The Best Thriller Books & Mysteries of 2024
Discover tales so gripping, they’ll have you turning pages long into the night, eager to unravel the next twist.
Must-Read Thriller Books, Suspense and Mysteries of 2024
Welcome to my list of The Best Thriller Books and Mysteries of 2024! This year has already gifted us with an incredible lineup of engaging tales that promise to ignite your curiosity and keep you entertained. Each novel is a captivating adventure filled with suspense, memorable characters, and ingenious plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you’re hunting for a nail-biting psychological thriller or a classic whodunit, there’s something in this collection of the best books of 2024 that will resonate with every reader.
The 28 Best Thriller Books, Suspense & Mysteries of 2024
Midnight on Beacon Street by Emily Ruth Verona
A thrilling debut novel blending suspense and horror movie nostalgia. Teenage sitter faces chilling events while babysitting, testing her anxiety disorder. As the night unfolds, secrets unravel with unexpected visitors and a shocking discovery. “Midnight on Beacon Street” by Emily Ruth Verona is a gripping tale of fear, devotion, and electrifying twists.
You can get a copy of Midnight on Beacon Street by Emily Ruth Verona on Amazon or Bookshop.
Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson
A murder mystery unfolds on a train journey during a crime-writing festival, turning authors into detectives. With each suspect skilled in murder, the challenge becomes solving the crime when everyone knows how to get away with it.
You can get a copy of Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Silence in Her Eyes by Armando Lucas Correa
A bold psychological thriller reminiscent of Paula Hawkins and Ruth Ware. Leah, with a rare neurological condition, suspects her neighbor will be murdered. Living with motion blindness, she senses danger when new neighbor Alice moves in. As events escalate, Leah’s courage and sanity are put to the test in this suspenseful tale.
You can get a copy of The Silence in Her Eyes by Armando Lucas Correa on Amazon or Bookshop.
Under the Storm by Christoffer Carlsson, Rachel Willson-Broyles
A farmhouse fire leads to a murder in a rural community, impacting young Isak’s life. The focus shifts to the boyfriend, Edvard, who is sentenced for the crime. As the case unfolds, officer Vidar is drawn into a complex web of events. Under the Storm by Christoffer Carlsson delves into the lasting effects of crime on a community.
You can get a copy of Under the Storm by Christoffer Carlsson, Rachel Willson-Broyles on Amazon or Bookshop.
The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger
A couple inherits a luxury apartment with a chilling past at the historic Windermere in New York City. As Rosie and Chad uncover dark secrets within the building, they must unravel its mysteries before falling prey to its dangerous allure.
You can get a copy of The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger on Amazon or Bookshop.
What Happened to Nina? By Dervla McTiernan
Nina and Simon, a seemingly perfect couple, face a tragic turn during a weekend trip to a family cabin. When Nina mysteriously disappears and only Simon returns, a web of suspicion, media frenzy, and family battles unfold. As the truth remains elusive, Nina’s family fights against powerful forces to unravel the mystery and find their missing daughter.
You can get a copy of What Happened to Nina? By Dervla McTiernan on Amazon or Bookshop.
Daughter of Mine by Megan Miranda
When Hazel Sharp inherits her childhood home in Mirror Lake, she is drawn back to the town after almost a decade. As a drought reveals long-hidden secrets, including clues about her mother’s disappearance, Hazel finds herself entangled in the mysteries of the past.
You can get a copy of Daughter of Mine by Megan Miranda on Amazon or Bookshop.
Close to Death by Anthony Horowitz
In Anthony Horowitz’s fifth Hawthorne and Horowitz mystery, Detective Hawthorne tackles an unsolvable murder in an idyllic gated community. When an outsider is found dead, suspicion falls on everyone. It’s a gripping whodunnit with a perfect setting turned deadly.
You can get a copy of Close to Death by Anthony Horowitz on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Last Word by Elly Griffiths
Natalka and Edwin, an unlikely detective duo, investigate the murder of an obituary writer in a literary mystery. While Edwin claims to be the oldest detective in England at 84, Natalka brings her math skills to solve cases of fraud. When they delve into the death of writer Melody Chambers, they uncover a series of murders linked to a sinister book group. In a race against time, they must unravel the mystery before it’s too late.
You can get a copy of The Last Word by Elly Griffiths on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Main Character by Jaclyn Goldis
In “The Main Character,” reclusive thriller author Ginevra Ex invites Rory on a luxurious trip along Italy’s Mediterranean coast aboard the newly renovated Orient Express. Rory is shocked to find her brother, best friend, and ex-fiancé among the passengers, all harboring secrets. As the journey progresses, Rory realizes she is part of Ginevra’s real-life thriller, with escalating deceptions and a potential deadly climax. Rory must uncover the reasons behind Ginevra’s manipulations before it’s too late.
You can get a copy of The Main Character by Jaclyn Goldis on Amazon or Bookshop.
Swiped by L.M. Chilton
In “Swiped,” Gwendolyn Turner, an English coffee-truck owner, navigates the frustrating world of online dating. After a series of bad dates, she becomes embroiled in a murder mystery when two of her recent dates turn up dead. As the body count rises, Gwen, now a person of interest, must uncover who is hacking the dating app and targeting her matches. With the help of a shady coworker and a notorious hacker, Gwen embarks on a darkly humorous investigation into male misbehavior and societal pressures in the digital age.
You can get a copy of Swiped by L.M. Chilton on Amazon or Bookshop.
If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay
Follows Ryan Richardson, who has been haunted by a traumatic night for five years. After his girlfriend Ali disappeared without a trace, suspicion surrounded him. Now in law school with a new identity, Ryan is forced to confront his past when Ali’s car is discovered submerged in a lake with two bodies and a cryptic note. As he embarks on a global journey to find the truth, unexpected allies emerge, including a rookie sheriff’s deputy and a mobster. The story is a gripping thriller filled with twists and a diverse cast of characters, making it a top pick for fans of suspenseful and engaging mysteries.
You can get a copy of If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
Set on a small Greek island where a post-apocalyptic community faces destruction unless the secret research of a murdered scientist can be uncovered. With a lethal black fog approaching, the island’s 122 villagers, guided by an AI voice, must solve the murder of Niema, a brilliant scientist who had promised to reveal hidden truths about the island. The story explores themes like the nature of existence and the value of life. This book is a great thriller because it combines a unique dystopian setting with a murder mystery, keeping readers engaged with its unexpected twists and intriguing exploration of humanity’s survival instincts.
You can get a copy of The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton on Amazon or Bookshop.
A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson
Librarian Martha Ratliff suspects her husband, Alan Peralta, a traveling salesman, of sinister activities when she links him to five cities where five women have been killed. Seeking help, she contacts her old friend Lily Kintner. Together, they devise a plan for Lily to shadow Alan at his next conference. As Lily follows him, she discovers she isn’t the only one tracking Alan. “A Talent for Murder” is a gripping beach read for 2024, combining suspenseful twists and a fast-paced narrative as librarian Martha Ratliff uncovers sinister secrets about her husband.
You can get a copy of A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson on Amazon or Bookshop.
Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell
“Love Letters to a Serial Killer” by Tasha Coryell follows Hannah, an aimless woman who starts writing to William, an accused serial killer awaiting trial. After his acquittal, she moves in with him and becomes obsessed with solving the murders he was accused of. As her life unravels, Hannah’s curiosity turns to obsession, leaving her to secretly investigate William while living with him.
You can get a copy of Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Unwedding by Ally Condie
In “The Unwedding,” Ellery Wainwright arrives at a Big Sur resort to celebrate her 20th anniversary alone after a recent divorce. She befriends guests Ravi and Nina, who help her navigate the trip. The resort turns into a mystery scene when a groom is found dead in the pool the morning after his wedding. As another suspicious death follows, Ellery and her friends dive into amateur sleuthing, all while a storm isolates them at the resort. With engaging characters, a thrilling locked-room mystery, and the dramatic backdrop of stormy Big Sur, this novel offers an exciting and emotionally resonant read, making it a perfect choice for a 2024 beach read.
You can get a copy of The Unwedding by Ally Condie on Amazon or Bookshop.
Joe Hustle by Richard Lange
“Joe Hustle” follows an Iraq veteran and ex-con navigating a challenging life in Los Angeles. Struggling with his past and stuck in a rut, Joe finds unexpected affection with a younger woman, Emily, despite her bipolar disorder. Their tumultuous romance unfolds across a road trip to Texas, highlighting themes of anger, love, and redemption. This book is a great thriller because it combines gripping character development with unexpected twists and a gritty portrayal of complex relationships, all while maintaining Lange’s signature dark humor and engaging storytelling.
You can get a copy of Joe Hustle by Richard Lange on Amazon.
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
In “The Midnight Feast,” the grand opening of a luxurious resort called The Manor quickly turns dark. Amidst the opulence and festivities, old rivalries and hidden secrets emerge. Mysterious and deadly events unfold as guests, including a girlboss, a husband, kitchen help, and a mystery guest, navigate through a web of lies and agendas. With the local police soon involved, it’s clear that not everyone will make it out alive. “The Midnight Feast” is a top mystery and thriller beach read for 2024 because its blend of opulence, hidden secrets, and deadly events set against the backdrop of a luxurious resort creates an irresistible page-turner.
You can get a copy of The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley on Amazon or Bookshop.
Tell Me Who You Are by Louisa Luna
“Tell Me Who You Are” is about a sharp-thinking therapist, Caroline Strange, who gets entangled in a suspenseful cat-and-mouse game when a patient, who might be a kidnapper, threatens to kill someone. Despite police involvement, Caroline believes she can solve the case and find a missing woman by tracking down her possibly deranged patient. This book is an excellent thriller to read because it combines unrelenting tension with clever cultural references, providing a gripping and entertaining experience. The unique perspective of a determined therapist as the protagonist sets it apart, making it a compelling page-turner filled with unexpected twists.
You can get a copy of Tell Me Who You Are by Louisa Luna on Amazon or Bookshop.
Once More from the Top by Emily Layden
Once More from the Top follows Dylan Read, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter whose success is intertwined with the mystery of her high school friend, Kelsey, who disappeared fifteen years ago. When accusations of inauthenticity in her music career arise, she is forced to reflect on her past and the secrets tied to Kelsey’s disappearance.
You can get a copy of Once More from the Top by Emily Layden on Amazon or Bookshop.
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
We Solve Murders follows Amy Wheeler, a bodyguard, who, while protecting the novelist Rosie D’Antonio on a private island, learns clients from her firm have been murdered. Suspecting she’s being targeted, Amy teams up with her father-in-law, Steve, a former cop, and Rosie to uncover the truth. Their adventure leads them across the globe, encountering various colorful characters.
You can get a copy of We Solve Murders by Richard Osman on Amazon or Bookshop.
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The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel
The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel is a suspenseful novel centered around Alfred Smettle, an ardent Alfred Hitchcock enthusiast who owns a themed hotel in the White Mountains. To celebrate the hotel’s first anniversary, Alfred invites his former college film club friends for a reunion despite a sixteen-year estrangement following a past incident. Unbeknownst to them, Alfred has a sinister agenda, believing that no Hitchcock-inspired setting is complete without a real-life body.
You can get a copy of The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Trap by Ava Glass
The Trap by Ava Glass is the third installment in the Alias Emma series, following British spy Emma Makepeace as she races against time to thwart a Russian assassin’s plot targeting a head of state at the upcoming G7 summit in Scotland. Teamed with homicide detective Kate Mackenzie, Emma navigates a complex web of espionage, employing her skills in deception and emotional manipulation to prevent a catastrophic event. Readers can expect a fast-paced, suspenseful narrative that blends classic spy thriller elements with a modern, dynamic heroine.
You can get a copy of The Trap by Ava Glass on Amazon or Bookshop.
Where They Last Saw Her by Marcie R. Rendon
Where They Last Saw Her introduces us to Cash Blackbear, a young Ojibwe woman with an uncanny knack for solving mysteries. Cash’s journey takes her through rural 1970s Minnesota, where her intuition and wit often make her the key to unraveling local mysteries. In this suspenseful novel, Rendon creates a compelling blend of thriller elements and cultural insight. Through Cash’s journey, the novel also explores themes of identity, resilience, and the impact of generational trauma, all while delivering an engaging mystery that will keep you guessing.
You can get a copy of Where They Last Saw Her by Marcie R. Rendon on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak is a suspenseful thriller that follows Frank Szatowski, a UPS driver, who is unexpectedly invited to his estranged daughter Maggie’s wedding after three years of silence. Upon arriving at the secluded, opulent estate of his future in-laws, the Gardners—a family with immense wealth and influence—Frank becomes uneasy about the enigmatic groom, Aidan, and the family’s hidden past. As he delves deeper, Frank uncovers unsettling truths, leading to a gripping narrative that explores themes of familial bonds, trust, and the lengths a father will go to protect his child.
You can get a copy of The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak on Amazon or Bookshop.
You Can’t Hurt Me by Emma Cook
A journalist uncovers dark secrets and unexpected connections to her own life while ghostwriting a biography for a neuroscientist whose wife—unable to feel pain—was mysteriously found dead, and a new inquest into her death unfolds. The suspense and psychological depth make this a gripping read.
You can get a copy of You Can’t Hurt Me by Emma Cook on Amazon or Bookshop.
Shell Games by Bonnie Kistler
When Kate’s new husband confesses to past murders, it leads to family turmoil as her daughter Julie must decide whether to believe her mother or her husband’s claims of suspected dementia. This psychological thriller probes family trust and the tension between truth and perception.
You can get a copy of Shell Games by Bonnie Kistler on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Rivals by Jane Pek
The Rivals by Jane Pek is a contemporary mystery featuring Claudia Lin, co-founder of Veracity, a detective agency that investigates online dating profiles. When a client unexpectedly dies, Claudia uncovers a complex conspiracy involving AI-generated personas and corporate espionage in the tech-driven matchmaking industry. Readers can expect a witty and sharp exploration of modern relationships, technology, and the ethical dilemmas of the digital age, wrapped in a compelling detective story.
You can get a copy of The Rivals by Jane Pek on Amazon or Bookshop.
What do you think about this list of best 2024 thriller books and mystery books?
What do you think about this list of best thriller books and mystery books? Have you read any of them? What books would you add to this list? Let’s talk all about your favorite thriller books and mystery books in the comments below.
I love this list! I saw several of the books that I loved, and then some that I missed and want to read. Thanks for this reminder and adding to my TBR!
Hi Melissa, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I’m so happy to hear you saw books you loved and got a reminder about the books you want to read. Please come back and let me know your new to you favorites and happy reading!