Whodunits with a Twist: TikTok’s Favorite Heroines in Mystery Fiction

PHOTO BY FERNANDOZHIMINAICELA ON PIXABAY

TikTok readers are embracing mystery heroines who defy expectations. These smart, bold characters bring fresh energy to the genre with clever thinking and emotional honesty that resonate with modern audiences.

Their stories often twist classic tropes, keeping readers guessing while making the mystery feel personal. It’s a shift that’s redefining whodunits for a new generation of fans.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is about Pip Fitz-Amobi, a determined high school student who reopens a closed murder case for her senior project. What starts as research quickly turns into a gripping investigation filled with buried secrets and unexpected twists.

Pip’s intelligence and persistence set her apart. She’s methodical, brave, and unafraid to question authority—traits that make her both admirable and relatable.

TikTok readers connect with Pip’s realism. Her flaws, doubts, and emotional depth bring the mystery to life and keep fans invested.

Check out this book review:

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Inheritance Games is about Avery Grambs, an ordinary girl who suddenly inherits a billionaire’s fortune from a stranger. But there’s a catch—she must live in his mansion and solve a series of puzzles alongside his suspicious and clever grandsons.

Avery’s quick thinking and calm under pressure make her an unforgettable lead. As secrets unfold, she navigates danger, mind games, and high-stakes family drama.

Here’s a video dedicated to this book:

@_nightsread_

#HAWTHORNE || 📖 : The inheritance games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes || To live in Hawthorne house 😭 | – – – #Booktok #theinheritancegames #bookshelf #aesthetic #oldmoney #hawthorne #foryou #foryoupage #jenniferlynnbarnes

♬ Lilith – Saint Avangeline

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

Truly Devious follows Stevie Bell, a true crime enthusiast who enrolls at Ellingham Academy to solve a decades-old kidnapping and murder. The mystery blends past and present, as Stevie investigates clues tied to one of the country’s most infamous unsolved cases.

Stevie is smart, awkward, and fiercely determined. Her love for puzzles and justice drives her, even as she navigates anxiety and teen life.

TikTok readers are hooked by the dual timelines, layered secrets, and Stevie’s sharp mind. Each reveal pulls them deeper.

Here’s why this reader recommends the book:

Alan Reiner

Alan Reiner

Hi, my name is Alan Reiner and I have been in the writing industry for almost seven years. I write articles that can span from 200 words all the way to 20,000 words every single day. How do I do it? With a lot of determination. All my way through school and college, I hated long-form assignments. I could never get into the groove of working on one piece for an extended period of time. My pieces were always late because I didn’t have the motivation to type them, let alone edit them.