2020 Summer Reading Guide: Mysteries & Thriller Books
Discover the best mysteries and thrillers from the 2020 Summer Reading Guide! These gripping page-turners are packed with suspense, secrets, and shocking twists.
The Best Mysteries & Thriller Books from the 2020 Summer Reading Guide
There’s nothing quite like a gripping mystery or pulse-pounding thriller to keep you up late at night, turning the pages. Whether you love psychological suspense, detective fiction, or fast-paced thrillers with unexpected twists, this selection from the 2020 Summer Reading Guide has something for every mystery lover. From haunting disappearances to deadly secrets and shocking betrayals, these mystery and thriller books promise intrigue, suspense, and unputdownable plots that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The 8 Must-Read Mysteries and Thrillers Books
The Distant Dead by Heather Young
In the high desert hills, a body burns, and a young boy named Sal stumbles upon the gruesome discovery. Meanwhile, middle school teacher Nora grows concerned when her colleague, Adam Merkel, doesn’t show up for work. As the body is identified and the truth about Adam’s past begins to unfold, secrets emerge that will shake a small town to its core. Blending a coming-of-age story with a deeply compelling mystery, The Distant Dead is a haunting and beautifully written thriller that explores morality, regret, and the search for truth.
You can get a copy of The Distant Dead by Heather Young on Amazon.
Don’t Turn Around by Jessica Barry
Two women. A dark desert road. A relentless pursuer. Cait and Rebecca have never met before, but their fates become entwined when they find themselves traveling together through the desolate New Mexican desert. Both are running from something, both harbor dangerous secrets, and both realize—too late—that someone is hunting them. With non-stop action, unexpected twists, and a story that will keep your heart racing, Don’t Turn Around is a high-stakes thriller that’s impossible to put down.
You can get a copy of Don’t Turn Around by Jessica Barry on Amazon.
The Girl from Widow Hills by Megan Miranda
As a child, Arden Maynor was sleepwalking when she was swept away in a storm, only to be miraculously found alive days later. The ordeal made her famous. But years later, she has changed her name and tried to disappear. That is, until she wakes up one night to find a dead body at her feet—someone she recognizes from her past. With psychological depth, eerie suspense, and shocking revelations, The Girl from Widow Hills is an intense thriller that will keep you questioning everything.
You can get a copy of The Girl from Widow Hills by Megan Miranda on Amazon.
The Last Flight by Julie Clark
Claire has spent years trapped in a toxic marriage, planning her escape in secret. When she meets Eva, a woman who is also desperate to vanish, they decide to switch identities—Claire will take Eva’s flight, and Eva will take Claire’s. But when the plane crashes with Eva on board, Claire seizes the opportunity to assume Eva’s identity. However, as she learns more about Eva’s life, she realizes she may have stepped into an even deadlier situation. The Last Flight is a brilliant, tension-filled thriller packed with twists and emotional depth.
You can get a copy of The Last Flight by Julie Clark on Amazon.
His & Hers by Alice Feeney
A murder in a small British village sets off a twisted game of cat and mouse in this clever psychological thriller told from dual perspectives. Anna Andrews, a newsreader, reluctantly covers the case, only to realize she has personal ties to the victim. Meanwhile, Detective Jack Harper finds himself implicated in the crime he’s investigating. As both narrators share their versions of events, the truth becomes more elusive, and the twists keep coming. His & Hers is a dark, addictive, and shocking read that will leave you guessing until the final page.
You can get a copy of His & Hers by Alice Feeney on Amazon.
Lies, Lies, Lies by Adele Parks
Daisy and Simon have a seemingly perfect life with their beloved daughter, Millie. But beneath the surface, their marriage is riddled with tension, fueled by Simon’s drinking and buried resentments. When a night at a party spirals out of control, their world shatters, and long-hidden secrets begin to surface. Lies, Lies, Lies is a domestic thriller that explores the dangers of deception, addiction, and the cracks that form in even the most seemingly stable relationships.
You can get a copy of Lies, Lies, Lies by Adele Parks on Amazon.
The Eighth Detective by Alex Pavesi
What makes a perfect detective story? Grant McAllister, a reclusive professor of mathematics, once wrote a collection of mystery stories illustrating the fundamental rules of detective fiction. Decades later, editor Julia Hart arrives to republish his work, but as she reads through the stories, she starts noticing inconsistencies. There’s something hidden within these tales—something dangerous. A meta-mystery with an Agatha Christie-esque flair, The Eighth Detective is an ingenious, mind-bending novel that will keep classic mystery fans hooked.
You can get a copy of The Eighth Detective by Alex Pavesi on Amazon.
Three Perfect Liars by Heidi Perks
A fire destroys a thriving advertising agency, and three women—each with their own secrets—are caught in the aftermath. Laura, the company’s former golden girl, is returning from maternity leave to find that her replacement, Mia, has taken over her role. Janie, the agency’s founder, is dealing with personal betrayals and rising tensions within her business. As the truth behind the fire unravels, shocking revelations come to light. A gripping corporate thriller filled with power struggles and ambition, Three Perfect Liars will leave you questioning just how far people will go to protect themselves.
You can get a copy of Three Perfect Liars by Heidi Perks on Amazon.
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Which Mystery or Thriller Will You Read First?
These thrilling 2020 Summer Reading Guide Mysteries and Thriller Books are perfect for mystery lovers who enjoy unraveling secrets, exploring psychological twists, and following characters caught in dangerous situations. Whether you love slow-burning suspense or high-octane thrillers, this guide has something for every reader. Which one will you be adding to your summer TBR? Let’s discuss in the comments!
