5 Must-Read Mystery and Thriller Books from The 2020 Fall Reading Guide

There’s something about fall that pairs so perfectly with a good mystery and thriller book. The cozy, darker nights just beg for a suspenseful story to curl up with—and if you’re anything like me, you love getting wrapped up in a twisty plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. That’s why I curated this list of The 2020 Fall Reading Guide mystery and thriller books—because whether you want a chilling psychological tale, a historical whodunit, or a pulse-pounding thriller, these books deliver.

Top 5 Mystery and Thriller Books of Fall 2020

Don’t Look for Me by Wendy Walker

In Don’t Look for Me, we follow Molly Clarke, a grieving mother who seemingly walks away from her family during a stormy night—at least, that’s what the note she left behind says. But as her daughter Nicole begins to question the story, the investigation unravels into something much darker. What really happened to Molly? And why would a mother disappear?

I selected this book because it’s both emotionally charged and relentlessly suspenseful. It’s for readers who loved The Last Thing He Told Me or The Chain—books where family dynamics collide with psychological tension. This one had me breathless, flipping the pages late into the night. It’s as much about grief and guilt as it is about survival.

You can get a copy of Don’t Look for Me by Wendy Walker on Amazon.

The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton

Set aboard a 17th-century Dutch East India merchant ship, this atmospheric thriller follows a detective duo—Samuel Pipps and his loyal bodyguard Arent—as they investigate a string of increasingly disturbing events on the high seas. A demon named “Old Tom” seems to haunt the voyage, and as the body count rises, superstition and paranoia threaten to tear the ship apart.

I included this one because I love when historical fiction meets locked-room mystery with a supernatural twist. Fans of The Alienist or The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle (also by Turton) will absolutely eat this up. This novel made me feel like I was aboard the ship, bracing against storms and secrets—it’s gripping, immersive, and deliciously eerie.

You can get a copy of The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton on Amazon.

Dear Child by Romy Hausmann

When a woman named Lena escapes from captivity with two children in tow, her story seems to mirror a long-missing person case. But as police begin to unravel her background, things start to feel off—and what should be a happy reunion becomes a deeper, darker mystery. Nothing is quite what it seems, and every twist challenges your assumptions.

I picked Dear Child because it completely floored me. The storytelling is razor-sharp, switching perspectives to build tension in all the right places. It’s ideal for readers who enjoyed Room or Gone Girl. This book made me feel like I was assembling a puzzle without the edge pieces—an intense, disturbing, yet emotionally poignant read.

You can get a copy of Dear Child by Romy Hausmann on Amazon.

Goodnight Beautiful by Aimee Molloy

Newly married and settling into small-town life, Sam and Annie seem to have it all. But when Sam doesn’t return home one day, Annie discovers her picture-perfect marriage might not be what it seemed. As she becomes her own detective, she uncovers secrets that lead her deeper into a web of betrayal, obsession, and the complexity of love.

I chose this book because it starts with a familiar setup and then flips everything upside down. If you like thrillers with a smart twist—think The Silent Patient or Behind Closed Doors—this one’s for you. It kept me guessing, made me question every character, and reminded me that love and lies often go hand in hand.

You can get a copy of Goodnight Beautiful by Aimee Molloy on Amazon.

Little Threats by Emily Schultz

After serving 15 years in prison for the murder of her best friend, Kennedy Wynn is released into a world that has changed—and one that’s not so ready to forgive her. As her family and a true-crime documentary team dig into what really happened that night, new questions surface about memory, guilt, and the search for justice.

I featured this one because it’s part slow-burn mystery, part psychological study, and all-around thought-provoking. Readers who liked Defending Jacob or Sharp Objects will be drawn to the layered narrative and rich character work. It made me reflect on what justice looks like and whether we ever truly know the truth.

You can get a copy of Little Threats by Emily Schultz on Amazon.

Which Mystery or Thriller Will You Read First?

Are you diving into any of these mysteries and thrillers from The 2020 Fall Reading Guide? Do you love slow-burn suspense, mind-bending twists, or atmospheric historical thrillers? Let me know in the comments.  And if you haven’t downloaded the full guide yet, be sure to grab your copy of The 2020 Fall Reading Guide—there’s even more seasonal reading goodness waiting for you.