Are you a fan of edge-of-your-seat suspense, gripping plots, and heart-pounding mystery? Then you’re in for a treat! We’ve curated a list of the top 10 thriller novels that should be on every thriller fan’s reading list this year. Whether you’re looking for the latest releases or some timeless classics, these books promise an unforgettable reading experience.
Let’s dive in!
1. The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
Mini-Review: This psychological thriller delves deep into the unreliable world of its protagonist, blending horror with intricate mysteries that will keep you second-guessing each revelation. Ward crafts a chilling narrative that explores the boundaries of memory and trauma.
Why Read It?: With unique perspectives and dark themes, it’s a fresh take on the psychological thriller genre that will keep you engaged until the last page.
2. Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
Mini-Review: A powerful, gritty tale of two fathers avenging the murder of their sons, Razorblade Tears is packed with action, raw emotions, and thought-provoking themes around justice and redemption.
Why Read It?: This thriller offers more than just suspense—it’s a heart-wrenching story that tackles prejudice and revenge, making it unforgettable and deeply impactful.
3. The Chain by Adrian McKinty
Mini-Review: The premise is simple yet terrifying: if you don’t kidnap someone else’s child, your own will be killed. McKinty’s novel is a race against time and a nerve-wracking exploration of what ordinary people can be driven to do.
Why Read It?: This book keeps you on the edge from start to finish. Its high-stakes plot and intense pacing make it one of the best thrillers of the year.
4. The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
Mini-Review: While not a traditional thriller, this powerful novel explores the tension of a young Nigerian girl fighting for her independence and freedom against societal expectations and injustices.
Why Read It?: Daré’s story is a breathtaking journey of resilience, filled with suspense and emotional highs that make it impossible to put down.
5. We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
Mini-Review: Part thriller, part character study, Whitaker’s novel weaves a tale of revenge and redemption in a small American town. His deeply flawed characters pull you in, and the unexpected twists keep you invested.
Why Read It?: With rich, well-rounded characters and a story that tugs at the heartstrings, this book combines suspense with literary depth.
6. The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
Mini-Review: From the author of The Silent Patient, this novel takes us into the dark underbelly of academia, where a murder mystery involving a secret society unravels. Michaelides masterfully blends Greek mythology with modern suspense.
Why Read It?: The eerie setting and intellectual intrigue make this a perfect read for fans of thrillers with an academic twist.
7. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Mini-Review: This genre-blending novel is equal parts horror and thriller, set in a haunting mansion in the Mexican countryside. The story’s suspense builds slowly, resulting in a terrifying climax that’s impossible to forget.
Why Read It?: It’s a thrilling and culturally rich novel with a unique gothic setting, making it one of the year’s most atmospheric reads.
8. The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell
Mini-Review: Known for her engrossing mysteries, Jewell’s latest novel tells the story of a young couple who go missing after a night out, leaving behind a tangled web of secrets and lies.
Why Read It?: Jewell’s expertly crafted plot twists keep readers guessing, making it a perfect choice for those who love a good mystery with unexpected turns.
9. 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard
Mini-Review: Set during the COVID-19 lockdown, this thriller centers around a couple who isolate together but quickly discover dark secrets. Howard’s novel is a gripping and claustrophobic ride.
Why Read It?: The recent setting and relatable premise add an extra layer of tension, making it one of the year’s most unique thrillers.
10. The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse
Mini-Review: This chilling thriller is set in a luxury hotel turned sanatorium high in the Swiss Alps, where a detective must uncover dark secrets when guests start disappearing. Pearse combines a foreboding atmosphere with a complex mystery.
Why Read It?: The setting alone makes this a standout thriller, and the mystery at its core will keep you riveted from start to finish.
Wrapping Up
This list is packed with novels that cater to every kind of thriller enthusiast—from psychological and suspenseful to gritty and heart-wrenching. Each book brings something unique to the table, so you’re sure to find a new favorite. Happy reading, and let us know which thriller kept you up at night!