Thrills and Chills: The Best Thriller Novels of the Year

Dive into the heart-pounding world of suspense and mystery with our curated list of the 20 Best Thriller Novels from 2024 so far. Whether you're a fan of gripping psychological twists, chilling conspiracies, or edge-of-your-seat suspense, these novels promise to deliver unforgettable plots and characters.

 

Synopsis: Georgina Drake's peaceful job photographing the picturesque Hartington Hall takes a chilling turn when she discovers the manor's mistress dead in the ancient ice house. Karen Berry, the second wife of the hall's owner, had no shortage of enemies. Despite initial thoughts of accident, Georgina suspects foul play on learning of Karen's conflicts with her husband, strained relationships with step-daughters, and the dismissal of a trusted housekeeper.

As DI Colin Bradshaw and the police investigate, Georgina's suspicions grow. During a stroll with her spirited spaniel Bertie, they stumble upon a shocking find. Now embroiled in a perplexing mystery, Georgina races to uncover the dark secret connecting both crimes and expose the killer before they strike again.

Why Read: Set against the idyllic backdrop of Norfolk, this thriller novel is best for fans of Agatha Christie.

 

Synopsis: In July 1995, April and Eddie find themselves lost on their way to a quiet resort town for their honeymoon. Their journey takes an ominous turn when they pick up a hitchhiker on a deserted road. Soon, they notice blood on her jacket and realise they are being chased by a truck down Atticus Line.

Why Read: This thriller novel is best for fans of supernatural thrillers. This fast-paced novel is designed to keep you completely engrossed.

 

Synopsis: Alone with her children during a snowstorm, a mother's quiet night turns into a nightmare when she hears footsteps, too heavy to be just the house settling. As a shadowy figure emerges down the hall, she quickly ushers her children into a hidden room, where they cower as the intruder searches for them, coaxing the children out and instilling fear in the mother.

In the darkness, she must gather her wits: should she find a weapon or attempt to flee? But as she catches sight of his face and hears his voice, she realises the terrifying truth—she knows exactly who he is and what he's after.

Why Read: One of the best thriller novels to lose sleep over. You'll find yourself gripped, staying awake into the night, eager to dive into a journey of psychological suspense.

 

Synopsis: Theodora "Teddy" Angstrom is haunted by her older sister Angie's unsolved disappearance a decade ago. After their father's unexpected suicide reveals his deep involvement in a Reddit community obsessed with Angie's case, Teddy becomes consumed by the same quest for answers.

Her investigation strains several of her relationships. But amidst the chaos, Teddy becomes entangled with Mickey, a charismatic amateur detective who offers to help crack the case.

Drawn deeper into the online conspiracy and mesmerised by Mickey, Teddy's quest for closure blurs ethical boundaries. As she wrestles with conflicting truths and past memories, her desperation intensifies, risking both her sanity and relationships in her relentless pursuit of Angie's fate.

Why Read: Explore the dark allure of internet communities and the toll of unresolved grief, delivering a gripping mystery that probes the depths of obsession and loss.

 

Synopsis: Eve enjoys a seemingly perfect life: waking up next to her husband Nate and teaching math at the local high school. However, beneath the surface lies a community still reeling from a scandal involving student Addie and a teacher. Eve suspects there's more to the rumours surrounding Addie, who is portrayed as manipulative and destructive.

But as Eve delves deeper, she uncovers hidden truths that could unravel everything—and Addie is determined to protect her secrets at any cost.

Why Read: Arguably one of the best thriller novels from McFadden. It’s irresistibly gripping, delivering a fast-paced thrill that will captivate you from start to finish.

 

Synopsis: From the acclaimed author of "When No One Is Watching" comes a gripping thriller. Kenetria Nash, grappling with dissociative identity disorder, seizes a chance at redemption as caretaker of a historic estate on an isolated Hudson River island.

However, when a storm traps her with strangers and an old nemesis, followed by a murder, Ken becomes the prime suspect. Now, she must navigate a labyrinth of secrets to uncover the truth about Kavanaugh Island and their own tumultuous past before time runs out.

Why Read: This gripping thriller offers a compelling premise and masterful execution, guaranteed to captivate and immerse you in its darkness.

 

Synopsis: Jane Connor has always accepted her role as the "plain Jane" of the family—practical and reliable, a stark contrast to her beautiful and impulsive younger sister, Esme.

When Esme calls during a sudden summer storm, revealing she’s left her wealthy husband and wants to stay with Jane, Jane is surprised and hopeful for a chance to reconnect.

However, Esme needs a ride from the city to their small Connecticut hometown, and Jane is terrified of the highway due to a past incident from their teenage years. Jane faces a tough decision: let Esme fend for herself or overcome her fear to help her sister, a choice that will change her life forever.

Why Read: With unexpected twists, The Split one of the best thriller novels on our list that captivatingly explores how little we truly know our loved ones and how a single choice can alter everything.

 

Synopsis: From the New York Times bestselling author of We Begin at the End comes a riveting thriller and an epic love story spanning decades.

In 1975, America is in the midst of change. The Vietnam War is concluding, Muhammad Ali is battling Joe Frazier, and in the quiet town of Monta Clare, Missouri, girls are vanishing.

When the daughter of a wealthy family becomes a target, an unexpected hero emerges—Patch, a local one-eyed boy, who saves her, inadvertently causing heartache.

Patch and his loved ones soon realize the fine line between triumph and tragedy. Their quest for answers uncovers truths that could tear them apart.

Why Read: Combining a missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, and a poignant love story, Whitaker's novel delves into the shadows of obsession and the powerful light of hope.

 

Synopsis: In the ingenious fifth installment of the Hawthorne and Horowitz series by New York Times bestselling author Anthony Horowitz, Detective Hawthorne faces another seemingly unsolvable case—a gruesome murder in an idyllic gated community brimming with suspects.

Riverside Close is a picture-perfect enclave. Six exclusive and elegant houses sit far from the chaos of city life, offering residents lush gardens, soothing birdsong, and serene seclusion behind a locked gate.

This tranquility is shattered by the arrival of the Kentworthy family, who bring four gas-guzzling cars, a horde of noisy children, and plans for an extravagant home improvements. Quickly alienating their neighbours, the Kentworthys become the community's obvious outsiders.

When Giles Kentworthy is discovered dead on his doorstep, pierced by a crossbow bolt, Detective Hawthorne is the only one capable of unraveling the mystery.

Why Read: Ideal for those in need of a classic whodunit, this novel delivers all the hallmarks of a good thriller novel: a puzzling murder, a cast of intriguing suspects, and a brilliant detective determined to uncover the truth.

 

Synopsis: Ellery Wainwright and her husband, Luke, were supposed to celebrate their twentieth wedding anniversary at the luxurious Resort at Broken Point in Big Sur, California. But now, she’s there alone and going through a painful divorce.

Adding to her distress, a wedding is scheduled at Broken Point during her stay. When Ellery discovers the groom's body floating in the pool during a rainstorm, she realises she's not the only one facing an uncertain future.

A mudslide cuts off the road to the resort, trapping all the guests. When another guest dies, it becomes clear that something sinister is at play.

Why Read: Featured in Reese Witherspoon’s book club picks. We’d class this as a good thriller novel to pick up as a summer read.

 

Synopsis: The Wilds is the third and final instalment of the trilogy that Sarah Pearse started with The Sanatorium and then The Retreat.

Kier Templer lives her life on the road. Kier left her hometown and twin brother behind, after being known as ‘the monster’s daughter’ following her mother’s crime. Haunted by her past, she has always stayed connected to her brother, Penn, through the unique maps she creates of the places she explores. When Kier suddenly goes off-grid without sending her latest map, Penn knows something is terribly wrong.

Elin Warner is vacationing with her brother Isaac in a national park in Portugal—the last place Kier was seen. Their trip is intended to help them reconnect, but there's another reason Isaac chose this specific location. A friend has asked him to investigate the disappearance of his sister, Kier. With Elin's assistance, they start searching for information and evidence of Kier's presence in the park.

Following a sinister discovery, Elin realises Kier's disappearance is more personal than she ever imagined.

Why Read: This is a good thriller novel for a thrilling mix of family drama and suspense.

 

Synopsis: In the third installment of The Housemaid series, Millie and Enzo settle into a new home with their children, Nico and Ada. Their neighbours, Jonathan and Suzette Lowell, appear peculiar, closely observing Millie and Enzo's household.

Millie, who worked tirelessly to purchase the house and provide her children a better life in a tranquil cul-de-sac, soon receives a chilling warning about their neighbours, prompting her to reconsider her decision to move.

Why Read: While it may be considered more of a slow burn and would be classed as a good thriller novel as opposed to a top-tier novel, it still manages to captivate.

 

Synopsis: The third installment of the Camino Island series begins with author Mercer Mann's wedding to Thomas, celebrating with friends from the island including Bruce Cable, owner of Bay Books. Seeking inspiration for her next novel, Bruce suggests the tale of Dark Isle—an uninhabited island once home to runaway slaves, now coveted by property developers.

Lovely Jackson, the island's last descendant, opposes them fiercely despite the island's cursed reputation. As Mercer delves into researching Dark Isle for a potential book, Bruce uses his connections to gather intel on the developers, while Lovely and her legal team work together to defend her ancestral land.

Why Read: This thrilling narrative promises a compelling blend of mystery, legal drama, and the quest to preserve a cultural legacy against formidable odds.

 

Synopsis: When Stella first met Adam, she saw him as a refreshing change from her tumultuous past relationships and jet-setting lifestyle. However, everything unravels when Adam disappears following a city square explosion.

As French authorities uncover Adam’s involvement in antiquities trafficking, Stella refuses to leave Paris until she uncovers the truth about his past.

Why Read: Set against the backdrop of Europe’s enchanting cities, The Paris Widow is a gripping tale of hidden histories and lingering dangers.

 

Synopsis: From the author of "How to Survive Your Murder" comes a gripping thriller about Olivia and Reagan, whose lives intertwine with the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders. Olivia, born during the tragedy, seeks answers about her true lineage after discovering her father isn't who she thought.

Reagan, raised in the shadow of her mother's wrongful conviction for the murders, is determined to prove her innocence.

Why Read: Get ready for a bumpy ride as secrets resurface and danger looms, threatening to silence anyone who uncovers the truth.

 

Synopsis: In this riveting thriller by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient, a tale unfolds on a private Greek island where reclusive ex-movie star Lana Farrar hosts her annual Easter getaway for close friends.

What begins as a reunion among celebrities soon turns deadly, with old animosities surfacing and secrets unraveling in the isolated setting.

Why Read: Narrated by Elliot Chase, this story unveils a night of intrigue, betrayal, and a shocking murder that leaves everyone trapped in a web of suspicion and fear.

 

Synopsis: Rosie and Chad Lowan's ordinary lives take a thrilling turn when they inherit a luxurious apartment at the historic Windermere in Murray Hill, New York City. For Rosie, the building's prewar charm and attentive doorman seem like a dream come true compared to their previous struggles. Yet, beneath the Windermere's facade of elegance lies a chilling history of dark secrets and violent incidents.

As Rosie delves deeper into their new home's past, she becomes increasingly unsettled by the building's peculiarities—constant surveillance, a vigilant doorman, and a string of disturbing crimes that haunt its history. When a neighbour is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Rosie realises is firmly within the walls of the Windermere.

Why Read: With danger lurking around every corner, Rosie's journey to uncover the truth becomes a gripping tale of suspense and intrigue.

 

Synopsis: Myron Bolitar, a former basketball star turned sports agency owner, is just getting his business back on track when two federal agents disrupt his office. He assumes they're there about the Callister murders, a case he knows little about. However, their real inquiry shocks him—they're looking for Greg Downing, a former NBA player and Myron's early client who supposedly died three years ago.

The agents insist Greg is alive and linked to the Callister case, but Myron can't reconcile this with Greg's death. Before dying, Greg had made peculiar financial decisions, and his sudden reappearance baffles Myron and his partner, Win. As they dig deeper, they uncover a series of murders that seem connected to Greg's past activities. Now, they must determine if Greg is truly alive, where he might be, and whether they're hunting him or an elusive and cunning serial killer.

Why Read: With a relentless pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, this gripping thriller masterfully weaves together suspense and intrigue from the very first page.

 

Synopsis: They appeared as the picture-perfect family on the surface, but beneath their facade lay a labyrinth of deceit. When a young nanny plunges to her death, a nine-year-old girl (Rose Barclay) falls mute after witnessing the incident during her parents' divorce.

Stella Hudson, a lawyer specialising in children's custody cases, is called to unravel the truth. Unusually, Stella's appointed despite her rule of not representing clients under thirteen, encouraged by a respected judge who sees a unique need.

Entering the opulent Barclay residence in DC, Stella senses a more sinister truth lurking within its walls. The family is entangled in secrets deeper than she imagined, with every member a potential suspect in the nanny's demise. As Stella digs deeper, danger closes in, enveloping her past and present in unforeseen ways.

Caught in a web of lies and concealed motives, Stella must navigate the treacherous waters where everyone—from the mother, father, and grandmother to the nanny's boyfriend and even young Rose—becomes a suspect. The very person Stella is meant to safeguard may ultimately pose the greatest threat to her safety.

Why Read: If you're drawn to good thriller novels that delve into the complexities of human nature and keep you on the edge of your seat with each twist and turn, House of Glass promises an exhilarating read that will leave you questioning everyone's motives until the very last page.

 

Synopsis: A directionless young woman finds solace in a true-crime community obsessed with solving a series of murders in Atlanta. When William, a charismatic lawyer accused of the crimes, captures her attention, Hannah begins a correspondence with him. Initially a cathartic outlet for her frustrations, their letters quickly escalate into a dangerous obsession after William's unexpected acquittal.

Driven by a need for answers and consumed by her newfound purpose, Hannah plunges into the heart of the investigation, even relocating to Georgia for the trial. There, she immerses herself in a world of fellow true-crime enthusiasts, forging unlikely alliances while grappling with the unfolding mysteries.

As the tension mounts and another woman falls victim, William's innocence becomes increasingly questionable. Yet, against all reason, Hannah becomes entangled in a relationship with him, navigating the precarious balance between domesticity and her clandestine pursuit of justice.

In this dark and irresistibly compelling thriller, Hannah's journey transforms from a quest for truth into a perilous game of trust and betrayal. With every twist and revelation, she must confront the chilling possibility that the man she loves may be a serial killer—and that her pursuit of justice could lead to devastating consequences.

Why read: If you're drawn to psychological thrillers that delve deep into the complexities of obsession and deception, this debut novel promises a riveting exploration of one woman's descent into darkness and her relentless quest for answers.

 

So there you have it, we’ve given you 20 of the best thriller novels for 2024 that will keep you turning pages long into the night. If you're ready for pulse-pounding excitement and suspenseful storytelling, these are the books you won't want to miss.