Popular Thriller Books

The thriller books Readstead readers shelve most, out of 3,224 in the catalog.

1
And Then There Were None
Agatha Christie · 1939
3.8 · 6 ratings
And Then There Were None is the signature novel of Agatha Christie, the most beloved work of the world's bestselling novelist. It is a masterpiece of mystery and suspense that has been a fixture in popular literature for more than sixty years, a brilliant tale that. remains as compelling today as ever. First there were ten—a curious assortment of strangers summoned as weekend guests to a private island off the-coast of Devon. Their host, an eccentric millionaire unknown to any of them, is nowhere to be found. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they're unwilling to reveal—and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder, and one by one they begin to fall prey to an unseen hand. As the only people on the island, unable to leave and unable to call for help, they know that the only possible suspects are among their number. And only the dead are above suspicion. --back cover
2
Gone Girl
Gillian Flynn · 2012
4.3 · 6 ratings
On the morning of their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne’s wife, Amy, disappears. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick’s portrayal of a blissful union begins to crumble, revealing a darker truth. As the investigation intensifies, the reader is drawn into a labyrinth of secrets, lies, and psychological manipulation, questioning everything they thought they knew about the couple. Gillian Flynn masterfully crafts a suspenseful narrative that explores the complexities of marriage, identity, and the devastating consequences of deception.
3
Verity
Colleen Hoover · 2018
3.2 · 5 ratings
Lowen, a struggling writer, is presented with an unexpected opportunity to complete the remaining books in a popular series penned by the reclusive and acclaimed author, Verity Crawford. To accomplish this daunting task, Lowen must immerse herself in Verity's life, moving into her home and sifting through her extensive notes. Within these personal effects, Lowen uncovers a chilling autobiography detailing disturbing confessions that blur the lines between Verity's life and her fiction. As Lowen delves deeper into the dark secrets of the Crawford family, she finds herself increasingly drawn to Verity's husband, Jeremy, leading to a gripping psychological thriller that explores obsession, deception, and the unsettling depths of the human mind.
4
Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie · 1934
4.4 · 5 ratings
When a snowdrift halts the luxurious Orient Express in its tracks, a shocking murder shatters the tranquility of the journey. Renowned detective Hercule Poirot, a passenger aboard the train, finds himself tasked with an impossible mystery: the victim, a notorious gangster, has been stabbed multiple times, and every passenger on board is a suspect. Poirot must navigate a web of secrets, lies, and international intrigue, sifting through a diverse cast of characters, each with their own hidden motives and potential alibis. As the snow continues to fall, trapping everyone together, Poirot races against time to uncover the truth before the killer can escape justice.
5
Dark Matter
Blake Crouch · 2016
4.3 · 4 ratings
When physicist Jason Dessen is abducted and awakens in a nightmarish alternate reality, he discovers that his life has taken a radically different path—his career, his family, everything he holds dear has been fundamentally altered. Desperate to reclaim his true life and reunite with his wife and son, Jason must navigate a bewildering multiverse of infinite possibilities, each one representing a choice he made or didn't make. Blake Crouch's electrifying thriller explores the profound questions of identity and destiny, asking what we're willing to sacrifice for the people we love and whether the life we're living is truly the one we chose. As Jason races against time through parallel worlds, he confronts the roads not taken and the consequences of his decisions in a gripping journey that blurs the line between science fiction and intimate human drama. A mind-bending page-turner that combines cutting-edge physics with deeply personal stakes.
6
The Girl on the Train
Paula Hawkins · 2015
3.8 · 4 ratings
Rachel Watson's daily train commute offers a fleeting glimpse into the seemingly perfect lives of a suburban couple, a ritual that shatters when she witnesses a shocking event. Drawn into a complex web of secrets and lies, Rachel finds herself entangled with the people involved, questioning her own perceptions and the reliability of her memory. As the narrative unfolds, the story delves into themes of trauma, addiction, and the desperate yearning for a different existence, all while Rachel grapples with the consequences of her involvement. Paula Hawkins masterfully crafts a suspenseful psychological thriller where unreliable narration and hidden truths create a gripping and unforgettable reading experience.
7
The Martian
Andy Weir · 2011
5.0 · 2 ratings
Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now he's sure he'll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate the planet while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded on Mars' surface, completely alone. with no way to signal Earth that he's alive. And even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone years before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, Mark won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old "human error" are much more likely to kill him first. But Mark's not ready to quit. Armed with nothing but his ingenuity and his engineering skills—and a gallows sense of humor that proves to be his greatest source of strength—he embarks on a dogged quest to stay alive, using his botany expertise to grow food and even hatch- ing a mad plan to contact NASA back on Earth. As he overcomes one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next, Mark begins to let himself believe he might make it off the planet alive. But Mars has plenty of surprises in store for him yet. Grounded in real, present-day science from the first page to the last. yet propelled by a brilliantly ingenious plot that surprises the reader again and again, The Martian is a truly remarkable thriller: an impossible-to- put-down suspense novel that manages tc read like a real-life survival tale. --front flap
8
Sunrise on the Reaping
Suzanne Collins · 2024
5.0 · 1 rating
Step back into the brutal world of Panem with this gripping prequel, set decades before the events of The Hunger Games. As the 50th Hunger Games, a Quarter Quell, approaches, the districts brace themselves for another year of terror and sacrifice. Amidst rising tensions and the ever-present shadow of the Capitol's tyranny, one young tribute grapples with the impossible question: can the cycle of violence ever truly be broken? This installment delves into the heart of rebellion and the enduring human spirit, exploring themes of hope, resistance, and the fight for a future free from oppression.
9
The Silent Patient
Alex Michaelides · 2019
4.0 · 4 ratings
A woman's shocking act of violence shatters her seemingly perfect life, leaving everyone desperate to understand why. When Alicia Berenson, a celebrated painter living in London's most exclusive neighborhoods, shoots her husband Gabriel five times and then retreats into complete silence, the crime becomes an obsession for those around her—especially a psychotherapist determined to uncover the truth behind her inexplicable muteness. As the investigation deepens, nothing is quite what it seems, and the line between victim and perpetrator blurs in unexpected ways. Michaelides crafts a gripping psychological thriller that explores the darkest secrets hidden behind closed doors and the dangerous power of obsession. With its shocking twist and masterful exploration of unreliable perspectives, this debut novel will keep readers guessing until the final page.
10
The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown · 2003
3.2 · 5 ratings
When a murder occurs within the Louvre, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is drawn into a baffling mystery involving cryptic symbols and hidden clues. Teaming up with French cryptologist Sophie Neveu, Langdon uncovers a trail of secrets concealed within the works of Leonardo da Vinci, secrets that point to a powerful, ancient organization. Their investigation plunges them into a dangerous race against time, pursued by shadowy figures as they attempt to unravel a truth that could redefine history and shake the foundations of faith.
11
Conclave
Robert Harris · 2016
5.0 · 1 rating
When the Pope dies, the world's most powerful leaders, the Cardinals, gather in Rome for the secret election of his successor. But as the Cardinals assemble in the Sistine Chapel, a conspiracy begins to unfold, threatening to shatter the foundations of the Catholic Church. A young, ambitious cardinal must race against time to uncover the truth before the conclave is irrevocably compromised. Robert Harris masterfully weaves a tale of political intrigue, faith, and the corrupting influence of power within the hallowed halls of the Vatican.
12
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Stieg Larsson · 2005
3.5 · 1 rating
In this gripping Swedish thriller, disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist is hired by a wealthy industrialist to investigate the forty-year-old disappearance of his beloved niece. Teaming up with Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant but deeply unconventional hacker with a photographic memory, Blomkvist delves into the dark secrets of a powerful and dysfunctional family. As they uncover a trail of corruption, violence, and hidden histories, they find themselves entangled in a dangerous investigation that blurs the lines between past and present, justice and revenge.
13
The Guest List
Lucy Foley · 2020
4.0 · 3 ratings
When a glamorous wedding celebration on a remote Irish island ends in murder, a carefully curated guest list becomes a roster of suspects. The bride is an ambitious magazine publisher, the groom a charming television star, and their luxe destination wedding promises to be picture-perfect—until someone turns up dead. As champagne toasts give way to simmering resentments and long-buried jealousies, the isolated setting and spotty cell service trap everyone on the island with a killer. Lucy Foley masterfully weaves together the perspectives of multiple guests, each harboring secrets and motives, in this gripping mystery that asks: who didn't wish the happy couple well, and what were they willing to do about it? A propulsive page-turner that explores how easily celebration can turn to suspicion when human nature collides with perfect plans.
14
Angels and Demons
Dan Brown · 2000
3.7 · 3 ratings
Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is drawn into a dangerous investigation when a murder occurs at CERN, the world's largest particle physics laboratory. He soon finds himself in a desperate race against time, navigating the ancient streets of Rome and the hallowed halls of Vatican City. As Langdon unravels a complex web of clues, he uncovers a sinister plot involving a resurgent ancient secret society and a terrifying weapon that threatens to shake the very foundations of faith. This thrilling adventure masterfully blends cutting-edge science, historical mysteries, and profound religious symbolism, pushing Langdon to his limits as he confronts a conspiracy that could change the world forever.
15
The Housemaid
Freida McFadden · 2022
2.0 · 2 ratings
A seemingly ordinary housemaid finds herself drawn into the opulent and increasingly disturbing world of her wealthy employers. As she navigates the complex dynamics of the Winchester family, she begins to uncover dark secrets hidden beneath the surface of their perfect lives. What starts as a simple job of cleaning and cooking soon spirals into a dangerous game of deception and manipulation, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator. With her own past shrouded in mystery, the housemaid must confront the terrifying reality of her situation before she becomes another pawn in a deadly scheme.
16
The Woman in the Window
A. J. Finn · 2018
2.7 · 3 ratings
Confined to her home by agoraphobia, Anna Fox spends her days observing the world and her neighbors through her window, her solitude often amplified by wine and old movies. Her quiet existence is shattered when she witnesses a shocking event across the street, plunging her into a terrifying mystery that blurs the lines between reality and delusion. As Anna delves deeper, she uncovers dark secrets and finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew, in a gripping psychological thriller that masterfully plays with perception and suspense.
17
My Husband's Wife
Alice Feeney · 2026
4.0 · 1 rating
In this gripping psychological thriller, nothing is quite what it seems when a woman's carefully constructed life begins to unravel. As secrets emerge and trust fractures between spouses, the narrative weaves between perspectives to reveal the dark truths lurking beneath a seemingly perfect marriage. Alice Feeney masterfully builds tension through unreliable narration and shocking twists, keeping readers guessing about who is truly guilty and what really happened. With her signature style of intricate plotting and complex character dynamics, Feeney explores themes of deception, loyalty, and the dangerous lies we tell those closest to us. This is a compulsive page-turner that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the people in your life.
18
My Sister, the Serial Killer
Oyinkan Braithwaite · 2018
4.0 · 1 rating
In this darkly comic debut, Korede finds herself entangled in an increasingly dangerous secret: her younger sister Ayoola has a disturbing pattern of eliminating her boyfriends, and Korede has become her unwilling accomplice and cover-up artist. With each new body to dispose of and each close call to navigate, Korede's practical nature and quick thinking are all that stand between her sister and exposure—but her complicity comes at a cost to her own life and happiness. When a charming doctor at the hospital where Korede works captures Ayoola's attention, Korede must finally confront the uncomfortable truth about her sister's nature and decide what she's willing to do about it. Braithwaite's sharp, deadpan wit transforms this premise into a wickedly funny exploration of family loyalty, morality, and the lengths we go to protect those we love, even when they're monsters. A deliciously dark hand grenade of a novel that blends psychological thriller elements with biting satire.
19
No Country for Old Men
Cormac McCarthy · 2005
4.5 · 2 ratings
In a desolate Texas landscape, Llewellyn Moss stumbles upon a scene of brutal violence and a fortune in drug money, igniting a relentless pursuit. As Moss flees a shadowy, coin-flipping killer whose methods are as chilling as they are arbitrary, the novel plunges into a maelstrom of escalating bloodshed. Aging Sheriff Bell, a man weary of the changing world, finds himself caught in the crossfire, a stark symbol of a fading moral order. Cormac McCarthy masterfully dissects the dark underbelly of the American dream, exploring themes of fate, violence, and the erosion of innocence with his signature sparse prose and profound philosophical depth.
20
Misery
Stephen King · 1987
3.3 · 3 ratings
Famed novelist Paul Sheldon, seeking to break free from his popular historical romance series, finds himself the captive of his most devoted fan, Annie Wilkes, after a severe car accident. Confined to her remote home and subjected to increasingly brutal methods, Paul is forced to write a new novel that resurrects his beloved character, Misery Chastain, solely to satisfy Annie's obsessive desires. As Paul battles physical torment and psychological manipulation, he must find a way to survive Annie's escalating madness and escape her deadly adoration, all while grappling with the very nature of fandom and the creative process.
21
Peril at End House
Agatha Christie · 1932
4.0 · 3 ratings
When the charming and wealthy Nick Buckley narrowly escapes a series of mysterious and increasingly dangerous attempts on her life, she turns to the legendary detective Hercule Poirot for protection and answers. As Poirot investigates the puzzling circumstances surrounding the attacks at Nick's clifftop estate, End House, he must unravel a complex web of motives, secrets, and deceptions among those closest to her. With each new incident more sinister than the last, Poirot races against time to identify the would-be killer before they succeed in their deadly mission. This classic mystery showcases Christie's masterful plotting and her brilliant detective at his most perceptive, as he navigates the treacherous waters of wealth, jealousy, and hidden resentments to expose the truth.
22
The Last Thing He Told Me
Laura Dave · 2021
4.0 · 2 ratings
A cryptic note from her husband is all Hannah Hall has left when he vanishes, leaving behind a teenage daughter who wants nothing to do with her. As Hannah and her stepdaughter, Bailey, begin to unravel the mystery of Owen's disappearance, they discover he is not who they thought he was. Forced to rely on each other, they embark on a desperate search for the truth, navigating a dangerous web of secrets that stretches from their quiet life in Sausalito to the heart of a criminal conspiracy. This gripping thriller explores themes of trust, identity, and the fierce bonds that form when families are pushed to their limits.
23
11/22/63
Stephen King · 2011
5.0 · 2 ratings
What if you could change history? A high school English teacher discovers a portal to the past, presenting him with an extraordinary mission: prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Traveling back to 1958 under an assumed identity, he must navigate a world vastly different from his own, build a life, and meticulously track the movements of Lee Harvey Oswald. Yet, the past proves a treacherous landscape, fraught with unexpected dangers, the complexities of love, and the profound realization that altering history may come at a devastating personal cost.
24
Murder by Memory
Olivia Waite · 2025
3.0 · 1 rating
A woman begins to suspect that her memories—those vivid anchors of identity—may have been altered, borrowed, or planted. As fragmented recollections surface and old certainties start to unravel, she follows a trail of hidden secrets that turns her own past into the most dangerous evidence in a tightening psychological mystery. With each new discovery, questions of trust and selfhood collide with the chilling possibility that someone else’s history could be the motive behind murder. Olivia Waite delivers suspense with sharp psychological insight, probing the unreliability of memory and the thin, terrifying line between victim and suspect.
25
The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Stuart Turton · 2018
Evelyn Hardcastle will be murdered—and you must solve the mystery before the day resets. Aiden Bishop wakes in the body of a footman with no memory of how he arrived at Blackheath Manor, only to witness the murder of the beautiful Evelyn Hardcastle. Trapped in a time loop where he inhabits a different body each day, Aiden must piece together the truth behind her death by gathering clues from multiple perspectives and uncovering the dark secrets hidden within the manor's walls. This ingenious mystery combines the intricate puzzle-solving of Agatha Christie with the innovative structure of a time-loop thriller, creating a labyrinthine narrative that challenges readers to solve the crime alongside the protagonist. Stuart Turton's debut is a masterfully crafted whodunit that rewards careful attention and clever deduction.
26
Judge Stone
James Patterson
Judge Stone
James Patterson · 2026
5.0 · 1 rating
A respected judge finds the courtroom transformed into a battleground when a case threatens to expose corruption reaching far beyond the bench. As pressure mounts from powerful adversaries and the stakes turn personal, Judge Stone must weigh the demands of justice against the cost of pursuing the truth. Blending courtroom suspense, high-stakes investigation, and moral conflict, this fast-paced thriller explores power, loyalty, and the fragile line between law and vengeance.
27
The Talented Mr. Ripley
Patricia Highsmith · 1955
3.0 · 1 rating
Meet Tom Ripley, a charming con artist living in the shadows of New York City who seizes an unexpected opportunity to reinvent himself when he's hired to travel to Italy and retrieve a wealthy man's wayward son. What begins as a simple errand spirals into a dangerous game of deception, manipulation, and murder as Ripley becomes entangled in a world of privilege and excess he's determined to claim for himself. Patricia Highsmith's masterful psychological thriller explores the dark psychology of ambition and the lengths one man will go to escape his ordinary existence and secure a life of wealth and sophistication. With meticulous plotting and a protagonist whose moral compass is entirely absent, this debut novel established Highsmith as a master of suspense and introduced one of literature's most compelling antiheroes. A gripping tale of identity, obsession, and the corrupting influence of desire that remains as captivating today as when it first shocked readers in 1955.
28
Billy Summers
Stephen King · 2021
4.0 · 1 rating
Billy Summers is a decorated Marine sniper and one of the best assassins in the world, but he only takes jobs targeting truly evil men. Now, he's ready for one last, lucrative contract to secure his retirement, a job that requires him to impersonate a writer while he waits for his target. As Billy settles into his new identity, he begins writing his own story, a memoir of his childhood and wartime experiences, finding solace in the act of creation. However, this final assignment is far more complex than it appears, drawing him into a dangerous web of deceit and revenge that will test his skills and his conscience.
29
Killing Floor
Lee Child · 1997
4.0 · 2 ratings
Ex-military policeman Jack Reacher, a man who lives by his own code and drifts from town to town, finds himself in a situation far from his control when he's arrested for a murder he didn't commit. Stranded in the small town of Margrave, Georgia, Reacher must navigate a labyrinth of suspicion and danger to clear his name. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy far more sinister than a single homicide, forcing him to confront the dark underbelly of the seemingly peaceful community. With his sharp intellect and formidable skills, Reacher must fight for justice in a place where he has no allies and everyone is a potential enemy.
30
Bel Canto
Ann Patchett · 2001
In an unnamed South American country, a lavish birthday party for a visiting Japanese dignitary is violently interrupted when a group of terrorists storms the vice-presidential mansion. Among the high-profile hostages are diplomats, business leaders, and the world's most celebrated opera singer, whose voice becomes a beacon of hope and connection. As days turn into weeks and negotiations stall, an unlikely community forms between captors and captives, bound by the shared experience of confinement and the transcendent power of music. Ann Patchett masterfully explores themes of art, love, and humanity's capacity for both cruelty and profound empathy in this unforgettable story of survival and unexpected grace.
31
Dark Places
Gillian Flynn · 2009
4.3 · 3 ratings
Twenty-five years ago, seven-year-old Libby Day was the sole survivor of a massacre that claimed her mother and two sisters, an event for which her teenage brother, Ben, was convicted. Now an adult, Libby is struggling financially and decides to capitalize on the notoriety of her past by attending a reunion of the 'Satanic Panic' cult she believes her brother was part of. However, as she delves deeper into the events of that fateful night, Libby begins to question the testimony that sent her brother to prison and uncovers a truth far more disturbing than she ever imagined. Gillian Flynn masterfully weaves a tale of unreliable narration, fractured family dynamics, and the dark secrets that fester beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.
32
Inferno
Dan Brown · 2013
3.0 · 1 rating
Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon awakens in an Italian hospital with amnesia, a mysterious object in his possession, and a deadly assassin on his trail. Teaming up with a resourceful doctor, he embarks on a desperate race through Florence, deciphering a trail of cryptic clues. Their quest plunges them into a world of art, science, and a brilliant scientist's apocalyptic obsession, all tied to Dante Alighieri's "Inferno." Langdon must unravel the enigma before a catastrophic event is unleashed upon the world.
33
Invisible Girl
Lisa Jewell · 2019
4.0 · 1 rating
A young woman's disappearance sends shockwaves through her family and community, unraveling secrets that have been buried for years. As the investigation deepens, it becomes clear that the truth is far more complex and disturbing than anyone imagined. This gripping psychological thriller explores the dark undercurrents of ordinary lives, questioning who we truly are when no one is watching. With its masterful pacing and chilling revelations, this novel will keep you guessing until the very last page.
34
Persuader
Lee Child · 2003
3.5 · 2 ratings
Jack Reacher goes deep undercover to find a missing federal agent, a task that leads him into the dangerous world of a powerful drug lord. As Reacher navigizes this treacherous territory, he uncovers a chilling connection to a ghost from his own past—a man he believed was long dead. This thrilling investigation forces Reacher to confront not only a present-day conspiracy but also the unresolved shadows of his history, testing his skills and his resolve to their absolute limits.
35
Recursion
Blake Crouch · 2019
4.5 · 2 ratings
In a world gripped by False Memory Syndrome, where people wake up with lives they never lived, a detective and a neuroscientist find their paths converging. As they race against time to understand the phenomenon, they uncover a technology that allows individuals to relive their most cherished memories, blurring the lines between past, present, and reality. This mind-bending thriller explores the profound implications of memory, the nature of consciousness, and the devastating consequences of tampering with time itself. Blake Crouch masterfully weaves a narrative that is both deeply philosophical and relentlessly paced, questioning what it truly means to be alive.
36
Sharp Objects
Gillian Flynn · 2007
3.0 · 2 ratings
Reporter Camille Preaker, still recovering from her own psychological struggles, is sent back to her suffocating hometown to investigate the murders of two young girls. As she delves into the dark secrets of her past and her estranged family, Camille finds herself disturbingly drawn to the victims' fates. Navigating the treacherous landscape of memory and the unsettling dynamics of her childhood home, she must confront her own demons to uncover the truth before she becomes another casualty of this seemingly idyllic, yet deeply disturbed, community.
37
The Couple Next Door
Shari Lapena · 2016
4.0 · 2 ratings
A seemingly perfect couple's world shatters when a shocking crime occurs during a dinner party at their neighbors' home, leaving their infant daughter missing. As suspicion mounts and the investigation intensifies, the parents find themselves entangled in a web of deceit, forced to confront the hidden secrets and betrayals within their own marriage. This domestic thriller masterfully unravels the complexities of trust and deception, delivering a pulse-pounding narrative with an unforgettable twist.
38
Haunting Adeline
H. D. Carlton · 2021
1.0 · 1 rating
Adeline Reilly seeks a fresh start in her late grandmother's gothic mansion, only to find herself the target of a relentless stalker. As unsettling events escalate, she uncovers her great-grandmother's journals, revealing a chilling history of a phantom pursuer and a brutal murder. Adeline must confront the darkness within Parson's Manor, where a dangerous obsession threatens to repeat the past. This dark romance explores themes of obsession, inherited trauma, and the blurred lines between love and danger, culminating in a heart-stopping cliffhanger.
39
Red Rabbit
Alex Grecian · 2023
4.5 · 2 ratings
In a West both familiar and terrifyingly strange, a bounty hunter named Tom believes he's on an easy mission to collect a dead witch's bounty. However, his journey to the town of Riddle quickly reveals that Sadie Grace, the witch in question, is far from vanquished and possesses a power that defies expectation. Tom finds himself leading a ragtag posse, each member with their own desperate reasons for joining the hunt, on a perilous quest through a landscape teeming with magic, demons, and ancient folklore. This folk horror epic blends the grit of classic Westerns with the thrill of supernatural encounters, creating a fast-paced, exhilarating adventure that explores the nature of belief and the darkness lurking beneath the surface.
40
Sleeping Giants
Sylvain Neuvel · 2016
5.0 · 1 rating
When a young girl falls through the earth near her South Dakota home, she discovers something impossible: a colossal metal hand buried beneath the ground, its origins and purpose shrouded in mystery. Seventeen years later, physicist Rose Franklin leads a clandestine team investigating the artifact, racing to unlock its secrets before shadowy forces exploit its immense power. As Rose and her colleagues piece together an ancient puzzle that defies scientific explanation, they must confront a terrifying question: is this discovery humanity's salvation or its doom? Blending hard science fiction with geopolitical intrigue and relentless pacing, Neuvel crafts a high-concept thriller that honors the traditions of classic speculative fiction while charting bold new territory. The first installment in The Themis Files, Sleeping Giants is a gripping page-turner that will leave readers desperate for answers.
41
The Black Hunger
Nicholas Pullen · 2024
In a world where survival is measured in scarcity and every choice has a cost, The Black Hunger follows a desperate struggle against an encroaching force that turns hunger into something darker than mere need. As characters are pushed to the edge—testing loyalty, morality, and the limits of endurance—they uncover the origins of the threat and the human decisions that helped summon it. Blending tension and atmosphere with a sharp focus on desperation, power, and resilience, the novel explores what people will sacrifice to stay alive and what they refuse to surrender to fear. With Nicholas Pullen’s immersive, propulsive storytelling, this is a haunting, character-driven journey through the psychology of want and the fight to reclaim agency when the world runs out.
42
The Caretaker
Marcus Kliewer · 2026
A desperate search for employment leads a protagonist to an unusual Craigslist ad, offering a seemingly simple caretaker position in a remote, isolated location. As the days turn into weeks, the unsettling quiet of the estate begins to fray nerves, and the protagonist uncovers disturbing secrets about the property and its previous inhabitants. What starts as a chance for a fresh start quickly devolves into a chilling fight for survival against an unseen, encroaching darkness. This gripping narrative explores themes of isolation, the deceptive nature of appearances, and the terrifying consequences of stepping into the unknown.
43
This Story Might Save Your Life
Tiffany Crum · 2026
When a beloved podcast duo’s next “against-all-odds” survival story turns into a real-life disappearance, Benny Abbott arrives to record and finds shattered glass, an empty house, and only a partial, previously unseen draft of Joy Moore’s memoir to point him toward the truth. As police scrutiny tightens and the world’s millions of listeners cling to the version of Benny and Joy they’ve been sold, Benny must navigate a maze of secrets that may be more dangerous than any near-death tale. Tiffany Crum blends suspense with darkly funny, life-affirming storytelling to explore fame’s hidden costs, the stories we tell to survive, and the fragile line between performance and reality. With a propulsive, character-driven style, this novel asks what happens when the people who inspire hope are forced to confront the possibility that hope—and trust—can be weaponized.
44
This Thing Between Us
Gus Moreno · 2021
4.0 · 1 rating
After a string of unsettling disturbances in their Chicago condo, Thiago and Vera bring home the Itza—an “advanced” smart speaker that promises convenience but seems to invite something far darker. When Vera is suddenly killed, Thiago flees to a remote cabin in Colorado, determined to outrun his grief and start over. Yet the evil that lurks behind the Itza isn’t content to stay confined to the walls; it hunts him through his sorrow, turning every memory into a doorway. Blending grief-stricken psychological tension with creeping, tech-infused horror, this thriller explores how loss can be weaponized—and how far a person will go to reclaim control when the house itself feels alive.
45
Before I Go to Sleep
S. J. Watson · 2012
3.0 · 1 rating
Christine wakes up every morning with no memory of her life, her identity, or the people around her. Her husband, Ben, patiently explains her condition each day, but a hidden journal reveals a different truth, hinting at a past she can't recall and a danger she doesn't understand. As Christine pieces together fragmented clues, she must confront the terrifying possibility that the man she trusts most might be keeping secrets that could shatter her fragile reality. This gripping psychological thriller explores the nature of memory, identity, and the unsettling power of deception.
46
Behind Closed Doors
B.A. Paris · 2016
2.0 · 2 ratings
In this gripping psychological thriller, a seemingly perfect couple hides a dark and terrifying reality behind their idyllic facade. As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn into a world where love and control intertwine, blurring the lines between devotion and obsession. This masterfully crafted narrative explores the devastating consequences of secrets and the chilling lengths to which one person will go to maintain an illusion of perfection. Prepare to be captivated by a tale that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
47
In My Dreams I Hold a Knife
Ashley Winstead · 2021
5.0 · 1 rating
"[A] mordant debut novel....examines what it means to covet the lives of others, no matter the cost."—The New York Times "Tense, twisty, and packed with shocks."—Riley Sager, New York Times bestselling author of Survive The Night Six friends. One college reunion. One unsolved murder. Ten years after graduation, Jessica Miller has planned her triumphant return to her southern, elite Duquette University, down to the envious whispers that are sure to follow in her wake. Everyone is going to see the girl she wants them to see—confident, beautiful, indifferent. Not the girl she was when she left campus, back when Heather Shelby's murder fractured everything, including the tight bond linking the six friends she'd been closest to since freshman year. But not everyone is ready to move on. Not everyone left Duquette ten years ago, and not everyone can let Heather's murder go unsolved. Someone is determined to trap the real killer, to make the guilty pay. When the six friends are reunited, they will be forced to confront what happened that night—and the years' worth of secrets each of them would do anything to keep hidden. Told in racing dual timelines, with a dark campus setting and a darker look at friendship, love, obsession, and ambition, In My Dreams I Hold A Knife is an addictive, propulsive read you won't be able to put down. "Beautiful writing, juicy secrets, complex female characters, and drumbeat suspense—what more could you want from a debut thriller?"—Andrea Bartz, author of Reese's Book Club pick We Were Never Here
48
Personal
Lee Child · 2014
When an assassination attempt on the French president points to John Kott—a disgraced Army marksman with a deadly skill set and a fifteen-year grudge—Jack Reacher knows he's the only one who can stop him. With a G8 summit looming and world leaders gathered in one vulnerable location, the stakes have never been higher, and Reacher's past collides violently with the present. Paired with rookie analyst Casey Nice, Reacher must navigate a treacherous landscape of local criminals, betrayals, and impossible odds to prevent catastrophe. In this high-octane thriller, the legendary drifter finds himself drawn into a personal vendetta that tests his legendary skills and his resolve to remain detached. Lee Child delivers a gripping tale of cat-and-mouse suspense where one man's redemption and another's reckoning converge in a race against time.