This list was a difficult one to make, especially as the thriller genre is my most read. I’ve been a bit savage, cutting down my original shortlist from 30 to the 12 you see here.
Ultimately, these are thrillers I couldn’t/wouldn’t put down, and gave me such a buzz after finishing. I’d say I read roughly 100 thrillers this year, so take my word, that these are the thrillers you need.
You might also be interested in these posts:
In no particular order, here’s Bookmark That’s Top Thrillers of 2020:
Mother Loves Me, Abby Davies – my review here – this book ticks every single box for a thriller for me. Shock after shock and a meaty plot; I’ll be instantly buying any future books by this author.
Inside Out, Chris McGeorge – my review here – I’d previously read another book by this author, which instantly became my recommendation for a locked-door crime fiction. This book ups the game, and is hauntingly realistic, offering a speedy but intense and entirely unpredictable read.
The Other You, J. S. Monroe – my review here – I read this in January, and instantly loved it. I’ve thought about it numerous times, as it’s so original but offers an ‘Inception’ type of read, and often leaving you speechless. I’m confident that anyone will like this book.
Three Hours, Rosamund Lupton – As a book blogger, obviously my main aim is to find the right words to explain how good a book is. I couldn’t do it here, and that’s only happened once before. Everything I was writing just wasn’t doing it justice; I think about it regularly, and it stirred so many emotions. Read this book.
33 Women, Isabel Ashdown – my review here – If you immediately go out and buy several copies of this for your friends, it needs to be on a top reads list. All of these books had my name written all over it, but this one in particular – yes yes yes!
His & Hers, Alice Feeney – Half-way through reading this, I ordered the author’s previous books, and read them as soon as they arrived because the writing and twists just had me on such a thriller-y high. Lots of people messaged me about buying this after I’d shouted from the rooftops, and they all loved it equally, so I’m confident you will too.
Keeper, Jessica Moor – This is a deep thriller, with an important message for readers. There’s lots to take away, and although it’s not the easiest book to read because of the content, it’s one that has stayed with me, 10 months on from finishing.
What Lies Between Us, John Marrs – my review here – If someone tells me a book is ‘unpredictable’, I see that as the biggest challenge, and I must do everything possible to predict the book. Definitely failed here – this book kept me on the edge of my seat with unreliable narratives which I love and is highly addictive.
The Kindness of Psychopaths, Alan Gorevan – Imagine being on a 3/4-hour rollercoaster, and that’s how it feels reading this book. You’ll find this book next to ‘intense’ in the dictionary. This book needs to be on your radar.
The Best True New Crime Stories: Small Towns, Mitzi Szereto – my review here – Ok, technically this is true crime/non-fiction, but it gives off a thriller-y vibe so it deserved a place. This book included multiple stories from different authors, which was fantastic with the different writing styles, but also all interesting, and mostly gruesome.
The Resident, David Jackson – my review here – This book got under my skin. Not only do you have a fantastic plot which is incredibly fast-paced (and those first few pages – wowza), the writing style definitely makes this a stand-out thriller for me. More from this author, asap please. A faultless thriller.
Letters from the Dead, Sam Hurcom – my review here – I loved this book the second I opened it, and I regret not reading the first book in this series first – don’t make the mistake I did. Incredibly engaging with a plot worth every second of reading. I didn’t even have to think about including this book.
Notable mention – Jess Lourey – Bloodlines – I finished this two days after I finalised my list, and booooooy, what a treat of a book it was. Another faultless thriller, which I guarantee you will be shocked by.
A re-read I still love – I read Nothing Important Happened Today by Will Carver again this year, which was my stand-out book of last year. It’s still a first-class book and the experience is even better the second time around.
That’s it! Thrillers are my absolute fave genre, and my go-to. I hope you love these as much as I did! Let’s get social – if you’ve read any of these, or have any more thriller recommendations, you can find me on Twitter and Instagram – I’d love to chat with you!