Buckle up, fellow bookworms, because we’re about to embark on a journey through the labyrinthine corridors of some of the most mind-bending thriller novels. These books aren’t content with merely keeping you on the edge of your seat; they’re determined to catapult you into a world of jaw-dropping plot twists that will leave your mind reeling.
From psychological twists to dystopian nightmares, these authors lead us down the rabbit hole of complex characters, hidden motives and shocking truths. Ahead, we explore seven novels that redefine the art of the unexpected and stretch your imagination to its limits.
7 Thriller Novels That Need To Be On Your Reading List
1. Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
Picture this: an exclusive Manhattan apartment building with mysterious residents, rules as stringent as Fort Knox, and an enigma lurking within its walls. Lock Every Door isn’t just a title; it’s a command. Jules, a down-on-her-luck protagonist, signs up for a seemingly cushy job as an apartment sitter, only to uncover a history of vanishing tenants. When her friend Ingrid disappears, Jules takes it upon herself to unravel the twisted past of the Bartholomew building. This psychological rollercoaster dangles clues, misdirections and revelations so deftly that you won’t see the final twist coming until it’s knocking on your imagination’s door.
2. Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica
Enter a dystopian nightmare where cannibalism is normalised due to a virus that contaminates all animal meat. Tender Is the Flesh poses harrowing questions about morality, desperation and the thin line between humanity and monstrosity. As we follow Marcos, a human meat supplier, through a twisted world, the narrative becomes an exploration of the darkest corners of human nature. This mind-bending novel will have you questioning your own limits and convictions, while also challenging you to confront the unthinkable.
3. The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
Peer into the house across the lake, where nothing is as it seems in this chilling narrative. Casey Fletcher, grieving and seeking solace, becomes entranced by her mysterious neighbours. When she rescues Katherine from drowning, a seemingly innocent friendship forms, only to uncover the dark underbelly of an outwardly perfect marriage. The plot thickens as secrets unravel and Casey finds herself caught in a web of guilt, obsession and shocking revelations. The House Across the Lake offers a masterclass in how appearances can be deeply deceiving, twisting your perceptions until you’re gasping for air.
4. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Pippa Fitz-Amobi is on a quest to uncover the truth behind a murder that has everyone convinced of the killer’s identity. In A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson crafts a tale of suspense that keeps readers guessing at every turn. With a mix of capstone log entries and interviews, Pip navigates a web of secrets, lies and interconnected suspects. As the puzzle pieces fall into place, the shocking reality emerges from beneath the surface. This rollercoaster of a novel proves that even in a seemingly closed case, the truth might be hiding in plain sight.
5. Survive the Night by Riley Sager
When a cross-country road trip takes a chilling turn in Survive the Night, buckle up for a nail-biting ride. Charlie Jordan, already dealing with a nightmare of a day, joins Josh Baxter for a ride home. However, as they share stories and evade the looming presence of a Campus Killer, discrepancies arise in Josh’s narrative. The tension builds with each passing mile, making you question who’s really in control. This thriller is a masterclass in psychological manipulation, where trust is a precious commodity.
6. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
This novel introduces us to Alicia, a woman who murdered her husband in cold blood and subsequently falls into complete silence. Forensic psychoanalyst Theo Faber is determined to break through her silence and unearth the truth behind her actions. As the narrative toggles between Theo’s present-day perspective and Alicia’s past diary entries, the reader is taken on a mesmerising journey of deception, hidden motives and astonishing revelations. Michaelides expertly constructs a complex narrative structure that amplifies the suspense, leading to a climactic twist that shatters preconceptions and leaves minds utterly blown.
7. The Companion by Katie Alender
Katie Alender’s The Companion introduces us to Margot, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she’s taken in by the Suttons after a family tragedy. What seems like a ray of hope quickly turns into a haunting ordeal as Margot becomes a companion to the cryptic Agatha. Alender masterfully weaves an atmosphere of gothic suspense, as Margot finds herself entangled in a web of family secrets, eerie occurrences and her own fraying sanity. The narrative’s twists and turns mirror Margot’s increasing unease, leading to a finale that’s as electrifying as it is unsettling. With each page, The Companion beckons readers into a world where every shadow holds a secret, and every whisper is laced with trepidation.
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