Hey there! If you love getting swept away in a good mystery or thriller, you’re in for a treat. Looking back at the books that hit the shelves in 2023, we’ve handpicked the most thrilling reads that you won’t want to miss in 2024.
From puzzling mysteries to heart-racing thrillers, last year brought us some real gems that are sure to keep you glued to the pages. Whether you’re a seasoned mystery buff or just looking for a bit of excitement, these books are packed with twists and turns that’ll keep you guessing till the end.
So, get ready to dive into the best mystery and thriller books of 2023. It’s time to uncover secrets, solve crimes, and embark on thrilling adventures between the covers of these captivating novels!
1. The Housemaid’s Secret:
Our Rating: 4.7/5
Honestly, if Freida McFaddon ever stops writing psychological thrillers, I might have to give up on the genre altogether. Her books just have a way of pulling you in like no other.
I was a bit skeptical when I picked up this latest one, especially since I’d read the first in the series, “The Housemaid.” I was worried it might feel like a repeat of the same story with different characters. But let me tell you, it’s completely different. You could easily read it on its own and still be totally hooked.
2. None of This is True:
Rating: 4.6/5
This thriller by Lisa Jewell is absolutely gripping! It’s everything you’d want in a suspenseful read—disturbing, intriguing, and utterly captivating. Trust me, I was completely hooked from start to finish!
3. The Last Devil to Die:
Our Rating: 4.7/5
Osman has crafted a series of four books that have been a hit with Our book club, but we all unanimously agree that “Last Devil to Die” stands out as the best one yet.
The series follows a charming group of elderly sleuths residing in a retirement center in England, and each installment is filled with quirky characters and delightful diversity.
4. Bright Young Women:
Our Rating: 4.4/5
Masterfully blending elements of psychological suspense and true crime, Jessica Knoll—author of the bestselling novel Luckiest Girl Alive and the writer behind the Netflix adaption starring Mila Kunis—delivers a new and exhilarating thriller in Bright Young Women.
The book opens on a Saturday night in 1978, hours before a soon-to-be-infamous murderer descends upon a Florida sorority house with deadly results. The lives of those who survive, including sorority president and key witness, Pamela Schumacher, are forever changed.
Across the country, Tina Cannon is convinced her missing friend was targeted by the man papers refer to as the All-American Sex Killer—and that he’s struck again. Determined to find justice, the two join forces as their search for answers leads to a final, shocking confrontation.
5. All the Dangerous Things:
Our Rating: 4.5/5
“All the Dangerous Things” delves into the hidden secrets lurking within families, the challenges of early motherhood, and the web of lies we weave, both with others and ourselves.
With its abundance of unexpected twists and turns, I found myself eagerly flipping through the pages, unable to put it down. Stacy has definitely become a go-to author for me after this captivating read.
6. Homecoming:
Our Rating: 4.5/5
I absolutely adored this story! The seamless transition between 1959 and the present day was incredibly well done, making it easy to follow without any confusion.
The mysteries woven throughout kept me fully engaged, making it difficult to set the book down. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the twist at the end completely caught me off guard. This has quickly become my favorite Kate Morton book!
7. What Lies in the Woods:
Our Rating: 4.4/5
“This gripping and chilling thriller delves into the enchantment of childhood, the complexities of truth and storytelling, and the unsettling secrets that lurk beneath the surface of small-town life.
Marshall, already renowned in YA literature, proves adept at transitioning to adult fiction with this haunting and memorable narrative. It’s a compelling exploration of the significance of not only discovering the truth but also controlling its narrative.”
8. The Villa:
Our Rating: 4.1/5
“In ‘The Villa,’ Rachel Hawkins masterfully weaves together the past and present, drawing readers into a captivatingly dark story brimming with secrets, betrayals, and perilous confrontations.
I raced through this chilling journey, gripped by its every twist and turn, yet reluctant for it to conclude. Every aspect of ‘The Villa’ is flawlessly executed, reaffirming Hawkins’ status as the unrivaled queen of suspense.”
9. After That Night:
Our Rating: 4.5/5
After that night, everything changed . . .
Fifteen years ago, Sara Linton’s life changed forever when a celebratory night out ended in a violent attack that tore her world apart. Since then, Sara has remade her life. A successful doctor, engaged to a man she loves, she has finally managed to leave the past behind her.
Until one evening, on call in the ER, everything changes. Sara battles to save a broken young woman who’s been brutally attacked. But as the investigation progresses, led by GBI Special Agent Will Trent, it becomes clear that Dani Cooper’s assault is uncannily linked to Sara’s.
And the past isn’t going to stay buried forever . . .
10. The Coworker:
Our Rating: 4.3/5
Dawn Schiff is strange.
At least, everyone thinks so at Vixed, the nutritional supplement company where Dawn works as an accountant. She never says the right thing. She has no friends. And she is always at her desk at precisely 8:45 a.m.
So when Dawn doesn’t show up to the office one morning, her coworker Natalie Farrell―beautiful, popular, top sales rep five years running―is surprised. Then she receives an unsettling, anonymous phone call that changes everything…
It turns out Dawn wasn’t just an awkward outsider―she was being targeted by someone close. And now Natalie is irrevocably tied to Dawn as she finds herself caught in a twisted game of cat and mouse that leaves her wondering: who’s the real victim?
But one thing is incredibly clear: somebody hated Dawn Schiff. Enough to kill.
The Coworker is a tense, unputdownable thriller from New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden that explores the dark ways the past can echo through the present―with deadly consequences.
11. Good Bad Girl:
Our Rating: 4.2/5
HE INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER!!
Sometimes bad things happen to good people, so good people have to do bad things.
Queen of Twists, bestselling author of Daisy Darker and Rock Paper Scissors Alice Feeney, returns with another thrilling mystery filled with drama and her trademark surprises.