The Sense of an Ending

Do you enjoy a happy ending?  I think most people do, though some may disagree on what constitutes "happy."   The final chapter doesn’t have to be sappy to satisfy.   For me, when a mystery is solved and all the loose ends are tied up, I'm pleased, even if the good guys don’t catch the bad guys.  In fact, some of my favorite books have had decidedly unhappy endings!  Of course, I won’t mention any of those now because I’d spoil them for you, and that would be a heinous crime indeed.

Regardless of your ending preferences, here are some books that have plot twists aplenty and will keep you guessing until the end:

The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny
Chief Inspector Armand Gamache finds himself investigating another murder connected to the people of the idyllic Canadian village Three Pines in this fifth in the cozy-yet-gritty mystery series.  Folktales, secrets, lies, love, and greed all play a part in this riveting entry.  There's a new family in town and they are competing for the same business as a well-established and much-loved bistro and antiques store.  When a hermit's body is discovered in the bistro, all eyes are on Olivier, the owner of the Bistro.  Could the newbies really want business that badly?  Here’s a free tip from me:  do not read this book until you’ve read the first four.
 
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larrson
Mikael Blomkvist had it all:  A partnership in a successful publishing company, the respect of his peers, and love of a sort.  He loses his credibility after publishing a story that leads to his conviction for libel and Blomkvist is asked to take a back seat within his own company due to the scandal.  He hunkers down to ride out the storm, until he is approached with a unique proposition that will put his skills as an investigative journalist to work again.  Blomkvist finds himself in need of specialized assistance, and that is where Lisbeth Salander comes in. She's brilliant and creative - and she comes with her own set of problems.  The pair must work together to solve a decades-old mystery.

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin
Larry and Silas, two boys from vastly different backgrounds, are friends in this tale set in 1970s rural Mississippi.  One night Larry takes a girl on a date, but the girl never makes it home. Of course, Larry is suspected in her death, although charges were never filed.  Silas moves away not knowing the truth of what happened to the girl who was friend to both boys.  Fast-forward twenty years, and Silas returns to his boyhood home as a constable.  Larry lives the life of a social outcast. When another girl dies and Larry is suspected, the two meet again.  Silas must bring the murderer to justice, whoever it is. 

Now, tell me about a book that kept you guessing till the end!