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 Guest

Barbara Gayle Austin Author Of What You Made Me Do

From my list on domestic thrillers unraveling dark family secrets.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve read crime fiction since I was a kid, starting with Nancy Drew and the mystery magazines—Alfred Hitchcock, Mike Shayne, and Ellery Queen. While in elementary school, I wrote mystery short stories, which my sister illustrated, and we sold them on the street corner for 25 cents apiece. In the nineties, I devoured novels by Patricia Highsmith, Ruth Rendell, and P.D. James. The 2000s introduced another generation of favorite authors, including Belinda Bauer, Chris Whitaker, and Tana French. I love too many to name! My current passion is for novels that I can really sink my teeth into, with complex characters hiding dark secrets.

Barbara's book list on domestic thrillers unraveling dark family secrets

Barbara Gayle Austin Why did Barbara love this book?

The twists at the end took me by surprise, though I sensed something wasn’t quite right throughout. I just couldn’t put my finger on what exactly. Iris and Gabriel return from a holiday and are surprised to find their friend Laure staying in their home.

What begins as an annoyance escalates to a threat as long-buried secrets start to surface. The tension kept me swiping the pages on my E-reader. It’s my favorite B. A. Paris thriller so far.

By B. A. Paris,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

New York Times bestselling author B. A. Paris captivated psychological thriller readers everywhere with Behind Closed Doors. Now she invites you into another home full of heart-pounding secrets, in The Guest.

Some secrets never leave.

Iris and Gabriel have just arrived home from a make-or-break holiday. But a shock awaits them. One of their closest friends, Laure, is in their house. The atmosphere quickly becomes tense as she oversteps again and again: sleeping in their bed, wearing Iris' clothes, even rearranging the furniture.

Laure has walked out on her husband―and their good friend―Pierre, over his confession of an affair and…


Book cover of Dirty Thirty

Fiona Forsyth Author Of Poetic Justice

From Fiona's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Rome nerd Teacher Notebook hoarder Thwarted thespian

Fiona's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Fiona Forsyth Why did Fiona love this book?

The humour and pace make this series so easy to read and always lift me up. It’s a real escapism read but so well done.

By Janet Evanovich,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The latest title in #1 New York Times bestselling author Janet Evanovich’s popular Stephanie Plum series.


Book cover of 48 Clues into the Disappearance of My Sister

D.J. Adamson Author Of Admit to Mayhem

From my list on mystery and thriller you’ll read the entire weekend.

Why am I passionate about this?

My father estranged himself from his sister because she was an alcoholic. I never met my aunt. However, when looking for a strong character for my Lilian Dove Mystery Series, I decided this aunt was a good mentoring character. Fictionally, I gave my aunt sobriety, but her recovery is not so much from drinking as it is recovering from the past to take on life anew. The mysteries Lillian Dove becomes involved her help her see how to do this. And first, she needs to learn to admit life is full of mayhem. Small-town Iowa amateur sleuth who ends up owning a liquor store.

D.J.'s book list on mystery and thriller you’ll read the entire weekend

D.J. Adamson Why did D.J. love this book?

Joyce Carol Oates is genuinely an extraordinary author, known for her prolific output. While some writers focus on series, Oats dedicates her time to crafting numerous standalone books, each a gem in its own right. 

The plot may appear simple at first glance—a missing sister, and a protagonist who must piece together the clues to find her. However, as the story unfolds, the reader becomes immersed in a web of subtle evidence that gradually weaves together, resulting in a rich and suspenseful novel. Put the book down.

By Joyce Carol Oates,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked 48 Clues into the Disappearance of My Sister as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When a woman mysteriously vanishes from her small town home, her sister must tally up the clues to uncover the truth behind the mystery. Beautiful sculptor Marguerite has disappeared from her small town in upstate New York. But was foul play involved? Did she merely get away for some fun? Or did she finally make the decision to leave behind her claustrophobic life of limited opportunities? Younger sister Gigi wonders if the flimsy silk Dior dress, so casually abandoned on the floor, is a clue to Marguerite's vanishing. The police puzzle over the footprints made by her Ferragamo boots, which…


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…


Book cover of Original Twin

Marlee Bush Author Of When She Was Me

From my list on books with untrustworthy sibling relationships.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been absolutely entranced by complicated family dynamics and sibling relationships as long as I can remember. Particularly as they exist within the thriller space. I graduated with a degree in criminal justice which only fueled that fire as I learned so much more about psychology, the human mind, and the depths of human depravity. It was so natural for me to start exploring it in my own reading and writing. 

Marlee's book list on books with untrustworthy sibling relationships

Marlee Bush Why did Marlee love this book?

I loved this book because reading it was a lot like watching a movie. The way Gleeson writes, you can picture it playing out on a screen in your head.

I absolutely flew through the chapters of this twin story with my heart in my throat. It felt so cinematic, dramatic, and knife-sharp. Plus, one of my favorite parts of a good thriller, the plot twist really got me.

By Paula Gleeson,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"I loved it." -Sally Hepworth, New York Times bestselling author.

In this haunting tale about the bonds between sisters, one young woman must follow the invisible thread that connects her to her missing twin before someone else can sever it for good.

Twin sisters May and June couldn't be more different. May is quiet, self-conscious, withdrawn; June is boisterous, beautiful, magnetic...and missing.

It's been a year since June disappeared, a year of May waiting for her to turn up with an explanation of where she's been and why she left. But with the discovery of an old newspaper article comes…


Book cover of The Ark Files

VL McBeath Author Of Hooks & Eyes

From VL's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Family history detective Driven Gym freak Rock chick Scouser

VL's 3 favorite reads in 2023

VL McBeath Why did VL love this book?

This book didn’t mess around. It was straight into the action, and I loved the tension as it built up in the first chapter. It clearly signalled it was going to be a roller coaster of a book … and it didn’t disappoint. Just as one high-action scene ended, another started with barely a pause for breath!

I particularly liked that the main character (Eden) was a highly competent, self-sufficient woman, prepared to risk everything to get to the truth. The strength of her convictions had me rooting for her from the word go.

I loved that the book never shied away from the action scenes and the twist at the end was as intriguing as it was poignant. 

By Luke Richardson,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Imagine a secret manuscript that could change the world, and you're the only person who knows where it is.


Professional treasure hunter EDEN BLACK is no stranger to action. After all, the artifacts she spends her life returning to their rightful owners aren't always easy to access.


When Eden's father dies in a plane crash, her life's turned upside down. Grief turns to fear when she learns that it wasn't an accident. Everyone involved in an archaeological dig twenty years ago has met with a similar untimely end. Everyone that is, but Eden who was ten at the time.


When…


Book cover of The Locked Door

Matt Witten Author Of Killer Story

From my list on thrillers you'll devour in one sitting.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been writing crime novels and TV shows for years. For TV, I wrote for Law & Order, Pretty Little Liars, CSI: Miami, and several other crime shows. In the book world, I used to write amateur sleuth novels, and now I write thrillers. My favorite form of relaxation is to get a cup of tea, put my feet up, and read a great thriller. They inspire me. As I read, I study how they’re structured. There’s nothing I appreciate more than a twist I didn’t see coming, a morally good character who turns out to be evil, or a flawed character who ultimately turns out to be good.

Matt's book list on thrillers you'll devour in one sitting

Matt Witten Why did Matt love this book?

I enjoyed this novel about a serial killer's daughter. The main character is flawed but very rootable, and the ending took me by surprise.

I especially admired the way all the different strands of the plot came together. The author laid out some good cookie crumbs for the reader to follow, and I missed several of them in a way that was very satisfying when they were revealed to me. I also liked that the main character gets a happy ending that I found very believable.

By Freida McFadden,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A twisty psychological thriller from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Housemaid and The Coworker!

Some doors are locked for a reason…

While eleven-year-old Nora Davis was up in her bedroom doing homework, she had no idea her father was killing women in the basement.

Until the day the police arrived at their front door.

Decades later, Nora's father is spending his life behind bars, and Nora is a successful surgeon with a quiet, solitary existence. Nobody knows about her past, and she'll do anything to keep it that way.

Then one of her young…


Book cover of Fire Strike

Mike Handcock Author Of Truthseekers: The Biggest Question in World History

From my list on archeological adventures with action, mystery and ancient knowledge.

Why am I passionate about this?

I first picked up a Clive Cussler book over ten years ago. I previously only ever read nonfiction. I was hooked. I always thought these action-adventure archeological-style novels would be toilet paper, but I was wrong. These books made me want to write them. For years before, I had studied the Egyptians, Sumerians, Incas, Mayans, and Templars. You name it and I knew about it, so I took my own experience and excitement and started creating my own books. The recommendations I have here are from some of the best of the best in the genre if you like sitting on the edge of your seat, twists and turns, and some really interesting history that most of us don’t know.

Mike's book list on archeological adventures with action, mystery and ancient knowledge

Mike Handcock Why did Mike love this book?

Clive Cussler sold a hundred million books, but for me Juan Cabrillo is by far my most favourite character. Why - because he speaks to me personally. I loved this book because it was written after Clive died, but it’s as good if not better than his early ones. Cabrillo is a team guy, and I love that. He always does the hardest stuff himself. As a leader, that speaks to me.

In this book, we deal with the Saudis as well as Mossad, the US Military, and private groups. How often do we find ourselves in these situations of having to keep everyone happy whilst playing one off against another? In this book, Cabrillo also has to deal with AI-induced soldiers as well as manage to complete the mission. It’s got everything in this book. History, modern opponents, high technology, and very real characters that you either love or…

By Mike Maden,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the Oregon are back in an explosive new installment of the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the Oregon are back in an explosive new installment of the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Praise for Clive Cussler-

'The Adventure King' Sunday Express

'Just about the best in the business' New York Post

'Cussler is hard to beat' Daily Mail


Book cover of The Fury

Jerold J. Kreisman Author Of Necessary Lives

From Jerold's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Jerold's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Jerold J. Kreisman Why did Jerold love this book?

a thriller about a murder with multiple suspects

By Alex Michaelides,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

**THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**

“Alex Michaelides hits the trifecta with his third novel, The Fury. The highly original story presents the reader with the king of all unreliable narrators, enough twists and turns to power two novels, and a host of characters that bleed right on the page. ” ―David Baldacci

A masterfully paced thriller about a reclusive ex–movie star and her famous friends whose spontaneous trip to a private Greek island is upended by a murder ― from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient

This is a tale of murder.

Or maybe…


Book cover of It's One of Us

Karen E. Olson Author Of An Inconvenient Wife: A Modern Tudor Mystery

From my list on mysteries told from more than one point of view.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a former journalist, I was trained to look at all sides of a story. When I read, I am drawn to books that have multiple characters with their own narratives. Sometimes the stories intersect with an “aha!” moment, and sometimes they’re told side-by-side inside each character’s head. Either way, it’s intriguing to have different perspectives—especially in a mystery or thriller. That’s why I use the points of view of three wives in An Inconvenient Wife to give my readers insight into each of these fascinating women.

Karen's book list on mysteries told from more than one point of view

Karen E. Olson Why did Karen love this book?

Domestic suspense doesn’t usually pull at my heartstrings, but this one did.

Infertility and the desperation that comes with that is at the center of this story, alternately told by The Wife, The Husband, The Daughter, The Mother, and The Detectives. Seeing it from all sides gave me a fuller sense of character—yet did not take away from the twisty, delicious plot.

By J T Ellison,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"A heart-stoppingly tense thriller about the price of secrets and the layers behind every marriage." —Ruth Ware, New York Times bestselling author of The It Girl and The Woman In Cabin 10

Everybody lies. Even the ones you think you know best of all . . .

Olivia Bender designs exquisite home interiors that satisfy the most demanding clients. But her own deepest desire can’t be fulfilled by marble counters or the perfect rug. She desperately wants to be a mother. Fertility treatments and IVF keep failing. And just when she feels she’s at her lowest point, the police deliver…


Book cover of The Guest
Book cover of Dirty Thirty
Book cover of 48 Clues into the Disappearance of My Sister

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