The most recommended suspense books

Who picked these books? Meet our 2,162 experts.

2,162 authors created a book list connected to suspense, and here are their favorite suspense books.
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Book cover of Windfall

Michael Laimo Author Of Missed Connection

From Michael's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Michael's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Michael Laimo Why did Michael love this book?

Interesting concept well executed!

By Wendy Corsi Staub,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Windfall as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this newest suspense novel from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Corsi Staub, three friends’ lives terrifyingly unravel when they win a billion-dollar lottery jackpot—and one goes missing. Perfect for fans of novels like Taylor Adams’ No Exit and The Club by Ellery Lloyd.

 It was the girls’ weekend they’d never forget.

J.J., Molly, and Leila had once been inseparable, but it’s been a long time since college, and life—not to mention distance—have disrupted the former roommates’ friendship. When the three reunite for a birthday weekend in Las Vegas, the lottery ticket they buy on a whim has the…


Book cover of Mystic River

Colin Garrow Author Of Terminal Black

From Colin's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Colin's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Colin Garrow Why did Colin love this book?

Lehane's writing and use of language is clever and original. It reminded me a lot of James Ellroy's writing style.

By Dennis Lehane,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Mystic River as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This New York Times bestseller from Dennis Lehane is a gripping, unnerving psychological thriller about the effects of a savage killing on three former friends in a tightly knit, blue-collar Boston neighborhood.

When they were children, Sean Devine, Jimmy Marcus, and Dave Boyle were friends. But then a strange car pulled up to their street. One boy got into the car, two did not, and something terrible happened—something that ended their friendship and changed all three boys forever.

Twenty-five years later, Sean is a homicide detective. Jimmy is an ex-con who owns a corner store. And Dave is trying to…


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Book cover of Blood of the White Bear

Blood of the White Bear By Marcia Calhoun Forecki, Gerald Schnitzer,

Virologist Dr. Rachel Bisette sees visions of a Kachina and remembers the plane crash that killed her parents and the Dine medicine woman who saved her life. Rachel is investigating a new and lethal hantavirus spreading through the Four Corners, and believes the Kachina is calling her to join the…

Book cover of The Perfect Marriage

Jenna Kernan Author Of The Patient's Daughter

From Jenna's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Jenna's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Jenna Kernan Why did Jenna love this book?

The Perfect Marriage is anything but perfect. The story starts with infidelity and murder, and I was drawn in by the wife's pain of discovering her husband's infidelity and his arrest for his mistress's death. Sarah, a defense attorney, must defend her unfaithful husband against murder charges. Sarah and Adam Morgan both find that they didn't exactly know what was going on with their "perfect" partner. Tangled clues and revelations create a web of assumptions for readers. I love a huge, unforeseen twist and this one has a great one.

By Jeneva Rose,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Perfect Marriage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

One million sold: "A tantalizing premise . . . twists at every turn . . . [A] masterful debut about betrayal and justice" by a New York Times-bestselling author (Samantha M. Bailey, #1 national bestselling author of Watch Out for Her).

Optioned by Picture Perfect Federation for development as a film or TV series

Sarah Morgan is a successful and powerful defense attorney in Washington D.C. As a named partner at her firm, life is going exactly how she planned. The same cannot be said for her husband, Adam. He's a struggling writer who has had little success in his…


Book cover of Cold Shot

Kathleen Tailer Author Of Marked to Die

From my list on romantic suspense to keep turning pages.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always loved suspenseful books, and I enjoy creating my own characters and helping them strengthen their faith as they triumph in difficult circumstances. I want to encourage other Christians with my writing, and introduce others to Christ who may be searching to see how God can change their lives. I also want to provide readers with a fun getaway of excitement, suspense, and thrills. I am an attorney and see many cases that don’t conclude with a happy ending, however, God can take what men meant for evil, and turn it into good, and there is a positive and encouraging ending waiting in each of my books.

Kathleen's book list on romantic suspense to keep turning pages

Kathleen Tailer Why did Kathleen love this book?

I am a Christian, and I prefer a good suspenseful book without the sexual heat that I usually flip past when I read secular books.

This author handles the attraction between the characters in a positive way, yet still gives me page-turning suspense and a glance at Baltimore, the city where the actions occurs. I love the characters and enjoy getting to know them as the suspense unfolds.

By Dani Pettrey,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cold Shot as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Dani Pettrey Launches a New Romantic Suspense Series

In college, Griffin McCray and his three best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world--and friendships--crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet--until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round…


Book cover of The Golden Rendezvous

Carmen Radtke Author Of The Case of the Missing Bride

From my list on mysteries set on ships and trains.

Why am I passionate about this?

After years dedicated to the hard facts of a newspaper reporter’s life, including a sting covering the police beat, Carmen Radtke has changed her focus to fiction. She’s been fascinated by both history and mystery as long as she can remember and stays dedicated to the truth behind the lie, and the joys of in-depth research. As a repeated emigrant, she is enthralled by voyages into the unknown and the courage (or madness) that takes.

Carmen's book list on mysteries set on ships and trains

Carmen Radtke Why did Carmen love this book?

Fast-paced, exciting, with enough twists to keep me reading without a single break – this is one of my all-time favourites by prolific author Alistair MacLean. I found myself chuckling and, in the next instant, holding my breath as the First Officer has to outwit terrorists who have taken over the tramp carrier cum cruise ship “Campari.” But what I enjoy most is the mix of humour and lightheartedness that balance the high octane thrills which are grounded in meticulous research.

By Alistair MacLean,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Golden Rendezvous as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A timeless classic of modern-day piracy from the acclaimed master of action and suspense.

Aboard the SS Campari, all is not well.

For Johnny Carter, the Chief Officer, the voyage has already begun badly; but it's only when the Campari sails that evening, after a succession of delays that he realises something is seriously wrong.

A member of the crew is suddenly missing and the stern-to-stern search only serves to increase tension. Then violence erupts and suddenly the whole ship is in danger. Is the Campari a victim of modern day piracy? And what of the strange cargo hidden below…


Book cover of Bomber

Clark Rich Burbidge Author Of StarPassage: Book One: The Relic

From my list on allowing characters to find their greatness.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an unextraordinary individual with an ordinary skill set including strengths and weaknesses. Yet, my life experiences have caused me to reach deep inside and find my own greatness to face seemingly impossible obstacles in my path. My writing reflects this hopeful overcoming and undaunted spirit. I have learned that heroes only exist because they must face daunting villains. Such villains can arise from other individuals, outside forces, life circumstances, and even from within ourselves. Yet, I have learned that villains are not a threat to destroy us, they are in fact the vehicles by which we become heroes in our own story. There are no heroes without villains.

Clark's book list on allowing characters to find their greatness

Clark Rich Burbidge Why did Clark love this book?

I love this departure from the other books mentioned. These two completely separate groups of people whose lives intersect in a horrible tragedy illustrate the randomness and brutality of war.

Each group is sympathetic in their attempt to carve out a meaningful existence amidst the chaos and loss of all-out war. I find the experiences of occupants of the doomed German town juxtaposed with the character and daily courage of the members of the bomber squadron fascinating and compelling.

I find the author’s ability to bring us into the lives of each character and walk with them almost magical. This book changed my life and view of all wars.

By Len Deighton,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Bomber as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The classic novel of the Second World War that relates in devastating detail the 24-hour story of an allied bombing raid.

Bomber is a novel of war. There are no victors, no vanquished. There are simply those who remain alive, and those who die.

Bomber follows the progress of an Allied air raid through a period of twenty-four hours in the summer of 1943. It portrays all the participants in a terrifying drama, both in the air and on the ground, in Britain and in Germany.

In its documentary style, it is unique. In its emotional power it is overwhelming.…


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Book cover of Bad Blood

Bad Blood By K.B. Thorne,

Bad Blood is paranormal suspense in First Person Snark, so if you like sarcastic, strong female characters set in a world where the preternatural is run amok (i.e., legal citizens in the United States), then this book and series are for you.

Follow Sadie Stanton–"poster girl for the preternatural"–as she…

Book cover of One Rough Man

Jeffrey B. Burton Author Of The Finders

From my list on thriller subgenres.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a bookworm ever since my grandfather lent me his Louis L'Amour books when I was in grade school. Eventually, I gravitated towards mystery/thrillers as my all-time favorite reads (including the various subgenres brought up in my book recommendations). In addition, I’ve been writing mystery/thrillers for the past dozen years. I am the author of the Mace Reid K-9 mystery series about the danger Reid and his pack of human remains detection dogs (cadaver dogs) get into and, hopefully, out of.

Jeffrey's book list on thriller subgenres

Jeffrey B. Burton Why did Jeffrey love this book?

Military Thrillers: One Rough Man by Brad Taylor is the first novel in Taylor’s Pike Logan/Jennifer Cahill series. Taylor’s Logan/Cahill novels are currently the best military thrillers on the scene as Pike and Jennifer and their team of commandos dash across the globe kicking terrorist ass. I picked One Rough Man because it contains the duo’s origin story (you’ve got to have that), but you’ll be delighted to know there’s about 15 more Logan/Cahill thrillers just waiting for you (Taylor’s a prolific author). So grab One Rough Man and begin the Logan/Cahill saga. Meanwhile, I’ll sit back and await your thank you note.

By Brad Taylor,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked One Rough Man as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The first Pike Logan novel from New York Times bestselling author Brad Taylor.

They call it the Taskforce. Commissioned at the highest level of the U.S. government. Protected from the prying eyes of Congress and the media. Designed to operate outside the bounds of U.S. law. Trained to exist on the ragged edge of human capability.

Pike Logan was the most successful operator on the Taskforce, his instincts and talents unrivaled—until personal tragedy permanently altered his outlook on the world. Pike knows what the rest of the country might not want to admit: The real threat isn’t from any nation,…


Book cover of Lie With Me

Julia Stone Author Of The Accident

From my list on a character pretending to be someone they’re not.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a psychologist by profession and I’m fascinated by the way personalities develop and change with life events. In novels, I’m drawn towards wounded characters who are searching for something to make them feel whole. Common issues I see in my psychotherapy work include imposter syndrome, low self-esteem, feelings of not being good enough. Many people try to hide their vulnerability behind a mask, faking confidence or bravado, or pretending to be something they’re not. But these fictional characters take it up a level, one small step at a time, until the lies build and they end up in a web of deceit with no way out.

Julia's book list on a character pretending to be someone they’re not

Julia Stone Why did Julia love this book?

From the opening sentence I was hooked. What might have started earlier? Why was the protagonist scratching on his forearm rather than using pen and paper? From the first page we are deep inside the head of the lead character, Paul Morris, and it’s not always a pretty place. He is a cynical manipulative liar, a deeply unpleasant man, but I was intrigued by how far he would go and whether he would get caught out.

It’s a slow burn as we watch the deceit unfold. We experience the lead character’s tension as he realises the mess he’s got himself into with his lies, then witness his struggle to backtrack and make things good. By the end I felt quite sorry for him. It had me gripped!

By Sabine Durrant,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Lie With Me as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The truth is, we all tell lies... take a deep breath and dive into the book everyone's raving about.

'If you've had a hole in your literary life since finishing Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train, this is the book to fill it' Grazia

It starts with a lie. The kind we've all told - to a former acquaintance we can't quite place but still, for some reason, feel the need to impress. The story of our life, embellished for the benefit of the happily married lawyer with the kids and the lovely home.

And the next thing…


Book cover of The Silkworm

Simon Worrall Author Of Star Crossed: A True WWII Romeo and Juliet Love Story in Hitlers Paris

From Simon's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Investigative reporter Writer with National Geographic Travel and book lover Passionate reader Cooking enthusiast

Simon's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Simon Worrall Why did Simon love this book?

Robert Galbraith is a pen name for JK Rowling and this bears all the hallmarks of her brilliance. The two central characters, detective duo Strike and Robin, are perfectly pitched. Strike, particualrly, with his army background, prosthetic leg, and doomed love affair with the gorgeous Charlotte, is a particularly finely drawn character. The plot is complex, without being convoluted, and the london setting is wholly authentic. Enthusiastically recommended.

By Robert Galbraith,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Silkworm as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Teems with sly humour, witty asides and intelligence ... A pleasure to read' TIMES

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Now a major BBC drama: The Strike series

When novelist Owen Quine goes missing, his wife calls in private detective Cormoran Strike. At first, she just thinks he has gone off by himself for a few days - as he has done before - and she wants Strike to find him and bring him home.

But as Strike investigates, it becomes clear that there is more to Quine's disappearance than his wife realises. The novelist has just completed a manuscript featuring poisonous pen-portraits of almost…


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Book cover of Lethal Legacy

Lethal Legacy By H.R. Kemp,

Buried Secrets. A web of deceit, betrayal, and danger. Can she survive her fight for justice and truth? Laura thought she knew everything about her late husband before he died. Now, her life and the lives of those she loves are in danger. As Laura delves into his previous role…

Book cover of The Devil's Sea

Tony Dellamarco Author Of Beneath the Dragon's Triangle

From my list on written by science fiction masters.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an engineer and a science teacher I am passionate about science and science fiction stories. I also enjoy adventures. Together these lifelong passions led me to write my first science fiction novel. I have years of technological and educational training. My first job was with IBM where I worked in the Quality Control and Engineering departments. Throughout my life, I’ve been an avid sportsman and have trained in powerlifting and a variety of martial arts. When I’m not writing or conjuring science fiction novels, I enjoy teaching my grandchildren how to drive my tractor while working the fields around my home in the Hudson Valley.

Tony's book list on written by science fiction masters

Tony Dellamarco Why did Tony love this book?

Clive Cussler is one of the few authors whose real-life adventures paralleled that of his action hero, Dirk Pitt, creating a compelling story. It is easier to convey an adventure story if you have actually lived it. I was humbled by an editorial review and a number of readers that stated my book is reminiscent of Clive Cussler’s works.

By Dirk Cussler,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Devil's Sea as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Fearless adventurer Dirk Pitt must unravel a historical mystery of epic importance in the latest novel in the beloved New York Times bestselling series created by the “grand master of adventure” Clive Cussler.

In 1959 Tibet, a Buddhist artifact of immense importance was seemingly lost to history in the turmoil of the Communist takeover. But when National Underwater and Marine Agency Director Dirk Pitt discovers a forgotten plane crash in the Philippine Sea over 60 years later, new clues emerge to its hidden existence.
 
But Pitt and his compatriot Al Giordino have larger worries when they are ordered to recover…


Book cover of Windfall
Book cover of Mystic River
Book cover of The Perfect Marriage

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