8 Good Thriller Books To Read In 2025

Thrillers are the beating heart of modern fiction — stories that grip us by the collar, quicken our pulse, and keep us reading late into the night. Whether it’s a chilling psychological twist, a high-stakes chase, or a web of deceit that unravels one secret at a time, thriller novels deliver that addictive mix of tension and surprise we crave.

Below is a list of 8 good thriller books to read in 2025. These books aren’t just page-turners — they’re masterpieces of human psychology, morality, and the dark corners of the imagination.

1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl is a modern classic of psychological suspense. When Amy Dunne disappears on her fifth wedding anniversary, suspicion falls squarely on her husband, Nick. But as the story unfolds, nothing — and no one — is what it seems. Flynn’s razor-sharp prose and unreliable narration expose the toxic layers beneath a seemingly perfect marriage.

This novel redefined the domestic thriller genre, influencing countless imitators. It’s a masterclass in manipulation, exploring how perception shapes truth. A must-read for anyone who loves complex characters and dark psychological games.

2. I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll

In I Am Watching You, a woman’s chance encounter on a train turns into a haunting mystery after one of the men she met goes missing. Told through multiple perspectives, including the guilt-ridden witness, the novel builds a slow, nerve-tingling tension.

Driscoll’s writing is intimate yet suspenseful, exploring the ripple effects of choices, guilt, and moral responsibility. With its nuanced characters and emotional resonance, this is a domestic thriller that feels both deeply human and utterly chilling.

3. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Few books have captured the world’s attention like The Silent Patient. The story revolves around Alicia Berenson, a celebrated painter who shoots her husband and then stops speaking entirely. Enter Theo Faber, a psychotherapist determined to uncover her secret.

Michaelides combines Greek tragedy, psychology, and breathtaking twists in a story that’s as intellectual as it is addictive. The final reveal is one of the most shocking in recent thriller history — a perfect example of psychological suspense done right.

4. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code is a cultural juggernaut — part thriller, part puzzle, and entirely unforgettable. When symbologist Robert Langdon is called to a murder scene in the Louvre, he stumbles upon a trail of clues hidden in art, history, and religion.

This novel’s fast-paced storytelling, historical intrigue, and intellectual riddles made it a worldwide sensation. Brown’s blend of fact and fiction keeps readers second-guessing what’s real, making it one of the most engaging intellectual thrillers ever written.

5. The Night Manager by John le Carré

John le Carré’s The Night Manager blends the sophistication of espionage with the tension of a classic thriller. Former British soldier Jonathan Pine becomes entangled in an undercover mission to infiltrate the inner circle of an international arms dealer.

Le Carré’s prose is elegant, deliberate, and psychologically rich. He captures the moral ambiguity of espionage — where loyalty, identity, and justice blur beyond recognition. This espionage thriller is as much about character as it is about danger, offering readers a thrilling yet thoughtful exploration of power, corruption, and the price of doing what’s right.

6. The Reversal by Michael Connelly

The Reversal, part of Michael Connelly’s acclaimed Lincoln Lawyer series, brings together defense attorney Mickey Haller and LAPD detective Harry Bosch in a riveting courtroom thriller.

When a convicted child molester wins a retrial, Haller takes the risky step of working for the prosecution. Connelly’s insider knowledge of the legal system and tight, propulsive prose make this novel both gritty and authentic. It’s a perfect blend of legal drama and investigative suspense — the kind of thriller that keeps readers thinking long after the verdict.

7. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

B.A. Paris’s Behind Closed Doors is a terrifyingly realistic psychological thriller that peels back the facade of a “perfect marriage.” Grace and Jack Angel appear to be the ideal couple — beautiful, successful, and inseparable. But behind their immaculate home lies a nightmare of control, manipulation, and terror.

Paris’s tight, claustrophobic writing traps readers in Grace’s world of silent suffering, building unbearable tension page by page. The book explores emotional abuse and coercive control with chilling authenticity, making it both a gripping thriller and a sobering reflection on how evil can hide behind charm and respectability.

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

That’s the chilling premise of Before I Go to Sleep, where protagonist Christine struggles to piece together her identity each day.

Watson’s debut novel is a psychological labyrinth that examines memory, trauma, and trust. As Christine uncovers disturbing truths about her life and those around her, readers are pulled into a relentless spiral of uncertainty. It’s a claustrophobic, emotionally charged thriller that questions the reliability of the human mind.

Conclusion

The world of thrillers is vast, but truly great ones stay with you — their twists, their characters, their emotional echoes. Whether you’re new to the genre or a lifelong fan, these 8 must-read thriller books offer unforgettable journeys through fear, suspense, and revelation.

So pour a cup of coffee, dim the lights, and prepare to lose sleep. Because once you start one of these, there’s no turning back.