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 When We Were Silent

Sarah Seltzer Author Of The Singer Sisters

From Sarah's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Sarah's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Sarah Seltzer Why did Sarah love this book?

By Fiona McPhillips,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked When We Were Silent as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover the dark boarding school psychological thriller, an exploration of power, corruption and retribution, perfect for fans of Girl A, My Dark Vanessa and Anatomy of a Scandal.

'Excruciating suspense' Stephen King
'One of the most compelling books I've ever read...compulsive, tender and chilling' Jessica Bull, author of Miss Austen Investigates
'A powerful, unforgettable read' Andrea Mara, bestselling author of No One Saw A Thing
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"I'm not here for prestige. I'm here for revenge."

Lou Manson is an outsider when she joins the final-year class at Highfield Manor, Dublin's most exclusive private school.

Beyond the granite pillars and the…


Book cover of The Only Survivors

Matthew Becker Author Of Run

From my list on thrillers to make your heart thump.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have read thrillers for as long as I can remember reading adult novels. I can chart my life of reading from Robert Parker to David Baldacci to Jeffery Deaver and today’s luminaries such as Sarah Pekkanen, Mary Kubica, and all the authors listed below. While I love a good beach or airport read, the novels that stick with you—that make you want to clear your schedule because you need to sit and think about what you’ve just read—are my favorites.

Matthew's book list on thrillers to make your heart thump

Matthew Becker Why did Matthew love this book?

A traumatizing incident that brings teens together, only to be rehashed years later when one of them goes missing during a storm in a secluded location? Megan Miranda’s book hits every mark for a must-read thriller.

I loved the weaved flashbacks, hinting at what happened without giving the full story, even until the end. Knowing enough about who survived—and who must not have—made every flashback fraught with foreboding tension. One of the things I love most in a book is when the story seems complete, and then one tiny extra detail is revealed, completely changing how you think.

I felt like I was there, both in the present at the Outer Banks beach house and in the past, on the banks of the river after the horrible bus crash.

By Megan Miranda,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Ten years ago, a tragic accident tore through a community.

Ever since, the nine survivors - just teenagers at the time - have met on the anniversary to remember those they lost. They made a promise to keep each other safe from harm. For Cassidy, always the outsider at school, this group has felt almost like friendship.

But this year, their reunion is overshadowed by death and the disappearance of one of their own. As the week unravels, Cassidy begins to fear something darker than survivors' guilt has bound them together. Was their pact to…


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Book cover of Third Wheel

Third Wheel by Richard R. Becker,

Third Wheel is a coming-of-age thriller about a misguided teen who struggles to fit in with a pack of older troublemakers. In this fast-paced page-turner, Brady Wilks is a root-worthy underdog who explores the complexities of identity, belonging, and betrayal.

Third Wheel won seven literary awards, including Literary Thriller of…

Book cover of The Things We Do to Our Friends

Philippa East Author Of A Guilty Secret

From Philippa's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Author Psychologist Cat Lover Scottish Reading Obsessive

Philippa's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Philippa East Why did Philippa love this book?

The Things We Do To Our Friends is set in Edinburgh, which is where I spent much of my childhood and teenage years – so I was immediately hooked!

It’s a story about the twisted and toxic dynamics that can develop in intensive friendships, which is something I love to explore in my own writing too. I loved the atmospheric writing and the relentless slow-burn Heather Darwent sets up as this disturbing story unfolds.

By Heather Darwent,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Things We Do to Our Friends as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Satisfyingly dark, cleverly plotted and pleasingly Donna Tarttish' Emma Flint, Little Deaths
'Seamlessly blends Gone Girl and Promising Young Woman. Smart, sophisticated, seductive' S J Watson, Before I Go To Sleep
'A deeply compelling story of friendships turned rotten' Rosemary Hennigan, The Truth Will Out

*Sunday Times Bestseller*
*Shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year 2023*
*Longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize*
*Top Ten eBook bestseller*
*One of Cosmopolitan's Best Books for 2023*
*One of Apple's Best of the Month*
*One of FT's Best New Debut Fiction*
*Heat Book of the Week*

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In there, them, us, it's…


Book cover of Warrior Girl Unearthed

Bradley W. Wright Author Of Infinity Blast and the Space Weapon of Doom

From Bradley's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Teacher Technologist Owl enthusiast Reader

Bradley's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Bradley W. Wright Why did Bradley love this book?

I read this book because I loved Fire Keeper’s Daughter. Boulley’s writing is gripping. Her characters are fully realized, and her fast-moving plots are unpredictable.

I have a middle-grade novel in production that is about my great-grandfather (Dakota/Ojibwe ancestry, born and raised in the Minnesota territory). While writing the book, I read every middle-grade and YA novel I could find by native writers.

This YA novel told a great story and told it well. It was good to catch up with the characters from Fire Keeper’s Daughter and learn more about the protagonist, Perry—a great character with a strongly rendered personality.

By Angeline Boulley,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Warrior Girl Unearthed as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

A Financial Times Best YA Summer Book 2023

#1 New York Times bestselling author Angeline Boulley takes us back into the world of Firekeeper's Daughter in this high-stakes mystery about the power of discovering your stolen history.

HONOUR YOUR ROOTS. BREAK THE RULES. UNCOVER THE TRUTH.

Perry Firekeeper-Birch has always known who she is - the laid-back twin, the troublemaker, the best fisher on Sugar Island. Whilst her overachieving sister works away at an internship, Perry's holiday plans mostly involve doing absolutely nothing.

But her carefree summer is brought to an abrupt end when she meets 'Warrior Girl', a Native…


Book cover of The Four

Roxie Key Author Of The Deadly Spark

From Roxie's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Marketing Copywriter Crime Fiction Reader Foodie Family Girl Outdoorsy

Roxie's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Plus, Roxie's 2-year-old's favorite books.

Roxie Key Why did Roxie love this book?

Believe. The. Hype. I had seen this book all over social media, and I couldn’t miss the hot pink cover. I’ve never read dark academia before but The Four by Ellie Keel has made me want to read more of it. Marta, Rose, Sami, and Lloyd each win a scholarship to exclusive boarding school, High Realms. What should have been the best experience of their lives turns into a nightmare when Marta does something that puts the whole group in jeopardy. With darkness woven into its very core, this book is truly unputdownable and surprisingly sapphic. Harrowing in places but had me racing towards the end. Loved it.

By Ellie Keel,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

*Special Collector's Edition. With foiled design underneath the dust jacket and special endpapers. EXCLUSIVE to the first print run and available while stocks last*

***

'A dark, compelling and beguiling novel of revenge, guilt and love - Ellie Keel is a dazzling new voice' Kate Mosse

'An intensely gripping, thrilling and darkly beautiful debut. I was hooked' Karin Slaughter

'Sharp, powerful, tragic and addictive' Chris Whitaker

'This is The Secret History for millennials' Daisy Goodwin

🎓

We were always The Four. From our very first day at High Realms.

The four scholarship pupils. Outsiders in a world of power and…


Book cover of House of Bone and Rain

Nicole Willson Author Of The Keeper of the Key

From Nicole's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Crazy cat lady Horror fan Home cook Aspiring vampire

Nicole's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Nicole Willson Why did Nicole love this book?

This is another brilliant, devastating work from Gabino Iglesias. As with his previous novel, The Devil Takes You Home, Iglesias masterfully combines horror with situations that are all too real, to chilling results.

This novel is not for the faint of heart, as Iglesias doesn't shy away from describing violence in detail. But it's a gripping read that never once felt predictable or obvious. Highly recommended.

By Gabino Iglesias,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

In this "stunningly visceral" (New York Times Book Review) novel, a group of young men seek vengeance after one of their mothers is murdered in a Puerto Rican slum; STAND BY ME with a haunted, obsidian-dark heart. 

For childhood friends Gabe, Xavier, Tavo, Paul, and Bimbo, death has always been close. Hurricanes. Car accidents. Gang violence. Suicide. Estamos rodeados de fantasmas was Gabe’s grandmother’s refrain. We are surrounded by ghosts. But this time is different. Bimbo's mom has been shot dead. We’re gonna kill the guys who killed her Bimbo swears. And they all agree.

Feral with grief, Bimbo has…


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Book cover of Kurtz

Kurtz by John Lawson III,

Annie Kurtz joins the Marines, deploys to Afghanistan, and has to make a split-second decision. She can follow her orders. Or she can follow her conscience. Nick Willard is a journalist who has pined for Annie since they were in prep school together. While doing his job, he discovers what…

Book cover of The Mighty Red

Jill Fordyce Author Of Belonging

From Jill's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Jill's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Jill Fordyce Why did Jill love this book?

Louise Erdrich's characters are complex, rich, and lovable. The story evokes both small town rural life and also, delves into a larger conversation about the environment and the life of the working poor. The coming of age theme felt authentic and was at once moving, tragic, and also funny. The writing is both efficient and lyrical. This is my favorite kind of book: one that is evocative, emotional, and feels true.

By Louise Erdrich,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

'Erdrich remains one of the world's literary giants' Boston Globe

In Argus, North Dakota, a fraught wedding is taking place.

Gary Geist, a terrified young man set to inherit two farms, is desperate to marry Kismet Poe. Gary thinks Kismet is the answer to all of his problems; Kismet can't even imagine her future, let alone the kind of future Gary might offer. During a clumsy proposal, Kismet misses her chance to say 'no' and so the die is cast.

Hugo has been in love with Kismet for years. He has been her friend, confidante and occasionally her lover -…


Book cover of Penance

Amy Lord Author Of The Disappeared

From my list on authors from North East England.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m from North East England, an area of the UK under-represented in contemporary fiction. I love reading books from authors who grew up in the same area as me, and I enjoy stories that deal with issues relevant to our communities and capture the unique spirit of the people here. My writing is infused with social and political issues. I’m passionate about stories that explore the world around us and how it impacts people, and all these books do that in very different ways.

Amy's book list on authors from North East England

Amy Lord Why did Amy love this book?

I loved Eliza Clark’s debut novel, Boy Parts, and was keen to read her follow-up. Part crime fiction, part social critique, the author shines a light on the popularity of true crime stories and how we deal with tragedy in our communities. She also weaves the online world into her writing in a way that will be relatable to anyone (like me) who spends too much time on the internet and social media.

She has an original voice that reflects her relationship with North East England. Not many writers from this area make it into publishing, so I seek out the work of those who do, especially if they write northern stories.

By Eliza Clark,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A Guardian Best Book of the Year
A Dazed Best Novel of 2023

'An unmissable banger.' ALICE SLATER
'A meta-meditation on the mysteries, malice, and minutiae of adolescence.' TOM BENN
'You've never read anything like this.' JULIA ARMFIELD

Do you know what happened already? Did you know her? Did you see it on the internet? Did you listen to a podcast? Did the hosts make jokes?

Did you see the pictures of the body?

Did you look for them?

It's been nearly a decade since the horrifying murder of sixteen-year-old Joan Wilson rocked the small seaside town of Crow-on-Sea. Based…


Book cover of At the Speed of Lies

Marissa Eller Author Of Joined at the Joints

From my list on disabled 2024 debut YA authors.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m passionate about these books and authors because I’m also a disabled author whose debut young adult novel is coming out this year. We formed the 2024 Debuts group in mid-2022, so we’ve been there for each other through many ups and downs along our individual and collective journeys to publication. Our disabilities add another layer of complexity to that, and we’ve found comfort and solidarity in each other. Many of them are friends, and I couldn’t be prouder to share their incredible books with you. As we approach Disability Pride Month, I hope you consider adding a book written by a disabled author to your TBR!

Marissa's book list on disabled 2024 debut YA authors

Marissa Eller Why did Marissa love this book?

We’re back to me being a baby again. As soon as people start dying, I’m usually out. That wasn’t the case with Cindy Otis’ mystery. I loved the high stakes and the part that disability played in the novel.

It all felt like a thoroughly modern version of a classic murder mystery, with our hearts racing as we reached the end. Also, the fact that this YA novel was written by an actual former member of the CIA is just objectively cool. 

By Cindy Otis,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked At the Speed of Lies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

Quinn Calvet was supposed to be having an epic year. She had all kinds of plans with her best friend, Ximena and sister, Ava, and to grow her following as an influencer on The Whine. Instead, Quinn finds herself third wheel to Ximena and her new boyfriend or getting ditched by Ava who has turned into an overachiever, obsessed with studying and joining every school club. It brings up Quinn's old feelings that her disability has her left behind. She tries to talk to Ava about it, but she's too busy with the newest club at school, Defend Kids, which…


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Book cover of Drawn from Life

Drawn from Life by Sarah P. Blanchard,

A life-changing tragedy. Conflicting memories. Is she a killer or a victim? Drawn From Life tells the story of a young woman driven to seek the truth about her traumatic past. As she sifts through the real and not-real landscapes of memory, she must re-examine her own agency in the…

Book cover of The Ugly Truth

Victoria Goldman Author Of The Redeemer: A Shanna Regan murder mystery

From Victoria's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Crime fiction addict Editor Health communication specialist Crocheter Nature lover

Victoria's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Victoria Goldman Why did Victoria love this book?

I was gripped by this crime thriller and read most of it in one sitting. The plot focuses on the disappearance of a social media influencer and whether she’s being held against her will.

The story is told through documentary transcripts, diaries, social media posts and interviews, bringing each key character to life. Snippets of information are carefully revealed, and as a reader, it was difficult to know who to trust.

The Ugly Truth provided food for thought about living in the public eye, especially through social media. Maybe a lesson for all of us!

By L.C. North,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

'The Ugly Truth is fresh, compelling and searing in its exploration of the toxicity of social media and the reality of modern celebrity. Not to be missed!' Lisa Jewell, bestselling author of THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS

'#FreeBritney meets The Appeal in this addictively unique thriller' Jack Jordan, bestselling author of Do No Harm

"I'm a prisoner. I'm not allowed to leave. There is someone watching me every minute of the day."

Melanie Lange has disappeared.

Her father, billionaire business tycoon Sir Peter Lange, says she is a danger to herself and has been admitted to a private mental health clinic.

Her…


Book cover of When We Were Silent
Book cover of The Only Survivors
Book cover of The Things We Do to Our Friends

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