Thrills, kills, and chills... Let's talk all about our favorite fright fests.

Hi! I’m Kate, the Community Manager for SBC—and the resident thriller reader of HQ! I'm excited to crack the spines of some of my personal go-to recommendations in the genre with you. So lock your doors and draw the blinds—you're in for a thrill!

I'll start off with a disclaimer—that I am in no way, shape, or form an expert on thrillers. I haven't read every "important" title befitting of the category, and there are plenty of gaps in my ABR (already been read) pile. I just really love a page-turning story that challenges the psyche and keeps me on my toes. And boy, I've read a lot of them.

However, I do have some credentials. Not only do I work for a global book club organization, I'm also an indie bookseller, a former high school English teacher, and a SBC chapter organizer myself. So while I'm no expert, you could say my life pretty much revolves around books.

Our entire Instagram list is comprised of favorites—not just mine, but Guinevere's, as well, in addition to a few titles our chapter organizers enjoyed.  

So here's my personal love letter to final girls and killer twists—sealed with a bloody kiss.

MY GOD TIER GO-TOS

I'll be the first to admit that thrillers aren't always the most character-driven works of fiction. But when it comes to my God tier picks, I'm not trifling with any ol' empty ingenue as the protagonist. These books pack a hefty punch of complex characters and slow burn goodness.

 NOTES ON AN EXECUTION, by Danya Kukafka

We're starting off strong with an absolute stick-to-your-ribs slow burn! In the final twelve hours of death row inmate Ansel Packer's life, his one hope it to be seen, celebrated, and understood. But this story is not about him, and it's told through the lens of the women in his life who shaped him—and were shaped by him. I need an affiliate link for the amount of people I've forced this book upon.

IF WE WERE VILLAINS, by M.L. Rio

This one always sounds like a tough sell at first (murder! mayhem! Shakespeare!), but it's as much an intricate love story of found family as it is about the bard. Six theatre students living and acting together at an elite college dangerously blur the lines between performance and reality. And no, you don't have to have read a single play to enjoy it.

BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN, by Jessica Knoll

Bright Young Women is a far cry from a popcorn thriller, but it kept me absolutely rapt throughout. The book is a fictionalized account of Ted Bundy's killings, written from the perspective of a sorority massacre survivor. What made me adore this one is that Bundy's name is never mentioned. Much like Notes on an Execution, the story centers around the women affected by him instead of glorifying a killer. The title is a reference to a sentence uttered by a judge during the trial, in which he called Bundy a "bright young man." 

THE QUIET TENANT, by Clémence Michallon

In my opinion, The Quiet Tenant is an underrated tour de force. Be forewarned that the content is triggering and bleak, in which a seemingly normal single father/beloved member of the community harbors a dark secret—he keeps a woman chained up in his shed. While this may seem dark for the sake of darkness, it's actually a sobering commentary on the evils of humanity. I still think about this one, years after reading. 

THE GOD OF THE WOODS, by Liz Moore

This is another slow burn, so prepare to be patient. When thirteen-year-old Barbara Van Laar disappears from her summer camp bunk, townsfolk and counselors are reminded of the last time a Van Laar child went missing—Barbara's older brother years ago. Liz Moore's ability to layer a story is unparalleled, and her characters are rich, flawed, and relatable. There are multiple POVs and timelines, but they're all exceptionally readable.

NONE OF THIS IS TRUE, by Lisa Jewell

This is the first book that kept me awake reading till 3 am, and I've slowly been making my way through Jewell's catalog ever since. Two women, one a wealthy podcaster and the other a lonely and misunderstood mother, strike up an unusual friendship when they realize they share the same birthday. The story's twists are absolutely masterful, and Jewell pulls no punches. My advice? Don't start the second half of this book before bed—you'll finish it in one sitting for sure. 

GOOD FROM THE FIRST DROP 

If you're looking for the perfect book to read the moment you board your plane for that long-awaited vacation, look no further. These easy reads waste no time getting to it.

 THE DROWNING WOMAN, by Robyn Harding

A down-on-her-luck woman finds herself living in her car after her dream restaurant fails. But when she witnesses a bereft woman throw herself in the ocean, she becomes entrenched in a world of chaos, deceit, and money. I absolutely devoured this one.

ROCK PAPER SCISSORS, by Alice Feeney

After ten years of marriage, a couple takes to a snowy cabin to celebrate their anniversary... but something (or someone) just isn't right. Part epistolary, part popcorn, this thriller boasts one of the best twists I never saw coming. 

FIRST LIE WINS, by Ashley Elston

After years of working for the mysterious Mr. Smith, common criminal-turned-con woman Evie wants to ditch the life and settle down. But then someone enters the picture who throws a massive wrench in Evie's suburban plans. I love a con man/woman story, and this one was an absolute page-turner.

NOT ON THE TOK

Yes, I'm an elder millennial. No, I'm not on TikTok. Yes, I will convince you to read these absolutely stellar under-celebrated thrill rides.

 MY MURDER, by Katie Williams

THIS. BOOK! Read it! Right now! Do it! Wildly original, tight, clever—I didn't want it to end! Lou is a young married mother trying to make sense of life. The only issue is that this is technically Lou's second life, as she was brought back from the dead via a government project after becoming the victim of a serial killer. Let me be clear that this is NOT a sci fi novel—it's a mirror, a mystery, and a murder neatly tied up.

THAT'S NOT MY NAME, by Megan Lally

I typically read the physical text when it comes to thrillers, but a friend and I listened to the audiobook of That's Not My Name while on a road trip. The hours. Flew. By. Well-done dual perspective mystery that centers around a teenager who wakes up injured on the side of the road with no memory, even of the man claiming to be her father. Pitch perfect thriller.

LOVE LETTERS TO A SERIAL KILLER, by Tasha Coryell

If you're a thriller fan who also loved Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, this one is a must-read. We follow listless protagonist Hannah as she repeatedly attempts to justify her poor choices, such as joining an online armchair-detective forum and writing letters to the recently arrested "serial killer" William. Because what if he's... *not guilty*?

JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON 

These highly-praised favorites are popular for a reason—and are often my go-to recs when first trying out the genre. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

MY SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER, by Oyinkan Braithwaite

While not a thriller in the traditional sense, My Sister, the Serial Killer is absolutely worth the read. It's dark, razor-sharp, and a chilling look into what it's like to be the eldest daughter (in every sense of the term). Korede's long been her carefree sister Ayoola's keeper, but when Ayoola's killer instincts set their sights on the object of Korede's affection, she must decide who to save and who to sacrifice.

A GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO MURDER, by Holly Jackson

This one's technically a YA novel, but I thoroughly enjoyed every inch of its fast-paced, twisty drama. Protagonist Pip is well-rounded and likable as she attempts to uncover the truth about the "solved" years-old murder of her high school's it girl, along with the help of the dead alleged culprit's disgraced brother. The TV series is equally as good.

THE GUEST LIST, by Lucy Foley

I recommend this book to everyone looking to break into the genre! It's a fast read, and its multi-POV format allows for plenty of page-turning cliffhangers. The Guest List follows six wedding guests gathering to celebrate a weekend of magazine-worthy festivities on a remote Irish island. As a dangerous incoming storm begins to intensify, the secrets begin to spill... as does the blood.

ALL THE FEELS

A thriller that can also make me cry? Be still, my masochistic heart.

ALL THE DANGEROUS THINGS, by Stacy Willingham

If you're tired of vapid FMCs, read Stacy Willingham. I adore the nuanced way she writes her characters while still keeping the page-turning pace of an excellent thriller. A year after her toddler son was stolen from his crib, Isabelle won't give up the search for him even if the police have. Her debilitating insomnia only magnifies the grief, but a curious podcaster may bring her hope.

NIGHTWATCHING, by Tracy Sierra

This is the most terrifying book you will ever read, especially if you're female. In the middle of a snowy night, a woman sees an intruder in her remote Victorian house and must hide in the walls with her two young children. Nightwatching delivers visceral gut punch after gut punch of what it's like to be a woman living in 2026. You will be forever changed.

I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU, by Rebecca Makkai

This one is a haunting, sobering look at predation and true crime culture. A true literary thriller, I Have Some Questions For You follows successful film professor and podcaster Bodie as she begrudgingly returns to her former boarding school to teach. She's soon pulled pack into the details—and missing pieces—of the murder of her roommate Thalia during their senior year. Brilliant and bold.

WEEKEND BINGERS

Looking for an escape from the perils of life? Look no further than the perils of these pages.

EVERYONE IS LYING TO YOU, by Jo Piazza

Lizzie's ordinary life as a journalist seems to pale in comparison to that of her former college best friend Rebecca's—or at least that's what it looks like on social media. After a inexplicable falling out years ago, Rebecca has now risen to fame as an influencer, and Lizzie is soon tasked with interviewing her—per Rebecca's out-of-the-blue request. Twists, turns, trad wives... this satirical tell-all is great fun.

RAZORBLADE TEARS, by S.A. Cosby

Two hardened fathers with little in common mourn the murders of their married sons, despite both having struggled with their sons' homosexuality before they tragically died. What they do have in common is a criminal past, and the unlikely allies band together to do right by their boys and find their killer. This one is a layered look at race, criminalization, acceptance, and familial duty.

FINAL GIRLS, by Riley Sager

My husband and I once idiotically booked a trip to Charleston, South Carolina in the middle of August, and so the air-conditioned hotel room and this book ending up being my saving grace. It's truly a perfect vacation read! Quincy is haunted by her past, in which she emerged the only survivor of a massacre on a college friend trip. She's been getting by with the help of her loving fiancé and a Xanax prescription, but when other women deemed "finals girls" like her start ending up dead, her past comes crashing down.

BURN, BABY, BURN

Patience is a virtue... and these thrillers will indeed make you virtuous.

THE MAN, by Laura Sims

I had the pleasure of hearing author Laura Sims speak about this book, and it made me like it all the more. It's whip-smart and ominous, and the ending had me rushing to laud it with five stars. Judith is an empty nester housewife in the 1960s, newly discovering her uncanny talent for photography. But when a figure begins to appear in her developed photos, a long-buried attack from her past makes her start to spiral.

THE KIND WORTH KILLING, by Peter Swanson

Halfway through this book, my jaw positively dropped to the floor. If you enjoy shocking story developments (that actually make sense), don't dilly dally picking up this fantastic cat-and-mouse thriller in which two strangers meet at an airport and begin to plot a murder. I was absolutely enthralled by the characters, especially protagonist Lily and her fascinating backstory.

WILD DARK SHORE, by Charlotte McConaghy

An isolated island off the coast of Antarctica. A father and his three children, who remain as the island's caretakers. A mysterious woman, who washes ashore despite nearly impossible conditions. With absolutely stunning prose and vivid atmosphere, Wild Dark Shore is a striking literary thriller that won't soon leave you.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

These thrillers have a whole lot of fun playing around with the typical structure—and they're not to be missed.

FIVE, by Ilona Bannister

Five people are awaiting an oncoming train to London... but one will not survive the next five minutes. Five pauses the clock in order to dedicate one section to each of these five characters, all of whom harbor dark secrets and sordid pasts. As we're introduced to each, we must come to terms with the fact that one of them is about to meet their maker. Clever and original—an all-around interesting read.

THE ONE, by John Marrs

Oh, how I adore a not-so-distant-future thriller—and this one does it so well! In a world where a simple DNA test can reveal your soulmate, five people receive the notification that their matches have ben found. The novel follows each character as they navigate this knowledge, some with deadly consequences. John Marrs's best, in my opinion!

EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE, by Benjamin Stevenson

I recommend this book to Everyone (see what I did there?) because it's cheeky, fast-paced fun that doesn't take itself too seriously. Fans of Agatha Christie and Fleabag will absolutely gobble this thriller up, in which our hero Ernest must contend not only with a mysterious death, but also his wacky family while begrudgingly attending a ski vacation. Laugh-out-loud funny and smart. 

*****

You can check out (and purchase!) our full list of favorite thrillers by viewing our curated list on Bookshop.org.

DID YOU KNOW that Bookshop.org works just like that big online retailer, only instead of hoarding wealth, all purchases go directly to supporting indie bookstores?

Get any title delivered directly to your door and sleep a little better at night (unless you're reading from this thriller list).  

*****

Thanks for reading, thrill seekers! - Kate