35 Best Thriller Books

35 Best Thriller Books of all time is a list of books that will captivate its readers with their suspenseful storylines and unexpected twists unfounded in any other list. The best thriller books out there go deep into many subgenres like psychological thrillers, and spy thrillers, and take their readers around the world on the chase to find the truth.

So if you are here for some books that will let you have one of the most thrilling reads possible then our List of Best thriller books of all time will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat until you finish reading it.

35 Best Thriller Books Of All Time

These selected 25 Thriller books are at the top of their game, and will give you long and captivating suspenseful storylines and unexpected twists. These books will deeply impact you as some of them are psychological thrillers that delve into the human psyche.

In any case, I am sure the books listed here will be the best thriller books of all time.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

This is a psychological thriller novel by the Swedish author and journalist Stieg Larsson. Published in 2005 after he did this, he became an international bestseller. The story revolves around A scion of a wealthy Sweden family that had disappeared forty years ago.

She is named Harriet Banger. The book is the first in the Millennium series that expands beyond the original trilogy making this one of the best thriller books of its time.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

A critically acclaimed psychological thriller novel by American author Gillian Flynn that was published in 2012. it became a best seller in the New York Times, making this one of the best thriller books of its time.

The story revolves around Nick Dunne who becomes the prime suspect when his wife Amy disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary. The novel is filled with identity crises, secrets, and complex marital relationships, making this one of the best thriller books out there.

The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris 

A psychological horror novel written by Thomas Harris. it was first published in 1988 and is the sequel to the novel Red Dragon. The main character of the story is Clarice Starling who is a young FBI trainee at the Academy.

The themes of the book are dark and heavy and the characters of the book are very complex. Dr. Hannibal Lecter among them is one of the most renowned characters created in History of Horrors making this one of the best thriller books of its time.

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

A mystery novel by British author Wilkie Collins first published in 1849, the novel falls under the “sensation novels” and also can be an early example of detective fiction. The plot revolves around Walter Hartright, a master of drawing who encounters a woman dressed entirely in white.

Later he gets embroiled in a mystery where his student who bears striking resembles the woman dressed in white. the Story is considered one of the best thriller books out there for its complex storyplay and plot that is unique to itself. The novel is seen to be exploring themes like identity, secrets, and the complexities of societal norms.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky 

A novel by Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky. It was first published in the literary journal The Russian Messenger in twelve monthly installments during 1866. The story follows the mental anguish and moral dilemmas of Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished ex-student in Saint Petersburg who plans to kill an unscrupulous pawnbroker so he can go ahead and do great deeds.

But things change once the deed is done and paranoia breaks into Rodion’s life. The novel is often cited as one of the greatest works of world literature and is considered the first great novel of Dostoevsky’s mature period, making this one of the best thriller books he has written.

Shining by Stephen King

A gothic horror novel by American author Stephen King published in 1977. It is the first hardcover bestseller of his works. the story centers around Jack Torrance a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic who accepts a position as the off-season caretaker of the historic Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies.

He was visiting there to work with his family, but before long the dark history of the place is revealed, and Jack and his family get tangled up in a deadly mystery.  The Shining is a famous work by Stephen King that is widely renowned for its thriller plots and horrifying elements making this one of the best thriller books of all time.

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

This is the second installment of the best-selling Millennium series. It was published in Swedish in 2006 and later in enlightens in 2009. The story’s main character is named Mikael Blimkvist who is a publisher at Millennium magazine.

The novel is filled with mystery and thriller making this one of the best Thriller books of its time. Mixing the genres of mystery, thriller, and come genres this is certainly the best of its kind.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

A magnificent Mystery thriller novel by Dan Brown was published on March 18, 2003. It is the second novel to include the character Robert Landon following “Angels and Demons”.

The novel explores an alternate religious history and has provoked a popular interest in speculation that concerns the holy grail legend and Mary Magdalene told in Christian history.

Despite the novel having been criticized for its historical and scientific inaccuracies, it has become a massive worldwide bestseller selling over 80 million copies as of 2009 making it one of the best thriller books of all time.

The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

A detective novel by American writer Dashiell Hammett was first published in 1930. The story is told externally from a third-person narrative. The main character is a private detective in San Francisco.

The novel is renowned for its mystery and unique story. It has even been adapted into cinema several times and it was ranked 10th in the Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time list by the Crime Writer’s Association making this one of the best Thriller books of its time.

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John le Carré

Written by the British author John Le Carre, this is a 1963 Cold War spy novel depicting the life of Alec Leamas, a British agent, who is sent to East Germany as a faux defector to sow disinformation about a powerful East German intelligence officer.

The novel portrays Western espionage methods as morally inconsistent with Western democracy and values. It quickly became a best seller as it was published and can be considered one of the best thriller books of its time.

The Ice Princess By Camilla Läckberg

A crime novel by Swedish author Camilla Lackberg. The novel follows the detective Patrik Hedstronm and writer Erica Falk in investigating a suspicious suicide. Erica after returning to her family home after the death of her parents finds a community on the brink of tragedy.

She quickly finds out that the death of her friend is only the beginning of the horrors to come. This novel has been praised for detailing how horrific secrets are never completely buried and how silence can easily kill the soul making this one of the best thriller books of its time.

The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

The story is a historical murder mystery by Uberto Eco an Italian writer. It follows Franciscan Friar William of Baskerville and Adso of Melk. Adso a Benedictine novice who travels under the protection of William went to a monastery in northern Italy to attend a theological disputation.

But the monastery is disturbed by bizarre deaths, and Brother Williams turns detective. The novel has a combination of fiction, biblical analysis, medieval studies, and literary theory making it unique and one of the best thriller books out there and has sold over 50 million copies worldwide and has become one of the best-selling books ever published.

Bluebird, Bluebird By Attica Locke

A novel by Attica Locke, it was first published in 2017, It is the first book in the Highway 59 series. The main character is Darren Mathews who is an African-American Texas Tanger investigating two murders in the small town of Lark, Texas. The story explores the themes of race, justice, and the intersection of Love.

The novel has received critical acclaim and won the award of best novel from the Edgar Awards in 2018. If you’re looking for the Best thriller books out there, this is certainly a title you wouldn’t want to miss.

The Hunt for Red October By Tom Clancy

a techno-thriller novel written by Tom Clancy, published in 1984. The novel features the character Jack Ryan, an analyst working for the Central Intelligence Agency. The story follows a soviet submarine captain  Marko Ramius as he goes rogue with his country’s cutting-edge ballistic missile submarine called Red  October.

The book was a major success and launched Clancy’s career as a novelist especially after then-US president Ronald Reagan remarked that he had enjoyed reading it. If you’re looking for one of the best thriller books out there, this may be what you are looking for.

My Sister, the Serial Killer By Oyinkan Braithwaite

This is a darkly humorous thriller novel by Nigerian author Oyinkan Braithwaite. The story is set in Lagos, Nigeria, and follows Nurse Korede who is often called upon by her younger sister, Ayoola, to help clean up after Ayoola’s boyfriends end up dead. Before long Korede suspects that her sister might be a serial killer.

It becomes more complex when Ayoola starts dating a doctor that Korede has feelings for, she is forced to choose between her sister and the man she loves.

The novel is widely praised for its wit and exploration of complex dynamics in family and it’s a commentary on societal expectations of women. If you’re looking for a novel that combines suspense and is one of the best thriller books out there, this is the one you might be looking for.

Out By Natsuo Kirino

A gripping Japanese crime novel that was originally published in 1997 and later translated into English in 2004. The novel starts in Tokyo Suburbs and revolves around four women working the graveyard shift at a bento factory.

Each of the women there has been grappling with their difficult circumstances, but the plot twists into a mess when one of the women, Yayoi, strangles her husband who was abusive to her, and enlists the help of her co-workers, including the de facto leader Masako to dispose of the body.

The book is celebrated for its exploration into the underbelly of Japanese society, it will certainly provide you with elements of mystery, thriller, and psychological drama making it one of the best thriller books out there to provoke your thoughts.

Killing Floor By Lee Child

The story begins with Jack Reacher, an ex-military policeman, arriving in the small town of Margrave, Georgia. Just after he arrives, he is arrested for the murder of someone he did not commit. The novel is set as Reacher works to clear his name and uncover the truth behind the murder.

He confronts crimes and criminal family that have the town under their control. The novel received the Anthony Award and the Barry Award for Best First Novel and is praised for its compelling plot and robust character development. if you’re looking for the best thriller books to read, this is certainly one you can’t miss.

The Shadow of the Wind By Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The story is set in Barcelona, in 1945, and follows Daniel, a young boy who discovers a mysterious book by Julian Carax. As he starts to search for the author’s other works, he gets to know that someone has been systematically destroying every copy of Carax’s books.

The novel is widely known for its intricate plot, atmospheric setting, and its homage to the power of literature. the book has sold millions of copies all over the world and has been translated into more than 30 languages. If you are into literary thrillers then this is one of the best thriller books you should be reading.

Blacktop Wasteland By S. A. Cosby

A thrilling novel by SA Cosboy that has garnered significant attention and praise. The emotionally charged thriller goes into the life of Beauregard Bug Montage, a man torn between his past as a skilled getaway driver and his present efforts to live an honest life as a husband, father, and car mechanic.

The book explores the themes of poverty, race, family, and identity. Bug is seen to be drawn back to his past criminal world to save his new family’s future or maybe cost him everything that he already had. If you are looking for a captivating hard-hitting story this will be among the best thriller books you are looking for.

Miracle Creek: A Novel By Angie Kim

A courtroom drama that explores the lives of an immigrant family and a young mother who is single and is being accused of a heinous crime. The novel depicts the story of an explosion at the facility where a medical treatment device known as the Miracle Submarine is, the event killed two people leading to a murder trial that uncovers a web of secrets and lies.

The themes seen here are family, community, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones. If you’re looking for a novel that combines the tension of a thriller with the depth of a family drama, this is one of the best thriller books for you.

The Surgeon By Tess Gerritsen

A suspense novel by Tess Gerritsen, and it’s the first book in the Jane Rizzoli series. It was published on October 2, 2001. the story introduces a killer whose targets are lone women and performs terrifying torture on them before ending their lives. His skill in surgery makes the police suspect him as a physician.

The narrative is followed as Thomas Moore and his partner Jane Rizzoli investigate the murders. If you are interested in crime fiction, with a blend of mystery, thriller, and suspense, this is one of the best thriller books just for you.

The Girl on the Train By Paula Hawkins

The story is told from the perspective of three women, Rachel Watson, Anna Boyed, and Megan Hipwell. the main protagonist is Rachel a 33-year-old alcoholic who gets entangled in a missing persons investigation after becoming a witness of something choking from the train she takes every day.

The story explores the themes of memory, domestic violence, and the impact of alcoholism. It has remained as a New York Times bestseller for 13 consecutive weeks making this one of the best thriller books out there.

Everything I Never Told You By Celeste Ng

The novel is widely acclaimed for its exploration of family dynamics and the challenges of cultural identity. The story begins with the death of Lydia Lee who is the favourite child of Marilyn and James Lee whose body was found in a local lake.

The story is set as it uncovers how individuals struggle to understand one another and as we go deeper into the secrets and lodgings of the Lee Family.

This novel has been praised as being a gripping page-turner and also something that serves as a sensitive family portrait. If you were looking for one of the best thriller books out there this is the right one.

Your House Will Pay: A Novel By Steph Cha

A novel that goes into racial tensions is found in Los Angeles, following two families, one Korean-American and one African-American as they grapple with the effects of a decades-old crime. the book is set against the backdrop of the police shooting of a black teenager which brings the city to a state of tension reminiscent of the early 1990s.

The book is praised for its powerful storytelling which has won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. so if you’re interested in exploring complex social issues through a gripping narrative, then this is certainly one of the best thriller books just for you.

The Mask of Dimitrios By Eric Ambler

a classic novel by Eric Ambler which was first published in 1939. the novel is often regarded as one of Ambler’s finest works and has a huge influence in the spy and adventure genres. The story follows mystery writer Charles Latimer as he becomes fascinated with the carrier of notorious criminal Dimitrios.

His body had been identified in the Istanbul morgue. Latimer’s curiosity leads him to a dangerous journey through the criminal underworld. If you’re looking for a  book with lucid prose, complex characters, and well-structured plots. this book is one of the best thriller books out there for you.

The Plotters By Kim Un-su

Set in an alternate Seoul and follows Reseng, an assassin raised by a killer named Old Raccoon in a crime headquarters that is named The Library. Rseneg’s life is dictated as the mysterious plotters in the shadow control and plot the city’s most dangerous criminals. The story is set when Reseng finds out an extraordinary scheme set into motion by an eccentric trio of young women.

Reseng, faced with the decision to remain a pawn or take control of his destiny, takes him through a journey filled with action, dark humor, and a cast of unforgettable characters. If you’re looking for a thriller, then this is one of the best thriller books out there just for you.

The Lincoln Lawyer By Michael Connelly

It introduces the character of Mickey Haller, a Los Angeles Attorney who operates from the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car. Haller is a criminal defense lawyer taking a variety of clients, from brokers to con artists, and the novel focuses on a particularly important case involving a wealthy realtor who is accused of assault and attempted murder.

The book is a famous legal Thriller filled with complex characters and a fast-paced plot. it is easily considered among the best thriller books out there.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle By Shirley Jackson

A mystery novel written by Shirley Jackson. it was her last work release three years before her death. The story is narrated by Mary Katherine an eighteen-year-old girl who lives with her sister Constance and their uncle Julian in isolation from the nearby village. The novel unfolds six years after a family tragedy that left the three survivors being ostracised.

Arsenic poisoning from the family’s sugar bowl was the reason for several family members’ deaths. Constance who did not eat sugar was acquitted of the murders, but the villagers still suspected her.

The novel takes the readers into a deep labyrinth of dark neurosis and is called a deliciously unsettling novel. if you are interested in the Best thriller books out there, this is the one.

The Talented Mr. Ripley By Patricia Highsmith

The novel is a psychological thriller by Patricia Highsmith. It introduces the character Tom Ripley who is featured in four subsequent novels known as the Ripliad series. Tom Ripley is a young strive in New York City who is involved in small-time confidence scams.

Ripley is known for his charm, amoral behaviors, and intelligence making him one of the most intriguing antiheroes in literature. if you are looking for a thriller that will showcase a dark and complex web of Deceit and identity theft, then Ripley will Certainly take you through them making this one of the best thriller books out there.

The Turn of the Key By Ruth Ware

The book follows Rowan Caine, who stumbles upon an advertisement for a live-in nannying position with a staggeringly generous salary. She takes this job in the luxurious smart home in the Scottish  Highlands but soon finds herself stepping into a nightmare. the novel is introduced as a modernized haunted house mystery.

So if you are interested in mystery, blending, gothic suspense with psychological thriller elements, this will be the one you are looking for making this one of the best thriller books out there.

When No One Is Watching: A Thriller By Alyssa Cole

a gripping thriller novel brought to you by Alyssa Cole first published in 2020. It explores the gentrification of a Brooklyn neighborhood with a sinister twist. the story follows the character Sydney Green a native of Brooklyn who notices alarming changes in her neighborhood as condos sprout up and long-time residents disappear.

The book leads Sydney into paranoia as she gets to investigate the disappearance. if you’re looking for a mystery thriller best of its time, then this is the best Thriller book out there.

Lady Joker, Volume 1 By Kaoru Takamura

A crime mystery novel by Karoy Takamura which is acknowledged as her magnum opus since its publication in 1997. The novel is set in Tokyo and revolves around five men who meet at the racetrack every Sunday to bet on horses. The novel shares a deep disaffection in these characters’ lives and represents the social struggle in the grief of post-war Japan.

The novel is inspired by the unsolved true-crime kidnapping case perpetrated by the Monster with 21 Faces which has become a cultural touchstone in Japan. I am sure this is one of the best Thriller books out there for you to read.

Fade Away By Harlan Coben

The shows Wisecracking, tenderhearted sports agent Myron Bolitar who is drawn into a dangerous investigation involving the disappearance of a man he once competed against, named Greg Downing. The story is set in New Jersey where the New Jersey Dragons hired Myron to find a missing basketball star.

The investigation gets him to confront some events that even threaten his own life carrying a gripping narrative, so if you’re interested in an engaging plot and complex character make it a favorite among fans of the mystery and thriller genres, then this is one of the best thriller books out there for you.

The Sound of Things Falling By Juan Gabriel Vásquez

The novel explores the impact of the Colombian drug trade on individuals not directly involved in it. The story is narrated by Antonio Yammara, a law professor who reflects on the violent past of his country as he investigates the life of his friend Ricardo Laverde who was murdered.

The novel shares the themes of personal, and historical perspective on Colombia’s turbulent past. This is certainly one of the best thriller books out there.

Some Words To End Our Best Thriller Books List

The books found in our Best Thriller Books list are varied, taken from different decades that are quite a few decades old to even recently published books, but it is certain, that the books you find in our Best Thriller Books are few of the elite of their genre.

If you are a top fan of Thriller reads then it is certain that every one of these books is up your alley, so be sure to add them to your library and enjoy the best Thrilling reads possible. If you want to check out more of our Best Thriller Books collection, be sure to check us out!