The Best Crime Thrillers: Keeping You on the Edge of Your Seat
A good crime thriller has the power to captivate its audience with its gripping plot, intriguing characters, and heart-pumping suspense. It is a genre that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth. In recent years, crime thrillers have gained immense popularity, with the rise of TV shows like “Mindhunter” and “True Detective”, and blockbuster movies like “Gone Girl” and “The Girl on the Train”. However, for true fans of the genre, there is nothing quite like a well-crafted crime thriller novel.
As we enter into 2026, the genre of crime thrillers continues to evolve, with new authors emerging and established writers pushing the boundaries. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect read. So, we have compiled a list of the best crime thriller books that will keep you entertained for hours on end and leave you wanting more.
1. “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley
This thrilling novel takes place on a remote island off the coast of Ireland where a glamorous wedding is about to take place. But when a storm hits and cuts the island off from the mainland, the guests soon realize that not everyone is who they seem. Secrets, lies, and revenge are at the heart of this page-turner, making it a must-read for any crime thriller enthusiast.
2. “The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson
The debut novel from Jackson has taken the crime thriller world by storm and rightfully so. This YA novel centers around a high school student who decides to investigate a crime that happened in her town five years ago for her senior project. But as she digs deeper, she realizes that the killer may still be out there and closer to her than she thinks.
3. “The Sanatorium” by Sarah Pearse
Set in a remote and eerie hotel-turned-sanatorium in the Swiss Alps, this novel will give you chills from beginning to end. When a detective on holiday with her boyfriend stumbles upon a murder, she starts to uncover dark secrets about the hotel and its guests. With an atmospheric setting and a twisted plot, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.
4. “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
This bestselling novel is a psychological thriller that will leave you speechless. When famous artist Alicia Berenson is found guilty of murdering her husband, she refuses to speak a word and is sent to a psychiatric institution. Years later, a psychotherapist becomes determined to uncover the truth behind her silence. With unexpected twists and turns, this book will leave you guessing until the final pages.
5. “The Maidens” by Alex Michaelides
Michaelides makes our list again with his latest novel that takes readers to the hallowed halls of Cambridge University. When a young woman is found murdered on campus, a group of maidens (female students in a secret society) become prime suspects. But when a psychotherapist begins to dig deeper, she uncovers dark secrets and a dangerous obsession. This gripping thriller is not to be missed.
6. “The Law of Innocence” by Michael Connelly
No crime thriller list would be complete without mentioning Michael Connelly. In his latest novel, Connelly takes readers on a wild ride with criminal defense attorney Mickey Haller, who finds himself on trial for murder. With his career and reputation on the line, Mickey must use all his skills to prove his innocence and take down the real killer.
7. “The Tenant” by Katrine Engberg
This haunting debut novel is perfect for fans of the classic whodunit. When a young woman is found brutally murdered in her apartment, two Copenhagen police detectives must unravel the truth behind her mysterious tenant. But as they dig deeper, they find themselves embroiled in a complex web of secrets, lies, and revenge.
8. “The Night Swim” by Megan Goldin
This gripping novel combines true crime and a courtroom drama to create an unputdownable thriller. A true crime podcaster becomes involved in a small town’s controversial rape trial, but as she delves into the case, she uncovers a shocking connection to her own past. With multiple twists and turns, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.
9. “The President’s Daughter” by James Patterson and