15 Must-Read Crime & Thriller Novels for Fans of Suspense

15 Must-Read Crime & Thriller Novels for Fans of Suspense!

Book reading is one of the oldest and most enriching habits in human history. It is not only a source of knowledge but also a powerful tool for imagination, personal growth, and emotional development. Whether it is fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or biographies, books offer a window into different worlds, cultures, and perspectives. Reading helps improve vocabulary, concentration, and critical thinking skills.

In today’s fast-paced digital age, where screen time dominates much of our daily lives, the habit of reading books remains a valuable and grounding practice.

Here, we are going to look at 15 Must-Read Crime & Thriller Novels for Fans of Suspense. Exciting, right?

What are Crime and Thriller? And What Interests the Readers in this Genre?

Crime and Thriller: A Gripping Genre

The crime and thriller genre has captivated audiences for decades, offering a unique blend of suspense, intrigue, and adrenaline-fueled storytelling. From classic whodunits to modern psychological thrillers, this genre continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Crime and thriller stories often build anticipation and anxiety, keeping readers guessing until the very end, laying foundation to Suspense and Tension. Mystery, unexpected plot twists and turns add complexity to the narrative, making it difficult for readers to predict the outcome. Morally ambiguous characters, flawed protagonists, complex and intriguing antagonists add depth to the story. Adrenaline Rush, High-Stakes Action, Fast-paced action, thrilling chases, and intense confrontations create an electrifying atmosphere.

Popular Sub-Genres include Psychological Thrillers that explore the human psyche, often featuring complex characters and mind games, Police Procedurals focusing on the investigative process, highlighting the work of law enforcement agencies and True Crime which are based on real-life events, bringing out the darker aspects of human nature. Readers are encouraged to piece together clues and solve the mystery alongside the protagonist giving them an intellectual challenge. Emotional Investment, through strong emotions, makes the story more engaging.

Now, Let’s look upon the recommended Must-Read Crime & Thriller Novels

Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl is a bestselling psychological thriller novel by Gillian Flynn, published in 2012, widely praised for its dark, twist-filled plot and sharp commentary on media, marriage, and manipulation. The story centers around the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne on the morning of her fifth wedding anniversary. Her husband, Nick Dunne, quickly becomes the prime suspect. As the investigation unfolds, secrets about both Nick and Amy are revealed, turning the story into a chilling, dual-perspective narrative.

Alternates between Nick’s perspective in the present and excerpts from Amy’s diary unfold in the chapters. The unreliable narration adds to the suspense and confusion, making it difficult for the reader to know who to trust. The plot twists are legendary.

It reinvigorated the psychological thriller genre and inspired a wave of “unreliable woman” narratives. Amy Dunne is one of the most complex, disturbing, and compelling characters in modern fiction.

The Women in the Window – A.J.Finn

The Woman in the Window is a psychological thriller novel by A.J. Finn, published in 2018. Dr. Anna Fox is a former child psychologist living alone in her large Harlem townhouse. She suffers from agoraphobia, which prevents her from leaving the house. She spends her days drinking wine (often heavily), watching black-and-white movies, and spying on her neighbors through her camera. One night, Anna witnesses what she believes to be Jane being stabbed in the Russell home. Horrified, she calls the police.

But when authorities arrive, they insist Jane is alive and well—and to Anna’s shock, a different woman shows up claiming to be Jane Russell. Anna insists this isn’t the woman she met. Everyone dismisses her story, blaming her mental state and substance abuse. As the police and the Russells question her credibility, Anna begins to doubt herself. She’s on heavy medication and drinking constantly, so she even questions whether she had a hallucination of the murder. Her therapist and neighbors begin to distance themselves.

It’s revealed that Anna lost her husband and daughter in a tragic car accident over a year ago, and she’s been in psychological decline ever since. She’d been speaking to them on the phone regularly, but it’s revealed those conversations were delusions—they’ve been dead the whole time. The truth is exposed. Anna is vindicated. She begins to recover, weans off the wine and pills, and takes the first steps to venture outside again—literally and emotionally.

Murder on the Orient Express – Agatha Christie

Murder on the Orient Express” is one of Agatha Christie’s most famous mystery novels, first published in 1934. It stars the renowned Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, who is on a luxurious train journey from Istanbul to Calais aboard the Orient Express. The plot kicks off when a wealthy American passenger named Samuel Ratchett is found murdered in his compartment, stabbed multiple times.

Poirot, who happens to be traveling on the same train, is asked to investigate the crime. As he interrogates the passengers, he uncovers a complex web of motives and secrets. In true Christie fashion, the story takes readers on a suspenseful ride, weaving together seemingly unrelated details and characters, all while keeping the solution to the murder cleverly hidden.

One of the novel’s most intriguing aspects is the unexpected twist at the end, which challenges conventional ideas of justice and morality.Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is a classic whodunit that perfectly encapsulates the genre’s appeal. The novel combines suspense, clever plotting, and an unforgettable detective in Hercule Poirot, who stands out for his unique approach to solving mysteries—his acute attention to detail, logical thinking, and psychological insights into human nature.

The setting of the Orient Express itself adds to the allure of the story. The closed environment of the train, with its luxurious compartments and limited number of passengers, creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens the tension. The isolation of the train also makes the mystery more intriguing—how could the murderer have escaped, or how could so many people have been involved without being caught? Christie’s character development is also noteworthy.

Each of the passengers is well-drawn and believable, with their own motivations, secrets, and personalities. The complexity of their relationships to Cassetti and to each other keeps the reader guessing. Christie masterfully builds suspense by constantly shifting suspicion among the passengers, leading to a shocking and satisfying resolution.

The book is also a commentary on justice and morality. The twist ending raises thought-provoking questions about whether the law is always right and what happens when justice goes un-served. Poirot’s decision to leave the moral resolution to the authorities challenges the idea of black-and-white justice and suggests that in some cases, the “greater good” might outweigh the strict application of the law.

Murder of Roger Ackroyd – Agatha Christie

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is a brilliant example of Agatha Christie’s mastery of the mystery genre. The novel is tightly plotted, with red herrings, misdirection, and intricate character dynamics that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The most notable feature of this novel is the narrative technique. Christie pulls off a stunning twist by revealing the narrator’s true role in the crime, breaking the traditional rules of detective fiction.

Dr. Sheppard, the seemingly trustworthy narrator, is actually one of the key players in the murder, and his involvement is only made clear in the final pages. This narrative twist was revolutionary for its time and set The Murder of Roger Ackroyd apart from other mysteries in the genre.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is one of Agatha Christie’s most celebrated and groundbreaking novels, first published in 1926. It is considered a classic in the mystery genre and is often cited as one of Christie’s best works due to its shocking and innovative plot twist. The story is set in the small, quiet English village of King’s Abbot. The narrator of the novel is Dr. James Sheppard, a local physician who is involved in the investigation of the murder of Roger Ackroyd, a wealthy and respected man in the community. Ackroyd is found dead in his study, stabbed in the neck with a dagger.

The Guest List – Lucy Foley

The Guest List is a mystery must-read crime -thriller novel by Lucy Foley, first published in May–June 2020. Set on a remote Irish island, the story unfolds around the wedding of high-profile couple Jules Keegan and Will Slater—and culminates in murder during a violent storm. It is a bestselling psychological thriller and murder mystery novel. It has been widely praised for its atmospheric setting, suspenseful storytelling, and multiple character perspectives.

The story takes place over the course of a glamorous wedding weekend. Jules Keegan, a successful magazine editor, and Will Slater, a rising television star, are hosting their wedding on an eerie, isolated island. The location is beautiful but treacherous—filled with rugged cliffs, stormy seas, and a mysterious history. As the wedding weekend progresses, underlying tensions rise, secrets surface, and old resentments are rekindled. By the end of the evening, a murder occurs. The story backtracks and interweaves the characters’ backstories to reveal who is murdered—and who the killer is.

Dark Places – Gillian Flynn

Dark Places is a psychological must-read crime novel. It is one of the best thriller novels by Gillian Flynn, published in 2009. It’s her second novel, following her breakout success with Sharp Objects and preceding the megahit Gone Girl.

The story follows Libby Day, the sole survivor of her family’s massacre when she was just seven years old. Her brother, Ben, was convicted of the murders, largely due to Libby’s testimony. Years later, an adult Libby is approached by a group of amateur investigators obsessed with notorious crimes. As she reluctantly delves into the case, she begins to question everything she thought she knew about that night — and about her brother.

One of Us Is Lying – Karen M.McManus

“One of Us Is Lying” is a young adult mystery novel. It is one of the must-read crime thriller novels by Karen M. McManus that follows the story of four high school students – Bronwyn, Nate, Addy, and Cooper – who become suspects in the murder of their classmate, Simon. They are forced to spend a Saturday in detention together. However, things take a deadly turn when Simon, a notorious bully and fifth member of the group, dies in class. As the investigation unfolds, secrets about each student’s life are revealed, and it becomes clear that one of them might be hiding the truth.

Each of the four students has secrets revealed that could ruin their reputations and futures. Bronwyn’s cheating scandal, Nate’s drug dealing, Addy’s infidelity, and Cooper’s hidden sexuality are all exposed. However, it is eventually revealed that Simon orchestrated his own death, hiring someone to stage a car crash to make it look like an accident. He also manipulated Jake, Addy’s boyfriend, into helping him with the plan, which included framing Addy for the murder.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Janae, Simon’s friend, confesses that she was supposed to plant evidence on Addy but instead framed Nate. Jake’s true nature is exposed, and he tries to strangle Addy, but Cooper saves her just in time. In the end, Jake is taken into custody, and Nate is released.

The Silence of the Lambs – Thomas Harris

“The Silence of the Lambs” is a thought-provoking must-read crime thriller novel that explores the darker aspects of human nature. With its complex characters, masterful storytelling, and psychological insights, it’s a must-read for fans of crime thrillers. Written by Thomas Harris, it is a crime thriller that follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she’s assigned to investigate a series of gruesome murders. The killer, known as “Buffalo Bill,” is abducting and skinning young women, and the FBI believes imprisoned serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter can provide crucial insights to catch the perpetrator.

Clarice visits Hannibal Lecter, who is held in a Baltimore psychiatric hospital, to gather information about Buffalo Bill. As their complex and unsettling relationship unfolds, Lecter provides Clarice with cryptic clues and psychological insights that aid in the investigation. Meanwhile, Buffalo Bill’s latest victim, the daughter of a US Senator, remains captive, and time is running out to save her.

It is to be noted that the book’s portrayal of certain characters, particularly women and LGBTQ+ individuals, can be problematic. However, the novel’s impact on the crime thriller genre is undeniable, and its influence can still be seen in many modern works.

The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown

“The Da Vinci Code” is a thrilling page-turner that explores intriguing historical theories and conspiracies. While opinions about its literary merit vary, the novel’s engaging plot and suspenseful storytelling have made it a massive bestseller worldwide. This must-read crime thriller novel by Dan Brown is a mystery thriller that follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he unravels a deadly conspiracy.

The story begins with the murder of Jacques Saunière, the Louvre curator, who leaves behind cryptic messages and symbols. Langdon teams up with Sophie Neveu, Saunière’s granddaughter and a cryptologist, to decipher the clues. Their investigation leads them to uncover a secret society, the Priory of Sion, and a conspiracy surrounding Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene. They’re pursued by a mysterious albino monk named Silas, working for Opus Dei, and a wealthy historian, Sir Leigh Teabing, who seeks to reveal the truth about the Holy Grail. Brown’s exploration of historical conspiracies and secret societies is captivating. The novel’s use of cliffhangers and plot twists keeps readers engaged.

Sharp Objects – Gillian Flynn

“Sharp Objects” is a must-read crime novel that is gripping and thought-provoking thriller that explores the darker aspects of human nature. It is a psychological thriller by Gillian Flynn that follows journalist Camille Preaker as she returns to her hometown of Wind Gap to cover the murders of two young girls. Camille, who has a history of self-harm and a troubled past, finds herself drawn into the investigation, confronting her own demons and unraveling the dark secrets of her family.

The story begins with Camille’s return to Wind Gap, where she’s forced to confront her toxic relationship with her mother, Adora, and her manipulative half-sister, Amma. As Camille digs deeper into the murders, she uncovers disturbing details about the victims and the town’s dark underbelly. The investigation takes a personal turn when Camille realizes that the murdered girls, like her, were victims of their environment, neglected and abused by their families.

Through Atmospheric Storytelling, Flynn’s writing creates a dark and immersive world, drawing readers into the twisted world of Wind Gap. The novel explores the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the lengths people will go to hide their true selves.

And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie

“And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie is one of the mystery thriller novels that follows ten strangers invited to an isolated island, only to be killed off one by one. Christie expertly crafts a suspenseful narrative with unexpected twists through Masterful Storytelling. The characters are multidimensional, making it hard to sympathize with any of them. The isolated island setting creates a creepy and menacing atmosphere.

The story begins with ten individuals receiving invitations to stay on an island resort, though it’s more of a big house on an island. As they gather, a recorded voice accuses each of them of being a murderer who got away with their crime. One by one, the guests start dying, with each death mirroring a line from the ominous nursery rhyme “Ten Little Soldiers”. The remaining guests must figure out who the killer is before they’re all gone.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – Stieg Larsson

“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson is a one of the gripping mystery thriller novels that follows investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they unravel a decades-old murder mystery.

The story is suspenseful and has an engaging plot, keeping readers hooked until the end. The beginning of the book seems slow-paced and its writing style might be considered as clumsy or overly detailed. It begins with Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist, being convicted of libel against a wealthy businessman. Meanwhile, Henrik Vanger, a retired industrialist, hires Blomkvist to investigate the disappearance of his niece, Harriet Vanger, 40 years ago. Blomkvist teams up with Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant but troubled hacker, to uncover the truth. As they dig deeper, they expose a dark web of corruption, violence, and family secrets.

The Silent Patient – Alex Michaelides

“The Silent Patient” is a thought-provoking and suspenseful must-read crime thriller that explores the complexities of human nature. Written by Alex Michaelides, it is a psychological thriller that revolves around Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who shoots her husband, Gabriel, five times in the face and then remains silent for six years.

The story is narrated by Theo Faber, a psychotherapist determined to unravel the mystery behind Alicia’s silence. Alicia’s seemingly perfect life turns into a domestic tragedy when she murders her husband. Theo becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Alicia’s actions and takes a job at the psychiatric facility where she’s being held. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia’s past, he discovers her troubled childhood, marked by her father’s suicide and her mother’s neglect. Through Alicia’s artwork and diary entries, Theo uncovers a web of secrets and lies that lead him to a shocking revelation.

The book has received widespread acclaim for its Engaging Plot with suspenseful narrative with unexpected twists and turns that keeps readers hooked. Well-developed and multi-dimensional characters of this novel add depth to the story. Thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche, trauma, and the power of silence represent the Psychological Insights.

The Girl In Room 105 – Chetan Bhagat

“The Girl in Room 105” is a mystery thriller novel by Chetan Bhagat that revolves around the murder of Zara Lone, a PhD candidate at IIT Delhi. The story is narrated by Keshav Rajpurohit, Zara’s ex-boyfriend, who finds her dead in her hostel room and sets out to uncover the truth behind her murder. The book has received mixed reviews, with some praising its engaging storyline and others criticizing its predictable plot and amateurish writing style. The book touches on themes like interfaith relationships, terrorism, and corruption, but it is felt that these themes are not explored in-depth.

Keshav, an IIT graduate working as a tutor, receives a mysterious text from Zara on her birthday, asking him to visit her in room 105. Upon arrival, he finds her dead, and the police investigation yields no leads. Determined to find the killer, Keshav embarks on his own investigation, aided by his friend Saurabh. As they dig deeper, they unravel a complex web of relationships, motives, and secrets surrounding Zara’s life. Overall, “The Girl in Room 105” is a thriller that explores love, relationships, and crime, with a mix of suspense, drama, and humor. While opinions about the book vary, it’s a good read for those who enjoy Chetan Bhagat’s writing style and are looking for a light, engaging story.

Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dosteovsky

“Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a psychological novel that explores the complexities of human nature, morality, and redemption. “Crime and Punishment” is a must-read crime thiller masterpiece of Russian literature that’s both thought-provoking and haunting. Dostoevsky’s exploration of human psychology, morality, and societal pressures is profound and unsettling. The novel’s themes of guilt, redemption, and the blurred lines between good and evil are timeless and continue to captivate readers.

The writing is vivid and immersive, with characters that are multidimensional and relatable. Raskolnikov’s inner turmoil and struggle with his conscience are expertly portrayed, making him a complex and sympathetic character. While the novel can be challenging to read due to its dense and philosophical themes, it’s ultimately rewarding and thought-provoking. The ending, which depicts Raskolnikov’s journey towards redemption, is particularly noteworthy.

The story revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, a poverty-stricken former law student who murders an unscrupulous pawnbroker, Alyona Ivanovna, and her sister Lizaveta. Raskolnikov justifies the crime by believing that certain individuals are superior and have the right to commit crimes if it benefits society. However, he’s consumed by guilt, paranoia, and mental anguish after the murder. As Raskolnikov navigates the consequences of his actions, he’s pursued by Porfiry Petrovich, a clever police investigator who suspects him of the crime. Meanwhile, Raskolnikov’s relationships with his family, particularly his sister Dunya and mother Pulcheria, are strained. Sonya, a young prostitute, becomes a crucial figure in his life, and he eventually confesses the crime to her.

It is a classic novel that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of human nature, morality, and redemption makes it a must-read for anyone interested in literature and psychology.

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