9 Thriller Books To Read In 2025

Thriller novels have the unique ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats, gripping their books or e-readers late into the night. If you crave suspense, mystery, and mind-blowing twists, these 9 thriller books are must-reads. Each book on this list will challenge your perception, keep you guessing, and leave you breathless.

1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Few books have redefined the psychological thriller genre like Gone Girl. This novel takes readers deep into a twisted marriage filled with deception, manipulation, and dark secrets. When Amy Dunne mysteriously disappears, suspicion falls on her husband, Nick. As the story unfolds, Flynn delivers shocking revelations that make this novel impossible to put down. Readers will find themselves constantly shifting between sympathizing with and distrusting the characters.

2. The Breakdown by B.A. Paris

In The Breakdown, B.A. Paris delivers another pulse-pounding psychological thriller that keeps readers on edge until the final page. The story centers around Cass Anderson, a woman who, after driving down a desolate country road during a storm, fails to stop and help a woman whose car is broken down. As Cass’ life begins to unravel, she begins to suspect that someone is watching her and that the danger is far closer than she ever imagined.

Paris masterfully builds tension throughout the novel, drawing readers into Cass' growing paranoia and uncertainty. With a gripping narrative, unexpected twists, and a nail-biting climax, The Breakdown is a thrilling exploration of fear, guilt, and the consequences of our actions.

3. The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter

This novel is a gripping blend of psychological thriller and family drama, following two sisters who experience a horrific attack that changes their lives forever. Charlotte and Samantha Quinn are daughters of a small-town defense attorney, but their lives are shattered when their home is invaded, leaving them with deep emotional scars. With unflinching depictions of trauma and a relentless pace, The Good Daughter is a haunting, suspenseful read that expertly weaves past and present into a shocking climax.

4. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Inspired by classic Hitchcockian thrillers, this novel centers on an agoraphobic woman who spies on her neighbors. One day, she witnesses something she shouldn’t have—but can she trust her own mind? With unreliable narration and pulse-pounding suspense, The Woman in the Window is a must-read. The protagonist, Anna Fox, struggles with trauma, isolation, and alcoholism, adding psychological depth to the story. The novel plays with the concept of reality and perception, keeping readers guessing until the final reveal. Full of misdirection and suspense, this book is an intense psychological ride from beginning to end.

5. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

This gripping thriller follows Rachel, a woman who rides the same train every day, observing a seemingly perfect couple from the window. One day, she witnesses something shocking. As she becomes entangled in a missing person case, the novel takes unexpected twists that will leave readers gasping. The story is told from multiple perspectives, allowing readers to piece together the truth in real time. Themes of addiction, memory loss, and obsession make the characters complex and unreliable, adding to the novel’s suspense. The shocking twists and an intense climax make this book an addictive read that lingers long after finishing.

6. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

On the outside, Jack and Grace appear to be the perfect couple, but behind closed doors, a sinister reality unfolds. This chilling domestic thriller explores psychological control and emotional manipulation, creating an atmosphere of claustrophobic tension that lingers long after the last page. Jack, a successful lawyer, hides his true nature behind a charming facade, while Grace is trapped in an inescapable nightmare. The novel’s pacing is relentless, drawing readers into the disturbing details of Grace’s entrapment. With its heart-pounding tension and shocking climax, this book is a gripping exploration of psychological abuse.

7. I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll

A gripping mystery thriller that begins when a young woman disappears after talking to a stranger on a train. Told from multiple perspectives, the novel unravels the events leading up to her disappearance, keeping readers guessing until the shocking finale. The narrative structure builds suspense as different viewpoints provide fragmented insights into the mystery. Themes of guilt, fear, and justice make the story deeply compelling. The constant shifts in perspective keep the reader engaged, making this book a page-turning psychological thriller filled with surprising revelations.

8. The Girl Before by JP Delaney

This psychological thriller revolves around a futuristic minimalist house designed by an enigmatic architect. When Jane moves into the home, she learns that the previous tenant, Emma, died under mysterious circumstances. As Jane begins to uncover unsettling details about Emma’s life and the architect’s controlling behavior, eerie parallels emerge. The novel shifts between the perspectives of Emma and Jane, creating a dual narrative that heightens the suspense. The Girl Before is a chilling exploration of obsession, control, and psychological manipulation, making it a riveting read that keeps readers questioning every motive until the very end.

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

This psychological thriller follows Christine, a woman who wakes up every morning with no memory of her past due to amnesia. As she pieces together her fragmented life, she begins to realize that the people around her may not be telling the truth. The suspense builds to a mind-blowing conclusion that will leave readers questioning everything. The novel masterfully plays with the idea of memory, trust, and manipulation, keeping readers in a constant state of uncertainty. The shocking twist at the end changes everything, making this book a truly unforgettable read.

Conclusion

If you love gripping plots, mind-bending twists, and suspenseful storytelling, these 9 thriller books will keep you turning pages long into the night. Add them to your reading list for an unforgettable experience!