8 Good Thriller Books In 2025

Thrillers have an uncanny ability to grab your attention, keeping you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last. Whether you're drawn to fast-paced action, psychological suspense, or intricate plots, the thriller genre offers an abundance of captivating reads. Below is a list of 8 good thrillers that you will enjoy.

1. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is one of the most popular psychological thrillers of recent years, and for good reason. The novel follows Rachel, a woman who commutes daily on the train, passing the house of a seemingly perfect couple. When the woman in the couple goes missing, Rachel becomes entangled in the investigation, but her unreliable memory and fractured perception of reality complicate the case. As secrets are unveiled and the story takes unexpected turns, Hawkins keeps readers on edge with her skillful writing and exploration of themes like memory, identity, and betrayal.

2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

No list of thriller books would be complete without Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, a masterpiece of suspense and intrigue. The novel chronicles the complex relationship between Nick and Amy Dunne, a married couple whose seemingly perfect life unravels when Amy mysteriously disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary. With alternating perspectives from Nick and Amy’s diary entries, Flynn weaves a dark and twisted tale of lies and deception. The shocking plot twists and exploration of toxic relationships make Gone Girl a must-read for any thriller enthusiast.

3. The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse is a chilling thriller set in an isolated, snow-covered luxury hotel that was once a mental hospital. Detective Elin Warner visits the resort for her estranged brother’s engagement, but when a guest disappears, the trip turns into a nightmare. As a blizzard cuts them off from the outside world, Elin must uncover the secrets buried in the hotel’s past before more people vanish.

4. Lock Every Door by Riley Sager

Lock Every Door by Riley Sager is a gothic thriller set in a luxurious yet sinister Manhattan apartment building. Jules Larsen, a struggling woman, is offered a lucrative job as an apartment sitter in the prestigious Bartholomew building. However, she quickly realizes that something is terribly wrong—previous sitters have mysteriously disappeared. As Jules investigates, she uncovers horrifying secrets hidden within the building’s history. Sager masterfully builds suspense, blending classic horror elements with psychological thrills to create a haunting, fast-paced novel.

5. The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager is a compelling psychological thriller that keeps readers gripped from start to finish. The story revolves around Emma, a woman who, years after her time at a summer camp, is invited back to the same camp where her friends mysteriously disappeared. As she begins to piece together the events of that fateful summer, Emma uncovers dark secrets and finds herself drawn into a web of deception and danger. Sager expertly builds suspense, keeping readers on edge as the plot unfolds with unexpected twists and a shocking conclusion.

6. The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

The Other Woman by Sandie Jones is a psychological thriller that turns the idea of a love triangle on its head. Emily thinks she has found the perfect man in Adam—until she meets his mother, Pammie. From the start, Pammie is manipulative, controlling, and determined to keep Emily away from her son. But as Emily digs deeper, she realizes Pammie is hiding secrets far darker than she ever imagined.

7. Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris

In Behind Closed Doors, B. A. Paris takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster with her chilling portrayal of a seemingly perfect marriage. The novel tells the story of Grace and Jack Angel, who appear to have it all. However, behind closed doors, Jack’s true nature is revealed, and Grace finds herself trapped in a nightmare. This psychological thriller explores themes of control and the lengths people will go to hide the truth.

8. Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson

Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson is a fascinating psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of memory and identity. The story follows Christine Lucas, a woman with amnesia who wakes up every day with no memory of the past. Her husband tells her the same story every morning, but when Christine starts keeping a journal, she begins to uncover disturbing truths about her life. This novel is a gripping, page-turning mystery that will leave readers questioning the reliability of their own memories.

Conclusion

These 8 good thriller books offer a range of experiences, from psychological mind-benders to fast-paced legal dramas. Each of these novels delivers exceptional storytelling, unforgettable characters, and plot twists that will keep you guessing. Whether you’re in the mood for a psychological exploration or a nail-biting mystery, this list has something for everyone.