Detective thriller novels are some of the most engaging literary works, combining suspense, mystery, and intellect. These books often push readers to follow clues, solve intricate puzzles, and delve into dark, complex worlds. Whether you’re a seasoned mystery lover or new to the genre, the following 15 detective thrillers are must-reads that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
15 Best Detective Thriller Novels You Need To Read Right Now
1. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
A gripping tale of mystery and murder in Sweden.
Larsson’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo introduces readers to the brilliant hacker, Lisbeth Salander, and the investigative journalist, Mikael Blomkvist. The two uncover dark family secrets while unraveling a decades-old disappearance in a family riddled with corruption.
2. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
A psychiatrist’s obsession with a woman who shot her husband.
This psychological thriller follows Theo Faber, a criminal psychologist, as he delves into the life of Alicia Berenson, a celebrated painter who murdered her husband and fell silent. Theo’s obsession leads him down a path of shocking discoveries.
3. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
A wife disappears, and suspicion falls on her husband.
In Gone Girl, the disappearance of Amy Dunne turns into a nationwide media frenzy. The reader is thrust into a twisted narrative filled with unreliable characters, secrets, and deceptions. Flynn’s sharp writing and plot twists keep readers guessing until the very end.
4. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Dark secrets in a suburban community, leading to murder.
Moriarty’s Big Little Lies intricately weaves the lives of three women—Madeline, Celeste, and Jane—whose seemingly perfect lives are disrupted by secrets and lies. At the heart of the story is a murder mystery, and the narrative shifts between past events leading up to the crime and the present investigation.
5. The Reversal by Michael Connelly
A legal thriller where a defense attorney seeks a new case.
The Reversal is part of Michael Connelly’s famous Harry Bosch series. In this novel, attorney Mickey Haller is recruited to handle a case that involves the reversal of a conviction from a decades-old case. The thriller combines courtroom drama with complex criminal investigations.
6. In The Woods by Tana French
A detective confronts old memories during a modern-day murder case.
French’s In The Woods follows detective Rob Ryan, who investigates a child’s murder in a small Irish town. He is forced to confront the dark memories of his own childhood, as the case appears to be connected to a crime from his past.
7. The Woman In The Window by A. J. Finn
A reclusive woman suspects a crime in her neighbor’s home.
This psychological thriller centers on Anna Fox, a woman who suffers from agoraphobia and spends her days watching her neighbors. When she suspects that something sinister is happening next door, her ability to trust her own perceptions is put to the test.
8. The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins
A woman’s obsession with a couple leads to a disappearance.
Hawkins’ debut novel is a fast-paced, suspense-filled mystery. Rachel Watson’s life begins to unravel as she becomes entangled in the investigation of the disappearance of Megan Hipwell, a woman she has been observing from her daily train commute. Lies, secrets, and unreliable narrators create an electrifying read.
9. The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith
A private detective investigates a supermodel’s suicide.
Written under J.K. Rowling’s pseudonym Robert Galbraith, The Cuckoo’s Calling introduces private detective Cormoran Strike. When a supermodel dies in an apparent suicide, Strike is hired to investigate further. This novel presents a complex, twist-filled case that will keep readers hooked.
10. The Snowman by Jo Nesbø
A detective hunts down a serial killer in the icy Norwegian winter.
In The Snowman, Harry Hole, an Oslo detective, embarks on a chilling investigation to uncover a serial killer who has left mysterious snowmen at the crime scenes. Jo Nesbø’s atmospheric writing and gripping mystery have made this a standout in Scandinavian noir.
11. I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll
A web of lies following the disappearance of a young woman.
This psychological thriller starts with the disappearance of Ella Longfield, and the story unfolds from multiple perspectives, each one revealing a layer of truth. As characters grapple with guilt, suspicion, and mystery, the plot leads to unexpected twists and revelations.
12. Before I Go To Sleep by S. J. Watson
A woman’s memory resets every day, and someone is trying to kill her.
Before I Go To Sleep follows Christine Lucas, who suffers from amnesia, losing her memory every day when she falls asleep. She begins to uncover terrifying truths as she tries to piece together the mystery of her life, leading to an unexpected, life-changing discovery.
13. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
A classic tale of a group of college students who commit murder.
Tartt’s The Secret History is a novel about a group of students who become involved in a murder during their time at a small college in Vermont. The story explores the consequences of their actions and the psychological turmoil they face as they try to cover up their crime.
14. The Last House On Needless Street by Catriona Ward
A man lives in isolation, hiding dark secrets about his past.
In The Last House On Needless Street, Ted lives a solitary life in a secluded house near a forest, keeping to himself. However, when a new neighbor, Dee, moves in, she becomes determined to unravel Ted’s dark past. This novel is full of unexpected twists and turns.
15. The Shadow Of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
A young man uncovers a mysterious author’s forgotten works.
The Shadow of the Wind is set in post-World War II Barcelona and follows Daniel Sempere, who discovers a forgotten novel by an obscure author. As he delves deeper into the author’s past, Daniel uncovers a dark and thrilling mystery that leads him on an unforgettable journey.
Conclusion
Detective thrillers captivate with their intricate plots, suspenseful twists, and compelling characters. The novels listed here are prime examples of the genre’s ability to engage readers with mystery, tension, and intellectual depth. Whether you prefer psychological thrillers, legal mysteries, or classic detective stories, these books offer something for every fan of the genre. Grab one and dive into the dark, thrilling world of suspense today!
