The most recommended new thrillers books

Who picked these books? Meet our 162 experts.

162 authors created a book list connected to new thrillers, and here are their favorite new thrillers books.
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Book cover of The Ferryman

Monica Chase Author Of Broken Code: The Genesis of Rebellion

From my list on Sci-fi thrillers that unravel humanity’s secrets.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been fascinated by the razor-thin line between innovation and disaster—where progress often conceals a darker potential. As a Gen-Xer who grew up questioning authority, speculative fiction became my outlet for exploring these precarious themes. Now, as an author, I channel that curiosity into stories that push the boundaries of ethical ambition, forcing us to confront the unsettling truths behind our technological dreams. This list reflects my deep love for sci-fi thrillers that don’t just entertain but challenge us to examine the hidden costs of our relentless pursuit of progress.

Monica's book list on Sci-fi thrillers that unravel humanity’s secrets

Monica Chase Why did Monica love this book?

This book didn’t just fascinate me; it shattered my understanding of utopia. Cronin’s Prospera seemed idyllic, but as I read, a gnawing unease grew. Like the protagonist, Proctor, I found myself grappling with the realization that perfection might come at a devastating cost.

The unraveling of Prospera’s facade forced me to reflect on the illusions we cling to in our own society. Cronin’s exploration of memory, loss, and the price of paradise stuck with me, making me ponder the lies we tell ourselves.

By Justin Cronin,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “Next to impossible to put down . . . exciting, mysterious, and totally satisfying.”—STEPHEN KING
 
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Passage comes a riveting standalone novel about a group of survivors on a hidden island utopia—where the truth isn't what it seems.

Founded by the mysterious genius known as the Designer, the archipelago of Prospera lies hidden from the horrors of a deteriorating outside world. In this island paradise, Prospera’s lucky citizens enjoy long, fulfilling lives until the monitors embedded in their forearms, meant to measure their physical health and psychological…


Book cover of Assassin's Creed: The Golden City

Ty'Ron W. C. Robinson II Author Of The Heroes' Path

From Ty'Ron's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Ty'Ron's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Ty'Ron W. C. Robinson II Why did Ty'Ron love this book?

I liked this book for the most part due to its connection to the Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Assassin's Creed Mirage video games. This book filled in the gaps between the two games and added to the stories of Basim Ibn Ishaq and his apprentice/main character of the book, Hytham through their journey in Constantinople.

The book showcases their relationship within the Assassin's Brotherhood and even plants the seeds regarding Basim's true nature and Hytham eventual discovery of his mentor's honest desire.

By Jaleigh Johnson,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A young emperor's life hangs in the balance in ancient Constantinople, and only the Brotherhood of Assassins can save him, in this action-packed historical adventure from the award-winning Assassin's Creed universe

Constantinople, 867 - A murderous plot is afoot. Assisted by the Order of the Ancients, the emperor schemes to assassinate his son and throw the city into chaos. In response, the Hidden Ones have dispatched Assassin acolyte Hytham to join his mentor, Basim Ibn Ishaq, to infiltrate the palace and foil the emperor's plan. But that is not his only mission... Hytham's brotherhood have entrusted him with uncovering where…


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Book cover of Edge of the Known World

Edge of the Known World by Sheri T. Joseph,

Edge of the Known World is a near-future love and adventure story about a brilliant young refugee caught in era when genetic screening tests like 23AndMe make it impossible to hide a secret identity. The novel is distributed by Simon & Schuster. It is a USA Today Bestseller and 2024…

Book cover of Moon of the Turning Leaves

Dianne Scott Author Of Final Look: A Christine Lane Mystery

From my list on Canadian novels with intriguing female characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

All of my recommended books feature female protagonists with complex lives. They are layered with friends, families, work, and romantic challenges. They are not superheroes. Yet they are. They all find a way to do the hard thing in difficult circumstances and at great personal peril. And that’s what bravery is. It’s not Captain Marvel coming in to save the world. It’s a woman with responsibilities and problems who digs deep to act with integrity. And she may not get accolades. Her act may be unseen. But she does it. And I love reading about these everyday women with grit.

Dianne's book list on Canadian novels with intriguing female characters

Dianne Scott Why did Dianne love this book?

I like that a female teenager and an old woman are the heartbeat of this book. In a post-apocalyptic world, an Anishinabek tribe is cut off from humanity, unaware if others are alive after a blackout has destroyed the world. As the tribe scouts their way to a new location, it is a young woman, Nangohns, a skilled hunter, who becomes the quiet leader of the group.

I like how the tribe honors the experience of the old but encourages the young to find the gift they can offer the world. I really enjoyed watching the tribe reconnect with the land and their heritage. It was touching to see the respect they had for the environment and each other despite many harsh conditions and losses. And the female elder adds hilarity laced with wisdom as the group's matriarch, leading them into an unknown future.

By Waubgeshig Rice,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Moon of the Turning Leaves as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“Waubgeshig Rice's stories are good medicine. Moon of the Turning Leaves is a restorative balm for my spirit.” — Angeline Boulley, New York Times bestselling author of Firekeeper's Daughter

In this gripping stand-alone literary thriller set in the world of the award-winning post-apocalyptic novel Moon of the Crusted Snow, a scouting party led by Evan Whitesky ventures into unknown and dangerous territory to find a new home for their close-knit Northern Ontario Indigenous community more than a decade after a world-ending blackout.

For the past twelve years, a community of Anishinaabe people have made the Northern Ontario bush their home…


Book cover of Critical Mass

Jeffrey Bennett Author Of A Global Warming Primer: Pathway to a Post-Global Warming Future

From my list on the science, consequences, and solutions to global warming.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an astronomer and educator (Ph.D. Astrophysics, University of Colorado), and I’ve now been teaching about global warming for more than 40 years (in courses on astronomy, astrobiology, and mathematics). While it’s frustrating to see how little progress we’ve made in combatting the ongoing warming during this time, my background as an astronomer gives me a “cosmic perspective” that reminds me that decades are not really so long, and that we still have time to act and to build a “post-global warming future.” I hope my work can help inspire all of us to act while we still can for the benefit of all.

Jeffrey's book list on the science, consequences, and solutions to global warming

Jeffrey Bennett Why did Jeffrey love this book?

This is a science fiction book and hence might seem an odd choice for a list of books about global warming.

However, this book does a great job describing what might happen in coming decades if we don’t take rapid action on climate change, so I think it can help inspire people to make sure that we do indeed act soon. I also loved the way the book shows how exploration of space can be part of the long-term solution to climate change, something that I also deeply believe in. 

By Daniel Suarez,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Critical Mass as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In New York Times best-selling author Daniel Suarez's latest space-tech thriller, a group of pioneering astropreneurs must overcome never-before-attempted engineering challenges to rescue colleagues stranded at a distant asteroid—kicking off a new space race in which Earth's climate crisis could well hang in the balance.

When unforeseen circumstances during an innovative—and unsanctioned—commercial asteroid-mining mission leave two crew members stranded, those who make it back must engineer a rescue, all while navigating a shifting web of global political alliances and renewed Cold War tensions. With Earth governments consumed by the ravages of climate change and unable to take the risks necessary…


Book cover of Snowglobe

Jeanne Boyarsky Author Of OCP Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 17 Developer Study Guide: Exam 1Z0-829

From Jeanne's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Jeanne's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Jeanne Boyarsky Why did Jeanne love this book?

Great book! The premise is that the world is inhospitable with an average temperature of -50F and highs of -17F. There are two domed cities that are better. One is SnowGlobe where almost everyone is on reality tv. The other is for retirees of SnowGlobe. Well some retirees. I say almost everyone as the directors of the reality shows and the ruling family are exempt from being on camera all the time.

Everyone dreams of being in SnowGlobe where it is a good temperature. They want to give up their privacy. Everyone in the world watches. There are stars. People stay in SnowGlobe as long as they are watchable. They all aspire to be stars as the best actor of the year gets a job as the "weather presenter" and stay in SnowGlobe forever.

The weather presenter job idea is cool. Since all weather is artificially it is generated with…

By Soyoung Park, Joungmin Lee Comfort (translator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Snowglobe as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The groundbreaking Korean phenomenon that Entertainment Weekly called “The Hunger Games meets Squid Game”—now in English for the first time!

“An immersive and utterly addictive dark dystopian thriller . . . with the eerie, desperate, and exhilarating vibes of Snowpiercer and The Hunger Games.” —Susan Lee, author of Seoulmates

In a world of constant winter, only the citizens of the climate-controlled city of Snowglobe can escape the bitter cold—but this perfect society is hiding dark and dangerous secrets within its frozen heart.

**The gorgeous first edition hardcover of Snowglobe features two covers in one (a…


Book cover of Titanium Noir

Gareth Southwell Author Of MUNKi

From Gareth's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Luddite Philosopher Book designer & Illustrator Sci-fi writer Hermit

Gareth's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Gareth Southwell Why did Gareth love this book?

The best sci-fi has a lived-in feel – think of the polluted, grimy futurism of Blade Runner or Alien.

This is something that it has in common with noir fiction. Compare, say, the cyberpunk of  William Gibson with the gritty, hard-boiled detective fiction of Raymond Chandler or Dashiell Hammett – take out the sci-fi elements, and they could be writing about the same world.

In Titanium Noir, Nick Harkaway imagines just that. It is a razor-sharp pastiche, combining the best tropes of the gum-shoe genre – the femme fatale, the world-weary PI, corrupt cops, and menacing crime bosses – with an intriguing sci-fi premise: What if someone invented a drug that made youth eternal? What influence and power would such people wield? And what would happen if one of them mysteriously died?

By Nick Harkaway,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Titanium Noir as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A virtuosic mashup of Philip K. Dick and Raymond Chandler by way of Marvel—the story of a detective investigating the murder of a Titan, one of society’s most powerful, medically-enhanced elites. • “Cross-genre brilliance from the superbly talented Nick Harkaway.” —William Gibson, New York Times best-selling author of Agency

"An exemplar of its genre, Titanium Noir twists and turns between excellent fun and deep melancholy." —The New York Times Book Review

Cal Sounder is a detective working for the police on certain very sensitive cases. So when he’s called in to investigate a homicide at a local apartment, he’s surprised…


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Book cover of Victoria Unveiled

Victoria Unveiled by Shane Joseph,

A fast-paced literary thriller with a strong sci-fi element and loaded with existential questions. Beyond the entertainment value, this book takes a hard look at the perilous world of publishing, which is on a crash course to meet the nascent, no-holds-barred world of AI. Could these worlds co-exist, or will…

Book cover of Observer

Terry Madden Author Of Three Wells of the Sea

From Terry's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Curious Creative Traveler Historian Animal lover

Terry's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Terry Madden Why did Terry love this book?

I have a long-standing interest in both Simulation Theory and a new theory championed by Robert Lanza, a foremost stem cell researcher, called Biocentrism. This theory has ample scientific evidence to support the idea that reality is a product of consciousness, not the other way around.

In this novel, Lanza reveals his theory in an entertaining and understandable way. The characters explore the tenets of the theory, especially the idea of life after death. If you want your mind to be blown, you should explore Biocentrism. This novel is an excellent introduction to this theory.

By Robert Lanza, Nancy Kress,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

#1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER ●  "Mind-bending ... A novel full of life-affirming ideas."—Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

"The cutting edge of science tipping into something new and marvelous ... a startling, fascinating novel."―KIM STANLEY ROBINSON, New York Times bestselling author 

"Real science and limitless imagination combine in a thrilling story you won't soon forget."―ROBIN COOK, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Coma (and 37 other international bestsellers)

"Brilliant ... A riveting and moving story." ―RHONDA BYRNE, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Secret.

Caro Soames-Watkins, a talented neurosurgeon whose career has been upended by controversy, is jobless, broke, and…


Book cover of Red Team Blues: A Martin Hench Novel

C.L. Pauwels Author Of Fatal Errors

From my list on for the puzzle-solving reader.

Why am I passionate about this?

I inherited a love of puzzles from my mother, and we still share crossword clues, looking for answers. I also shared her love of reading mysteries and trying to solve crimes, from the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew to Agatha Christie and Sue Grafton. So, when I started writing, it was only natural that I create my own literary puzzles. Add in an ingrained sense of justice–so often missed in society–and I love it when the bad guy (or gal) gets their comeuppance. I also love the mental workout I get when I need focused logic to puzzle out the ending before the final pages.

C.L.'s book list on for the puzzle-solving reader

C.L. Pauwels Why did C.L. love this book?

I’m not usually a fan of dystopia, but Doctorow created an immersive, just-enough-in-the-future-to-be-believable world and filled it with compelling, conflicted characters. The protagonist, Martin Hench, is a self-employed forensic accountant (read: hacker!) with high-end computer skills.

While navigating an increasingly hostile environment–including a spell in a homeless camp–Hench digs into dark-web cryptocurrency and the shadowy figures who mine it, upsetting some powerfully dangerous people along the way. Hacking at its finest!

This book kept me guessing all the way to the end, and that doesn’t happen often these days. I’ve read so many mysteries over the years that it’s hard to fool me, but Doctorow manages and then some.

By Cory Doctorow,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

New York Times bestseller Cory Doctorow's Red Team Blues is a grabby next-Tuesday thriller about cryptocurrency shenanigans that will awaken you to how the world really works.

Martin Hench is sixty-seven years old, single, and successful in a career stretching back to the beginnings of Silicon Valley. He’s a―contain your excitement―self-employed forensic accountant, a veteran of the long war between people who want to hide their money and people who want to find it. He knows the ins and outs of financial records that are designed to conceal rather than reveal. He’s as comfortable with social media as people a…


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Book cover of Terra Blanca - Insurrection: Gaia Prequel

Terra Blanca - Insurrection by Zoë Routh,

A test of leadership, loyalty, and legacy. Rylie Addison faces the greatest leadership challenge of her life. As climate change ravages the world, leaving millions displaced, Rylie is handpicked by the enigmatic Maja Garcia of Gaia Enterprises to govern Terra Blanca, an unprecedented man-made island community for climate refugees.

As…

Book cover of A Beginner's Guide to Breaking and Entering

Patrick Forsyth Author Of Once A Thief

From Patrick's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Reader Science-nut Traveller Consultant (writing) Mentor

Patrick's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Patrick Forsyth Why did Patrick love this book?

Best known as a humorist (and linked to the television programme Qi in the U.K.) the author published a very good science fiction book in 2020, The Last Day in which the world stops spinning. So, this was a surprise. It is best described as a caper. A young man seeks out an existence breaking into and living in houses he knows are empty, at least for a while. All goes well until… he crosses paths with others doing the same thing, a dead body is soon involved and the mounting complications make this a page-turner. Yet it also has a wonderful thread of humor running through it and this makes for an unusual – and irresistible – combination. I loved it.

By Andrew Hunter Murray,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Beginner's Guide to Breaking and Entering as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Property might be theft. But the housing market is murder . . . A Beginner's Guide to Breaking and Entering is a gripping thriller about what it's like to be young, skilled, unemployed - and on the run.

'Fantastic' Zoe Ball
'Madly fun and exciting' Lisa Jewell
'Who knew murder could be so funny. A joyous read from start to finish. I loved it!' Clare Mackintosh
'Witty, dazzling and incredibly addictive' Jenny Colgan
'A bloody brilliant, fantastic book ... I'm bereft now I've finished it' Philippa Perry
'It's laugh-out-loud funny, proceeding at a pace that makes it almost impossible to…


Book cover of The Ferryman
Book cover of Assassin's Creed: The Golden City
Book cover of Moon of the Turning Leaves

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