Gripping 2024 Summer Reading Guide Mystery and Thriller Books You Won’t Be Able to Put Down

Summer may be all about sunshine and relaxation, but there’s nothing quite like a gripping mystery or edge-of-your-seat thriller to make your pulse race poolside. Whether you love twisty plots, psychological tension, or locked-room puzzles, the 2024 Summer Reading Guide Mystery and Thriller Books are sure to keep you glued to the page. These six mystery and thriller books all deliver the heart-pounding tension and slow-burn suspense that I love in a great summer read.

Top 6 Mystery and Thriller Books of 2024

Swiped by L.M. Chilton

Gwen is just trying to survive the dating app scene when things take a dark turn—her dates start turning up dead. Now she’s caught in a real-life whodunit, and the only way to clear her name is to uncover the killer herself. I included Swiped because it blends dark humor, dating app drama, and murder mystery in the most entertaining way. It’s perfect if you love thrillers with a dose of millennial chaos and just enough snark to keep things fresh.

You can get a copy of Swiped by L.M. Chilton on Amazon

The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton

Set on a remote Greek island sealed off by a deadly fog and ruled by AI, the story follows a group of villagers facing a collective memory wipe—and a murder. They must solve the crime before the fog returns and the truth disappears forever. This one is high-concept, atmospheric, and full of ticking-clock tension. I love how The Last Murder at the End of the World mixes sci-fi elements with a classic locked-room mystery. It’s haunting, suspenseful, and unforgettable.

You can get a copy of The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton on Amazon.

Tell Me Who You Are by Louisa Luna

When a patient starts revealing disturbing details during therapy sessions, a therapist becomes a prime suspect in a missing person case. As the investigation deepens, she’s forced to confront her own secrets and unravel the truth before it’s too late. This was one of those books that had me flipping pages late into the night. It’s cerebral, layered, and packed with psychological depth. If you enjoy stories where nothing—and no one—is what they seem, this one’s for you.

You can get a copy of Tell Me Who You Are by Louisa Luna on Amazon.

The Unwedding by Ally Condie

After her divorce, a woman books a solo getaway at a luxury resort, only to find herself caught in a murder investigation when fellow guests begin dying and a storm traps everyone on the property.  The setting is pure escapism (hello, Big Sur cliffs and luxury resort vibes), but the stakes are high. The Unwedding is an addictive mix of vacation read and locked-in thriller. You’ll race through this one while dreaming of dramatic ocean views—with a side of suspense.

You can get a copy of The Unwedding by Ally Condie on Amazon.

A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson

A woman begins to suspect her charming new husband might be a serial killer, and with the help of an old friend, she starts investigating the suspicious death of a young woman. This is Peter Swanson at his twisty best. I picked A Talent for Murder because it’s one of those rare thrillers that keeps you second-guessing everyone—including the narrator. Sharp, stylish, and chillingly plausible.

You can get a copy of A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson on Amazon.

Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell

A young woman starts exchanging letters with a man accused of being a serial killer—and as their relationship deepens, she begins her own investigation to find out the truth behind the murders. Creepy and compelling, this one explores obsession, true crime culture, and the blurred lines between fact and fantasy. I couldn’t stop reading—it’s unsettling in the best way. Love Letters to a Serial Killer is the dark summer read you won’t forget.

You can get a copy of Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell on Amazon.

Which Mystery Thriller Books Are You Reading First?

Are you a locked-room puzzle fan, or do you gravitate toward psychological thrillers with a slow burn? I’d love to hear which book from this list you’re most excited to read—or if you have a mystery or thriller book recommendation for me, drop it in the comments below!