The adrenaline rush, the heart-pumping suspense, and the unexpected twists and turns – that’s the thrill of reading a great thriller book. From classic whodunits to psychological thrillers, the genre never fails to keep us on the edge of our seats. And with every page, we eagerly devour the story, trying to unravel the mystery before the final reveal.
As we embark on a new year, let’s take a look at the top 20 thriller books of all time, that are sure to keep us hooked and haunt our minds long after we’ve turned the last page.
1. The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
This iconic novel needs no introduction. The chilling tale of a young FBI agent, Clarice Starling, who must enlist the help of a notorious serial killer, Hannibal Lecter, in order to catch another killer, is a masterpiece of suspense and psychological manipulation. With its bone-chilling scenes and complex characters, this book rightfully deserves the top spot on our list.
2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
This Swedish crime thriller introduces us to the enigmatic character, Lisbeth Salander, a computer hacker with a troubled past who teams up with journalist Mikael Blomkvist to solve a decades-old case of a missing girl. Filled with shocking revelations and intense action, this book will keep you hooked until the very end.
3. In the Woods by Tana French
This first installment in Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad series is a gripping and haunting read. When a child is found murdered in the same woods where detective Rob Ryan’s own childhood friend went missing, he must confront his past and solve the case to find closure. French weaves a complex web of suspense, emotions, and secrets in this beautifully written novel.
4. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
This New York Times Bestseller is a twisted and dark thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. When Amy Dunne mysteriously disappears on her fifth wedding anniversary, her husband, Nick, becomes the prime suspect. But as the story unfolds, nothing is what it seems. With its unexpected twists and unreliable narrators, this book is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts.
5. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Considered one of Agatha Christie’s best works, this classic whodunit follows ten strangers who are summoned to an isolated island by a mysterious host. As they start dying one by one, the remaining guests must figure out who the killer is among them before it’s too late. With its clever plot and an unexpected ending, this book is a timeless read.
6. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
This worldwide bestseller combines history, art, and religion to create a thrilling treasure hunt. When Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is called to decipher a cryptic message and solve a murder, he is thrust into a dangerous race against time and a secret society. Full of fascinating facts and a gripping plot, this book will leave you breathless.
7. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
Set in the 1950s, this psychological thriller follows U.S Marshal Teddy Daniels as he investigates the disappearance of a patient from a hospital for the criminally insane. As his investigation takes an unexpected turn, Teddy’s mind begins to unravel. With its eerie atmosphere and mind-bending plot, this book is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.
8. The Silence of the White City by Eva García Sáenz
This Spanish crime thriller introduces us to Inspector Unai López de Ayala, who must solve a series of gruesome murders that seem to be linked to an unsolved case from 20 years ago. As the killer taunts Unai with cryptic messages, the suspense builds, and the race to catch the killer intensifies. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
9. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
This debut novel from S.J. Watson is a gripping and chilling read. After a tragic accident leaves her with no memory, Christine Lucas starts keeping a journal to piece together her past. But as she uncovers the truth, she realizes that everything she knows might be a lie. With its unreliable narrator and a shocking twist, this book will leave you breathless.
10. The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith
J.K. Rowling’s brilliant for