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 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,…


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…


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…


Book cover of The Paris Widow

James L'Etoile Author Of Face of Greed

From my list on books with kickass women characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an author, it’s all about character for me. I like to find characters doing the unexpected, finding strength when they thought all was lost, and fighting back when it seems hopeless. I write these kinds of characters, and often it’s a woman in the lead role where they face additional challenges and obstacles in their path—solely because of their gender. Working for 29 years in some of the toughest prisons in the country, I worked with strong, kickass women. I can't but help for some of their influence to bleed out on the page. I know you’ll enjoy these titles as much as I did.

James' book list on books with kickass women characters

James L'Etoile Why did James love this book?

Domestic suspense is having a moment. These aren’t your “damsel in distress” stories where a woman waits for someone to save her. I like women who bounce back hard after a setback, and this book is exactly that.

Without spoilers, when Stella’s husband goes missing after a bombing, she can’t accept the fact she has to start over. I love the fact she wants answers, and when she doesn't get them, she strikes out on her own.

Kimberly Belle creates strong female lead characters in her books, and if you’re like me, they keep you turning the pages. Kimberly is always one of my must-buy authors—The Paris Widow is no exception.

By Kimberly Belle,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

From the USA Today bestselling author of The Marriage Lie, don't miss this gripping thriller from Kimberly Belle, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Shari Lapena.

A DREAM HOLIDAY

Stella and her husband Adam are on the trip of a lifetime, a three-week tour across Europe. But then the unthinkable happens. On the last day of their holiday, a Parisian cafe explodes with Adam inside.

A SHOCKING ACCUSATION

What initially looks like a gas leak turns personal when the gendarmerie identify Adam as the target of the explosion, and they confront Stella with some startling allegations about her beloved…


Book cover of What Happened to Nina?

Teena Raffa-Mulligan Author Of The UFO Effect

From Teena's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Wordweaver Reader Sea-gazer Sun-dreamer Optimist

Teena's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Teena Raffa-Mulligan Why did Teena love this book?

This is crime writing at its best, a gripping suspense novel that kept me turning the pages to find out whether justice would prevail over wealth and privilege. Dervla McTiernan has crafted a compelling read that I feel is her best novel yet.

Book cover of The Lock-Up

Janet Constantino Author Of Becoming Mariella

From Janet's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Janet's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Janet Constantino Why did Janet love this book?

The Drowned is one of a series of murder mysteries by John Banville. One of the best writers alive today. Normally, a mystery wouldn't go under a literary heading, but Banville's mystery writing is better than most writing found in current literature, in my humble opinion. The mood is dark at times, and appropriately so because it takes place mostly in post-war '50's in Ireland. But the gloomy character of Quirke, the pathologist, and protagonist, goes deeper and is psychologically intriguing as are all his characters.

By John Banville,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

**AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW**

'Addictive.'
DAILY TELEGRAPH

'Hypnotic.'
SUNDAY BUSINESS POST

'Crime writing of the highest quality.'
DAILY MAIL

'Atmospheric and sinister with simmering tension . . . Once you start reading, it's impossible to stop.'
DAILY EXPRESS

The Sunday Times bestselling author of Snow and April in Spain returns with Strafford and Quirke's most troubling case yet.

1950s Dublin. The body of a young woman is discovered in a lock-up garage, an apparent suicide. But pathologist Dr Quirke and Detective Inspector Strafford soon suspect foul play.

The victim's sister returns from London to help the two men, but, with…


Book cover of Red Queen

Katherine Kovacic Author Of Kill Yours, Kill Mine

From Katherine's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Katherine's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Katherine Kovacic Why did Katherine love this book?

It's always fun reading a book set in a different country, but what really hooked me here was the protagonist, Antonia Scott. She's fragile, needs pills to quiet the screaming monkeys in her head, and happens to possess one of the most brillient crime-solving minds in the world.
She's teamed with a minder, a disgraced cop, tasked with keeping her on the job and out of trouble. Add a serial killer, high stakes, and a devious plot, and you have a sensational thriller that rockets the reader along to the last page.

By Juan Gomez-Jurado,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Now an Amazon Prime Original series, Red Queen is the first in Juan Gomez-Jurado's internationally bestselling thriller series, translated by Nick Caistor. Winner of the Cognac Prize 2022 with more than two million copies sold in Spain alone.

Sunday Times - Best Thriller Books of the Year

'A Spanish spin on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo . . . A female Sherlock Holmes' - The Times

You've never met anyone like her . . .

Antonia Scott is special. Very special. She is not a policewoman or a lawyer. She has never wielded a weapon or carried a badge,…


Book cover of Spirit Crossing

Virginia Slachman Author Of Blood in the Bluegrass

From my list on a courageous main character who wins.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an undying, relentless, optimistic champion of right winning over wrong, of justice prevailing over injustice, and of good people and animals (especially horses) being protected, championed, and loved. And I know from experience that all of this is seldom easy when the stakes are high. Couple that with my love of horses, especially Thoroughbreds, and you might understand that I admire main characters who are committed to protecting the innocent and bringing the bad guys to justice, whether that’s in the human or the equine world. And I love learning almost as much as I love people with character, heart, and courage. These books, I think, check all these boxes.

Virginia's book list on a courageous main character who wins

Virginia Slachman Why did Virginia love this book?

First, I love ALL the books this man has written, and for so many reasons! They’re set in Minnesota and have a Native American cast that persists from book to book, including the guy I love the most, Henry Meloux, the ancient “mide” (which means “healer”). In this book, one of Krueger’s latest, Henry figures prominently. He’s quiet, and yet people from even far away come to consult him and be healed by him. I love that he walks between our world and the spirit world so easily and sees so much that most of us miss. His character has given me permission to listen deeply to my own intuition. It’s funny how literature can affect us that way, right? Teach us things we long to learn. This book and this character do that for me in spades. 

Also, in this book, another fellow, Prophet, is a fierce presence, a…

By William Kent Krueger,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A disappearance and a dead body put Cork O'Connor's family in the crosshairs of a killer in the twentieth book in the New York Times bestselling series from William Kent Krueger , "a master storyteller at the top of his game" (Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

The disappearance of a local politician's teenaged daughter is major news in Minnesota. As a huge manhunt is launched to find her, Cork O'Connor's grandson stumbles across the shallow grave of a young Ojibwe woman-but nobody seems that interested. Nobody, that is, except Cork and the newly formed Iron Lake Ojibwe…


Book cover of The Mill House Murders
Book cover of A Nye of Pheasants: Birder Murder Mysteries
Book cover of The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder

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