Only bookworms know that thriller books are the real deal. Reading a good thriller will give you a captivating reading experience, filled with suspense and intrigue.
Thriller books have always been so popular among avid book lovers. The fast-paced plots of good thriller books come with unexpected twists and turns, creating a sense of suspense and excitement that gives the reader that adrenaline rush and keeps them on the edge. Reading a thriller book is also an experience of a kind that helps with mental engagement. If you are reading a thriller book, you would try to anticipate what happens next. It is sort of like finding the clues and piecing together a puzzle.
In this list, we have kept some of the best thriller books with mind-blowing plot twists that bring you the adrenaline rush you are looking for. If you are someone who needs a bit of escape from the real world in search of exploring dark themes, then these are the perfect 17 thriller book options for you.
The Best Thriller Books of All Time –
- The Martian – by Andy Weir
Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney made history as one of the first humans to walk on Mars. Now, he is in a desperate fight for survival after a violent dust storm forces his crew to evacuate, leaving him behind, presumed dead. Stranded alone on the red planet, Mark faces the harsh reality of limited supplies and no way to communicate with Earth. Using his engineering skills, creativity, and unyielding determination, he tackles one life-threatening obstacle after another. Will his ingenuity be enough to overcome the overwhelming odds and find a way home? Can his determination and resourcefulness help him beat the impossible odds?
- My Murder – by Katie Williams
Katie Williams’ My Murder takes an intriguing premise and spins it into a gripping, thought-provoking tale. At its core, it asks: “What if you had to solve your own murder?” But this question is far from simple. The novel follows the story of a woman, a victim of a serial killer, who is resurrected through a government project. As she navigates her second chance at life, she starts to suspect that not everything is as it seems. The book is both clever and emotional, delivering unexpected twists and a bittersweet conclusion that lingers long after the final page.
- Monkey Beach – by Eden Robinson
When tragedy strikes a Native community, seventeen-year-old Jimmy Hill mysteriously vanishes at sea, leaving his family devastated. His sister, Lisamarie, a rebellious teenager burdened by a haunting secret, embarks on a daring solo search through the rugged Douglas Channel. Her journey takes her to Monkey Beach, a mysterious shore renowned for its tales of sasquatch sightings and Haisla legends. Blending humor, darkness, and poignant themes, Monkey Beach weaves a vivid tale of loss, resilience, and redemption. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of British Columbia’s Coast Mountains, it explores the intersection of teen struggles, Indigenous lore, and the enduring power of human connection.
- The Talented Mr. Ripley – by Patricia Highsmith
Patricia Highsmith is celebrated as a master of psychological thrillers and a virtuoso of dark, intricate storytelling. Among her most iconic creations is Tom Ripley, a character who is both chillingly amoral and disturbingly captivating. Ripley, introduced in The Talented Mr. Ripley is a blend of intelligence, charm, and ruthless ambition, making him one of literature’s most complex antiheroes. Across five novels, Highsmith meticulously constructs Ripley’s world, exposing his lack of conscience while compelling readers to empathize with his unsettling logic. The Talented Mr. Ripley is a brilliant combination of psychological depth and suspense, drawing readers into a subtle yet gripping exploration of morality and identity. Highsmith’s nuanced character study keeps audiences enthralled, while the sinister twists ensure an edge-of-your-seat experience. Her work not only redefined the thriller genre but also left an indelible mark on literary fiction with its exploration of human complexity.
- The House in the Pines: Reese’s Book Club – by Ana Reyes
With fragmented memories of a past tragedy, a woman revisits the haunting mystery of her childhood: the sudden, unexplained death of her friend. For years, she has tried to bury the trauma, but unanswered questions compel her to confront the events of that fateful day. Venturing deep into the shadowy woods where it all began; she searches for the truth. What she discovers defies belief, unraveling a chilling and unexpected reality that challenges her understanding of the past and herself. This journey is one of reckoning, revelation, and enduring mystery.
- Rizzoli & Isles: Listen to Me – by Tess Gerritsen
Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles are drawn into a chilling murder investigation with far-reaching consequences. The victim’s gruesome death reveals troubling details, suggesting a larger, more sinister plot at play. While Jane and Maura focus on uncovering the truth behind the crime, Jane’s spirited mother, Angela, becomes intrigued by a mystery of her own. It delves into a seemingly unrelated situation that could have surprising connections. The complexity of the case forces Jane and Maura to navigate layers of evidence, red herrings, and unexpected twists, all while grappling with the emotional and professional toll of their work. As the investigation progresses, both women face mounting pressure to piece together the puzzle before it’s too late. However, their intense focus on solving the case may blind them to dangers lurking closer than they realize. In a story packed with suspense, drama, and richly developed characters, the balance between duty, personal lives, and unforeseen threats takes center stage. With every revelation, the stakes grow higher, leaving readers wondering if the ultimate danger is within their grasp—or right under their noses.
- Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn
Gillian Flynn has gained widespread acclaim for her dark and intricate storytelling, often focusing on morally complex, unsympathetic female characters. In Gone Girl, she takes readers on a twisting journey full of unexpected turns, drawing them deep into a psychological maze of deception, manipulation, and secrecy. The narrative follows Nick and Amy’s troubled marriage, leading up to Amy’s mysterious disappearance, which sends the story spiraling in ways that keep readers on edge. Flynn’s use of unreliable narrators and shifting perspectives creates a suspenseful, slow-building tension that keeps the reader guessing. The twists are both surprising and devastating, and the final page leaves a lasting impact, making Gone Girl a nearly impossible book to put down. Through clever plotting and a chilling examination of human nature, Flynn crafts a thrilling psychological drama that captivates until the very end.
- Hidden Pictures – by Jason Rekulak
Jason Rekulak’s Hidden Pictures is a chilling and captivating novel best approached with minimal prior knowledge about its intricate twists and turns. The story is an atmospheric page-turner that combines eerie suspense with a tightly woven plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Rekulak skillfully balances a brisk narrative pace with moments of haunting mystery, gradually building tension until delivering a jaw-dropping twist that will leave readers debating its implications. While the shocking climax might divide opinions, it undeniably cements the novel’s status as an unforgettable psychological thriller.
- When No One Is Watching – by Alyssa Cole
When No One Is Watching takes Brooklyn’s ongoing gentrification crisis and spins it into a chilling thriller with a twist. Combining elements of Rear Window and Get Out, it introduces a disturbing and suspenseful narrative about the rapid changes happening in a neighborhood. The protagonist uncovers unsettling truths about the people moving in and their terrifying intentions, which gives the story a sinister edge. While it may not be my absolute favorite book, it undeniably delivers a gripping plot filled with tension and unexpected twists. This novel’s eerie atmosphere and unsettling exploration of gentrification will leave readers thinking long after they turn the final page.
- The Secret History: A Read with Jenna Pick – by Donna Tartt
At a prestigious New England college, a group of bright, unconventional students falls under the spell of their enigmatic and captivating classics professor. Inspired by his teachings, they embrace a philosophy and lifestyle that sets them apart from their ordinary peers, immersing themselves in the allure of ancient ideals and the pursuit of higher truths. However, their quest for transcendence takes a dark turn as they cross moral boundaries and venture into dangerous territory. Their exploration of the sublime leads to unforeseen consequences, unraveling their lives and challenging the foundations of their beliefs.
- The Boys from Biloxi – by John Grisham
In his latest novel, John Grisham returns to his Mississippi roots, delving into a compelling story about two boys from immigrant families. These childhood friends grow up together but eventually find themselves on opposite sides of the law. As their lives take drastically different paths, the novel explores themes of justice, betrayal, and moral dilemmas. Grisham’s storytelling is rich with suspense, and his signature twists and turns keep readers engaged from start to finish. The unexpected conclusion adds depth to this exploration of friendship and the choices that define us, making it a must-read for fans of legal thrillers.
- The Good Girl – by Mary Kubica
In The Good Girl, Mary Kubica delivers a gripping, fast-paced thriller centered around the high-profile kidnapping of Mia Dennett, the young daughter of a prominent Chicago judge. Mia is abducted by a mysterious man and held for ransom. Instead of focusing solely on Mia’s point of view during her captivity, the novel intricately weaves the perspectives of her anxious mother, a seasoned detective working on the case, and the desperate kidnapper. The story keeps readers on edge, moving quickly through twists and turns and building suspense with each page. The shocking, unexpected twist in the final moments of the book leaves a lasting impact, making it a truly unforgettable read for fans of psychological thrillers. Kubica’s masterful pacing and unexpected revelations create a compelling narrative that will keep readers hooked until the very end.
- The Long Weekend – by Gilly MacMillan
In The Long Weekend, author Gilly Macmillan masterfully crafts a twisty, unpredictable thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story revolves around a girls’ getaway that takes a dark turn when a mysterious note threatens the lives of their husbands, leading to an isolated retreat full of secrets and tension. Macmillan truly goes all in, packing the novel with a series of unhinged and complex characters that add layers of unpredictability to the narrative. It’s clear that she aimed to create a gripping, suspense-filled experience, and she succeeds spectacularly. The characters, their motivations, and the suspense all contribute to a page-turning story that is as engaging as it is shocking. The author’s ability to keep the reader guessing makes The Long Weekend a thrilling, often jaw-dropping read that leaves a lasting impression.
- The Bandit Queens – by Parini Shroff
In The Bandit Queens, a young Indian woman discovers that the false rumors of her husband’s death work to her advantage. The villagers believe she killed him, but she quickly learns that these rumors give her power. As women in the community begin to ask for her help in eliminating their own husbands, a surprising chain of events unfolds. Parini Shroff’s debut novel is a darkly comedic, clever exploration of female agency, revenge, and second chances. The story is filled with witty, resilient women and clever criminals, providing a razor-sharp commentary on society. Through humor and heart, Shroff has crafted a narrative that will stick with readers long after the last page.
- The Child – by Fiona Barton
In Fiona Barton’s The Child, a chilling mystery unravels when the bones of an infant, buried for decades, are uncovered at a London construction site. Journalist Kate Waters investigates, attempting to determine the identity of the child. Could it be the same baby who was stolen from a local hospital’s maternity ward years ago and never found? As Waters digs deeper into the case, she uncovers dark secrets and hidden truths, and the haunting question of whether this long-forgotten tragedy is connected to a past crime lingers. The search for answers leads to shocking discoveries that keep readers on edge.
- The Couple Next Door – by Shari Lapena
In this thrilling domestic suspense debut, a young couple moves into a quiet neighborhood, befriending what seems like the perfect set of neighbors. However, beneath the surface lies a web of lies, betrayal, and secrets, especially between husbands and wives. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a roller coaster ride of twists and turns, keeping them on edge as the characters’ true motives are revealed. Written by the New York Times bestselling author of Not a Happy Family, this novel is another gripping read, full of suspense and shocking revelations.
- The Silent Patient – by Alex Michaelides
The Silent Patient is a psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The story revolves around a woman who commits a shocking and brutal act of violence against her husband and a therapist who becomes obsessed with uncovering the reasons behind her actions. As the therapist delves deeper into her past and motives, he uncovers secrets that lead to a jaw-dropping twist. Despite all the hype surrounding this book, it truly lives up to its acclaim, offering a suspenseful narrative that will leave you questioning everything until the very end.
So, light a candle, get your reading glasses, and choose a book to have the time of your life!
