22 best thriller books to get your heart racing: from Gone Girl to Shutter Island

Are you searching for an exhilarating read that’ll leave you breathless? Thrillers excel at grabbing our attention right from the start and not letting go until the very end, offering suspenseful twists, mind-boggling mysteries, and adrenaline-fueled action.

We’ve handpicked 22 captivating thrillers designed to send your pulse racing. Whether you’re drawn to intricate detective plots, spine-tingling domestic dramas, or suspenseful stories where nothing and no one is as they seem, these picks are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Curl up in a comfortable chair with these heart-racing thrillers and prepare for a wild, wild ride.

22 best thriller books

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
My Murder by Katie Williams
The Quiet Girl by S.F. Kosa
The Long Weekend by Gilly MacMillan
In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
It’s Always the Husband by Michele Campbell
The Last Word by Taylor Adams
Shutter Island by Dennis LeHane
The Hand That Feeds You by A.J. Rich
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson
The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas

1. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

An engaging psychological thriller revolves around a woman who kills her spouse and remains silent thereafter. The protagonist, Theo Faber, who is a criminal psychotherapist, has been eager to assist Alicia, the speechless woman, ever since that tragic event. However, as the tale progresses, Theo will find himself compelled to scrutinize his own reasons for delving into Alicia’s enigma and her husband’s death. This captivating narrative skillfully explores themes of obsession, therapy, and concealed truths that will leave you pondering the intentions of every character. The climax? Absolutely mind-blowing.

2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

An ominous narrative unfolds about a marriage that took a sinister turn, and the recurring source of the ‘Cool Girl’ speech trending on social platforms. On their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne returns home to discover his spouse, Amy, missing, with signs of a struggle in their household. Suspicion swiftly falls upon Nick as more secrets come to light. The press seizes this story, with images of Amy’s captivating appearance fueling public interest.

(Paraphrased version)

This chilling account follows a marriage spiraling out of control, and the regular resurgence of the ‘Cool Girl’ monologue in social media circles. On their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne finds his wife, Amy, missing from home, with indications of a struggle in their house. It isn’t long before Nick becomes the chief suspect as more secrets surface. The media makes a beeline for this tale, using photos of Amy’s striking appearance to stoke public curiosity.

In a captivating fashion, Flynn’s novel, filled with untrustworthy narrators and unexpected plot turns, keeps readers on the edge of their seats right until the final page. The blend of suspense, insightful social commentary, and stark brutality makes it hard to resist diving in for more. If you enjoyed the movie version starring Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck, this riveting thriller novel is sure to be devoured by you.

3. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

In everyday life, there’s an intriguing blend as a recovering alcoholic commuting passenger secretly watches over a seemingly flawless couple. One fateful day, he observes the woman in a tender moment with another man. Later, he learns that this woman, known as Megan, has mysteriously vanished. Compelled to intervene, he gets drawn into the investigation, leading him down a dangerous path. Hawkins skillfully plays with perceptions and reality, making you question your own thoughts throughout. The tension escalates relentlessly towards an emotionally intense unraveling.

4. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

A captivating domestic thriller, brimming with hidden truths, falsehoods, and lethal repercussions. You might find this distinctive book cover familiar from numerous airport bookstores, as it’s Freida McFadden’s best-selling series. The prosperous Winchester family engages Millie to maintain and look after their pristine residence. However, their actions grow increasingly strange, and the secrets pile up. The Winchesters aren’t exactly who they appear to be, but neither is Millie, leading them all into a deadly game of hide-and-seek. McFadden skillfully builds suspense while ensuring the plot twists remain credible. It’s an enticing blend of psychological intrigue and thrilling narrative.

5. The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley

Lucy Foley is currently one of the most acclaimed thriller authors, and her distinctive style focused on intriguing locations shines in The Hunting Party. A tranquil weekend retreat with companions at a secluded Scottish hunting lodge takes an unexpected turn for the worse. As we switch between the current moment when a corpse has been uncovered and the events that precipitated the death, we start to observe the fissures within this seemingly flawless circle of long-standing friends. Foley’s masterful characterization and mounting tension make this murder mystery a page-turner you won’t want to set down. With each secret exposed, it feels like edging closer to the precipice.

6. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

A woman suffering from agoraphobia claims to have seen a crime taking place in her neighbor’s home. The movie skillfully combines elements of suspense reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock with a narration that raises questions about truth, bias, and the eventual outcome. Again, it leaves us pondering what is factual, what is influenced by personal perspective, and what will transpire in the end.

Skilfully, Finn portrays the hazy disorientation caused by Anna’s struggle with alcoholism and the oppressive feeling of being cooped up due to spending nearly a year indoors. With each page, the tension and unease grow increasingly intense, reaching a startling climax. This book will have you reluctant to step outside until you’ve read every last word.

7. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

In this reimagined narrative, we’ll add a touch of science fiction flair. Blake Crouch’s thought-provoking sci-fi tale explores the concept of multiple realities and the decisions that mold us. An enigmatic figure wearing a mask poses the question, “Are you content with your existence?” before rendering Jason unconscious. Upon regaining consciousness, Jason finds himself secured to a gurney among unfamiliar faces clad in protective suits. The life Jason now knows is vastly different; he isn’t married to his spouse, his child never came to be, and he holds renown as a brilliant mind.

However, which life is authentic? Is there a chance for him to return to his origins? One might wonder if he desires to do so. The narrative by Crouch possesses tension, swift pace, and intense emotional impact. Upon reading it, you’re left pondering over your own life choices.

8. My Murder by Katie Williams

An engaging narrative unfolds about a woman trapped in a treacherous web of trickery and control. After being reunited with her loving spouse and caring for their delightful toddler, Lou becomes a victim of a local murderer known as a serial killer. This tragic incident leaves her lifeless, but she is miraculously revived through a governmental initiative. However, reclaiming her previous life proves elusive due to lingering uncertainties surrounding her brutal demise. As Lou sets out on a quest to discover the truth behind her death, she may find that the answers she uncovers are not entirely satisfying. Williams masterfully keeps readers guessing with surprising plot twists at every bend.

9. The Quiet Girl by S.F. Kosa

A gripping tale that revolves around concealed truths, solitude, and the peril of misjudging the seemingly tranquil. Upon visiting his newlywed spouse to reconcile, Alex discovers an untouched wine glass in the sink, her wedding ring on the desk, and a myriad of unanswered questions left behind. The authorities find nothing out of the ordinary, yet Alex uncovers signs of hidden secrets that his wife has harbored for years. With Layla’s sparse assistance, Alex embarks on a mission to locate his spouse and confront the repercussions that ensue. Kosa skillfully interweaves family drama with profound psychological depth. The climax arrives unexpectedly, taking you off guard when you least anticipate it.

10. The Long Weekend by Gilly MacMillan

An idyllic vacation spot transforms into a nerve-wracking psychological drama brimming with hidden truths and deceit. Three friends, Jayne, Ruth, and Emily, head to a remote lodge for a romantic escape, anticipating their partners’ arrival the day after. However, instead of tranquility, they stumble upon a chilling message predicting one husband’s demise, leaving no means to verify their safety due to lack of phone service or connectivity. As apprehension builds, past hurts and concealed transgressions emerge, posing a threat not only to their lives but also to the bonds they share.

11. In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

At an isolated cabin, a seemingly harmless hen party transforms into a chilling suspense story. When reclusive author Leonora hesitantly agrees to a countryside weekend with friends, old acquaintances, and fresh faces stir up her solitude. As twilight descends, unsettling secrets come to light, and Leonora recognizes she’s not the only presence in the woods. This thriller is filled with unexpected twists, darkness, and an irresistible hook-always remember to avoid hen parties in the forest!

12. The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Nellie thinks she’s discovered true contentment with Richard, yet Vanessa, his former wife, continues to haunt their union like an unsettling specter. At first glance, it may appear as a tale of resentment and a doomed romance, but upon closer examination, it unfolds into a complex tapestry of hidden truths, deceit, and fluctuating realities. This gripping psychological mystery is far from the straightforward story of an envious woman fixated on a new acquisition; you’ll soon realize that things-and people-are not always as they seem.

13. It’s Always the Husband by Michele Campbell

This story revolves around a gripping murder mystery that delves into marriage, avarice, and hidden perils within family life. Campbell skillfully maintains tension as he illuminates the sinister aspects of domestic existence. Originally college roommates named Kate, Aubrey, and Jenny shared an invincible bond despite their disparities; however, their friendship hangs precariously over the abyss of tragedy after one is driven towards a lethal choice due to external pressure. The narrative weaves between past and present, revealing secrets, acts of deceit, and poisonous allegiances that provoke the query: is it murder, or will suspicion fall on the husband?

14. The Last Word by Taylor Adams

On the stormy shores of Washington, where Emma Carpenter resides in solitude with just her pet dog and a reclusive neighbor for companionship, she pens an acerbic one-star critique for a chilling horror novel. When the incensed author, H.G. Kane, responds directly to her review, strange occurrences start transpiring, leaving Emma uneasy about being watched. As she delves deeper into Kane’s unsettling oeuvre, she comes to believe his macabre tales might transcend fiction, and her own life could be the next horrifying installment.

15. Shutter Island by Dennis LeHane

I’m eager to share with you an unforgettable journey without any spoilers – if you haven’t already, I strongly recommend reading the book before watching its outstanding movie adaptation of “Shutter Island”. Set in 1954, you’ll join U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule as they venture to Shutter Island to investigate a baffling disappearance at the Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane.

During their stay on this remote island, a hurricane ensnares them, adding an eerie layer to the already enigmatic case. The mystery deepens as they uncover chilling secrets involving clandestine experiments, psychological manipulation, and hidden agendas. As time passes, Teddy begins to question the very reality surrounding him, realizing that all is not as it seems on this strange island.

16. The Hand That Feeds You by A.J. Rich

Morgan, a student focusing on victim psychology, has recently gotten engaged to Bennett, a man who appears both caring and ardent. However, when she returns home to find Bennett viciously murdered and her dogs drenched in blood, her world crumbles abruptly. As she seeks explanations, Morgan discovers startling truths about Bennett’s actual life-and realizes that she is not the only woman ensnared in his perilous network.

17. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

1975 marks a pivotal time for America following the Vietnam War. The quiet town of Monta Clare, Missouri, is shrouded in unease as multiple young girls mysteriously vanish. When Patch, a locally recognized one-eyed boy, saves the daughter of a prominent family, his selfless act ignites a cascade of heartache and secrets. This tale unfolds as a suspenseful fusion of mystery, thriller, and romance, delving into the delicate boundary between despair and resilience.

18. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

One of the most renowned thriller novels, known for inspiring a massive fanbase and extended book series, is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Forty years after Harriet Vanger mysteriously disappeared from her family’s secluded island, her uncle remains steadfast in his belief that she was murdered by someone within their influential yet divided dynasty. He enlists the help of disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist and remarkable hacker Lisbeth Salander to uncover the truth. Their investigation links Harriet’s disappearance to a string of gruesome murders from years past. As they delve deeper, it becomes clear that the Vangers will stop at nothing to keep their dark secrets hidden.

19. Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

Fifteen years ago, Ellie suddenly disappeared at the age of 15, and ever since then, her mother Laurel has tirelessly sought for any clue about her whereabouts. One day, she encounters the affable Floyd and his young daughter Poppy, who bears an uncanny likeness to Ellie. This resemblance stirs up old questions and hidden truths surrounding Ellie’s disappearance.

Jewell excels at crafting suspenseful novels with emotional depth, focusing on the long-term consequences of a devastating incident rather than merely the mystery itself.

20. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

In a chilling twist, picture a suspenseful remake of 50 First Dates, where each day brings new terror instead of laughter. Before I Go to Sleep presents the tale of a woman suffering from anterograde amnesia who wakes up daily without remembering her past. She reconstructs fragments of her life using a journal she maintains, discovering that she is Christine Lucas, a 47-year-old married mother with a son. A doctor has been assisting her in regaining her memory. However, as more entries are added to the journal, she starts to doubt the authenticity of what she’s been informed and becomes relentless in her pursuit of the truth about her true identity. This classic trope of an untrustworthy narrator takes a new twist in this story, not due to any deception on her part.

21. Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

Holly Jackson serves up another thrilling read with Not Quite Dead Yet, a compelling, swiftly paced murder mystery brimming with unforeseen turns and intriguing characters. In the tale, 27-year-old Jet Mason, scion of one Woodstock, Vermont’s affluent families, endures a brutal Halloween assault that results in a life-altering brain injury and a grim diagnosis: she has merely seven days left to live. As her condition deteriorates, Jet starts to view those close to her – relatives, friends, and former lovers – with growing suspicion. With only Billy, an old friend by her side, Jet is resolute on utilizing her final days to uncover the truth behind her own murder.

22. The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas

Tasha and her sister Alice might look alike and have a strong connection, but their lives are as distinct as night and day. Alice graciously offers to babysit Tasha’s children so she can have a romantic getaway with her husband. However, disaster strikes when Alice is hospitalized following a home invasion, and her husband meets an untimely end. To compound matters, Tasha finds a chilling message indicating that she was the real target. Shockingly, as hidden truths emerge, Tasha comes to understand that the deepest family bonds can mask lethal secrets.

2025-08-29 10:08