* "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1841) by Edgar Allan Poe: This is often considered the first detective story and features the famous detective C. Auguste Dupin. Its emphasis on logic, deduction, and a locked-room mystery set a standard for the genre.
* "The Sign of Four" (1890) by Arthur Conan Doyle: This story introduced the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes and further solidified the elements of a modern mystery.
* "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" (1870) by Charles Dickens: Though unfinished, this novel features a complex plot, multiple suspects, and a detective-like character, making it a significant early example of mystery fiction.
* "The Moonstone" (1868) by Wilkie Collins: This novel is considered one of the first detective novels and features a detailed investigation, multiple suspects, and a clever solution.
Ultimately, the "first" mystery story depends on how you define the genre. However, these early works played a crucial role in shaping the conventions and popularity of mystery fiction.