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The mystery stories and fascinating roles in murder mystery movies and shows have always appealed to many viewers. Not everyone realizes the connection, yet the majority of these popular mystery movies and TV shows were adapted from novels written by talented authors.
These changes successfully brought the author's stories to the screen, sometimes featuring different characters or minor details. Although these books were highly successful on screen, most people were unaware of their origins as books. The main reasons include minimal advertising for the books, alterations in the adaptations, and a tendency for fewer people to read them instead of watching or streaming the films and series.
Let's take a look at these ten murder mystery movies and TV shows, which demonstrate how stories can be told in various ways while still keeping fans engaged.
Here is the list of the 10 murder mystery movies and shows you didn’t know were based on books
10. Women's Murder Club (2007-2008)
The hit TV series Women’s Murder Club originated from James Patterson’s detective series, "Women’s Murder Club," and its first book, 1st to Die, came out in 2001. According to the plotline, four women (an investigator, a prosecutor, a medical examiner, and a reporter) are the main characters in this TV series, and they all work together to uncover murders in San Francisco.
The show ended after one season, despite the appealing concept. Despite being well-received by some viewers and critics, the show didn't achieve the commercial success ABC needed to justify its continued run. Some episodes are available for purchase on DVD or online; however, the series is not available on the major streaming services.
9. Midsomer Murders (1997-present)
The series Midsomer Murders is taken from Caroline Graham’s Chief Inspector Barnaby novels, starting with The Killings at Badger’s Drift (1987). Midsomer Murders is a British detective show based on the fictional county of Midsomer. The story follows DCI Barnaby's progress as he solves various crimes in picturesque communities. In contrast to most detective dramas, Midsomer Murders has a notable soundtrack with a title tune that features a theremin and a blend of dark humor and whimsical lightheartedness.
Many people are unaware that Graham's books were the inspiration for the TV series due to the show's increased popularity. Since its inception more than 20 years ago, the show has become an integral part of British television. Midsomer Murders is available to stream on Acorn TV, Tubi, and Pluto TV.
8. The ABC Murders (2018)
The ABC Murders is adapted from Agatha Christie’s 1936 novel The A.B.C. Murders. The novel's form is unique in that it blends first- and third-person narrative. When the book was first released, it was warmly reviewed in both the US and the UK. It was described as, "A baffler of the first water" by one critic, while another praised Christie's storyline creativity. Here, Hercule Poirot is portrayed by John Malkovich in a miniseries where someone is killing people and always leaving an ABC Railway Guide at the scene. In 1933, Poirot gets letters from the killer, urging him to stop the following crime.
Compared to the books, this TV series portrays Poirot in a less upbeat light and delves deeper into his inner life. Since the series differs so much from Christie’s book and the detective character is totally unique, many viewers may not guess it’s based on her story. BritBox and Amazon Prime Video both offer streaming services for this TV show.
7. One of Us Is Lying (2021-2022)
One of Us Is Lying is drawn from Karen M. McManus’s 2017 novel of the same name. According to the plotline, five high school students are stuck in detention, and only four manage to leave alive. The drama reveals the truths and values the students are hiding, raising many questions and doubts.
Although the plot of the show follows the novel, some important differences in both plots and characters can be found aside from the book. Nonetheless, such adjustments might make audiences forget its literary origins. You can watch this TV show on Peacock.
6. Sharp Objects (2018)
Sharp Objects was based on Gillian Flynn's novel of the same name, which was released in 2006. Amy Adams plays the role of Camille Preaker, a journalist who comes home to cover the murders of two girls.
Camille deals with her traumatic history while working on the case, and she learns a lot about her family. Many people likely didn't realize that Gillian Flynn's debut novel, Sharp Objects, precedes her highly successful novel, Gone Girl. Max, Hulu, and Apple TV are all places you can watch Sharp Objects.
5. The Girl on the Train (2016)
Paula Hawkins' 2015 book of the same name served as the inspiration for the 2016 film The Girl on the Train. Rachel, who is going through a lot as a result of her separation, gets sucked into a missing people investigation in this film. While sitting on the train watching a perfect couple, she sees something unexpected, which inspires her to discover surprising realities.
Inspired by Hawkins' personal experiences and the emotional realities she faced while working as a journalist, the story tackles universal themes like self-discovery, love, and loss. You can watch The Girl on the Train on Netflix, Apple TV, and YouTube.
4. The Thursday Murder Club (2025)
The Thursday Murder Club (2020), written by Richard Osman, is the basis for the television series released in 2025. Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim, and Joyce are elderly residents of a quiet retirement community, and they are the main subjects of this mystery movie. They get together each week to work on cold cases for their own enjoyment.
A real murder that happens nearby thrusts them into the heart of an investigation. Many might not know that it is an adaptation of a book because the book was most popular in the UK, and the movie shares this story with a bigger audience. Chris Columbus serves as the director, and some of the key actors are Helen Mirren,Ben Kingsley, and Pierce Brosnan. On August 28, 2025, you can stream the Thursday Murder Club on Netflix.
3. Mystic River (2003)
The movie Mystic River follows a murder investigation in Boston. The plot revolves around three friends named Jimmy, Sean, and Dave, who are profoundly affected after Jimmy's daughter is found killed. Sean, acting as a detective, attempts to solve the case, while Jimmy takes measures to seek justice for himself. His actions generate intrigue and lead to a terrible conclusion because he is a suspect.
Many people may not be aware that the film is based on Dennis Lehane's novel because of the highly skilled performances and Clint Eastwood's direction. Mystic River is available to watch on Netflix.
2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Lisbeth Salander was inspired by Stieg Larsson’s novel The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2005). The plot of the film states that Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander are investigating the disappearance of a girl from a wealthy family from opposing perspectives. The novel reveals hidden scandals and immoral acts.
Most viewers might not think the movie comes from a book since its flashy and high-profile Hollywood style made the film popular globally. It is a popular example of a murder mystery film. Streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix are showing this film.
1. Gone Baby Gone (2007)
The film Gone Baby Gone is taken from Dennis Lehane’s novel of the same title (1998). The film, directed by Ben Affleck, stars Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan. The story centers around two private detectives trying to find a kidnapped girl in Boston. It addresses ethical questions that are not always simple to resolve.
The compelling narrative and superb performance were more significant than the fact that it was based on a novel. Thus, most viewers were unaware. You can stream Gone Baby Gone on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
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As time went on, it became clear that books played a big role in the success of many thrilling murder mystery movies and TV shows. Although the adaptations frequently made changes to keep the stories fresh and unique, the majority of people had not read the original books. In other instances, the television shows or movie stars take over the novels. Yet these novels formed the basic structure that added depth and interest to the mysteries. The fact that adaptations included both dark American thrillers and cosy British detectives showed that a broad spectrum of people enjoyed murder mystery fiction.
The availability of several TV episodes and movies on streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu raised public awareness of these topics. Overall, their adaptations demonstrated the lasting appeal and flexibility of murder mystery stories across multiple media platforms.
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