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 Yellowface

Joyce Chua Author Of Land of Sand and Song

From Joyce's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Joyce's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Joyce Chua Why did Joyce love this book?

Highly compelling voice and confident narrative style, both of which made this contemporary novel a compulsive read. As an author part of the traditional publishing industry, I also found this semi-exposé very relatable.

By R. F. Kuang,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The No. 1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller from literary sensation R.F. Kuang

*A Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick*

'Propulsive' SUNDAY TIMES

'Razor-sharp' TIME

'A wild ride' STYLIST

'Darkly comic' GQ

'A riot' PANDORA SYKES

'Hard to put down, harder to forget' STEPHEN KING

Athena Liu is a literary darling and June Hayward is literally nobody.

White lies
When Athena dies in a freak accident, June steals her unpublished manuscript and publishes it as her own under the ambiguous name Juniper Song.

Dark humour
But as evidence threatens June's stolen success, she will discover exactly how far she…


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 The List

Jendella Benson Author Of Hope and Glory

From Jendella's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author British Nigerian Eclectic reader Nerd

Jendella's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Jendella Benson Why did Jendella love this book?

I neglected two days of obligations to race through this deftly paced, addictive book.

It has the energy of a thriller with the sensibility of Black millennial Britain and I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a book that you will immediately want to discuss. I was lucky enough to get an advance copy but then kind of angry that I couldn’t go and discuss it with people straight away.

I literally told my friends, hurry up and read this so that we can discuss! I started a book club for my job (a suggestion I’d long been putting off) because this was the first suggested book we should discuss!!

By Yomi Adegoke,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The instant Sunday Times bestselling debut novel

'A page-turning read about the dark side of social media' STYLIST

'The Book Of The Summer' VOGUE

'Topical, heartfelt, provocative' BERNARDINE EVARISTO

'The perfect summer read ... Impossible to put down' PAULA HAWKINS

'A page-turner that you can't second guess' THE TIMES

'A must-read ... fans of Yellowface will love The List' RED MAGAZINE

ONLINE RUMOURS. REAL LIFE TROUBLE.

Ola Olajide, a high-profile journalist, is marrying the love of her life in one month's time. Young, beautiful, successful - she and her fiance Michael seem to have it all.

That is, until one…


Book cover of Kill for Love

Robyn Dabney Author Of The Ascenditure

From Robyn's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Robyn's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Robyn Dabney Why did Robyn love this book?

"Kill For Love" is a thrilling, darkly humorous journey into the mind of a female serial killer, set against the backdrop of a superficial college Greek life obsessed with yoga, parties, and how many calories one puts into their bodies. While the characters may not be likable, the writing is sharp and engaging and the main character is absolutely fascinating, compelling you to devour the book in one or two sittings. What could initially be seen as a simple slasher tale reveals deeper layers of social commentary interwoven with the suspense and flash of a knife blade. For anyone seeking a fresh, intelligent read brimming with feminine rage and power, this is a must-read.

By Laura Picklesimer,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The boys on the row are only after one thing, but that bullshit’s for pledges. Tiffany’s on the hunt for something more. 

Kill for Love is a searing satirical thriller about Tiffany, a privileged Los Angeles sorority sister who is struggling to keep her sadistic impulses—and haunting nightmares of fire and destruction—at bay. After a frat party hookup devolves into a bloody, fatal affair, Tiffany realizes something within her has awoken: the insatiable desire to kill attractive young men. 

As Tiffany’s bloodlust deepens and the bodies pile up, she must contend with mounting legal scrutiny, social media-fueled competing murders, and…


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…


Book cover of I Didn't Do It

Caryl Janis Author Of To Sketch a Killer

From Caryl's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Musician History fan Theater lover Museum enthusiast Reader

Caryl's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Caryl Janis Why did Caryl love this book?

I devoured this book, immediately drawn in by its setting at a large New York thriller writers' conference where a top award nominee is murdered onsite.

I loved how each of the prime suspects – a diverse quartet of authors at various career stages – shares his or her reactions on the day’s unfolding events revealing much about their professional and private lives, their individual personalities, and the stakes involved in achieving literary success. Suspense mounts with each new revelation.

I found the author’s tongue-in-cheek look at the contemporary publishing world and social media’s grip on it striking as well as the not-to-be-missed surprises at the end. 

By Jaime Lynn Hendricks,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Didn't Do It as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Brisk, snarky, and delicious." ―People Magazine

A murder at a suspense writer convention makes everyone a suspect―especially the victim’s literary rivals.

Murderpalooza, the premier thriller writers conference, is meant to be an exciting celebration of the genre and its preeminent writers. But when bestselling author and industry favorite Kristin Bailey is found dead in her hotel room, four rival authors―a midlister, an egomaniac, a has-been, and a newbie―also get targeted by an anonymous social media account and wonder if they’re next.

First, they find themselves bonding to try to find out who’s behind it. As the account taunts them, it…


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 The Lonely Lands

Catherine Cavendish Author Of The After-Death of Caroline Rand

From Catherine's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Gothic horror lover Avid reader History nerd Cat slave

Catherine's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Catherine Cavendish Why did Catherine love this book?

Ramsey Campbell deserves to be as well known to any horror reader – any reader of any genre really – as Stephen King and yet for some reason he isn’t. If you are coming to this without having read any of his impressive back catalogue, don’t worry because there are many, many treats in store for you. The Lonely Lands is most assuredly one of them and is a great place to start.

This story has echoes of Richard Matheson (in Where Dreams May Come) in its premise. The main character is dealing with the loss of his dearly loved wife and must endure the horrors of the other world. There the similarity ends as The Lonely Lands takes very different twists and turns, transporting the reader along with it in true Campbell style.

Expect the unexpected in among the scares and darkness, along with poignancy and themes that…

By Ramsey Campbell,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The latest bestseller from the ultimate craftsman of the dark fantastic, Ramsey Campbell. Joe Hunter has begun to adjust to the loss of his wife when he hears her calling from beyond, "Where am I?" His urge to help leads him into her afterlife, which is made up of their memories. Even the best of those is no refuge from the restless dead, and Joe can only lure them away from her. Soon they begin to invade his everyday life, and every journey he makes to find her leaves him less able to return. When her refuges turn nightmarish he…


Book cover of Yellowface
Book cover of The Four
Book cover of The List

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