20 Must-Read Books for Fans of Thrillers and Mysteries
Thrillers and mysteries have a way of keeping readers on the edge of their seats, heart racing, and minds guessing until the very last page. Whether you enjoy psychological suspense, detective stories, or gripping tales of intrigue, these books deliver unforgettable twists and turns. Here are 20 must-read titles that will satisfy your craving for suspense and keep you hooked from start to finish.
1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
This gripping novel introduces Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant yet troubled hacker, and Mikael Blomkvist, an investigative journalist. As they team up to solve a decades-old disappearance, they uncover dark family secrets and corporate corruption. The characters are unforgettable, and the pacing is relentless. It’s a perfect blend of mystery and psychological depth.
2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Marriage takes a sinister turn in this psychological thriller about a husband accused of his wife’s disappearance. Flynn’s writing masterfully unravels the story through alternating perspectives. The twists and revelations will have you questioning every character’s motives. It’s a dark, unforgettable ride through lies, betrayal, and manipulation.
3. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
When Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, murders her husband and stops speaking, the mystery grips the world. Enter Theo Faber, a determined therapist who aims to unlock her silence. The book’s tight narrative and jaw-dropping twist make it a standout in modern psychological thrillers. It’s one of those stories you’ll want to talk about immediately after finishing.
4. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
At first glance, this novel seems like a story about suburban drama and friendships, but it quickly evolves into a tale of secrets, lies, and a shocking murder. Moriarty blends humor with suspense as she peels back the layers of her characters’ lives. The buildup to the climactic event is as satisfying as the twist itself.
5. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
This international bestseller combines art, history, and religion in a heart-pounding thriller. Symbologist Robert Langdon races against time to unravel a series of puzzles tied to a murder in the Louvre. The stakes are high, and the revelations are explosive. It’s a perfect pick for readers who love a mix of mystery and adventure.
6. In the Woods by Tana French
The first in the Dublin Murder Squad series, this novel follows detective Rob Ryan as he investigates a murder that dredges up his own traumatic past. The atmospheric writing and complex characters make it more than just a procedural mystery. French’s storytelling will leave you haunted long after you close the book.
7. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
Christine Lucas wakes up every morning with no memory of her life. As she pieces together her identity with the help of a journal, chilling truths emerge. This psychological thriller plays with memory and reality in a way that keeps readers guessing. The tension builds to a shocking climax.
8. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
Anna Fox spends her days watching her neighbors from her window until she sees something she shouldn’t. Or did she? This Hitchcock-inspired thriller is packed with unreliable narration and twists that will leave you reeling. It’s a modern take on the classic “paranoid neighbor” trope.
9. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Reporter Camille Preaker returns to her hometown to cover a string of murders, only to confront her own demons. Flynn’s debut novel is dark, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling. The tension between Camille and her overbearing mother adds a psychological edge to this gripping mystery.
10. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
When a baby goes missing from her crib during a dinner party, suspicion turns to the parents and their neighbors. This fast-paced thriller dives into secrets, lies, and betrayals, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. It’s a quick, suspenseful read that’s hard to put down.
11. The Reversal by Michael Connelly
In this legal thriller, defense attorney Mickey Haller switches sides to prosecute a high-profile case. Connelly’s storytelling shines with its blend of courtroom drama and investigative mystery. Fans of tightly plotted, character-driven thrillers will find this book hard to resist.
12. The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
This inventive mystery blends elements of classic whodunits with a time-bending twist. Aiden Bishop must solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle by reliving the day through the perspectives of different guests at a mansion. It’s a puzzle that will challenge and thrill readers.
13. Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
Horowitz offers a clever, layered mystery within a mystery in this novel. When a famous author dies, his unfinished manuscript may hold clues to his own death. It’s a tribute to classic detective fiction with a modern twist that will delight mystery lovers.
14. The Chain by Adrian McKinty
This high-concept thriller begins when a mother is told her daughter has been kidnapped, and the only way to save her is to kidnap another child. The moral dilemmas and relentless pacing make this a nail-biter. It’s a chilling exploration of desperation and human behavior under pressure.
15. The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
This psychological thriller blurs the lines between reality and imagination. A missing girl, a strange man, and a mysterious cat all intertwine in a haunting story. Ward’s writing is atmospheric and filled with twists you won’t see coming. It’s a story that keeps you guessing until the very end.
16. The Snowman by Jo Nesbø
Detective Harry Hole investigates a chilling case involving a serial killer who leaves snowmen as his calling card. This Scandinavian noir is as dark and atmospheric as it gets. Nesbø’s intricate plotting and unforgettable villain make this a standout in the genre.
17. I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll
When Ella Longfield overhears two young men flirting with teenage girls on a train, she senses danger but does nothing. The next day, one girl is missing. This gripping story is told through multiple perspectives, each revealing layers of guilt and secrets. It’s a fast-paced mystery with a psychological edge.
18. The Chestnut Man by Søren Sveistrup
This Danish thriller follows detectives on the trail of a serial killer who leaves a figurine made of chestnuts at each crime scene. Sveistrup masterfully builds suspense, with twists and chilling moments that keep readers on edge. It’s perfect for fans of dark, gritty mysteries.
19. Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
When Jules accepts a job as an apartment sitter in a luxurious building, she discovers its dark secrets. Sager’s novel is packed with gothic atmosphere, unreliable characters, and twists. The tension builds steadily to a shocking conclusion.
20. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
This Sherlock Holmes classic remains a must-read for mystery fans. The eerie setting on the foggy moors and the legend of a deadly hound create an unforgettable atmosphere. Holmes’ keen intellect and Watson’s steadfast narration make this a timeless tale of deduction and suspense.
