, Catherine but a little rumor in town will soon destroy them both. (Buy)

3. Jane Eyre (1847) by Charlotte Brontë

Largely acclaimed for attacking issues of sexuality, class, feminism and religion through a first-person narrative, Charlotte Brontë’s novel explores the life of its title character from childhood right up till her marriage to the man she falls in love with, Mr. Rochester. Jane Eyre compelled many critics to admit the persuasiveness with which the character Jane convinced audiences of her views which directly opposed the status quo of 19th century England. (Buy)

4. Anna Karenina (1877) by Leo Tolstoy

Described by Times Magazine as the greatest novel ever written, Anna Karenina is Tolstoy’s masterpiece and according to him, his first true novel. Stuck in the societal reigns of 19th century Russian upper class society, Karenina falls in in love with Count Vronsky for whom she is willing to leave her marriage and be shunned by Russian society. However, her decision proves to be more life-altering than she may have expected. (Buy)

5. Gone With the Wind (1936) by Margaret Mitchell

Second most favorite American book, this romantic classic is bildungsroman based on the character of Scarlett O’Hara, the pampered daughter of a rich plantation owner and her journey through marriage, love and the Civil War South. Being Mitchell’s only novel, Gone With the Wind sold over thirty million copies, won her the Pulitzer Prize in 1937 and was adapted into a film two years later. (Buy)

6. Doctor Zhivago (1957) by Boris Pasternak

Another epic love story intertwined with the after effects of the Russian Revolution was Boris Pasternak’s Doctor Zhivago that invited only rejection from the USSR itself. Dr. Yury Zhivago is a physician, philosopher and poet who is caught in between the love of two women: his wife Tonya and Lara, the wife of a political activist. (Buy)

7. Love Story (1970) by Erich Segal

Often referred to as the Romeo and Juliet of the 20th century, Love Story was the bestselling romantic fiction when it was published, translated into over twenty languages and adapted several times. In it Segal tells the story of two lovers, Oliver and Jenifer who come from distinct backgrounds but their love intensifies until the point where they are forced to face unforeseen circumstances. (Buy)

8. Outlander (1991) by Diana Gabaldon

Though Gabaldon did not prefer romance as a theme in her novels, her 1991 publication, Outlander won the RITA Award for best romance the same year that it was published. Chair Randall, a nurse belonging to the 20th century mysteriously finds herself transported back to the 18th century. Now she is in love with two men from two very distinct periods of time. Outlander has been adapted into a series recently. (Buy)

9. The Notebook (1996) by Nicholas Sparks

Based on a true story, The Notebook is a legendary novel that has been adapted by Hollywood and Bollywood. Moreover Nicholas Sparks has been renowned as the most popular romantic author of his time. Noah and Alllie are two lovers who share a brief summer together after they are torn apart because of World War II. Fourteen years later, they reunite but times have changed and Allie is engaged to be married to another man. (Buy)

10. The Time Traveler’s Wife (2003) by Audrey Niffenegger

Largely applauded for its unique blend of science fiction and romance, Niffenegger’s debut novel describes the life of Henry and Clare. Henry has a disease that causes him time travel in his life and relationship with Clare. The novel provokes some deep existential questions and was the bestseller with over 2.5 million copies, the British Book Award, Exclusive Books Boeke Prize and a film adaptation in 2009. (Buy)

There is no such thing as a child who doesn’t like reading; you only need to hand them the right kind of book to fire up their reading habits. The following 10 books are those that have thrilled generations of children and no child should have the misfortune of growing up without reading them.

1. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Brown (1947)

Age Range: 0-3 years

Listed by School Library Journal as the ‘Top 100 Picture Books’ of all time in 2012 and one of teachers’ top 100 books for children by National Education Association, Goodnight Moon is a simple but lovable children’s picture books that has been well-appreciated by children as a bed time story. In it, a personified bunny ritualistically goes through a process of saying goodnight to everything visible to him from his room. “Goodnight Moon . . . Goodnight Air. Goodnight noises everywhere”.

Click to Buy: Goodnight Moon ($9)

2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (1969)

Age Range: 0-4 years

One of the greatest children’s classics of all time, The Very Hungry Caterpillar pictographically describes the evolution of caterpillar eating his way through an array of food to eventually pupate into a beautiful butterfly. According to Amazon, a copy of this children’s book is sold every 30 seconds somewhere in the world. Educating children about days of the week, types of foods, and the lifecycle of a butterfly, Carle’s book has also been endorsed by the Royal Etymological Society.

Click to Buy: The Very Hungry Caterpillar ($7)

3. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (1963)

Age Range: 2-6 years

1963’s most distinguished American picture book for children, Where the Wild Things Are won Sendak the Caldecott Medal and is a delight for both kids and adults. The story revolves around a boy named John Max who, dressed in his wolf outfit goes to his bedroom and sails away into an unknown island where he encounters ‘wild things’ or creatures.

Click to Buy: Where the Wild Things Are ($6)

4. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss (1957)

Age Range: 3-8 years

Regarded as one of the best-selling children’s books of all time and adapted into animation and film, Theodor Geisel wrote and illustrated The Cat in the Hat under the pen name of Dr. Seuss. This children’s story revolves around an anthropomorphic cat who shows up at Sally’s house, makes a mess while entertaining her and her brother and cleans up with the help of his friends, Thing 1 and Thing 2 just before Sally’s mother comes home.

Click to Buy: The Cat in the Hat ($7.27)

5. Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White (1952)

Age Range: 8-11

Inspiring animations, live-action films, direct-to-video sequels and a video game, E. B. White’s Charlotte’s Web is counted as classic in children’s English literature and one of the best selling paperback of all time. The story is about a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte; when the farmer is about to slaughter Wilbur, Charlotte uses her web-making skills to create praise-worthy words for Wilbur to save him from slaughtering.

Click to Buy: Charlotte’s Web ($6)

6. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson (1955)

Age Range: 3-7 years

How wonderful would it be if we could simply draw the world as we understand it? Crockett Johnson explores this possibility in Harold and the Purple Crayon where an inquiring four year old boy own a purple crayon with which he creates the world by drawing it. Through this power he takes many adventures and when he feels sleepy he simple draws a bed and falls asleep on it. This is Johnson’s most popular book which has also inspired many
adaptations.

Click to Buy: Harold and the Purple Crayon ($7)

7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (1964)

Age Range: 8-10 years

Written by famous British author, Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a two part series about a destitute but very selfless and caring boy named Charlie. Both his grandparents, parents and he live in a run-down house and have little for themselves. Charlie secretly loves the chocolate factory owned by chocolatier, Willy Wonka and hopes to be see it from inside one day…much to his surprise Charlie ends up becoming the heir to Wonka’s factory. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is regarded as one of those books that every child has to have read at least once in their childhood. Famous author J.K.Rowling too listed it as one of her top ten books as a child. The books won many accolades and has been adapted into film as well.

Click to Buy: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ($5)

8. Little Women by Louis May Alcott (1880)

Age Range: 9-12 years

Suitable for children and adults, the all-time classic, Little Women is hard to classify into one genre. It has been said to involve romance, an adventure, a family drama and largely women-oriented depicting themes like domesticity, love and giving each character a distinct female identity of their own. It has been adapted several times into film and also a Japanese anime. The story revolves around four sisters and their journey from children to becoming women. Many say that the plot is loosely based on Alcott’s own life and her sisters.

Click to Buy: Little Women ($12)

9. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J. K. Rowling (1997)

Age Range: 8-14 years

The first of the seven-part series written by J. K. Rowling is not only a novel but a legacy that will live on for many years to come. Harry Potter has been adapted into blockbuster films, won numerous British and American awards and reached New York Times’ best-seller list. The plot involves the boy himself, Harry Potter who discovers he is a wizard and begins his life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Click to Buy: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone ($7.50)

10. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S.Lewis (1950)

Age Range: 8-12 years

Set in a fictional land called Narnia with talking animals and mythical creatures and their ruler, the White Witch who has ruled for a 100 years, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the first of a seven-part series by C. S. Lewis where four children, the youngest of whom can visit Narnia through his wardrobe closet. It has been included in the ‘All-Time 100 Novels’ by TIME magazine and ranks 9 on BBC’s ‘The Big Read’.

Click to Buy: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe ($9)