The best 71 Suspense books

Gone Girl (2012) is the story of Amy Dunne, who one day vanishes from her cozy midwestern home. Her sudden disappearance becomes a sensational nation-wide headline – and the biggest suspect is her husband, Nick. But what follows is a head-spinning plot that takes on the subjects of relationship dynamics, private and public identities, the influence of media, and the institution of marriage.

When Joe Lynch discovers his wife's car parked in a hotel car park, he is thrown into a web of lies and deceit. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers shocking truths that threaten to unravel his entire life. Lies is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Housemaid is a gripping novel that delves into the complex relationships and power dynamics within a wealthy household. When a young woman named Anne takes a job as a housemaid, she uncovers dark secrets and must navigate the dangerous world of the upper class. With suspense and intrigue, this book explores themes of class, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to protect their own interests.

Creep is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of a charming and manipulative college professor who becomes obsessed with a former student. As his dark secrets unravel, the novel delves into themes of obsession, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to in order to protect their own secrets. With its intense plot twists and complex characters, Creep will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

An Anonymous Girl is a psychological thriller that delves into the world of ethics, manipulation, and obsession. When Jessica Farris signs up for a psychology study on ethics and morality, she becomes entangled in a web of deceit and danger. As she becomes increasingly involved in the study, she realizes that she may not be the only one keeping secrets. Gripping and suspenseful, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Killing Floor is a gripping thriller by Lee Child that introduces the enigmatic character Jack Reacher. When Reacher arrives in a small Georgia town, he becomes embroiled in a deadly conspiracy and must use his military training to uncover the truth. With its fast-paced action and clever plot twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Mockingjay is the third book in Suzanne Collins's thrilling Hunger Games trilogy. Set in a dystopian world, it follows the courageous protagonist Katniss Everdeen as she becomes the symbol of rebellion against the oppressive Capitol. Filled with action, suspense, and thought-provoking themes, this book explores the consequences of war and the power of individual choice.

Assuming Names is a gripping memoir by Tanya Thompson that delves into the world of identity theft and deception. The book follows the author's own experiences as she assumes multiple false identities in order to escape a troubled past. With a mix of suspense and dark humor, Thompson takes readers on a wild ride as she navigates the dangerous and thrilling world of assuming names.

'The Husband's Secret' by Liane Moriarty is a gripping novel that delves into the complexities of marriage, betrayal, and the power of secrets. Set in Sydney, Australia, the story follows three women whose lives become intertwined when one of them discovers a letter written by her husband containing a life-changing secret. As the truth unravels, the consequences are far-reaching and force each character to confront their own choices and the interconnectedness of their lives.

Origin by Dan Brown is a thrilling mystery that delves into the realms of science, religion, and technology. When renowned symbologist Robert Langdon is invited to a presentation at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous quest to uncover the answers to two fundamental questions: Where do we come from, and where are we going?

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is a gripping mystery thriller that unravels the secrets of the Catholic Church and the true identity of the Holy Grail. Filled with hidden codes, ancient symbols, and unexpected twists, it takes the reader on a thrilling journey through Europe as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon races to solve a centuries-old mystery.

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins is a gripping novel that tells the story of a mother and son fleeing drug cartel violence in Mexico and seeking asylum in the United States. It offers a powerful and emotional portrayal of the hardships faced by migrants and the lengths they will go to in search of safety and a better life.

In the Woods (2007) is a psychological thriller by Tana French that delves into the intertwining mysteries of a present-day murder and a decades-old disappearance. Filled with intricate characters and a haunting setting, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats as detective Rob Ryan and his partner delve into the dark secrets hidden in the woods.

Murder on the Orient Express is a classic mystery novel by Agatha Christie. Set aboard the luxurious train, the story follows renowned detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder that occurs during the journey. With a limited pool of suspects and a locked room mystery, Poirot must unravel the truth behind the crime in this gripping whodunit.

Misery by Stephen King is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the twisted mind of a former nurse who holds her favorite author captive. As the author struggles to escape, he realizes that his biggest challenge may be surviving the wrath of his biggest fan.

I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. After a tragic accident, Jenna Gray moves to a remote cottage on the Welsh coast to escape her past. But as the story unfolds, shocking secrets and twists are revealed, making it impossible to put the book down.

Mr. Mercedes is a gripping thriller by Stephen King that follows retired detective Bill Hodges as he becomes obsessed with solving a cold case. When a mass murderer known as Mr. Mercedes reemerges and taunts him with a series of letters, Hodges is drawn back into the dangerous game of cat and mouse. Filled with suspense and unexpected twists, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Angels & Demons is a gripping thriller by Dan Brown that takes you on a high-stakes journey through the Vatican and the streets of Rome. When a scientist is found murdered with an ancient symbol branded on his chest, symbologist Robert Langdon is called in to decipher the clues and unravel a deadly conspiracy. As Langdon races against time to stop a powerful secret society from unleashing chaos, the line between good and evil becomes increasingly blurred.

The Dinner by Herman Koch is a thought-provoking novel that takes place during a tense family dinner. As the evening unfolds, dark secrets and disturbing revelations come to light, challenging the characters' moral compass and forcing them to confront the consequences of their actions. This gripping story delves into themes of family, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones.

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens is a gripping psychological thriller that tells the story of a woman who is abducted and held captive for over a year. Told through her therapy sessions, it delves into the trauma she endured and the harrowing journey of her escape. It is a chilling and intense exploration of survival and the aftermath of such a traumatic experience.

You by Caroline Kepnes is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a charming bookstore manager named Joe Goldberg. Obsessed with a customer named Beck, Joe uses social media and surveillance to manipulate her life and remove anyone who stands in his way. This dark and twisted novel will make you question the dangers of obsession and the extent of one's own privacy.

Catching Fire is the second book in Suzanne Collins's thrilling Hunger Games trilogy. It continues the story of Katniss Everdeen as she unwittingly becomes a symbol of rebellion against the oppressive Capitol. Filled with action, suspense, and political intrigue, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Dry (2016) by Jane Harper is a gripping mystery novel set in a small Australian town. When Federal Agent Aaron Falk returns to his hometown for the funeral of his childhood friend, he is drawn into investigating the shocking murder-suicide of the friend's family. As Falk delves into the dark secrets and betrayals of the past, the story unravels with tense and compelling twists.

Along Came a Spider is a thrilling novel by James Patterson. When a brilliant and twisted criminal mastermind kidnaps two children from an elite school, detective Alex Cross is on the case. Racing against time, Cross must outsmart the criminal and uncover the shocking truth behind the abduction. Filled with suspense and unexpected twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine is a gripping thriller that follows Gwen Proctor, a woman who goes into hiding with her children after discovering that her husband is a notorious serial killer. As she tries to build a new life in a remote town, she is constantly haunted by the fear that her past will catch up with her. Filled with suspense and unexpected twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Caught by Harlan Coben is a gripping thriller that follows the story of a man whose life is turned upside down when a mysterious stranger reveals a dark secret from his past. As he delves into the truth behind the revelation, he uncovers a web of lies, betrayal, and shocking revelations that threaten to destroy everything he holds dear.

The Lost Symbol is a gripping mystery novel by Dan Brown that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the hidden secrets of Washington, D.C. When symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to uncover a mysterious code, he finds himself entangled in a web of ancient symbols, secret societies, and a race against time. As the truth unravels, Langdon must decipher the lost symbol to save a dear friend and prevent a devastating revelation.

Kiss the Girls is a gripping psychological thriller by James Patterson. The book follows detective Alex Cross as he investigates a series of kidnappings and murders of young women. With a brilliant and twisted villain at its core, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Cross races against time to save the next potential victim.

Divergent by Veronica Roth is a thrilling dystopian novel set in a society where people are divided into factions based on their personalities. When the protagonist, Beatrice Prior, discovers she doesn't fit into any one faction, she uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that threatens to unravel the entire social order. This action-packed book explores themes of identity, choice, and rebellion. A must-read for fans of dystopian fiction!

Eye of the Needle is a gripping spy thriller set during World War II. Written by Ken Follett, it follows a ruthless German spy known as "The Needle" who possesses crucial information about the Allies' plans. As he attempts to escape to Germany, a determined woman stands in his way, leading to a thrilling game of cat and mouse.

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters is a gripping historical novel set in Victorian England. It tells the story of Sue Trinder, a young orphan who is drawn into a plot to defraud a wealthy heiress. Full of twists and turns, the book explores themes of betrayal, love, and the power dynamics between the characters.

Under the Dome is a gripping novel by Stephen King that tells the story of a small town in Maine suddenly encapsulated by a mysterious, impenetrable dome. Trapped inside, the residents must deal with dwindling resources, power struggles, and the unraveling of their community. As tensions rise and a sense of claustrophobia sets in, the book delves into themes of power, human nature, and the fight for survival.

Red Russia by Tanya Thompson is a gripping political thriller set in the heart of Moscow. When American journalist Sarah Jensen uncovers a dangerous conspiracy within the Russian government, she must navigate a web of lies and betrayal to expose the truth. As tensions rise and the stakes get higher, Sarah finds herself in a race against time to prevent a global catastrophe.

The Martian by Andy Weir follows astronaut Mark Watney, who is mistakenly left behind on Mars after a dust storm forces his crew to evacuate. With limited supplies and ingenuity, Watney must find a way to survive on the desolate planet while NASA works tirelessly to bring him home. A thrilling tale of resilience, problem-solving, and the power of the human spirit.

Naked in Death is a gripping mystery novel by J.D. Robb (pseudonym for Nora Roberts). Set in a futuristic New York City, it follows tough homicide detective Eve Dallas as she investigates a series of brutal and sexually charged murders. As Eve delves into the case, she uncovers dark secrets and faces unexpected danger, all while navigating her own complicated past. This fast-paced thriller keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Red Dragon is a psychological thriller novel that delves into the mind of a serial killer, as well as the psyche of the FBI profiler hunting him down. Written by Thomas Harris, it introduces the iconic character Hannibal Lecter and takes readers on a chilling journey filled with suspense and unexpected twists.

Inferno by Dan Brown is a gripping mystery thriller that takes you on a journey through Florence, Italy. Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon finds himself in a race against time to unravel a series of clues based on Dante's Inferno in order to stop a deadly global pandemic. Filled with twists and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Girl Who Lived by Christopher Greyson is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of a woman named Faith Winters who survived a horrifying massacre as a teenager. Now, haunted by the past, she returns to her hometown to uncover the truth behind the murders. Filled with unexpected twists and intense suspense, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the cunning and sociopathic Tom Ripley as he infiltrates the lives of the wealthy and privileged. Filled with tension and unexpected twists, this novel delves into themes of identity, obsession, and the dark depths of human nature.

Say You're Sorry by Melinda Leigh is a gripping thriller that follows Morgan Dane, a former prosecutor turned private investigator. When a young mother is brutally murdered, Morgan teams up with a tenacious defense attorney to uncover the truth. As they delve into the small town's dark secrets, they must race against time to bring the real killer to justice and unravel a web of lies and deception.

Her Mother's Grave by Lisa Regan is a gripping thriller that follows Detective Josie Quinn as she investigates a decades-old murder. When a young girl's body is found in a remote mountain town, Josie uncovers dark secrets that lead her to confront her own troubled past. Filled with twists and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Kill Switch by Penelope Douglas is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark and twisted world of revenge. When Damon, a man with a troubled past, seeks retribution against those who wronged him, he sets his sights on Winter, the one person who betrayed him. As the tension escalates and secrets unravel, the line between predator and prey becomes blurred, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. When Louise strikes up an affair with her new boss, David, she also befriends his wife, Adele. As secrets unravel and the past collides with the present, the story takes an unexpected turn that will leave you shocked. It's a mind-bending tale of obsession, manipulation, and the power of the human mind.

No Exit by Taylor Adams is a gripping thriller that takes place in a remote roadside rest stop during a snowstorm. When Darby Thorne discovers a kidnapped girl locked in a van, she realizes there is no way to get help. Trapped with the kidnapper among the other stranded travelers, Darby must find a way to save the girl before it's too late. This intense and suspenseful novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark and twisted reality of a seemingly perfect marriage. The story follows Grace, who appears to have it all – a handsome husband, a beautiful home, and a luxurious lifestyle. But as the truth unravels, we discover the horrifying secrets that lie behind closed doors.

Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Christine Lucas, who wakes up every day with no memory of her past due to a mysterious accident. As she starts to uncover the truth about her life, she realizes that things are not as they seem. Filled with twists and turns, this book will make you question everything you think you know.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty is a gripping novel that delves into the lives of three women whose seemingly perfect lives unravel to reveal dark secrets and lies. Set in a picturesque coastal town, the book explores themes of friendship, motherhood, and domestic violence, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

A legal thriller that follows 11-year-old Mark Sway as he becomes entangled in the dangerous world of the mafia after witnessing a lawyer's suicide. With the help of attorney Reggie Love, Mark must navigate the legal system and outsmart the mafia in order to protect himself and his family. The Client is a gripping tale of suspense and power.

Deception Point by Dan Brown is a gripping thriller that takes the reader on a journey through deception and conspiracy. When a NASA satellite uncovers a mysterious object buried deep in the Arctic ice, it sets off a chain of events that will challenge everything we know about science, politics, and the pursuit of truth. With twists and turns at every corner, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Defending Jacob by William Landay is a gripping legal thriller that delves into the complexities of family, loyalty, and the criminal justice system. When a teenage boy is accused of murder, his father, a respected prosecutor, must confront uncomfortable truths and make difficult choices to protect his son.

The Shining is a gripping novel by Stephen King that tells the story of the Torrance family, who move into the isolated Overlook Hotel for the winter. As the hotel becomes snowbound, terrifying supernatural forces start to take hold, driving the father, Jack, to madness and putting his wife and son in grave danger. This chilling tale explores themes of isolation, addiction, and the power of the supernatural.

Sharp Objects is a psychological thriller by Gillian Flynn that delves into the dark and twisted mind of its protagonist, journalist Camille Preaker. Assigned to cover a series of murders in her hometown, Camille is forced to confront her own troubled past and unravel the secrets that have haunted her family for years. With its gripping narrative and shocking revelations, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware is a gripping psychological thriller that takes place at a bachelorette party in an isolated cabin. As secrets from the past are revealed, the tension builds and the line between friend and foe becomes blurred. With its eerie atmosphere and unexpected twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When a woman overhears a conversation on a train that sets off alarm bells, she becomes obsessed with finding out the truth. As the story unfolds, dark secrets and unexpected twists reveal the chilling reality of what can happen when someone is watching you.

The Firm by John Grisham is a legal thriller that follows a young attorney named Mitch McDeere as he joins a prestigious law firm in Memphis. However, he soon discovers that the firm has some dark secrets and is involved in illegal activities. As Mitch tries to escape the firm's grip, he becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of Rachel, an alcoholic who becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she sees from the train every day. When the woman goes missing, Rachel becomes entangled in the investigation and uncovers dark secrets about the people involved. Filled with twists and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. The story follows the mysterious disappearance of a young woman named Mia, and the shocking truths that are unraveled as her family and the detective assigned to the case delve deeper into her past and the reasons behind her abduction.

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the secrets and lies of seemingly ordinary people. When a couple's baby goes missing during a dinner party at their neighbor's house, dark truths and hidden motives are revealed. With unexpected twists and a tense atmosphere, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane is a mind-bending psychological thriller that takes place in an eerie, isolated mental institution. U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels and his partner are sent to the island to investigate the disappearance of a patient. As they delve into the mystery, they uncover disturbing secrets and question their own sanity. With its unexpected twists and thought-provoking themes, this gripping novel will keep you hooked until the very end.

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch is a gripping science fiction thriller that explores the concept of parallel universes and the choices we make. Jason Dessen is living an ordinary life until he is abducted and wakes up in a reality that is not his own. As he embarks on a mind-bending journey to find his way back, he uncovers the terrifying consequences of his own decisions. This thought-provoking and suspenseful novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When Alicia Berenson is accused of murdering her husband and then goes silent, refusing to speak a single word, psychotherapist Theo Faber becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind her shocking act. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's past and her dark, twisted mind, he unravels a web of secrets and lies that will leave you stunned.

Pretty Girls is a chilling and suspenseful thriller by Karin Slaughter that delves into the dark and disturbing secrets hidden within a seemingly ordinary family. When a woman goes missing, it unravels a web of lies and reveals the truth about what really happened to her sister years ago. This gripping novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of family, memory, and the aftermath of a brutal massacre. The story follows Libby Day, the sole survivor of her family's murder, as she investigates the events of that fateful night and uncovers shocking truths about her past. With its dark and twisted plot, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth is a gripping thriller that follows an anonymous assassin, known as the Jackal, as he is hired to kill Charles de Gaulle, the President of France. With meticulous planning and a relentless pursuit by the authorities, the Jackal embarks on a deadly mission that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The Woods by Harlan Coben follows a gripping tale of long-buried secrets and the search for the truth. When a shocking discovery is made in the woods near a summer camp, it brings back haunting memories for attorney Paul Copeland. As he delves into the past, he uncovers dark secrets and must confront the truth about what really happened all those years ago.

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell is a gripping psychological thriller that unravels the mystery of a young girl's disappearance. Told through multiple perspectives, the story delves into the dark and twisted secrets of a seemingly perfect family. With unexpected twists and turns, it keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller that follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of incarcerated serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch another killer on the loose. The book delves into the complex relationship between Starling and Lecter, and explores themes of power, manipulation, and the darkest corners of the human mind.

The Stand is a post-apocalyptic horror novel by Stephen King. Set in a world ravaged by a deadly virus, it tells the story of a group of survivors who are drawn into a final stand between the forces of good and evil. With its complex characters and gripping narrative, the book explores themes of societal collapse, redemption, and the battle for the soul of humanity.

The Lovely Bones is a haunting and emotional novel that tells the story of a young girl named Susie Salmon who is brutally murdered. From her unique perspective in the afterlife, Susie watches as her family and friends struggle to cope with her death and unravel the mystery surrounding it. Told with both raw honesty and a touch of magical realism, this book explores themes of love, loss, and the power of letting go.

Origin by Dan Brown is a thrilling mystery that delves into the realms of science, religion, and technology. When renowned symbologist Robert Langdon is invited to a presentation at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous quest to uncover the answers to two fundamental questions: Where do we come from, and where are we going?

The Dinner by Herman Koch is a gripping psychological thriller that takes place over the course of a dinner at a fancy restaurant. As two couples sit down to eat, their conversation turns to a shocking event involving their teenage sons. Tensions rise and dark secrets are revealed, leading to a dramatic and thought-provoking exploration of family, morality, and the lengths we would go to protect the ones we love.