Best Mystery and Thriller Books for Adults
Paula Hawkins. James Patterson. Michael Connelly. These are some well-known thriller authors, and while their works are esteemed, we are going to talk about other notable books that will make for a gripping read too. Mystery and thriller books are often known for making people clutch the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next. If you need a new hobby, this is sure to be an exciting pastime! Even if physical books aren't for you, you can listen to them as an aubiobook. We recommend Audible, as they have a free trial period. Now, without further ado, and in no particular order, let’s see what the best mystery and thriller books are for adults.
1. ‘The Only Good Indians’ by Stephan Graham Jones
Stephan Graham Jones is a Blackfoot Native American author who has released an enticing and thrilling novel that is sure to capture your attention. It covers themes of revenge and cultural identity and traditions.
“The Only Good Indians" follows four American Indian men who have all experienced a traumatic and unsettling event in childhood. Now, they’re being tracked by a vengeful entity, and the traditions and culture they so desperately tried to escape are now catching up to them.
Prices on Amazon:
- Kindle: $11.99.
- Paperback: $14.99.
2. 'The Family Upstairs' by Lisa Jewel
"The Family Upstairs" fits into the psychological thriller genre, but let me tell you, it holds an abundance of mystery and twists and turns. Also, this plot is rather unique, and varies from other books of this genre.
Told in multiple points of view, Jewel paints an eerie and sadistic atmosphere. The reader follows Libby Jones on her road of discovery to learning who she is and where she comes from, as she has no knowledge of her parents. This is catapulted from finding out that she’s inherited a mansion in Chelsea, London. Little does she know that not only will she inherit a house, but a band of past relatives too, and all their dark secrets they’ve kept hidden.
Prices on Amazon (USD):
- Hardcover: $13.49.
- Paperback: $12.41.
- Kindle: $12.99.
3. 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins
“The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins is also a psychological thriller. Like the book above, it contains mounting suspense and mystery, but it covers different themes and topics.
Have you ever wished you could live someone else’s life? This is what Rachel imagines. When Rachel commutes on a train to work every day, she often peers into the backyards of peoples’ homes and analyzes the families. She even gives the strangers fake names. But one day, she sees something she can’t forget, and her whole life is turned upside down.
Trust me when I say you’ll want to know what she sees and how the events unravel.
Prices on Amazon (USD):
- Kindle: $12.99.
- Paperback: $7.25.
4. 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
This book has been all the rage in the book blogging and book review communities. While this book still has chills and suspense, it also offers the reader some insight into Mexican culture. "Mexican Gothic" has some fantasy elements to it as well.
Right off the bat, the story starts with an ominous event: Noemí receives a distraught letter from her cousin who’s recently married, and she’s forced to go to her at a distant house in the Mexican countryside. Her cousin’s husband is an English man, and she’s not sure what to expect. However, he may not be the only thing she needs to worry about, as she starts having unsettling dreams.
Maybe you shouldn’t read this book right before bed, but it’s a page turner!
Prices on Amazon (USD):
- Kindle: $10.99.
- Hardback: $12.07.
5. 'No One is Watching' by Alyssa Cole
If you’ve ever been to New York or Brooklyn, then you may feel at home in this book. Then again, maybe not, as it takes a sinister turn.
Main character Sidney Green has been born and raised in Brooklyn, and she loves her city, but things are starting to change. An abundance of For Sale signs pop up and soon the neighbors she’s known have disappeared. Left in their place are condos being built. Sidney quickly becomes frustrated that her community is taking a turn for the worst, so she walks around, checking everything out. Then, she meets Theo. Little does she know that the changes to her home city may be more gruesome and deadly than she expected. What exactly happened to her neighbors, and will she get to the bottom of it?
"No One is Watching" has a “who’s done it?" vibe, but the mystery seems more immense, including an entire neighborhood, not just one person.
Prices on Amazon (USD):
- Kindle: $10.99.
- Paperback: $12.60.
6. 'Fierce Kingdom' by Gin Phillips
If you’re into fast-paced reads, then you need "Fierce Kingdom!" Not only is the space swift and captivating, but the plot is unique.
Joan is with her four-year-old son at a zoo. Not too many people are left as it’s soon to close, and when she does attempt to leave, she sees something that has her darting back inside. She finds hiding places and safety among the exhibits and ride machines. But will hiding really save them when their lives are on the line?
This book dives into a human’s animal instincts of survival and motherhood.
Prices on Amazon (USD):
- Kindle: $1.99.
- Paperback: $14.46.
Which Book Will You Read?
We’ve covered several varying thriller and mystery reads for adults, and while this only skims the surface, we hope you have found interest in these six recommendations. Now for the hard part: which will you pick up first?