Best Detective & Mystery Manga Series
Introduction
Few genres are as gripping as mystery and detective stories. In manga, these tales combine stunning art with intricate plotting to create thrilling investigations, psychological battles, and criminal conspiracies. Whether it’s a brilliant teen detective, a battle of wits between genius rivals, or a slow-burning suspense, detective manga provides a reading experience filled with tension, intellect, and surprises.
Detective Conan
A classic in the genre, this long-running series follows teen detective Shinichi Kudo, who is turned into a child and solves complex cases while searching for a cure. It’s packed with clever murders, thrilling chases, and signature gadgets.
Monster
More than just a mystery, Monster is a psychological thriller. It follows Dr. Kenzo Tenma as he hunts a child he once saved, who has grown into a remorseless serial killer. It’s a dark, chilling detective story with philosophical depth.
Death Note
While not a traditional detective manga, it’s a cerebral cat-and-mouse game between Light Yagami, who has a deadly notebook, and the brilliant detective L. The suspense and deductive duels are legendary.
The Kindaichi Case Files
Starring Hajime Kindaichi, a high school student with genius-level deduction skills, this series tackles grisly murder mysteries with locked rooms, red herrings, and shocking reveals — true to classic detective fiction.
Pluto
A sci-fi reimagining of a story arc from Astro Boy, Pluto blends AI ethics with detective mystery. Inspector Gesicht investigates a string of robot murders that point to something far deeper and more tragic.
Psychometrer Eiji
Eiji, a high schooler with the ability to see memories through touch, helps the Tokyo police solve murders. It’s a mix of supernatural ability and hard-boiled crime, perfect for fans of edgy detective manga.
Q.E.D. – Shomei Shuryo
Featuring a teenage genius and a high school girl who solve mysteries together, this series leans into logic and science, using real-world deduction methods in a grounded, intellectual way.
MPD Psycho
This dark, psychological detective manga centers on a detective with multiple personalities unraveling twisted crimes. It’s disturbing, thought-provoking, and not for the faint of heart.
Bloody Monday
A cyber-thriller about a teenage hacker helping the government stop terrorists. It combines mystery, hacking, and deduction with fast-paced action and double-crosses.
Erased
Satoru, a man who can travel back in time, uses his ability to prevent a series of child kidnappings and murders. It’s an emotional and gripping mystery rooted in trauma, memory, and redemption.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a fan of gritty crime dramas, psychological thrillers, or traditional sleuth stories, these detective manga deliver suspenseful and satisfying mysteries. They’ll keep you guessing to the very last panel, and maybe even beyond.
