I like to read different genres, and I’m always open to trying something new. This list reflects my typical reading habits – I’ve got a fun mix of twisty psychological thrillers and a fantasy book, which I almost didn’t include because I know it’s not everyone’s go-to. But this one is very character-driven and doesn’t overwhelm you with world-building. So, if you’ve ever been curious about trying fantasy, this is a gentle way in.
I also included a great backlist title that still lingers in my mind, and finally, two upcoming April releases that I can’t wait to share with you.
If you’re looking for a little variety, you’ll find something here that resonates with you!
A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives in reading.— William Styron
The Best Suspense & Psychological Thrillers I’ve Read Lately
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
Rating ★★★★
My Thoughts: If you like twisty psychological thrillers with complicated family ties, Darling Girls is a fun one. This story follows three foster sisters who find themselves drawn back to a past they’d prefer to leave behind when human remains are discovered under their childhood foster home. As a result, they must face the woman who raised them and uncover long-buried secrets. This story reveals the truth step by step, keeping you hooked to find out what really happened!
This is a must-read if you love messy family dynamics or stories where past trauma resurfaces. If you’re a fan of Freida McFadden, Mary Kubica, or Lisa Jewell, move this to the top of your stack. Plus, for my book club friends, the sisters’ complicated history makes for incredible discussion.
[Order your copy of Darling Girls]
[Read my full review of Darling Girls]
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney
Rating ★★★★★
My Thoughts: Sometimes, you begin a thriller believing it’s centered on one secret, only to discover another. My Husband’s Wife is full of unexpected twists and turns that’ll leave you second-guessing everything. I loved that each character appears to be concealing something, and when you think you’ve got it all figured out, the narrative takes another sharp turn.
This one will especially appeal to readers who love domestic suspense and psychological thrillers where relationships slowly unravel, or to those who enjoy books where you’re constantly wondering who’s telling the truth. This book can also spark some great book club discussions because there are so many layers to the characters and their choices.
[Order your copy of My Husband’s Wife]
[Read my full review of My Husband’s Wife]
Kill For Me Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh
Rating ★★★★★
My Thoughts: If you enjoy thrillers that grab your attention right away and maintain a growing sense of tension, this book is hard to put down. Two strangers, each grappling with profound grief and anger, encounter one another, and a dangerous idea starts to form. The narrative is filled with twists and unsettling moments, making it the kind of story that keeps you turning pages to find out how far things will go.
This one is a great fit for readers who love fast-paced psychological thrillers with clever twists. It’s especially appealing to fans of dark domestic suspense and morally complicated characters. Will book clubs like it? Yes, this book will spark debate as it raises many questions about justice, revenge, and how far someone might go when they feel wronged.
[Order your copy of Kill For Me Kill For You]
[Read my full review of Kill For Me Kill For You]
What Happened to Nina by Dervla McTiernan
Rating ★★★★★
My Thoughts: This story pulls you in quietly and then refuses to let go. When a young woman disappears after a weekend trip with her boyfriend, two families are left facing questions no one wants to answer. It’s tense, emotional, and the kind of story that makes you keep reading to understand what really happened.
This will appeal to readers who enjoy smart psychological suspense with a strong emotional core – stories that focus on complicated relationships. It’s especially good for readers who enjoy character-driven thrillers rather than nonstop action. This book also works well for book clubs because it raises so many questions about loyalty, truth, and how far families will go to protect the people they love.
[Order your copy of What Happened To Nina]
[Read my full review of What Happened To Nina]
My Favorite Lyrical & Magical Escapes
Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow
Rating ★★★★★
My Thoughts: This story has a wonderful, magical vibe that draws you in from the start! “Everlasting” weaves together history, folklore, and a hint of the unusual in a way that feels genuine and engaging, not over-the-top. If you love tales where atmosphere is as important as the story itself, this is a delightful read you’ll want to cozy up with!
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of magic and folklore. If you like stories with rich, slightly mysterious atmospheres, like those in books like Circe, this one has the same thoughtful, immersive quality. This will also work for book clubs that enjoy historical fiction mixed with magical realism or fantasy.
If you’re drawn to stories of resilient women with a touch of magic, Weyward is a must-read. It weaves together three generations of women and feels very much like the spiritual cousin to the books I’m loving lately.
[Order your copy of Everlasting]
[Read my full review of Everlasting]
Coming Soon: The Most Anticipated Spring 2026 Releases
One of the best perks of being a book blogger is getting an early peek at upcoming releases through NetGalley. I’ve already devoured these two April heavy-hitters, and I’m telling you: put these on your pre-order list. You’re going to want to be the first one in your book club to talk about them.
Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth (Release: April 21)
Rating ★★★★★
My Thoughts: If you think you’ve seen every side of a Sally Hepworth story, think again. Mad Mabel is everything we love about her-the complicated family dynamics and the “who can I actually trust?” tension- but it feels even more intimate. I don’t give 5 stars lightly, but Mabel earned every single one and it’s going to be the book everyone is talking about this spring.
If you’re a fan of quirky, unforgettable narrators like the one in Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Mabel is going to be your new favorite character. It’s also the perfect pick for book clubs who want to debate the line between being “mad” and being the only one who sees the truth!
[Pre-order your copy of Mad Mabel]
[Read my full review of Mad Mabel]
The Book Witch by Meg Schaffer (Release: April 7)
Rating ★★★★★
My Thoughts: For readers who usually stick to grounded thrillers, let this be our “gateway” book into something a little more magical. If you loved The Wishing Game, Schaffer does it again. It’s whimsical and cozy, but with enough emotional weight. It’s a 5-star hug in book form, and it’s the perfect palate cleanser after a heavy psychological thriller.
This is the ultimate pick for “book people”-readers who love stories about libraries, bookstores, and the magic of reading. If you were a fan of The Wishing Game or The Midnight Library, you will feel right at home here. It’s also a perfect “palate cleanser” for thriller readers who need a break from the tension but still want a story with emotional weight. And if you’re a fan of magical realism that stays grounded in human feelings (like the works of Alice Hoffman), put this one at the top of your list!
[Pre-order your copy of The Book Witch]
[Read my full review of The Book Witch]
The Sally Hepworth Classic You Can’t Skip
If you haven’t read Sally Hepworth yet, check out her book, The Mother-In-Law It hooked me right from the beginning. Hepworth captures the ups and downs of family relationships well, especially the complicated love-hate dynamic. If you want a story with heartfelt moments and some mystery, this is the perfect book for your next read!
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Favorite Mysteries & Thrillers
Happy Reading,
Linda
