The best mysteries and thrillers are captivating and fast-paced stories that keep readers hooked from beginning to end. They are for those who have a fondness for not being able to stop reading a book and those who love unexpected twists that keep you guessing.
Maybe you like classic books by a quintessential mystery writer like Agatha Christie. Or perhaps you prefer the works of more modern authors like Frieda McFadden, Colleen Hoover, or Anthony Horowitz – with layered plots, exploring complex themes, delving into the human psyche, and offering insights into the human condition.
In this blog post, I will give you a great selection of some of the best mysteries and thrillers- from debut authors and new releases to old-time favorites and classics- a little something for everyone. So keep scrolling and get ready to read through the night.
Thrillers
Ward D by Freida McFadden
Ward D is a gripping thriller and a real page-turner with a surprising twist that caught me off guard. Freida McFadden skillfully creates suspense and tension, resulting in excellent pacing. Moreover, the plot is intricately layered and complex, featuring a cast of unique and intriguing characters. Set in a Psych ward, the Author vividly brings the setting and the characters to life. Although I enjoyed this story, my favorite books by this Author remain the successful series The Housemaid and The Housemaid’s Secret – with, hopefully, more to come.
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The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
This book has two mysteries that are beautifully intertwined. The Author has masterfully blended their stories, creating an atmospheric and immersive experience for the reader.
The tension and claustrophobia of life in a small town is palpable, and the layered plot keeps you guessing until the very end. With compelling characters and an exploration of sensitive social issues, this page-turner will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. You won’t be able to put it down!
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The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell
The book presents a fascinating tale of a perplexing disappearance that captivates and keeps readers engaged. Throughout the novel, the characters’ psyche is delved into, unraveling their emotions, motivations, and the profound influence of past events, thereby heightening the allure and intellectual impact of the narrative.
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The Doctor’s Wife by Daniel Hurst
The story revolves around the seemingly perfect marriage of Dr. Drew Devlin and his wife, Fern. When Fern begins to suspect her husband of infidelity, she embarks on a dangerous path to uncover the truth. As secrets unravel and tensions escalate, Fern finds herself caught in a web of deceit and betrayal, unsure who to trust. It’s a tense and intriguing journey of suspense and psychological intrigue.
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Verity by Colleen Hoover
Prepare to be immersed in a dark and captivating tale where flawed characters take center stage. Verity delivers a twisty and suspenseful narrative that grabs hold of you from the beginning. With every page, tension mounts, keeping you on the edge of your seat, wanting to uncover the secrets. This New York Times bestseller is an excellent psychological thriller.
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The Only One Left by Riley Sager
This is an immersive and addictive reading experience. It entices you with its compelling premise, keeps you hooked with its pacing and suspense, and satisfies your desire for twists and turns. All these factors make it challenging to resist turning the pages and ultimately difficult to put the book down. This is an excellent choice for anyone who likes psychological thrillers.
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The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
The Golden Couple is a riveting psychological thriller that combines a captivating plot, well-drawn characters, and skillful storytelling. The book follows the seemingly perfect married couple, Matt and Elle, who are envied by all for their glamorous lifestyle and picture-perfect marriage. However, beneath the façade of their idyllic existence lies a web of lies, secrets, and deceit. As the story unfolds, cracks appear, and the couple’s dark past and hidden motivations come to light. This rollercoaster of a novel will thoroughly entertain fans of the genre. I loved this book – it remains one of my top picks in mystery thriller books. Another favorite from this dynamic writing team is The Wife Between Us -also perfect for those who enjoy thrillers.
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Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
Behind Closed Doors is a suspenseful thriller that explores the darker side of human nature and deep-hidden secrets. The characters are well-developed, and the plot twists are clever, so expect a few surprises. It’s another take on the picture-perfect life is not always what it seems. Overall a good strong debut book.
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Mysteries & Crime
The Twist of A Knife by Anthony Horowitz
With his signature style of intricate plotting, well-crafted characters, and unexpected plot twists, Horowitz, a favorite British author of mine, once again proves why he excels in the world of crime fiction.
The story revolves around Detective Daniel Hawthorne, who teams up with bestselling author Anthony Horowitz to solve a baffling murder investigation. As they delve into the mysterious death of a wealthy and influential man, the duo uncovers a web of dark secrets, lies, and deceit far beyond their expectations. This book is excellent for anyone who likes murder mysteries and crime novels. You may also enjoy Magpie Murders by this Author. I loved it.
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The Quarry Girls by Jess Lourey
The Quarry Girls is a captivating page-turner that will keep you fully engaged from beginning to end. With its compelling characters, expertly crafted plot, and themes of friendship and resilience, this book is a must-read for mystery and women’s fiction fans alike. The small-town backdrop is as much a character as the women themselves, creating a sense of isolation and foreboding that adds to the overall intrigue of the story.
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The In-Laws By Laura Wolfe
This intriguing tale revolves around a couple’s well-thought-out plan for a weekend hiking trip with their parents. They intend to foster a sense of familiarity and connection before their wedding. However, a series of mysterious events unfold as they embark on their adventure. Medicine and other items mysteriously vanish, unfamiliar faces materialize seemingly out of thin air, and unsettling messages surface, hinting at impending danger. What transpires is a dark and twisty tale.
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Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
The mental suspense in this thriller is mind-bending and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. The book revolves around an absent wife, a disturbed husband, and a lot of deceit. It’s brilliantly plotted and will have you seriously thinking about everything you thought you knew about love, marriage, and the nature of truth. This thrilling tale has been out for a while, but if you missed it and like fast-paced thrillers with unexpected twists, try it.
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Pretty Things by Janelle Brown
This thrilling and thought-provoking novel explores the complexities of human nature, the allure of deception, and the consequences of our actions. Janelle Brown’s ability to create flawed yet compelling characters and her skillful handling of suspense make this a must-read for fans of suspenseful reads.
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Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner
“Greenwich Park” by Katherine Faulkner is a domestic thriller that follows Helen as she navigates marriage, motherhood, and the complexities of trust. The story combines compelling themes, an intriguing plot, suspense, and some thought-provoking ethical questions, making it a great read and perfect for book clubs.
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The Maid by Nita Prose
A captivating book perfect for a laid-back Sunday when you want to unwind with a compelling story; it’s heartwarming and delightful, with a truly captivating main character, a young woman named Molly. She falls somewhere on the autism spectrum and therefore offers a unique perspective on the world; she is highly engaging. Highly recommended.
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Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
This book offers a fresh and innovative take on time travel, blending heart-pumping suspense with the complexities of unraveling a crime in reverse. In this ingenious and original plot, the Author flips the script and takes you on a mesmerizing journey of solving a crime in reverse. Imagine a mother, horrified as she witnesses her son committing murder. Determined to rewrite destiny, she embarks on an extraordinary quest, repeatedly traveling back in time to prevent the unthinkable from happening. If you like books that show the love a mother has for her child, this is one of the best books for that.
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The Guest List by Lucy Foley
This book immerses you in the decadence of a posh, extravagant wedding set on a remote island, where luxury meets deadly secrets. Amidst the glamour and luxury, you find yourself embroiled in a classic “whodunnit” locked room mystery.
Every guest becomes a suspect, and the island transforms into a labyrinth of hidden agendas and sinister motives. As you navigate the twists and turns of this suspenseful tale, you’ll be captivated by the chilling atmosphere and drawn deeper into the enigma.
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The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Steig Laarson
I enjoyed The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo because it was a psychological story, but also there was a mystery to solve. But what made the book genuinely intriguing were the characters, especially the tattooed, totally unique, and unforgettable Lisbeth. Once hooked, I could not stop reading. And when I finished, I could not wait for the next book, The Girl Who Played With Fire and the final book in this series, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest. I recommend the Millennium Trilogy to anyone who likes action-packed books and unique characters.
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Classic Mysteries and Thrillers
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Originally published in 1939, this classic novel has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences with its intricate plot and suspenseful storytelling. And Then There Were None is a remarkable display of Agatha Christie’s mastery of the mystery genre. Her ability to keep readers guessing, the intricate plot, and the unforgettable characters make this book a timeless classic. It is a must-read for crime fiction fans and even those new to the genre, as it is an excellent introduction to Christie’s work. Prepare to be enthralled, intrigued, and utterly gripped by this suspenseful and thrilling mystery.
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Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a classic espionage thriller that transcends the genre. Le Carré’s insightful exploration of human nature, moral ambiguity, and the price of loyalty elevates the novel to literary greatness. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates intelligent, character-driven storytelling and the complex game of intelligence chess.
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Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
This is an enchanting masterpiece that seamlessly blends elements of suspense, romance, and psychological intrigue. Set against the haunting backdrop of Manderley, a grand estate shrouded in secrets, this classic novel takes readers on a captivating journey filled with mystery and hidden desires.
If you enjoy a gripping mystery with a touch of romance and psychological depth, “Rebecca” is an absolute must-read.
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More Reading Suggestions:
If you enjoy Celebrity Book Club Picks:
Save What’s Left by Elizabeth Castellano
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
If you Like Historical Fiction:
The Lost English Girl by Julia Kelly
If You Like Book Lists
Happy Reading
Linda
