Top 19 Mystery Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

By Genre

19 Novels

Mystery novels in the web novel space occupy an interesting position. Japanese mystery fiction has deep roots going back to classic detective literature, and you can feel that influence in how their web novels structure reveals and misdirection. Chinese mysteries often blend with supernatural or historical elements, while Korean entries frequently incorporate thriller pacing with corporate or crime drama backdrops.

The challenge with serialized mystery is maintaining fair play with readers while keeping them hooked week to week. The best entries here manage that balance, giving you enough clues to theorize without making solutions obvious. I find the genre works especially well when authors resist the urge to over-explain, trusting readers to connect dots themselves.

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TOP PICK
Heaven Official’s Blessing
4.7
(3.0K ratings)
Genre: drama, mystery, romance
Eight hundred years ago, Xie Lian was the Crown Prince of the Xian Le kingdom. He was loved by his citizens and was considered the darling of the world.
First Impressions
"Heaven Official's Blessing" is quite a ride, a sprawling xianxia novel that's clearly captured the hearts of many, even inspiring an anime adaptation. Diving into this world of gods, demons, and intricate relationships, I can see why it’s become so popular, but I also noticed some recurring concerns that held it back from being a perfect read for me. The story immediately throws you into the chaotic world of Xie Lian, a god who's ascended (and descended) multiple times. His initial assignment and subsequent meeting with the mysterious Hua Cheng sets the stage for a grand adventure filled with...
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2
RUNNER UP
Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint
4.6
(2.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Kim Dok-Ja does not consider himself the protagonist of his own life. Befitting the name his parents gave him, he is a solitary person whose sole hobby is reading web novels.
First Impressions
"Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" is a wild ride, and I can definitely see why it's garnered so much attention. It’s the type of story that grabs you and refuses to let go, throwing you headfirst into a world that's both familiar and utterly bizarre. Overall, I found it a compelling read, although not without its quirks. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a lone reader, Kim Dokja, finds himself living in the world of the web novel he’s obsessed over for a decade. The world is transported to his, and he now has the immense knowledge of how it will end, or so he thinks. It's a fantastic setup t...
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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Lord of the Mysteries
4.7
(2.1K ratings)
Genre: drama, horror, mature
With the rising tide of steam power and machinery, who can come close to being a Beyonder? Shrouded in the fog of history and darkness, who or what is the lurking evil that murmurs in our ears?
First Impressions
"Lord of the Mysteries" is a web novel that's been on my radar for a while, and after diving in, I can see why it has such a dedicated following. It’s a unique blend of genres – drama, horror, mystery, with a dash of steampunk and Cthulhu mythos thrown in for good measure. The world-building is intricate and immersive, drawing you into a 19th-century-esque setting filled with secret societies, mystical powers, and hidden truths. The beginning can be a bit slow. I'll admit, I almost bounced off at first. There's a lot of information to absorb, and the pacing takes its time to establish the worl...
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EDITORS CHOICE
The Earth is Online
4.6
(2.1K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, mature
Six months ago, tens of thousands of black phantom towers appeared all over the world, floating above the cities. Chemists, physicists, religious people… all of them could do nothing.
First Impressions
"The Earth is Online" promised a thrilling blend of action, mystery, and survival with a BL twist, and after diving in, I can confidently say it delivered an engaging, albeit sometimes challenging, experience. The premise is immediately captivating: a sudden apocalypse forces humanity into deadly games orchestrated by the enigmatic Black Tower. I was initially drawn in by the unique concept and the promise of a clever protagonist navigating a world turned into a perilous game. The early chapters successfully establish the stakes and introduce Tang Mo, our resourceful and observant MC. I found ...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
Global Examination
4.7
(1.5K ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, horror
The whole world is subjected to a highly dangerous standardised exam called the Global Examination. Answering questions by putting their lives at stake, they would live if they passed the test.
First Impressions
"Global Examination" is a wild ride of a novel, and I can definitely see why it has such a devoted following. From the very first chapter, I was thrown into a bizarre world of deadly exams, quirky characters, and an overarching mystery that kept me hooked. It blends elements of action, comedy, horror, and romance (shounen ai/yaoi) into a surprisingly cohesive whole. Initially, the premise of a life-or-death exam system felt a little chaotic. The early chapters are heavy on the examination aspects, which I didn't mind, but I can see why some readers might find it a bit confusing or dry until th...
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#6 PICK
Mist
4.7
(1.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, mature
Hyperthymesia. Those with this condition can remember every detail of their lives from something as significant as the world’s turning point to something as small and as insignificant as a minor fleeting thought.
First Impressions
"Mist" is a web novel that really took me on a ride. Blending action, adventure, sci-fi, and romance with a dash of mystery, it's a story that demands your attention. While it has its quirks, the overall experience was definitely memorable. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of time travel interwoven with complex sci-fi elements. The beginning felt a bit slow as the characters were being introduced, and I wondered if the romance would feel rushed. However, as the story progressed, the initial setup proved essential for understanding the intricate plot and the characters' motivations. I q...
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#7 PICK
Kaleidoscope of Death
4.6
(1.3K ratings)
Genre: comedy, horror, mystery
It started off peculiarly; first, his domestic cat refused to let him cuddle it. Lin Qiushi soon found that a sense of disharmony and incongruity began to pervade everything around him.
First Impressions
"Kaleidoscope of Death" is a wild ride, and I mean wild. I went into this expecting a horror novel with some romance, and I got that, but it was so much more complex and thought-provoking than I initially anticipated. Buckle up, because this novel will take you on a journey through some truly terrifying and mind-bending scenarios. Right off the bat, the novel is incredibly engaging. It throws you headfirst into the action, and the descriptions are vivid and unsettling. I found myself genuinely creeped out at times, which is exactly what I want from a horror story. The premise of entering these...
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#8 PICK
Death Progress Bar
4.6
(804 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, drama
Shi Jin once read a book. It was supposed to be about satisfying the desire for vengeance.
First Impressions
"Death Progress Bar" hooked me from the start with its intriguing premise: a former policeman transmigrated into a novel with a system and two rapidly filling death progress bars. What I found was far more than just another transmigration story. This novel is a surprisingly emotional rollercoaster, blending action, comedy, drama, and romance in a way that kept me constantly engaged. Initially, I went in expecting a typical system-driven novel. I was quickly proven wrong. The story dives deep into complex family relationships, particularly the MC's interactions with his brothers. This isn't a s...
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#9 PICK
Turning
4.8
(869 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
Yuder was a commoner Omega who rose to the top with his ability. When he woke up again after being falsely accused and executed, he was back 11 years ago before everything began.
First Impressions
"Turning" is a web novel that has completely captivated me. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and a slow-burn romance that's worth the wait, it's easy to see why it boasts such a high rating. This isn't a quick read, but it's a deeply rewarding one. Initially, the sheer length of "Turning" was daunting. Usually, I prefer shorter stories, but something about the premise intrigued me. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the world and the complex dynamic between Yuder and Kishiar. It's a story that requires patience, but it quickly becomes clear that it's going to be a...
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#10 PICK
Supernatural Movie Actor App
4.7
(923 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, horror
Xie Chi is a patient with multiple personality disorder. On the surface, he is educated and gentle but the secondary personality is cold, ruthless, and powerful, with explosive strength.
First Impressions
Okay, wow. "Supernatural Movie Actor App" was quite the ride. I went into this expecting a fun horror romp, and while I got that, I also got a whole lot more. This novel isn't just about scares; it's a clever blend of genres that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The premise alone grabbed me: a protagonist who falls in love with his split personality and then uses a horror movie app to help them get their own body? It's bonkers, and I was immediately on board. I was a little hesitant about the self-cest aspect, but the author quickly establishes the MC and ML as distinct individuals, which...
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#11 PICK
My House of Horrors
4.6
(647 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, horror
After the disappearance of his parents, Chen Ge inherits the family-run haunted house attraction at an amusement park. Struggling to bring in customers, he discovers a black phone that grants him the chance to improve his haunted house with expanded scenarios, mastery of skills, the possibility ...
First Impressions
"My House of Horrors" is a wild ride, a blend of genres that somehow manages to be both terrifying and hilarious. It's a novel that grabbed me from the start with its unique premise and kept me hooked, even when it stumbled a bit along the way. The initial concept is undeniably genius: a young man inherits a haunted house attraction and a mysterious phone, leading him into a supernatural world. I was immediately drawn in by the protagonist, Chen Ge, a plucky and resourceful guy who has to navigate increasingly dangerous situations with nothing but his wits and a healthy dose of bravado. It's a...
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Conclusion

Mystery requires more careful plotting than most genres, which means the hit rate for truly satisfying conclusions is lower than you might hope. The novels here have earned their rankings partly by sticking the landing. Still, personal taste matters a lot with mystery since what feels like a clever twist to one reader might seem cheap to another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

Heaven Official’s Blessing

First Impressions

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

First Impressions

Lord of the Mysteries

First Impressions

The Earth is Online

First Impressions

Global Examination

First Impressions

Mist

First Impressions

Kaleidoscope of Death

First Impressions

Death Progress Bar

First Impressions

Turning

First Impressions