The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2025

by John Grisham (Editor), Joseph S. Walker, Lamont Turner

#1 bestseller John Grisham selects the best short mystery fiction of the past year.


From over 3,000 considered stories published in the past year, this anthology contains the twenty best, selected by #1 New York Times bestselling author John Grisham under the auspices of New York City’s legendary crime fiction specialty store The Mysterious Bookshop.



Included are tales of suspense, detection, and puzzlement that illuminate the diversity of styles contained under the “mystery” umbrella and highlight some of the greatest practitioners of the short form working today, with a blend of household names and lesser known writers no less worthy of your attention.



There’s something for everyone in this celebrated anthology, now in its fifth year, which continues to dazzle with the breadth of its selection and which draws from sources as disparate as Black Cat Weekly, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, and Conjunctions. Plus, it’s all capped off with an additional “bonus story” from an earlier era, sourced from the bookshop’s rare book room.

Genres: Mystery, Short Stories, Audiobook, Anthologies, Fiction

478 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

John Grisham is the author of more than fifty consecutive #1 bestsellers, which have been translated into nearly fifty languages. His recent books include Framed, Camino Ghosts and The Exchange: After the Firm.

Grisham is a two-time winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and was honored with the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction.

When he's not writing, Grisham serves on the board of directors of the Innocence Project and of Centurion Ministries, two national organizations dedicated to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted. Much of his fiction explores deep-seated problems in our criminal justice system.

John lives on a farm in central Virginia.

Reviews

[Shannon M (Canada) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 2025 edition of the anthology The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year is the fifth volume in the series. The primary editor of the series is Otto Penzler. Each volume has a guest editor, and the guest editor for the 2025 edition is John Grisham.

Twenty stories are chosen and, as well, there is a "bonus story from the past". Information about each author precedes each story, and immediately after it ends there are notes written by the author about the event/item that inspired the narrative. These authors' notes are sometimes very captivating; consequently, I like this design.

Short stories should be savoured, and it is difficult to read more than two or three in one setting, given the differences in background scenes and writing styles. So I took several weeks to finish the book. I found that many of the narratives began strongly, but ended with a whimper instead of a wallop, i.e., their conclusions were predictable, instead of unexpected. Thus, I would give many of the stories in this collection an "average" grade—interesting setup but their narrative arc is not outstanding.

The ones I liked best were:

Under the Blackjack Tree by V.P. Chandler. Set during the depression era and narrated by a seven-year-old girl who carries food trays to jailhouse prisoners.

Jamming At Jollies by Tracy Falenwolfe. A bartender who has been given a second chance after serving a prison term is harassed by her former boyfriend as soon as he is released and coerced into helping him steal from her employer.

The Other Brother by Tom Larson. A private detective working in Ecuador unwittingly becomes involved with smugglers, one of whom is also a philanderer.

The Secret Menu by Sean McCluskey. A PI is hired to obtain evidence about a potentially cheating husband.

Her Dangerously Clever Hands by Karen Odden. A historical adventure in London (1879), involving an all-woman thieving gang.

Through Thick and Thin by Andrew Welsh-Huggins. A modern PI is hired by a man who has secrets that he wants to keep from his wife.

Thanks to Penzler Publishers for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun collection of short stories. I have been known to say, with utter sincerity, that I am not a mystery reader. And yet The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2025 scratched an itch I did not know I had. I enjoyed every minute of these clever, poignant, funny stories. If someone made this book into a television series, I would eagerly await each week's new episode. The various narrators captured the different characters voices. I have no notes - this was great entertainment! Thank you to everyone involved in the production and NetGalley for the audioARC.

[Devi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anthologies are always a gamble. You hope for variety without losing cohesion, for sharp writing without filler. The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2025, curated by Otto Penzler with an introduction by John Grisham, does exactly that. It’s a literary sampler platter for mystery lovers, bringing together 20 tales that showcase the genre’s wide range: from noir grit to classic whodunits to psychological suspense.

Several tales lingered long after the listen:

The Golden Road by David Avallone – a bittersweet story of survival.
Home Game by Craig Faustus Buck – a clever, tightly wound domestic mystery.
The Art of Disappearance by April Kelly – haunting moral dilemmas set in the swamp.
Jamming at Jollies by Tracy Falenwolfe – a moving tale of second chances.
Totality by James A. Hearn – a cold case solved under a solar eclipse.
Through Thick and Thin by Andrew Welsh-Huggins – secrets, twists, and tension.
The Problem of Cell 13 by Jacques Futrelle – a classic locked-room mystery bonus.

Narrators Marnye Young and Jamie Renell keep the pacing lively and voices distinct, making this audiobook perfect for quick dips or binge listening. With such variety, there’s truly a story here for every mystery fan—cozy, twisty, dark, or heart-pounding. Whether you like your mysteries cozy, atmospheric, dark, or twisty, this collection delivers. If quick, satisfying reads packed with suspense are your thing—this is one to add to the TBR for sure.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading short mystery stories and loved that this collection of 21 stories was edited by John Grisham. A crime or the threat of a crime is central to the plot of each of the stories. I wasn't familiar with most of the authors, so I didn't know what to expect.

There were a few standouts in the collections: The Golden Road by David Avallone is an engaging, but bittersweet story, Home Game by Craig Faustus Buck is very clever and was my favorite, Snapshot by Shelagh Smith which is twisty, but sad, and Run and Gun by Joseph S. Walker which is a hard-boiled story involving blackmail. Others I enjoyed were Totality in which an eclipse plays a large role, A New Weariness, and The Lost and the Lonely.

Most collections like this will have a brief bio of the contributors and this one had that. What I really liked is that each of the authors gave a little background information about their story. I loved that extra insight into each story and for some made me appreciate it even more. Like any collection like this, I liked some of the stories more than others, but am glad I read the book.

I received an advance copy of this ebook from Penzler Publishers, Mysterious Press, and NetGalley for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Darius Ostrowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having recently finished “The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2025”, I now turn to “The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2025”, edited by John Grisham; series editor Otto Penzler. Similar concepts but competing versions, in fact there is one story that appears in both. The one benefit to having Mr. Grisham choosing the stories is that he seems to avoid choosing a theme or concept, with the exception of the fact that most of these stories feature Private Investigators.

“The Golden Road”: A man making his way west finds a girl in a broken-down town, but she has secrets as well.
“Home Game”: A home intruder leads a wife to discover some unpleasant facts about her husband. Lots of fun.
“Under the Blackjack Tree”: A young girl gets involved in things over her head with some bank robbers that her father the sheriff is after.
“Jamming at Jollies”: A woman out on parole has some tough decisions to make when her past comes back to call on her.
“Totality”: A cold case that’s driving apart PI partners gets a new perspective. A bit far fetched.
“The Art of Disappearance”: A man living out in the swamp makes his living by helping people disappear, how they vanish depends on his own moral code. Interesting.
“Eat My Moose”: Also read in a different collection, two people assist others in committing suicide in Alaska. Not really a mystery, just depressing.
“The Other Brother”: A tale of lust and smuggling in Ecuador.
“Same Old Song”: Two generations of conmen playing each other, like father like son.
“Only a Story”: A 14-year-old working late night at his uncle’s motel and reading pulp novels gets involved with a real-life outlaw.
“Dream Stuff”: An old school PI wannabe gets a stereotypical rich guy adultery case in a golden age homage.
“The Secret Menu”: A PI misreads an adultery case with fatal results. Predictable, but well done.
“Mister George”: A follow-up on a shot dog as a favor to his mother leads to something more serious.
“Her Dangerously Clever Hands”: A story set in Victorian London, Whitechapel, featuring an Irish Inspector and a female group of thieves.
“A New Weariness”: Sometimes the past catches up with you, even if you’re in witness protection.
“Snapshot”: A father’s death exposes a long buried secret.
“Effie’s Oasis”: Another story about some odd guests at a rundown motel.
“The Lost and the Lonely”: A PI in steamy New Orleans has to deal with a couple of mysteries.
“Run and Gun”: An ex-cop ends up helping the activist that got him fired. A bit longer than the others, but well worth it.
“Through Thick and Thin”: A wandering husband wants his wedding ring back from his one-night stand, but there seems to be more to the story.
Bonus story, “The Problem of Cell 13”: A classic from a long time ago, how to escape from a prison cell using only your mind.

As with any collection, some are better than others, some fit the theme more than others, there’s always a couple that make me smile. Another fine outing.

I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Penzler Publishers, Mysterious Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An anthology of short mysteries, some with and some without murders, culled from works published in 2024. I’ve yet to come across an anthology where every story is terrific and memorable and this is no exception. I liked many, found several quite compelling, but others left me feeling nothing. Part of the problem is that as an early reader I have to push through the entire volume at speed. If I were to read it on my own, I might dip in and out of it one story a week, for example. That might give the stories more time to unwind in my head, to reflect on them more fully. Bottom line: It’s a solid collection and I’m happy to recommend it for mystery readers. The audiobook benefitted from having two narrators but, instead of alternating the voices, the narrator was based on the main character (or author) as male or female.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @HighbridgeAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook #TheMysteriousBookshopPresentstheBestMysteryStoriesoftheYear2025 for review purposes. It is now available.

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grisham’s *Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2025* is an anthology that is at once a celebration of tradition and an invitation to reimagine what a mystery story can be.

Anthologies of this kind carry a double burden: they must entertain in the here and now, offering readers a satisfying variety of tales, while also standing as a kind of time capsule, a record of how the genre is thinking and feeling in a given year.

Grisham’s curation succeeds in balancing these two roles. It reads as both a showcase of talent and a subtle manifesto, gently steering readers toward the realization that mystery in 2025 is not a closed formula but an evolving language, capable of accommodating multiple registers, moods, and ambitions.

To understand the significance of this collection, one must first appreciate the weight of the series itself. The *Best Mystery Stories of the Year* series has always promised both entertainment and legitimacy, a reminder that mystery writing, often relegated to the shelves of genre fiction, belongs within the broader currents of literary culture.

The editor’s role is crucial: the hand that selects, organizes, and frames these stories determines the anthology’s tone, its authority, and its reach. John Grisham’s presence at the helm of the 2025 edition is both intriguing and fitting. Known globally as the master of the legal thriller, Grisham is often thought of less as an editor or critic than as a relentless producer of bestsellers. Yet this anthology reveals another side of him: the craftsman, the connoisseur, the writer who has spent decades immersed in the machinery of suspense and now seeks to highlight the artistry of others.

What strikes one immediately is the sheer range of voices included. Grisham resists the temptation to lean on the big names that guarantee commercial draw. Instead, while the anthology does include recognizable figures of the mystery and crime-writing world, it makes ample room for emerging talents whose work may not yet be familiar but whose inventiveness marks them as vital contributors to the genre’s future. This generosity gives the collection a democratic air: the canon and the experimental stand side by side, and the result is a mosaic rather than a monolith.

The settings of these stories alone attest to the diversity of contemporary mystery writing. We move from small-town diners—spaces thick with gossip and claustrophobic familiarity—to corporate towers gleaming with power and paranoia, from lonely highways where chance encounters curdle into menace to crowded urban apartments where secrets press in through thin walls. Each setting is not mere backdrop but an active presence. The diner with its stale coffee and neon hum becomes a crucible of betrayal; the high-rise office, with its glass walls and hushed conference rooms, becomes a theater of duplicity; the desolate highway at night becomes an existential trial ground. This sensitivity to place is one of the anthology’s strengths, reminding us that mystery thrives not only in plot twists but in atmosphere.

Equally varied are the narrative styles. Some stories embrace the classic whodunit structure: a crime, a set of suspects, a detective figure, a satisfying resolution that reveals both motive and means. These are executed with precision, and their charm lies in their familiarity. They are clockwork puzzles, satisfying in their symmetry, comforting in their reminder that the world’s chaos can be momentarily contained within the neat boundaries of deduction. Yet these sit alongside works that take a more oblique approach. There are stories written in fractured voices, where the narrator’s reliability is suspect, and the mystery lies as much in what is concealed from the reader as in what is concealed from the characters. There are mood-driven pieces where ambiguity reigns, and the point is not resolution but resonance, the lingering unease of what is left unsaid.

Such variety underscores Grisham’s point: that mystery is not a single genre but a mode of inquiry. At its core, mystery fiction is about curiosity, about the human hunger for answers, about the tension between what is known and what is hidden. Whether this takes the form of a traditional detective tale, a noirish slice of grit, or an experimental narrative that destabilizes perception, the impulse is the same. Grisham’s anthology, in presenting these diverse approaches, invites us to see mystery less as a formula and more as a spectrum, one that can encompass both entertainment and art.

Of course, as with any anthology, there is variation in quality. Some stories feel slight, more sketch than fully realized tale. They carry an interesting premise or a striking mood but end without the weight of consequence. Others lean so heavily into literary experimentation that their identity as mystery feels tenuous, as if the puzzle has been dissolved into abstraction. Yet even these inclusions feel deliberate, part of Grisham’s willingness to show not just the genre’s triumphs but also its risks. An anthology that played it safe, presenting only polished jewels of familiar form, would be flatter. By including stories that challenge or even frustrate, Grisham acknowledges that the genre’s evolution depends on such risk-taking.

Another notable dimension of this anthology is its engagement with the anxieties of the present. Mystery stories, like all narratives of crime and investigation, are always reflections of their cultural moment. They reveal what a society fears, what it mistrusts, what it feels is hidden beneath the surface of everyday life. In *Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2025*, several themes emerge repeatedly: surveillance, social inequality, corruption, the fragility of trust in institutions and in one another. These themes ground the stories in the here and now. A tale about a missing person is never just about disappearance; it becomes a commentary on who gets searched for and who does not. A corporate conspiracy is never only about profit; it is about the erosion of ethics in a culture where everything is commodified. The anthology thus functions not only as entertainment but as cultural diagnosis, capturing the fractures of a world in which secrets multiply and truth feels increasingly elusive.

The anthology also gestures toward the enduring legacy of mystery as both popular and serious literature. The best of these stories remind us that the mystery tale has always been double-coded: it satisfies with plot but lingers with theme. From Poe to Chandler, from Agatha Christie to Patricia Highsmith, mystery writers have been not only craftsmen of suspense but also chroniclers of human fallibility. Grisham’s selections reinforce this legacy. One story may thrill with its clever resolution, but beneath it lies a meditation on greed or loneliness. Another may unsettle with ambiguity, but its power lies in how it echoes our own uncertainty. The genre’s resilience comes precisely from this duality: its ability to entertain while also probing the darker corners of human life.

As editor, Grisham provides not just the stories but also a framing sensibility. His introduction and the choices he makes signal his vision for the genre. It is telling that he includes stories that range from the most traditional to the most experimental. This inclusivity is not haphazard but deliberate, suggesting that he sees the vitality of mystery writing in its plurality. His role as a bestselling author lends weight, but more importantly, his decades-long immersion in the mechanics of suspense give him the authority to recognize craft when he sees it. He is less concerned with enforcing a narrow definition of mystery than with celebrating its elasticity.

The reading experience of the anthology is, therefore, dynamic. One moves from the tight satisfaction of a neatly solved whodunit to the eerie resonance of a story that refuses resolution. One is amused by a piece of metafictional play, only to be unsettled by the stark realism of another. This rhythm keeps the reader engaged, never allowing complacency. It mirrors the very essence of mystery: the constant shifting of perspective, the refusal of certainty until the last possible moment.

What lingers after finishing the anthology is not just a collection of plots but a mood: the sense of having glimpsed a world where truth is always partial, where motives are layered, where appearances deceive. This mood is the essence of mystery, and Grisham’s curation succeeds in distilling it. The stories vary, but together they create a symphony of suspicion, curiosity, and revelation.

One might ask: what is the place of such an anthology in the larger literary landscape of 2025? In an era dominated by serialized streaming narratives, binge-worthy crime dramas, and podcasts dissecting true crime, does the short mystery story still matter? The answer, as this anthology demonstrates, is emphatically yes. The short story form, with its concision and intensity, is uniquely suited to mystery. A novel may luxuriate in atmosphere and subplot, but a short story must cut to the bone. It must establish tension swiftly, evoke character efficiently, and deliver impact with precision. The best stories here achieve this with brilliance, reminding us that mystery in miniature can be more devastating than mystery in sprawl.

Moreover, the anthology form itself has cultural significance. It democratizes reading: one need not commit to a 400-page novel but can dip into a 15-page story that delivers a complete experience. It fosters discovery: readers encounter new voices they might never have sought out otherwise. It preserves variety: no single aesthetic dominates, and the juxtaposition of styles creates its own pleasures. Grisham’s edition succeeds in all these respects, making it not just a sampler for fans but a valuable artifact for anyone interested in the state of contemporary storytelling.

In the final reckoning, *Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2025* is both satisfying and stimulating. It entertains in the moment, but it also invites reflection on the genre’s trajectory. It affirms that mystery, far from being a relic of locked-room puzzles and trench-coated detectives, is alive, adaptable, and intimately connected to the world we live in. Grisham, in his editorial role, demonstrates generosity, curiosity, and respect for the craft. The anthology is not perfect—no anthology ever is—but its imperfections are part of its vitality. It risks, it experiments, it stumbles and soars. And in doing so, it captures exactly what mystery fiction is: a human attempt to wrest meaning from uncertainty, to seek truth in the shadows, to find narrative where life offers only fragments.

The best stories here are not just mysteries to be solved; they are mysteries to be lived with, unsettling echoes that persist after the last page. And that, perhaps, is the anthology’s greatest triumph: it reminds us that mystery is not only a genre of literature but a condition of existence.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

🕵️‍♂️ The Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2025 — A Curated Feast of Suspense and Style

This latest installment in Otto Penzler’s annual anthology series, introduced by John Grisham, offers a rich cross-section of contemporary mystery fiction. It’s not just a roundup of whodunits—it’s a showcase of how the genre continues to evolve, embracing psychological depth, social commentary, and stylistic experimentation.

📖 Penzler’s curation balances legacy voices with emerging talent, creating a dynamic tension between classic mystery tropes and modern sensibilities. The stories range from tightly plotted procedurals to atmospheric character studies, each selected for its ability to surprise, unsettle, or provoke. Grisham’s introduction sets the tone with reverence for the genre’s enduring appeal, while the stories themselves challenge its boundaries.

Several stories delve into moral ambiguity, exploring not just the mechanics of crime but the psychology of those who commit—or conceal—it. Others lean into noir aesthetics or rural gothic, using setting as a character in its own right. There’s a noticeable shift toward introspection, with protagonists who are less heroic and more haunted.

The anthology reflects contemporary anxieties: surveillance, justice, identity, and the fragility of truth. These aren’t just puzzles to be solved—they’re mirrors held up to society.

🎧 Marnye Young and Jamie Renell bring distinct textures to the narration. Young’s voice lends emotional nuance and subtle tension to character-driven pieces, while Renell’s delivery suits the grittier, more procedural entries. The alternating narration keeps the listening experience fresh, allowing each story to inhabit its own tonal space. For a listener attuned to performance dynamics, the audiobook adds a layer of interpretive richness that complements the written word.

🧩 While the anthology resists thematic uniformity, certain stories linger—those that blend psychological insight with narrative precision. Whether it’s a tale of small-town secrets or a corporate cover-up, the best entries leave readers with a sense of unease and admiration. The variety ensures that every reader (or listener) will find something that resonates, whether they favor cerebral mysteries or visceral thrillers

The Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2025 is a masterclass in genre curation. It honors tradition while embracing innovation, offering stories that entertain, challenge, and endure. For readers and listeners who crave suspense with substance, this anthology delivers.

[Carole Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The OG of contemporary legal thrillers selects the top mystery short stories of the year

This latest in the annual Best Mystery Stories from the Mysterious Press is edited by one of (if not the) best writer(s) of legal thrillers, John Grisham. Which is not to say that he has compiled a bunch of legal thrillers, far from it in fact. Some stories lean hard into suspense, others are more traditional detective fare, some contemporary, others more period. There are gumshoes and dames, crooked cops and others with a solid ethical core, and citizens of all stripes who somehow find themselves caught up in a crime. The stories have appeared in magazines or in compilation books, some of which had a specific theme to link them together (for example, a book composed of stories all of which had a scene set in a Waffle House...delicious, no?). Some of the authors are fairly well-known, others less so, so it is quite a sampler for the mystery buff. I found it interesting that my two favorite stories in the collection were Effie's Oasis by Casey Stegman, an author with whom I wasn't familiar, and Through Thick and Thin by Andrew Welsh-Huggins, whose novel The Mailman was one of my favorites of the last year. There wasn't one that I didn't find enjoyable or interesting in some way, so kudos to Mr. Grisham (and the series editor Otto Penzler) for curating yet again a book that lives up to the moniker, "Best Mystery Stories of the Year". A must read for fans of crime novels in general and short stories of the genre in particular; read them one or two at a time or sit down and binge them all, that is the beauty of short stories. But do read them, and if you enjoy them go back to the previous editions and read them as well. I guarantee you will find some new authors whose works you will then seek out. Also be sure to read both Mr. Grisham's intro to the collection and the authors' musings in between each story for some interesting writerly perspectives on the allure of mystery tales Many thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishing/Mysterious Press for allowing me access to what is a favorite annual indulgence in exchange for my honest review.

[Michael Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest in a very good annual best-of series. The series editor, Otto Penzler, is a commanding figure in the mystery world. He owns the Mysterious Bookstore in New York City. He runs The Mysterious Press, which is one of the premier mystery publishers and he is the best-known dealer in rare and collectable mystery books.

Every year he gets a high-profile author to serve as guest editor. This year he has John Grisham, tough to get bigger than that in this field. Grisham has a short introduction. It is unclear how much he has to do with picking the stories.

This collection has a good cross section of story types. There are a few classic noir stories, a few thrillers, some domestic stories, and a few historical stories. "Under The Blackjack Tree" by V. P. Chandler is a very good story set in the Bonnie and Clyde era in Texas.

I particularly enjoyed "Only a story" by Kai Lovelace because it is a homage to the classic Donald Westlake Parker stories which I love so much. Sean McCluskey's "The Secret Menu" was a solid thriller with an excellent plot twist at the end.

One problem with a collection like this is figuring out what order the stories should be in. Penzler takes the straightforward approach. The stories are in alphabetical order by the author's last name. Sensible.

In this collection, that sensible approach produced an odd effect. The first six stories all deal with woman in peril or in abusive relationships. After 100 pages it felt like this was a collection of stories about abuse or threats to woman, which is an important issue, but which was not what I thought I was buying. The alphabet lottery put all those stories together. None of the other stories had that theme. It was an illusion created by alphabetical order.

This is a very good year for a very good collection.

[Donna Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Grisham and Otto Penzler have teamed up and compiled a delightful, high-quality collection of short mystery stories to entertain you. My thanks go to NetGalley, High Bridge Audio, and Penzler Publishers for the review copies. You can buy this book now.

All told, there are 20 stories that made the cut, plus a “bonus” story at the end. This mystifies me; why not just say there are 21 stories? Maybe there’s a tradition of only selecting 20. At any rate, I liked all of them except one, which I’ll explain in a moment. They are all well written, and they encompass a wide variety of subgenres. My favorites are “Home Game,” by Craig Faustus Buck; “Only a Story,” by Kai Lovelace; and “Effie’s Oasis,” by Casey Stegman. I had never even heard of any of these writers, so now I have three new authors to watch for. I was not as fond of “Dream Stuff,” by Lou Manfredo, but that’s because I dislike noir mysteries for the way that women are disrespected. Here’s an example: “Mary Lou, my previously noted overpaid secretary, poked her cute little head into my office…” and it goes on in that vein. I haven’t deducted anything from my rating, because I know that the aspects that I find problematic are part and parcel of noir mysteries, and so I can’t see penalizing this one author in the collection, or Grisham and Penzler, when I know that there are a considerable number of readers that love these stories, and not all of them are men.

One other minor irritation is that I was provided with both the digital and audio versions of the galley, but the stories aren’t in the same order in both books, which led to a fair amount of panicked flipping around my digital copy to try to match up with the story being read. If they’re going to edit the order in one format, I’d appreciate it if they would do it in both so that they match; hopefully this is straightened out in the finished copies.

But while I’m talking about the audio version, I should also mention that the readers, Marnye Young and Jamie Renell, are top notch. There’s a great deal of dialogue in most of these stories, and they are both pitch perfect in reading the characters’ voices.

Whether you prefer a print or digital copy to read with your eyes, or an audio book that can follow you around while you do other things, you can’t go wrong with this collection. Highly recommended to all that enjoy the genre, and perfect for Halloween.

[The Mystery Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to get an ARC copy of The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2025 and I want to thank @PenzlerPublishers and @MysteriousPress for sending it over. Edited by John Grisham and Otto Penzler, this anthology is a great snapshot of the mystery genre right now. Grisham selected twenty stories from over three thousand published last year, and the curation really highlights the breadth of what "mystery" means.

What I appreciate most about this book is the variety. You get a fantastic blend of big household names and some brilliant lesser-known writers who are absolutely worthy of your attention. There’s something for every mystery taste, from pure detection to tales of suspense and puzzlement. The editors pulled from such diverse sources, and they even capped it off with a charming bonus story from an earlier era.

It's a really solid collection that does an excellent job of showcasing the best of the short form. It’s a perfect book to keep on your nightstand to read a story or two at a time, and a great way to discover your next favorite writer.

★★★★☆

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[Lizabeth Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5.

A collection of twenty short stories, plus one bonus story. The working definition of a mystery story for this series is "any work of fiction in which a crime, or the threat of a crime, is central to the theme or the plot."

What a pleasure this ARC from NetGalley was to read. Normally there are only a few short stories that capture my interest and high rating (4, 4.5, 5 stars) in such a collection. Not this time. So many good to great stories that I'm hard=pressed to choose just a few to highlight. Only two 3 stars, which in my world means good, nothing special, but still worth reading. Not a bad story in the mix. The only bad thing? I wanted MORE!

The majority were surprisingly short, yet still satisfying even if I might've wanted more. How much did I love this collection? I immediately purchased the 2024 collection! If you enjoy the mystery genre, but don't have as much time to read a dense convoluted story, pick this up immediately upon release on September 23. In fact, pre-order it, just in case as I can see this going fast.

Thank you so much to Penzler Publishers and Mysterious Press for approving my request. Not only did I get a great read, I now have a list of authors to explore.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short stories are one of the hardest literary techniques, because they need to condense a plot and make you care for the characters in just a few pages. This makes these collections sometimes uneven. I don’t know how The Mysterious Bookshop does it, but there isn’a single bad one in this book. When they say these are the best mystery stories of the year, they mean it. The narrations by Marnye Young and Jamie Renell also help, since they create so many different voices, and nail the tone of every story. And each one is very different. PI’s, cops and murderers, good, evil or just flawed, these characters are memorable. Likable or not, I was rooting for them. In 2025, living legend John Grisham selected these stories, so I assumed it would lean heavily towards the legal thriller. This is not the case. Set in different time periods, some are funny, others are very dark and one (the excellent “Eat my moose”) is extremely sad. I was trying to think which one was my favorite, but I can’t. I’d give five stars independently to every one of these stories, which I guess makes this a 105-star read.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Highbridge Audio.

[VDKeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y’all… this anthology offers a wide mix of mystery. 💥 From over 3,000 published stories, John Grisham selected twenty that range from sharp and twisty to slower, more atmospheric pieces. Not every story stood out, but the strongest ones delivered real gut-punch moments that stayed with me.

I liked the blend of familiar authors and fresh voices, and the bonus story at the end was a nice touch. Overall, it’s a solid collection with something to satisfy both thrill-seekers and readers who enjoy a slower burn. 🖤

Thank you to Mysterious Press for providing this advance copy via #NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review #TheMysteriousBookshop

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2025.

I love mysteries but these compilations are always hit or miss.

Most of the time the stories aren't mysterious or suspenseful.

Imagine my surprise when I realize nearly all these stories, minus the last one which was far-fetched and ridiculous, all met my criteria as a mystery or suspenseful tale.

A couple of them featured motels as a setting and there were some diverse characters and locations, which I appreciated.

Not one story stood out but I enjoyed reading them all, which is rare for compilations.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the authors, publisher, editors, narrators, and Net Galley for providing an ALC

I love these anthologies that give us a taste of different stories, types of stories and authors. I find it to be a great way to find new authors to try out and that I might enjoy.
This group includes some murder mysteries and some mysteries without the murder. The narration of the audiobook was nicely done and enjoyable to listen to. I found this to be a solid collection of stories and authors and highly recommend this to any other mystery lovers.

[Critter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.

It can be difficult to rate a collection of stories because there can be a large difference between stories. I did overall enjoy this collection. I think the narrators all did a fantastic job bringing these stories to life. I did like some of the stories towards the beginning of the book over some of the later ones. I do think this collection is still great and has introduced me to some authors I would be interested im checking out their other works.

[PeggySue · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year
Edited by John Grisham and Otto Penzler
Narrators, Marnye Young and Jamie Renell
As usual with a collection some were better than others and a couple were not so good. My favorites were written by April Kelly, V.P. Chandler, Richard A. McMahan, Lou Manfredo, and Casey Stegman. However, none really made me want to find other works by any of the authors.
Narration was good although with some odd mispronunciations by both readers.
Thanks to NetGalley

[Glenn Hopp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twenty-one stories that too often (for me anyway) tend toward the lower-life end of crime fiction, meaning loan sharks, crooked cops, leg breakers, alley thugs. But two absolutely excellent stories turn up, too: “The Art of Disappearance” by April Kelly and “Eat My Moose”by Erika Krouse. It would be worth getting a copy just for those two. Another exceptional story is “Through Thick and Thin” by Andrew Welsh-Huggins (though the ending is a slight, small, tiny letdown in an otherwise first-rate story). None of the stories is bad, but more variety in subject matter might have been nice.

[Peter Abe · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part, this was a strong collection of stories, each one its own little gift. It's interesting how the term Mystery has evolved over the nears. I'd call these stories: crimes with a nice reveal. I was drawn to ones where the characters felt real and there's always some bit of magic that speaks to a particular reader's life. My favorites included Tom Larsen's "Other Brother", Billie Livingston's "Same Old Song", Erika Krouse's "Eat My Moose", April Kelly's The Art of the Disappearance and Anna Scotti's "A New Weariness".

[Kelly Faulconer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a wonderfully curated with a fantastic mix of short stories, each with its unique style and genre. I couldn't put it down! "Home Game" was a standout, but the whole collection is full of surprises. Some stories are mysteries, others have unexpected twists. You'll find everything from heartwarming tales to thrilling suspense – perfect for quick, engaging reads anytime. Highly recommended!

[Books_the_Magical_Fruit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like mysteries, and I like anthologies. I also like John Grisham and respect his opinion. With that said, the stories in this particular anthology weren't quite hitting the mark for me. I found the majority of them just okay. There's one story that made me quite angry at the actions of the young protagonist.

I was just hoping for more in this volume, and I didn't get it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Mysterious Press for an eARC of this title. All opinions are mine.

[Sandy Marczewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, fast-paced collection of mystery stories picked by John Grisham. There’s a great mix of styles—some dark, some clever, all entertaining. Perfect if you love a good twist and want quick reads that keep you hooked.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review.

[Scilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book of 20 mystery short stories and a bonus older story by Jacques Futrelle. Some of the stories are very scary and some have milder mysteries. The first story has a very surprising end. This is perfect for folks who love mysteries and for those who like to read for a short time at once. You don't have to wait a week to find the answer! You also get your money worth of over 500 pages!

[Lorene · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Grisham has put together a collection of mysteries submitted to him from authors hoping to be included in his book of the Best Mystery Stories of the Year. I really enjoyed the mix of writers’ styles and the ability to pick this up for a fast but interesting story.
This is a great collection and I will put some of the authors on my “must read” list.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of these stories were entertaining and often edifying. There were a few that weren’t quite as interesting to me, but no real stinkers.

The narration was mostly good, but I am finding more and more that these must their first readings because the inflection is off a few times, and the pronunciation on a few words were off. Mild annoyances overall.

[Dixie Dylla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those that know me, know how much I love a book of short stories! I like to read them at night before I fall asleep. For those naysayers of short stories, reading at bedtime, I can usually get through one story each night…
This book has been one of the best group of short stories I’ve read in a long time. I highly recommend this read for anyone with a love of mystery. Happy reading!

[Lata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading short stories, and mystery/thriller is my favorite genre, so this anthology was a perfect pick! Best Mystery Stories of 2025, edited by John Grisham, brings together 20 outstanding stories that showcase the very best in the genre.
What I enjoyed most is the variety: each story has its own unique twist, tone, and style.

[Blessing Okwuofu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rich collection of mystery and thriller stories from a wide and diverse range of authors - from historical to modern stories. This was a good read.
I got the ARC from Penzler Publishers | Mysterious Press via Netgalley. This is my honest review