Last Updated on March 11, 2025 by Angela Vaz
Last year, I went down a rabbit hole of thrillers.
I couldn’t stop.
I am a firm believer in the fact that every single person is a Reader. If they don’t like reading, it’s because they haven’t discovered their perfect genre.
I’ve tried multiple genres, and I still like to read fantasy, self-help, historical fiction, graphic novels, etc, but I always find myself returning to Thrillers.
I remember when I was 4 and my mum told me about Robin Cook’s Coma. I was enthralled. It made me want to become a Doctor.
When I was 10, I devoured every single one of my mum’s novels – they were mostly thrillers or crime novels.
They fascinated me.
I then went down the road of Goosebumps and Fear Street and I forgot about the thrillers.
Fast-forward to my college days when I discovered it again.
Now, I read for pleasure.
I love stories and I love the worlds I get to enter without leaving my house. So, this post is very close to my heart. I’m going to include the Goodreads rating and the number of pages because I know it’s a big factor for some readers.
Let’s get started!
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1. “Local Woman Missing” by Mary Kubica
Goodreads Rating: 4.13
Pages: 356
I got stuck at a gas station because my car broke down. I had to wait 3 hours for my partner to pick me up and that’s when I decided to read this on my Kindle.
I didn’t even notice the time go by while I was reading this.
When Shelby Tebow, a young woman, vanishes without a trace, it sends shockwaves through her quiet community.
Not long after, Meredith Dickey and her six-year-old daughter, Delilah, also disappear, deepening the mystery. The small town is left rattled—how could two disappearances be connected?
Eleven years later, Delilah suddenly returns, but she’s not the same girl who went missing.
As her family and the police try to piece together what happened, dark secrets begin to unravel. What really happened all those years ago?
And who is still hiding the truth?
Told through multiple timelines and perspectives, Local Woman Missing is a gripping psychological thriller filled with shocking twists, buried secrets, and a chilling mystery that will keep you guessing until the final page.
It’s definitely a page-turner!
2. “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
Goodreads Rating: 4.17
Pages: 336
I read this book while my mum was in hospital.
I needed something to kill time because her chemo hours were long and she used to sleep a lot at that point.
Alicia Berenson, a renowned painter, shoots her husband and then falls silent.
Her refusal to speak turns her into a media sensation.
Forensic psychotherapist Theo Faber becomes obsessed with uncovering her motive.
As he digs deeper, he unravels unexpected secrets.
This novel’s shocking twists will leave you breathless and although it’s been a while since it’s released – it’s definitely still one of my all-time favorites!
3. “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson
Goodreads Rating: 4.30
Pages: 433
Yes, it’s a YA novel, but I wanted to give it a try and I was not disappointed.
I love Pip’s personality. She’s positive and extremely peppy and I love her passion for solving this case.
In this book, Pup Fitz-Amobi investigates a closed murder case for her school project.
As she uncovers secrets, she realizes the real killer might still be at large. This YA thriller is filled with suspense and unexpected turns.
I’ve also read the next book in the series and it definitely lived up to the hype!
4. “The Only One Left” by Riley Sager
Goodreads Rating: 4.1
Pages: 400
I fell in love with Riley Sager because this was the first book of his I read before I had to collect the others. I had to pause reading this book two or three times just to gush to my partner about how much I loved his writing style.
In 1929, the Hope family murders shocked the Maine coast.
Everyone believed seventeen-year-old Lenora was responsible, even if the police couldn’t prove it.
Decades later, home-health aide Kit McDeere is assigned to care for Lenora, now mute and paralyzed.
As Kit assists Lenora in typing out her story, she uncovers dark secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew.
Sager writes like thrillers in the 90s. His books are page-turners and although the build-up is slow, he leaves little clues all around.
He weaves a chilling tale of suspense and deception and writes damn good thrillers.
5. “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins
Goodreads Rating: 4
Pages: 336
An oldie, but goldie.
Rachel Watson’s daily train ride leads her into a web of mystery when she becomes obsessed with a couple she observes.
I loved the movie too – it was just as good. =)
When the woman goes missing, Rachel finds herself entangled in the investigation.
This psychological thriller is both gripping and unsettling.
6. “Ask for Andrea” by Noelle W. Ihli
Goodreads Rating: 4.1
Pages: 293
James Carson has gotten away with murder three times, hunting his victims online while masquerading as an eligible bachelor.
What he doesn’t know is that his three victims—Meghan, Brecia, and Skye—have found each other in the afterlife.
United by their tragic fate, they’re determined to stop James from killing again.
This gripping thriller offers a unique perspective, blending suspense with a bit of the supernatural.
Books about sexual assault always are difficult to stomach but I loved this because it reinforced everything I was taught – keep your female friends close.
This one is beautifully written – it made me realize that no matter how progressive our world becomes, we as women still need to be careful of our surroundings.
7. “Home Before Dark” by Riley Sager
Goodreads Rating: 4.1
Pages: 416
Oh my Lord, I loved this one. It’s my second Riley Sager book and I know I’m just going to read everything he puts out.
This started out as horror and I was glued to my couch reading this.
Maggie Holt inherits Baneberry Hall, a Victorian estate her family fled years ago due to terrifying events her father chronicled in a nonfiction book.
Now, as an adult and a restorer of old homes, Maggie returns to renovate the place to prepare it for sale.
But her homecoming is anything but warm.
People from the past, chronicled in her father’s book, lurk in the shadows.
And locals aren’t thrilled that their small town has been made infamous.
As Maggie experiences strange occurrences straight out of her father’s book, she starts to believe that what he wrote is more fact than fiction.
Sager masterfully blends past and present narratives, crafting a chilling tale that keeps readers guessing until the end.
It’s definitely one of those books you can’t predict till the very end.
8. “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty
Goodreads Rating: 4.3
Pages: 512
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty is a gripping domestic thriller that explores the dark secrets hiding beneath the seemingly perfect lives of three women in an upscale Australian seaside town.
Madeline, Celeste, and Jane—each dealing with their own struggles—find their lives intertwined as a school trivia night ends in a shocking death.
As the story unravels through multiple perspectives, Moriarty masterfully blends humor, suspense, and drama to reveal the truth behind the lies, friendships, and betrayals that led to the fateful night.
9. “When She Returned” by Lucinda Berry
Goodreads Rating: 4.05
Pages: 293
I became a fan of Lucinda Berry after reading The Perfect Child. I still feel this author needs to work on her endings (they’re always slightly frustrating to me), but I love her books because they’re good page-turners.
Kate Bennett vanished from a parking lot eleven years ago, leaving behind her husband and young daughter.
When she shows up at a Montana gas station, clutching an infant and screaming for help, investigators believe she may have been abducted by a cult.
Kate’s return flips her family’s world upside down—her husband is remarried, and her daughter barely remembers her.
As the family unravels what happened to Kate, a series of shocking revelations shows that her return is more sinister than any of them could have imagined.
Berry crafts a gripping psychological thriller that explores the complexities of family dynamics and the dark side of human nature.
I liked this one because it delves deep into how sordid and twisted cults really are.
It’s definitely a good read.
10. “Look Closer” by David Ellis
Goodreads Rating: 4.2
Pages: 496
Look Closer by David Ellis is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of a seemingly perfect marriage shrouded in secrets and deception.
The narrative centers on Simon Dobias, a respected Chicago law professor, and his wife, Vicky Lanier, an advocate for domestic violence victims.
As their tenth wedding anniversary approaches, a series of events—including a secret affair, a substantial trust fund nearing its release, and a long-standing grudge—unravels their facade of normalcy.
Bwahaha, I loved the twists and turns.
The discovery of a murdered socialite in a nearby suburb sets off a chain reaction, exposing the intricate web of lies and obsessions that bind Simon and Vicky.
Ellis crafts a really good suspenseful tale that keeps readers questioning the true nature of each character’s intentions until the very end.
11. “First Lie Wins” by Ashley Elston
Goodreads Rating: 4.01
Not gonna lie (pun intended), the book cover made me pick it up!
I bought this book before getting on a plane to a friend’s wedding. I remember this vividly because I was supposed to be at the reception by 7 and I couldn’t stop reading this one.
The narrative follows Evie Porter, a con artist adept at adopting new identities, as she infiltrates the life of Ryan Sumner under the direction of her enigmatic employer, Mr. Smith.
As Evie becomes entangled in her fabricated persona and develops genuine feelings for Ryan, her concealed past resurfaces, threatening to unravel her carefully constructed facade.
The novel intricately weaves themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of living a double life, keeping readers on edge with its unexpected twists and moral ambiguities.
I genuinely feel this book would become a really good movie!
12. “The Sun Down Motel” by Simone St James
Goodreads Rating: 4.00
Pages: 352
I did not want this book to end.
I didn’t expect much from this book when I started, but within 20 pages, I was hooked. It gave me very Riley Sager vibes.
The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James is a supernatural thriller that follows two women, decades apart, drawn to the eerie mysteries of a rundown motel.
In 1982, Viv Delaney takes a night clerk job at the Sun Down Motel in Fell, New York, where she begins noticing strange occurrences and investigates a string of murders linked to the motel—until she mysteriously disappears.
In 2017, Carly Kirk, Viv’s niece, arrives in Fell to uncover what happened to her aunt.
Taking the same job at the motel, Carly soon realizes that the Sun Down is still haunted by its dark past.
As she digs deeper, she unravels a chilling truth that connects the motel’s paranormal disturbances with real-life horrors.
Atmospheric, suspenseful, and filled with ghostly intrigue, The Sun Down Motel is a gripping blend of mystery and the supernatural.
I loved every single minute of reading this book.
13. “The Crash” by Freida McFadden
Goodreads Rating: 3.8
Pages: 300
I highly suggest you start with The Housemaid since it was a nation-wide sensation. It was the first book I read of Freida’s and ever since, I’ve been devouring her books every time they come out!
Tegan, eight months pregnant, becomes stranded in a snowstorm after a car crash.
Rescued by a couple offering shelter, she soon realizes that she and her unborn child are in grave danger.
McFadden (as usual) delivers a gripping, gut-wrenching story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
14. “The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore
Goodreads Rating: 4.35
Pages: 350
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore is a gripping mystery novel set in the Adirondack Mountains in 1975.
The story revolves around the disappearance of 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar from Camp Emerson, a summer camp owned by her affluent family.
This unsettling event mirrors the unresolved vanishing of her brother, Bear, fourteen years earlier.
As the investigation unfolds, the narrative delves into the complex histories and secrets of the Van Laar family and the camp’s staff, exploring themes of privilege, familial bonds, and the haunting impact of past traumas.
15. “The Boyfriend” by Freida McFadden
Goodreads Rating: 4.0
Pages: 368
By now, you’d have figured that I love Freida McFadden.
Since her books are also available on Kindle Unlimited, I’ve breezed through them in the last year.
“The Boyfriend” by Freida McFadden is a twisty psychological thriller that will keep you on edge until the very last page.
When a seemingly perfect man enters a woman’s life, everything feels too good to be true.
But as secrets unravel and disturbing truths emerge, she begins to question who he really is—and what he’s capable of.
With McFadden’s signature fast-paced writing, shocking reveals, and tension that builds with every chapter, this is a thriller you won’t be able to put down.
Perfect for fans of gripping, mind-bending suspense with an ending that will leave you speechless.
16. “The Night She Disappeared” by Lisa Jewel
Goodreads Rating: 4.10
Pages: 403
This was a pleasant surprise and I loved it!
The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell is a chilling psychological thriller about a young mother, Tallulah, who vanishes without a trace after a party at a wealthy friend’s mansion.
A year later, a mystery writer named Sophie moves into the area and discovers a cryptic note that reads “DIG HERE” near the woods.
As she investigates, long-buried secrets unravel, revealing shocking connections between past and present.
With gripping twists and a haunting atmosphere, Jewell crafts a suspenseful tale of deception, obsession, and the search for the truth.
17. “Pretty Girls” by Karin Slaughter
Goodreads Rating: 4.0
Pages: 432
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter is a dark and intense psychological thriller about two sisters, Claire and Lydia, who reunite after decades of estrangement following the disappearance of their older sister, Julia.
When Claire’s husband is brutally murdered, she uncovers shocking secrets that connect to Julia’s case and a sinister web of violence and deception.
As the sisters dig deeper, they realize the horrifying truth about the man Claire thought she knew.
Gritty, disturbing, and full of suspense, Pretty Girls is a chilling story of family, trauma, and the monsters hiding in plain sight.
18. “Listen for the Lie” by Amy Fintera
Goodreads Rating: 4.05
Pages: 352
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera is a gripping mystery novel that delves into the complexities of memory, guilt, and societal judgment.
Five years ago, Lucy Chase was found wandering her Texas hometown with blood on her dress and no recollection of the events leading to her best friend Savannah “Savvy” Harper’s murder.
Although she was never charged, the community remains convinced of her guilt.
Now, a true crime podcaster, Ben Owens, revisits the cold case, prompting Lucy to return home and confront the past.
As Lucy and Ben delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover buried secrets and challenge long-held assumptions, leading to startling revelations about what truly happened that fateful night.
19. “Verity” by Colleen Hoover
Goodreads Rating: 4.32
Pages: 336
It’s eerily similar to The Wife Upstairs by Freida McFadden (I’m not one to judge who copied whom) but I still appreciate a good story. And I’ve rated both books 5 stars.
Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, accepts a job to complete the works of injured author Verity Crawford.
While sifting through Verity’s notes, Lowen uncovers an unfinished autobiography filled with bone-chilling admissions.
As she delves deeper, she grapples with revealing the horrifying truths to Verity’s husband, Jeremy.
This psychological thriller intertwines passion and suspense, making it a gripping read.
20. “The Nowhere Girls” by Amy Reed
Goodreads Rating: 4.03
Pages: 308
The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed is a compelling young adult novel (but it’s perfect for adults too) that addresses rape culture, misogyny, and the power of female solidarity.
Every single girl on this planet needs to read this.
The story follows three high school girls: Grace Salter, the new girl in town; Rosina Suarez, a queer punk from a conservative Mexican immigrant family; and Erin Delillo, a socially awkward genius with Asperger’s syndrome.
United by their outrage over the school’s dismissal of a classmate’s rape allegations, they form an anonymous group called “The Nowhere Girls” to challenge the pervasive sexism in their community.
Their movement inspires other girls to share their experiences, leading to a collective stand against injustice.
The novel explores themes of empowerment, intersectionality, and the transformative strength of unity.
21. “The Drowning Woman” by Robyn Harding
Goodreads Rating: 4.04
Pages: 352
I finished this book in 3 hours.
This book made every Top Thrillers list, so I knew it was going to be amazing!
The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding is a gripping psychological thriller about survival, trust, and deception.
Lee Gulliver, a once-successful restaurateur, is now homeless and living in her car when she rescues Hazel Laval, a wealthy woman attempting to drown herself.
Hazel claims she’s trapped in an abusive marriage and asks Lee to help her disappear. However, as Lee gets entangled in Hazel’s life, she realizes things aren’t what they seem, and the line between victim and manipulator blurs.
Packed with twists and suspense, this novel keeps readers questioning every character’s true intentions.
I loved both the characters and for some reason, you’ll be rooting for them till the very end.
Summing up
I do love thriller novels and I enjoy reading them!
These are the kind of books that keeps you up late at night, turning pages long after you promised yourself just one more chapter.
The kind that makes your pulse race, your mind spin, and your heart pound with anticipation.
These 21 thrillers are the ones that pull you in and refuse to let go. Whether you love psychological mind games, chilling mysteries, or high-stakes action, there’s a story on this list waiting to consume you.
So, dim the lights. Grab a cozy blanket. Maybe even double-check that your doors are locked. Because once you dive into these books, there’s no turning back.
Which thriller are you picking up next? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your favorites! 📖🔪✨
