Top 10 Thriller Books to Read in 2024

The year 2024 saw a surge in new thriller releases, with many standing out for their captivating narratives and unexpected plot twists. Similar to the well-received romance novels, the best thriller books featured both established authors and emerging talents. Recognizable names such as Freida McFadden and Riley Sager have maintained their status in the genre, consistently delivering gripping tales that entice devoted readers.

However, 2024’s landscape was not dominated solely by renowned authors; a myriad of impressive debuts emerged, adding fresh voices to the thrill-seeking community. The year’s offerings ranged from popcorn thrillers to complex literary mysteries, ensuring there was something for every reader’s taste. Notably, all of these top thrillers were united by their ability to deliver tantalizing surprises and engaging narratives.

10 The Boyfriend

By Freida McFadden

Freida McFadden had an extraordinary 2024, releasing four new books including short stories. Among these, The Boyfriend stands out as her most notable release. This romantic thriller delves into themes of obsession while incorporating familiar tropes that shape the subgenre. McFadden’s skillful storytelling ensures that readers become invested, culminating in an unpredictable ending twist.

With its engaging narrative, The Boyfriend demonstrates why McFadden has become a standard bearer for popcorn thrillers. This novel garnered a Goodreads Choice Awards nomination for Readers’ Favorite Mystery & Thriller. Although its average rating on Goodreads sits at 4.03, it illustrates the book’s resonation with audiences, highlighting crucial issues faced by women in today’s dating environment.

9 House Of Glass

By Sarah Pekkanen

Sarah Pekkanen’s House of Glass emerged as one of her strongest contributions to the thriller genre in 2024. This novel, which centers on a young girl grappling with traumatic mutism in the aftermath of her nanny’s death, has received accolades, including a nomination for the Goodreads Choice Awards. Pekkanen adeptly creates a thought-provoking narrative that keeps readers guessing as detective Stella Snyder strives to uncover the truth.

8 Society Of Lies

By Lauren Ling Brown

Society of Lies cover featuring a building with people in the windows and purple-tinted light

In her debut novel, Society of Lies, Lauren Ling Brown expertly constructs a tale interwoven with dark academia and suspense. This narrative focuses on two sisters burdened with secrets, using alternating timelines to heighten the intrigue. The complex characters exhibit emotional depth while delivering powerful social commentary, making this debut a noteworthy addition to the thriller landscape.

7 Middle Of The Night

By Riley Sager

Riley Sager’s Middle of the Night represents a refreshing change, showcasing a male protagonist in a gripping small-town setting. This novel blends nostalgic elements with profound themes of friendship and grief, enhancing the emotional depth of the central mystery. Sager successfully incorporates subtle supernatural elements while delivering a heart-wrenching twist that resonates with readers.

With its slower pacing that complements the narrative, Middle of the Night has earned a nomination for the Goodreads Choice Awards, reflecting its success. Although it may not feature the most shocking revelations, it stands out as one of the year’s best-crafted thrillers.

6 The Return Of Ellie Black

By Emiko Jean

The Return of Ellie Black Cover featuring the orange silhouette of a woman and a flower

The Return of Ellie Black captivates with its suspenseful storytelling and sharp social commentary. This thrilling narrative fearlessly addresses the complexities surrounding victims and perpetrators. Stephen King’s praise for this work underscores its impact, alongside its Goodreads Choice Awards nomination. With an impressive 4.02 average rating on Goodreads, reviewers commend its emotional depth and riveting storyline.

5 We Solve Murders

By Richard Osman

We Solve Murders cover featuring a black cat sitting on a rolled-up red carpet and the title text in red

In 2024, Richard Osman launched a new series with We Solve Murders, delivering charm and wit akin to his Thursday Murder Club series. Introducing two endearing protagonists and a compelling overarching mystery, this book expands upon his previous successes. Its elaborate design leads readers through an intricate web of clues and red herrings, creating an engaging experience.

Crafting a new narrative while maintaining the elements that made the previous series a triumph, We Solve Murders is a delightful start to Osman’s new endeavor, boasting an impressive 4.15 average rating on Goodreads and nominations at the Goodreads Choice Awards.

4 Listen For The Lie

By Amy Tinter

Listen for the Lie cover featuring a red background, white title text, and blurbs from Stephen King, Liane Moriarty, and Alice Feeney

Amy Tintera’s first venture into adult thrillers, Listen for the Lie, boasts an intriguing premise where a character’s memory of the night her best friend was murdered is hazy at best. The narrative unfolds as Lucy attempts to discover the truth alongside the resurgence of a true-crime podcast delving into the tragic event.

Despite its darker themes, Tintera skillfully employs humor and sarcasm, making the narrative accessible even as it keeps readers guessing about Lucy’s reliability. With its swift pacing and unexpected developments, Listen for the Lie emerges as a top contender for the best thrillers of 2024, validated by a 4.10 rating and nominations for the Goodreads Choice Awards.

3 The Colors Of The Dark

By Chris Whitaker

The Colors of the Dark cover featuring the title text in white, a red paint streak across it, and a starry night sky

The Colors of the Dark represents a unique blend of mystery-thriller and historical fiction in 2024. Chris Whitaker’s ambitious narrative spans over two decades, interweaving stories about missing girls and murder with remarkable character development and romance. Its exceptional storytelling and literary craftsmanship set it apart from typical thrillers.

2 The God Of The Woods

By Liz Moore

The God of the Woods is a beautifully crafted historical thriller that intricately explores human experiences. Set against the backdrop of a summer camp, it investigates the disappearance of a girl 14 years after her brother’s vanishing from the same place. Alternating between past and present, it tackles significant themes while ushering readers through a compelling journey.

With its evocative atmosphere and character depth, this narrative has earned its intrinsic value, reflected in a stellar 4.18 average rating on Goodreads and a win at the Goodreads Choice Awards in the Readers’ Favorite Mystery & Thriller category. Its length and more deliberate pacing may deter some thriller enthusiasts, yet its resonance makes it a standout in 2024.

1 First Lie Wins

By Ashley Elston

First Lie Wins cover featuring the word 'Lie' in green and a house with a woman's shadow in it

In a thrilling twist, Ashley Elston’s First Lie Wins propels readers into an exhilarating ride that features a multitude of jaw-dropping twists right from the beginning. This latest release seamlessly combines the elements of suspense and action with a thought-provoking plot that keeps audiences engaged while unraveling ongoing mysteries.

With non-stop adrenaline and plot-driven excitement, First Lie Wins claims its position as the premier thriller of 2024. This novel has, unsurprisingly, received a Goodreads Choice Award nomination in the mystery/thriller category and finished strong, holding an impressive 4.02 rating on Goodreads. Its blend of thrilling action and entertainment marks it as a must-read in the genre.

Source & Images