14 Unputdownable Thrillers That Are Guaranteed to Keep You on The Edge of Your Seat!
There are few things better than curling up with a fantastic read that provides a suspenseful, riveting escape. Enter one of the most popular book genres: thriller. This literary genre is known for its engrossing plot-driven stories packed with eerie twists and turns. According to Ruth Ware, bestselling author of more than a dozen heart-racing novels such as In A Dark, Dark Wood and The Woman in Cabin 10, thrillers are so beloved because they're multifaceted and satisfying: "I think one of the reasons I love psychological thrillers is because they combine the best of both worlds, a challenging puzzle and a thrilling emotional journey. In other words, I get to have my cake and eat it.” Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best thriller books — both new and old releases — that are guaranteed to enthrall you. Happy reading!
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
This juicy, scandal-laced novel — which was the inspiration for the award-winning HBO series starring Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman — begins when Madeline, a mom of three with a big personality; Celeste, Madeline’s beautiful and wealthy friend; and Jane, a single mother who is new in town, drop off their kids at kindergarten orientation. Early on, it’s revealed that there is a murder at a school function, but who was killed — and by whom — is a mystery to the reader. The book is sprinkled with interview snippets from parents who were at the event and each chapter is told from one of the three main characters’ perspectives.
What readers are saying: “After hearing rave reviews at my book club about this edge-of-your-seat read, I downloaded it right away. It was interesting to get insight into the worries of each woman, and I was shocked when the ‘little’ lie that led to murder was revealed!"
The Push by Ashley Audrain
Filled with shocking revelations and complex family dynamics, Ashley Audrain has readers questioning everything in this novel. When Blythe Connor learns she’s going to have a baby, she vows to be the mother she never had. But she has trouble connecting with her daughter and starts to notice small things that make her wonder if something is wrong with her little girl — or is it all in Blythe’s head? Years later, she has a son, with whom she connects instantly in the way she always wished she could with her daughter. After a tragic incident, Blythe begins to wonder if her suspicions about her daughter were right all along.
What readers are saying: "I’d read great things about Ashley Audrain’s book The Whispers, but I wanted to first check out her debut novel, The Push. This book was absolutely gripping from page one. Audrain’s writing is wonderful, and the story builds with such momentum that it’s difficult to put down!"
The Guest by B.A Paris
An eerie page-turner unfolds when Iris and Gabriel arrive home from a holiday to find that their friend Laure has left her husband and moved into their house. At first, they welcome Laure, but before long, she starts overstepping: sleeping in their bed and wearing Iris’ clothes. Laure has no where else to go, so Iris and Gabriel feel forced to let her stay. But as secrets and fractured relationships surface, danger lurks around every corner.
What readers are saying: "The Guest was an intense read and I advise anyone to make sure they have the time in order to read this red hot roller coaster! I read this in one day! One of the best thrillers I’ve read in a long time."
Perfect Little Lives by Amber and Danielle Brown
Hearts race in this captivating page-turner filled with suspense and secrets. Simone’s father was convicted of her mother’s murder when she was 13. Now, 10 years later, Simone runs into her childhood next-door neighbor, Hunter, who reveals that his father and her mother had a years-long affair. With the eerie details of the past coming to light, Simone is determined — and desperate — to find the truth.
What readers are saying: "Perfect Little Lives is an absolutely stunning and captivating read, showcasing a fantastic narrative voice that skillfully weaves an enthralling story. The book's ability to maintain a high level of tension, even when the main question is answered relatively early on, speaks volumes about its brilliant storytelling."
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
Bestselling author Rachel Hawkins is known for her haunting and suspenseful page-turners, and her latest novel delivers more thrills. Childhood friends Emily and Chess head to Italy on a trip in hopes of reconnecting. They arrive at Villa Aestas, and soon Emily digs into the villa’s history and discovers a gruesome tale about rock star Noel Gordon, who stayed there in the summer of 1974. Dark secrets and danger lurk around every corner.
What readers are saying: "This book will hook you from chapter one. It is a wonderful balance of character’s story lines from past and present. The overlap of them will keep you turning the pages. Just make sure to reserve a day to read because when you start, you won’t stop."
Holly by Stephen King
Bestselling author Stephen King’s latest horrifying novel marks the return of beloved character Holly Gibney. When Penny Dahl desperately calls the Finders Keepers detective agency hoping for help locating her missing daughter, Holly is reluctant but agrees to take the case. Soon, Holly is drawn into a puzzle that leads her to two twisted local professors who may hold the secret to the disappearance.
What readers are saying: "Holly is a tense and taut crime thriller with a strong horror edge that one would expect from the modern master of the macabre. It features Holly Gibney, and her supporting character, as established in King’s previous outings in this universe, including the Bill Hodges series, and Outsider. Mr. King utilizes the tropes and tactics of a suspense crime thriller to great effect, including withholding information from certain characters, while revealing that information to others — and the readers."
Her Name Knight by Yasmin Angoe
Memorable characters, drama, heart-pounding danger…this suspenseful novel has it all. Nena Knight was taken from her Ghanaian village years ago and is now an elite assassin for a powerful business syndicate called the Tribe. When a new mission takes her to Miami, Nena ends up saving a life instead of taking one, and dark secrets soon come to light. Now, Nena must face her past to end the cycle of bloodshed.
What readers are saying: "Yasmin Angoe bursts onto the thriller scene with the release of her emotional, intense and unputdownable debut novel Her Name is Knight. It’s powerful and visceral, packing a brutal punch that sticks with you long after completion. And you don’t just read this book, you experience it with mind and soul."
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Filled with shocking secrets, this twisty page-turner stars Jess, who is jobless and penniless. So she decides to crash at her half-brother Ben’s apartment in Paris until she gets on her feet. When she arrives at his place, Ben is nowhere to be found, but he also doesn’t seem to have left his apartment…so where could he be? As days go by and Ben is still missing, Jess becomes suspicious of Ben’s neighbors, who know more about his disappearance than they’re sharing — and she’s determined to figure out what happened.
What readers are saying: “After a stressful week, I was especially drained. To recharge, I snuggled up with a glass of wine and the newest spooky novel by one of my favorite authors, Lucy Foley. I kept flipping through the pages feverishly trying to piece together all of the clues. This mysterious plot gave me a jolt of energy — and I felt like I was uncovering the secrets along with Jess."
Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering
Memorable characters, toxic friendships, shocking twists... Carola Lovering's newest novel has it all. Billie West and Cassie Barnwell have been friends forever, but after their lives go in different directions, the two began to drift apart — much to Billie's dismay. So one night, Billie kidnaps Cassie's infant daughter in a twisted attempt to restore what once was, but Cassie doesn't know that…yet. A gripping domestic thriller!
What readers are saying: "Could not put this novel down! The story provided phenomenal insight into the cruel complexity of toxic friendship. Loved every word and so hope we get a movie out of this!"
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
This mind-bending tale penned by Alice Feeney — who is often called "queen of the twist" — follows married couple Amelia and Adam Wright, who are working to save their marriage. Every year on their anniversary, Amelia writes Adam a note that she doesn't let him read. Now, they take a trip to Scotland to celebrate their 10-year anniversary...and Amelia is letting Adam read the notes. What follows is a string of startling secrets and an anniversary that neither one of them will ever forget.
What readers are saying: "Undoubtedly one of the most gripping thrillers I've come across in ages. This edge-of-your-seat masterpiece had me burning the midnight oil to devour its nearly 300 pages. The worn-out phrase 'couldn't put it down' has never rung truer than with this novel."
Almost Surely Dead by Amina Akhtar
A witty and addictive story unfolds in this novel written by Amina Akhtar. Dunia Ahmed used to live a normal life. Now, she's been missing for more than a year and her story is at the center of a popular true crime podcast — and listeners are obsessed. Prior to her disappearance, Dunia is a pharmacist living in New York. But then something shocking happens: someone tries to murder her. When her attacker winds up dead, Dunia thinks the worst is over. But then there’s another attempt on her life…and another. Who is after her? And where is she now? A sharp, mind-bending thriller!
What readers are saying: "This book was a wild ride! Truly. I love mystery/thriller books and I am good at figuring things out but this one...there is no way to predict this one."
Things We Do in the Dark by Jennifer Hillier
A chilling and intoxicating ride unravels in this novel by Jennifer Hillier. After Paris Peralta's husband is murdered in her bathroom, she is caught standing over him, covered in blood and she is immediately arrested. But it's not the murder charge that's making her nervous — it's how much attention she's getting. Will the spotlight reveal the past Paris has been trying to keep hidden for 25 years? Soon after, Ruby Reyes, Paris' old friend, is released from jail, and the murder conviction becomes the least of Paris' problems. A twisted story of revenge and hidden identities.
What readers are saying: "What a roller coaster of a ride. This book is an exciting ride. Well-defined characters with a flawed but lovable heroine. This truly is a book about love, loss, very hard times, hopelessness, and a resolve to overcome. I enjoyed every word."
What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline
This pulse-pounding novel written by #1 bestselling author Lisa Scottoline enthralls readers from page one. The story follows Jason Bennett, a suburban father who owns a court-reporting business. Then, one day everything changes. He is driving his family home when a truck begins tailgating them. Two men jump from the truck and pull guns on Jason, demanding the car. Then, a flash of violence changes his life. When the FBI arrive at Jason’s house, they tell him the men were part of a dangerous drug-trafficking organization…and now Jason and his family are on their radar. A fast-paced read with twists on every other page!
What readers are saying: "Love, loss, and betrayal. It’s all here in Lisa Scottoline’s What Happened to the Bennetts? The story moves quickly and is never dull. I highly recommend!"
Zero Days by Ruth Ware
Jack and her husband, Gabe, are hired to test companies’ security systems and they're the best in the business. Jack has always loved the adrenaline from her job. That is, until a routine assignment goes horribly wrong and Jack arrives home to find her husband dead. Then, to her shock, the police are closing in on her as the main suspect. Now, she finds herself on the run — and the only way out is to track down the real killer.
What readers are saying: “As a fan of true-crime shows, I find a suspenseful tale is the antidote to my own mundane anxieties. And this one drew me in! It had me on the edge of my seat. I got caught up in all the fictional suspense!"
For more of our favorite books, click through the links below!
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