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 A Man of Lies

Ellen Pall Author Of Must Read Well

From Ellen's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Writer Reader Bluegrass jammer Best friends with my dog

Ellen's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Ellen Pall Why did Ellen love this book?

Usually I’m not much for novels set in the criminal underworld, so I opened A Man of Lies with some skepticism.

Then I read the first paragraph: “So here’s the short version of things: I did something stupid, some people got hurt, and I’m about to try something far worse.” Who could stop reading after that? Not me. I zipped through the book, happy to live in the company of this tough, worldly, bluntly frank narrator pursuing a goal motivated, we soon learn, by love.

I also wondered about the background of the author. Nothing in the jacket flap biography suggests a con man with a gun. So how does he know all this stuff without having lived it? Who is this guy?


By Ben Crane,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

When his lover is killed by their mob boss, a hardened criminal insider decides to pursue one last elaborate heist in an effort to rid himself of his underground lifestyle for good.

Barrett Rye has always been told he can be only one thing in life: an enforcer. He's a seven-foot wall of muscle and the most effective collector in the largest criminal enterprise in the Midwest. After he realizes he wants more out of life than hurting people, he and his mob accountant boyfriend, Mickey, decide to steal enough money from their boss to disappear and start over. But…


Book cover of The Mill House Murders

Tom Mead Author Of The Murder Wheel: A Locked-Room Mystery

From Tom's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Crime fiction fan Mystery fan Golden age mystery fan Locked-room mystery fan

Tom's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Tom Mead Why did Tom love this book?

The Japanese mystery scene is packed with incredibly imaginative and original puzzlers, and Yukito Ayatsuji is one of the best in the business.

Astonishingly, this is only his second book to appear in English (after the equally amazing The Decagon House Murders), and it’s a tour-de-force of a country house mystery featuring gruesome murders, masked men, and a masterfully handled dual timeline. 

By Yukito Ayatsuji, Ho-Ling Wong (translator),

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A twisty and ingenious classic Japanese murder mystery from the author of The Decagon House Murders

Every year, a small group of acquaintances pay a visit to the remote, castle-like Mill House, home to the reclusive Fujinuma Kiichi, son of a famous artist, who has lived his life behind a rubber mask ever since a disfiguring car accident. This year, however, the visit is disrupted by gruesome murder, a baffling disappearance and the theft of a priceless painting.

The brilliant Kiyoshi Shimada arrives on the scene, but as he investigates the seemingly impossible events of that evening, death strikes again,…


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Book cover of Thorn City

Thorn City by Pamela Statz,

Dressed to kill and ready to make rent, best friends Lisa and Jamie work as “paid to party” girls at the Rose City Ripe for Disruption gala, a gathering of Portland's elite.

Their evening is derailed when Lisa stumbles across Ellen, a ruthless politician and Lisa’s estranged mother. And to…

Book cover of A Village Fete Murder

Vickie Carroll Author Of It's Only Murder

From my list on cozy mysteries about women at work.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a cozy-style mystery writer, I get to live in a world where I know that everything will work out as it should in the end. I look for this in the books that I read and recommend. Do they give the reader something interesting to ponder as they go along with the sleuth (amateur or “real detective)? My father was a police captain, and I grew up looking at things through the eyes of “the law”, I admit. Most people find comfort reading about a small town where nothing will go too wrong. The bad stuff and the bad people are kept at arm’s length, and all is well.

Vickie's book list on cozy mysteries about women at work

Vickie Carroll Why did Vickie love this book?

Written in the style of M.C. Beaton, this book is a perfect English murder mystery.

The idea of a village fete itself has always been alluring to me. I put myself in the story and I’m right at home in the village and celebration at Berrywick House. I blame my British DNA. As in any good cozy, the most irritating member of the community ends up dead, and no exception here.

The main character, Julia, is not only concerned with a murder—or two, but she’s also afraid their peaceful village will be forever ruined. Like all great amateur sleuths, she gets involved. Bird paints a picture of a perfect English village. Add a dog, her Labrador, Jake, and well, sign me up.

By Katie Gayle,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Village Fete Murder as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Julia Bird can’t wait to attend the annual village party at the local stately home, with its tea tents, cake stalls, and… dead body in the maze?

The annual village celebration at Berrywick House is underway, complete with over-decorated cake stalls, fiercely contested flower competitions, and even a maze for the disappointed losers to hide in. Julia Bird, now a well-known – even notorious – member of the community, with her trusty Labrador Jake, has thrown herself headlong into the festivities. But her reputation for adding drama to any event stands up yet again when she discovers a dead body…


Book cover of A Likeable Woman

Suzy Spencer Author Of The Fortune Hunter

From my list on money-loving, murdering Texans.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve written four true crime books about Texas murders. The first, Wasted, was about the murder of a rich lesbian in Austin, Texas. It was a New York Times bestseller. My last, The Fortune Hunter, was about the murder of a multi-millionaire media mogul. It was the basis of the Lifetime TV movie Secrets of a Gold Digger Killer. I have since started writing memoir. Secret Sex Lives: A Year on the Fringes of American Sexuality was about my journalistic exploration into the worlds of alternative sex practices, written through my uptight, prudish Texan, wide-opened eyes. It was featured on Katie Couric’s talk show, Katie.

Suzy's book list on money-loving, murdering Texans

Suzy Spencer Why did Suzy love this book?

After reading a lot of true crime, I need a break from reality. That’s when I escape into murderous thrillers by May Cobb, an author many people call the Jackie Collins of Texas.

Whereas Jackie wrote about the glamorous and cosmopolitan, May writes about the small-town scions of East Texas, who think they’re glamorous and cosmopolitan.

A Likeable Woman, which comes out July 11, 2023, revolves around Kira, who has believed since she was 12 years old that her mother was murdered. Everyone else in Longview, Texas, including her grandmother and sister, knows that Sadie Foster committed suicide.

Decades later, Kira learns that her grandmother holds an unpublished memoir written by Sadie that indicates Kira might have been right all along.

A Likeable Woman contains everything that drives my writing passions—murder, memoir, and East Texas—and reads at breakneck speed. 

By May Cobb,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Kira’s back in her affluent hometown for the first time in years and determined to unravel the secrets of her mother’s death--hidden in the unpublished memoir she left behind-- even if it kills her. . . .

After her troublemaker mother’s mysterious death, Kira fled her wealthy Texas town and never looked back. Now, decades later, Kira is invited to an old frenemy’s vow renewal celebration Though she is reluctant to go, there are things pulling her home. . . like chilled wine and days spent by the pool . . . like her sexy teenage crush, Jack. But more…


Book cover of A Nye of Pheasants: Birder Murder Mysteries

Vicky Earle Author Of What Happened to Frank?

From my list on books with quirky characters in intriguing places.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have loved stories all my life, not only to read but to write. I have a particular passion for mysteries and will soon be releasing the sixth book in my Meg Sheppard Mystery Series. I read for enjoyment and prefer fast-paced stories with compelling characters. I’ve selected these books because they’re great reads and I hope you find them as entertaining as I did!

Vicky's book list on books with quirky characters in intriguing places

Vicky Earle Why did Vicky love this book?

This book is a ‘birder murder’ mystery authored by Steve Burrows–an avid and well-traveled birdwatcher. 

I enjoyed this gripping mystery featuring interesting and complex characters and was fascinated by the exotic setting of Singapore. 

I was drawn into the two parallel, somewhat overlapping stories that form the plot and didn’t anticipate the outcomes of either. 

It was a satisfying read, and as a bonus, this novel includes intriguing facts about birds that are relevant to the story. 

By Steve Burrows,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

When a street brawl abroad turns deadly, Danny Maik faces a charge of manslaughter, but when evidence emerges that he may have planned the victim's murder, he is looking at the death penalty. His only hope is reaching out to those he can trust back in the UK.

In Norfolk, Maik's replacement is trying to resurrect his career after a catastrophic error caused injury to a fellow officer. DCI Jejeune should be monitoring his new charge's progress closely, but he is distracted by Danny's plight. Others are watching, though, and they are disturbed by what they're seeing.

With the situation…


Book cover of The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder

Kate Hilton Author Of Bury the Lead

From my list on amateur detective novels that keep you laughing while they keep you guessing.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve loved murder mysteries since childhood, and during the pandemic–when reading became a challenge–I returned to my first literary love, binging on one mystery series after another. Eventually, I decided to write one with my friend Elizabeth Renzetti. It’s been the most enjoyable writing experience either of us has had. I’ve written three other published novels, and I have a day job as a therapist (I like to think this helps with realistic characterization, but it also pays the bills). I write humor because I like to have fun at work, and I appreciate a good laugh when I’m reading.

Kate's book list on amateur detective novels that keep you laughing while they keep you guessing

Kate Hilton Why did Kate love this book?

Freya Lockwood is one relatable sleuth–middle-aged, divorced, empty-nesting, and wondering how her dreams for herself have vanished after passing through the meat grinder of adulthood.

I love the themes of estrangement from oneself and others in this debut cozy mystery, as well as the deep dive into the shadowy world of antiques trading from an author with significant personal experience in the field. 

By C. L. Miller,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'A bold, bright and delightful jaunt back to the golden age of detective fiction' Janice Hallett

'A delicious read - who could resist a treasure hunt with murder at its core?' SJ Bennett

'It's a delight!' Katie Fforde

What antique would you kill for?
Freya, it's down to you to finish what I started . . .

Freya Lockwood has avoided the quaint English village in which she grew up for the last 20 years. That is until news arrives that Arthur Crockleford, antiques dealer and Freya's estranged mentor, has died . . . and the circumstances seem suspicious.

You…


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Book cover of Through Any Window

Through Any Window by Deb Richardson-Moore,

Riley Masterson has moved to Greenbrier, SC, anxious to escape the chaos that has overwhelmed her life.

Questioned in a murder in Alabama, she has spent eighteen months under suspicion by a sheriff’s office, unable to make an arrest. But things in gentrifying Greenbrier are not as they seem. As…

Book cover of Murder by Degrees: A Mystery

Audrey Lee Author Of The Mechanics of Memory

From my list on AAPI women with self-saving female protagonists.

Why am I passionate about this?

I used to get in trouble (nightly) for eating with my book propped against my plate. Yet with all the books I devoured, there was never one about a kid that looked like me with a family like mine. The single anomaly was Blubber, which absolutely thrilled me to see a supporting character named Tracy Wu. And while the YA world has thankfully become more diverse, BIPOC authors and protagonists are still the exception in adult literature. I’m excited to share this list of badass female AAPI authors who write equally strong protagonists because, though we’ve come a long way since Tracy Wu, we still have further to go.

Audrey's book list on AAPI women with self-saving female protagonists

Audrey Lee Why did Audrey love this book?

I’m a sucker for any book that dangles codes for me to solve, so that’s what immediately drew me into this novel. In it, the clues are in poetry form, taken from the diary of a murdered patient of the protagonist, Dr. Lydia Weston. But beyond the tantalizing codes, I appreciated that this novel stayed true to the style and attitudes of the late 1800s, something that doesn’t always happen with historical fiction.

Ritu Mukerji is also adept at bringing a sophisticated nuance to her exploration of racism, classism, and sexism. An added bonus is that rather than merely playing one on TV, Mukerji is also an actual physician and clearly knows her medicine without overwhelming a layperson like me. 

By Ritu Mukerji,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

An Edgar Award Finalist for Best First Novel

For fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Charles Todd, Murder by Degrees is a historical mystery set in 19th-century Philadelphia, following a pioneering woman doctor as she investigates the disappearance of a young patient who is presumed dead.

Philadelphia, 1875: It is the start of term at Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. Dr. Lydia Weston, professor and anatomist, is immersed in teaching her students in the lecture hall and hospital. When the body of a patient, Anna Ward, is dredged out of the Schuylkill River, the young chambermaid’s death is deemed a suicide.…


Book cover of The Bone Hacker

Patricia Furstenberg Author Of Dreamland: Banat, Crisana, Maramures, Transylvania, 100-WORD STORIES, Folklore and History

From Patricia's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Writer Blogger Mother Flâneuse Coffee addict

Patricia's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Patricia Furstenberg Why did Patricia love this book?

Thrillers that combine cutting-edge forensic science with a dash of wit delivered by a female protagonist are always at the top of my reading list. Kathy Reichs' The Bone Hacker was one of my 2023 highlights. 

This book delves into the mind of a ruthless serial killer, whose twisted obsession with hacking their victims' arms adds a chilling layer to the story. The exotic and well-developed settings add a magical touch to the reading experience.

The book's premise, cybercrime, is both current and terrifying, emphasizing how easily modern technology can be abused. The duality of the title, The Bone Hacker, was a brilliant stroke of genius that kept me guessing until the very end.

A writer can tell a story with words, but a forensic anthropologist can solve a murder by studying the victims' bones - and this has always fascinated me.

By Kathy Reichs,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

From Number One Bestselling author Kathy Reichs comes the new high-stakes thriller featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan.

EVEN ON AN ISLAND PARADISE, DANGER STILL LURKS

Called in to examine what is left of a body struck by lightning, Tempe traces an unusual tattoo to its source and is soon embroiled in a much larger case. Young men - tourists - have been disappearing on the islands of Turks and Caicos for years. Seven years ago, the first victim was found with both hands cut off; the other visitors vanished without a trace. But recently, tantalizing leads have emerged and only…


Book cover of The Running Grave: A Cormoran Strike Novel

Candy Denman Author Of Dead Pretty: A police doctor gets embroiled in a murder investigation

From Candy's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Candy's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Candy Denman Why did Candy love this book?

This is the best in the Cormoran Strike series by far. I like series because you can really get to know the characters, but they have to move forward, and they do in these books. I do enjoy crime novels but JK Rowling also does manage to really make them much more interesting than some of the run-of-the-mill books.

By Robert Galbraith,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

'The work of a master storyteller'
Daily Telegraph

'One of crime's most engaging duos'
Guardian
________

Private Detective Cormoran Strike is contacted by a worried father whose son, Will, has gone to join a religious cult in the depths of the Norfolk countryside.

The Universal Humanitarian Church is, on the surface, a peaceable organisation that campaigns for a better world. Yet Strike discovers that beneath the surface there are deeply sinister undertones, and unexplained deaths.

In order to try to rescue Will, Strike's business partner Robin Ellacott decides to infiltrate the cult and she travels to Norfolk to live incognito…


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Book cover of Lethal Impulse

Lethal Impulse by Steve Rush,

He’s riddled with guilt. She’s annoyed with the status quo.

The death of a crime boss’s daughter forces Detective Neil Caldera to leave NYC. He seeks refuge in the tranquil embrace of a small town, where he finds himself entangled in the labyrinth of a teenage girl’s murder. Tess Fleishman’s…

Book cover of The Last Devil to Die

DK Coutant Author Of Evil Alice and the Borzoi

From DK's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Professor Cross Cultural Psychologist Dog Lover Traveler Reader

DK's 3 favorite reads in 2024

DK Coutant Why did DK love this book?

I’ve grown to love the characters in this series. This book reveals the growth that occurs at every age when one is open to it. And grief, while more frequent as one ages, is no less painful. Last Devil to Die brought me to tears as well as laughter. It’s beautiful, brutal truth has stuck with me over these many months. It is a cozy mystery, with just a touch of dark reality.
I adore this series, but I understand why Osman took a break after this one, to switch to a new series with different characters. I just hope he comes back to it. I will miss these old codgers.

By Richard Osman,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked The Last Devil to Die as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A new mystery is afoot in the fourth book in the Thursday Murder Club series from million-copy bestselling author Richard Osman

You'd think you be allowed to relax over Christmas, but not in the world of the Thursday Murder Club.

On Boxing Day, a dangerous package is smuggled across the English coast. When it goes missing, chaos is unleashed. The body count starts to rise – including someone close to the Thursday Murder Club--as our gang face an impossible search, and their most deadly opponents yet.

With the clock ticking down and a killer heading to Cooper’s Chase, has their…


Book cover of A Man of Lies
Book cover of The Mill House Murders
Book cover of A Village Fete Murder

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