Everybody loves a good mystery. It's the suspense, the clues, the unraveling, the obvious things never realized until the last moment, and the satisfaction of knowing what happened, who did it, and why it happened. Many mystery films have been adapted from best-selling books, and of course, they would be. Great novels rarely stay confined to the written world alone in a world of creative transformation.
There are many novels just waiting to be adapted, while others are picked up by streaming giants and production companies the moment they hit the stands. Though several titles on this list are in the process of being adapted for the big screen, others have fans crossing their fingers that they'll be seen soon.
Based On A Book: Gone Girl (2014)
The 2014 film Gone Girl is based on the novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn. The novel and its film adaptation were fairly similar, except for a few details, and were both revered for their complexity.
The character of Amy Dunne was brought to life by the talented Rosamund Pike, providing a dramatic and uncomfortably brilliant performance, while her husband, Nick Dunne, was portrayed by a convincing Ben Affleck.
Should Be Adapted: The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle By Stuart Turton
"The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle," also known as "The Seven & 1/2 Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle," by Stuart Turton, is one to keep an eye on. Netflix has announced an original adaptation of the novel via a seven-part series.
The plot follows Aiden Bishop and his convoluted mission to save Evelyn Hardcastle from a death she is set to repeat in a loop akin to Groundhog Day (1993). Set in the chilling and atmospheric Blackheath Manor, Aiden wakes up every day in the body of a different guest, using their perspectives to solve the mystery.
Based On A Book: Death On The Nile (2021)
The Queen Of Crime, Agatha Christie, has had many of her books adapted for television and film. One of the latest versions is based on her novel "Death on the Nile." The novel was first released in 1937 and quickly became one of Agatha Christie's best works.
Death on the Nile (2021) is one of two Agatha Christie books directed by Kenneth Branagh, the first being Murder On The Orient Express (2017).
Should Be Adapted: The Inheritance Games By Jennifer Lynn Barnes
"The Inheritance Games" by Jennifer Lynn Barnes has only been published for several months, and already it has been picked up by Amazon and set to be adapted into a television series.
The novel follows the mystery of a dead billionaire's inheritance bestowed upon a girl, Avery Grambs, who is seemingly unknown to him. Unfortunately for Avery, she is not without the troubles of Tobias Hawthorne's living relatives, who have their eyes on the family fortune. But the story goes deeper and it's more complex than anyone could imagine.
Based On A Book: The Prestige (2006)
The Prestige (2006) is a drama mystery based on the novel "The Prestige" by Christopher Priest. The story follows two feuding magicians and the lengths they go to in order to preserve their illusions.
The novel is structured as a collation of the two main characters' diary entries, providing each one's thoughts and perspectives on the other. The film stars Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale in two remarkable performances.
Should Be Adapted: A Good Girl's Guide To Murder By Holly Jackson
"A Good Girl's Guide To Murder," is a young adult mystery novel by Holly Jackson. The novel follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi as she delves into the murder case of Andie Bell for her final school project.
The murder occurred in her hometown and it's officially a closed case. The accused is Andi's boyfriend, Sal Singh, but as Pippa looks through the case, it isn't as closed as it appears and the secrets that she reveals are those that someone desperately wants buried.
Based On A Book: Shutter Island (2010)
Shutter Island (2010) stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, and Michelle Williams. It is a film adaptation of the 2003 novel by Dennis Lehane and the plot is heavily psychological.
U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels and his partner, Chuck Aule, arrive on Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a patient from the Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane, but not all is as it seems. This film is eerie and heartbreaking.
Should Be Adapted: The Thursday Murder Club By Richard Osman
"The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman is coming to the screen very soon as a Steven Spielberg film adaptation. The plot takes place in a retirement village where four residents have formed an investigative group named The Thursday Murder Club.
The elderly yet sprite quartet soon find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery taking place before their very eyes and an opportunity to solve the case.
Based On A Book: The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo (2011)
The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo (2011) is based on the first book in the Millenium series by Stieg Larsson. The film stars Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig in the roles of computer hacker Lisbeth Salander and journalist Mikael Blomkvist, respectively.
The story follows Lisbeth and Mikael in their search to find Harriet Vanger, a woman connected to a wealthy Swedish family who disappeared 40 years ago.
Should Be Adapted: The Silent Patient By Alex Michaelides
"The Silent Patient" is a mystery thriller novel written by Alex Michaelides. The story follows Theo Faber, a psychotherapist, and his journey to uncover the motive behind Alicia Berenson's decision to kill her husband. Alicia has not spoken since she committed the crime. She is the silent patient and a seemingly impossible mystery.