20+ Short Mystery Books for Free! [PDF]

If you are one of those who prefer stories loaded with suspense and expectations, this collection of free short mystery books in PDF format that we have created is for you.

What is known as the mystery genre in the literary world refers to stories that usually revolve around the investigation of a crime.

When we talk about mystery novels, we usually talk about crime or detective novels, a story in which a professional or amateur detective is in charge of investigating and solving a crime.

In our collection, we present significant works of mystery, among which you can find “The Mystery of Boscombe Valley”, “The Crimes of the Rue Morgue”, and “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”, among others. 

Browse through the options we present in this section of free short mystery books in PDF format, and immerse yourself in the pages of the best works of this genre of world literature.

Here we present our complete selection of Short Mystery Books:

#1 The Black Cat

Extension: PDF | 19 pages

The Black Cat por Edgar Allan Poe is a chilling tale of horror and psychological descent. This short story explores themes of guilt, madness, and the supernatural, making it a compelling read.

#2 The Thirty-Nine Steps

Extension: PDF | 103 pages

The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan is a thrilling spy novel packed with action and suspense, featuring Richard Hannay caught in a web of international intrigue. It's a fast-paced read perfect for anyone seeking a classic short mystery.

#3 The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Extension: PDF | 179 pages

The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie introduces Hercule Poirot in his first published novel. Dive into this classic short mystery to witness the birth of a legendary detective and unravel a perplexing crime at Styles St. Mary.

#4 The vampire

Extension: PDF | 34 pages

The vampire by John William Polidori is a foundational piece of vampire fiction, predating Dracula and influencing the genre for centuries. Explore the dark allure of Lord Ruthven in this classic tale of aristocratic horror and hidden desires.

#5 The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – Adventure 4 – The Boscombe Valley Mystery

Extension: PDF | 17 pages

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Adventure 4 - The Boscombe Valley Mystery por Arthur Conan Doyle presents a classic whodunit, blending observation, deduction, and suspense. Dive into a complex crime in the English countryside, where secrets and old ties lead to a thrilling investigation.

#6 The Red House Mystery

Extension: PDF | 184 pages

The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne is a captivating short mystery novel filled with wit and intrigue. A weekend party at a country house turns deadly, challenging readers to solve the puzzle alongside amateur sleuths.

#7 The Sign of Four

Extension: PDF | 111 pages

The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle is a thrilling Sherlock Holmes mystery, involving a missing person, a valuable treasure, and a complex web of deceit. Dive into this classic short mystery and experience the brilliance of Holmes' deductive reasoning.

#8 A Study in Scarlet

Extension: PDF | 122 pages

A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle introduces Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in a thrilling murder mystery. The novel showcases Holmes's deductive reasoning and sets the stage for the iconic detective series.

#9 The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Extension: PDF | 269 pages

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection of captivating short mystery stories. Follow the brilliant detective as he solves complex crimes using his sharp intellect and observation skills, making it a timeless and engaging read.

#10 The Murders in the Rue Morgue

Extension: PDF | 57 pages

The Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe is a foundational short story in the mystery genre, establishing many tropes. It showcases the brilliant detective C. Auguste Dupin solving a seemingly impossible crime through deduction and observation.

#11 The Fall of the House of Usher

Extension: PDF | 24 pages

The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe is a chilling tale of isolation, madness, and the decay of a family and its ancestral home. Explore the depths of human psychology in this classic short story.

#12 In the Fog

Extension: PDF | 58 pages

In the Fog by Richard Harding Davis is a captivating short mystery set in London. A naval attaché recounts a baffling crime, drawing readers into a web of intrigue and unexpected twists within a dense, atmospheric fog.

#13 The Lodger

Extension: PDF | 224 pages

The Lodger by Marie Bellow Lowndes is a short mystery novel about a couple taking in a lodger who may be connected to a series of murders. It's a suspenseful and engaging read, perfect for fans of classic mysteries.

#14 The Mystery of 31 New Inn

Extension: PDF | 232 pages

The Mystery of 31 New Inn by R. Austin Freeman presents a gripping short mystery involving a doctor and a suspected poisoning. Readers will be captivated by the intricate plot and clever deductions, making it a thrilling and worthwhile read.

#15 The Works of Edgar Allan Poe

Extension: PDF | 223 pages

The Works of Edgar Allan Poe presents a collection of his most celebrated short mystery stories, poems, and essays. Delve into the macabre and mysterious world of Poe's imagination, and discover the brilliance that made him a master of the genre.

#16 The Bottel Imp

Extension: PDF | 17 pages

The Bottel Imp by R.L. Stevenson is a classic short story about a magical bottle that grants wishes but condemns its owner to hell. Explore the themes of desire, sacrifice, and the price of happiness in this captivating tale.

#17 The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Extension: PDF | 66 pages

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is a gripping novella exploring the duality of human nature. Dive into this dark mystery, a timeless exploration of good versus evil that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

#18 The 39 Steps

Extension: PDF | 31 pages

The 39 Steps by John Buchan is a classic short mystery novel filled with suspense, espionage, and thrilling adventures. It's a captivating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat as Richard Hannay races against time to uncover a dangerous conspiracy.

#19 The Man Who Was Thursday – A Nightmare

Extension: PDF | 157 pages

The Man Who Was Thursday - A Nightmare by G. K. Chesterton is a captivating short mystery that explores themes of identity, order, and chaos. Dive into a world of secret societies and philosophical debates, where reality blurs in this thrilling and thought-provoking read.

#20 The Canary murder case

Extension: PDF | 238 pages

The Canary Murder Case by S. S. Van Dine delves into the brutal murder of a Broadway starlet. Philo Vance's unique analytical methods unravel a complex web of secrets, making this a compelling read for mystery enthusiasts.

#21 Clouds of witness

Extension: PDF | 255 pages

Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers is a classic mystery novel involving a Duke accused of murder. Delve into the intricate plot, complex characters, and clever clues that make this a must-read for fans of the genre.

#22 Desiree’s Baby

Extension: PDF | 7 pages

Desiree’s Baby by Kate Chopin is a gripping short story that masterfully weaves themes of love, identity, and societal prejudice in the antebellum South. Explore the shocking secrets and unexpected twists that make this tale a powerful and unforgettable read.

#23 The Voice in the Night

Extension: PDF | 15 pages

The Voice in the Night by William Hope Hodgson is a chilling tale of survival and horror on a remote island. The story explores the psychological and physical degradation caused by a mysterious, flesh-eating fungus, creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking experience for fans of short mystery books.

Here ends our selection of free Short Mystery Books in PDF format. We hope you liked it and already have your next book!

If you found this list useful, do not forget to share it on your social networks. Remember that “Sharing is Caring”.