Isolation Books and Thrillers
With winter approaching, I’ve started thinking about spending time at home on snowy days. Being stuck in the house can be a welcome break, but eventually, it can start to become anything but relaxing. These isolation books are the perfect books to read this winter.
While some of these books may be locked-room mysteries, not all of them are. Some of these isolation books are thrillers, but others are humorous, and still others will make you question where you’ll take your next vacation. Jackie and I have read and loved all of these books.
The Best Isolation Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre of isolation books. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Fiction Isolation Book
Life of Pi by Yann Martel- Jump to Section
Best Historical Fiction Isolation Book
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens- Jump to Section
Best Isolation Thriller
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware- Jump to Section
Best Mystery Isolation Book
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie- Jump to Section
Best Fantasy Isolation Book
House on the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune- Jump to Section
Best Celebrity Book Club Isolation Book
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewel- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Fiction Isolation Books
Life of Pi
Author: Yann Martel
Year: 2002
Genre: Fiction
More info: Winner of the Man Booker Prize
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When a boat sinks in the Pacific, the only survivors are a 16-year-old boy named Pi, an orangutan, a hyena, a Bengal tiger, and a zebra. And while this book was written less than 20 years ago, it is already a modern classic.
Trigger Warnings
Death, ship accident
Why Jackie loves it
This is not a book that once read can be forgotten. I know that some people look at the story as an extended metaphor in which each animal represents a person but personally, I like the book exactly the way it was written.
There is magic in the pages of this book in all meanings of the word. First, read this book, then, rethink everything. This is a perfect example of a thought-provoking book because no two people view it the same way.
Find this book in: Best Boat Books/ Best Magical Realism Books / Animal Novels For Adults / Thought-Provoking Books / Isolation Books and Thrillers
Room
Author: Emma Donoghue
Year: 2011
Genre: Fiction, Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is a haunting story about a woman held captive in a shed for years with her five-year-old son. She tries to teach him and entertain him in their tiny room until they have a chance to escape. Following their escape, they find acclimating to normal life to be challenging, especially for the little boy.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, Kidnapping
Why Jackie loves it
Even though the saying is “the book is better”, the movie adaptation of this contemporary fiction book written by a Canadian author was really good. There are only a few other book adaptations I would add to that list. This story will pull on your heartstrings and leave you in tears.
Find this book in: Books About Motherhood / Isolation Books / Canadian Novels / Books that will Emotionally Wreck You
Historical Fiction Isolation Books
Where the Crawdads Sing Deluxe Edition
Author: Dehlia Owens
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: September 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book begins when a body is found in a North Carolina marsh and is identified as Chase Andrews. The story moves between the past and the present to tell the story of Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, who is a suspect in the murder.
Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, is abandoned first by her mother, then by her siblings, and eventually by her father at a very young age. She is forced to fend for herself in the marshes, away from society.
With the help of two beloved friends, she learns to care for herself but not without experiencing cruelty and violence. Then, she finds herself faced with murder charges and is forced to confront her secrets and past that have shaped her into the woman that she has become.
Trigger Warnings
Abandonment, Domestic and child abuse, assault
Why Jackie loves it
I admit that when I saw the description of this coming-of-age book, I was not sold. A trusted individual, who has never steered me wrong in the past, gave me an advanced copy so, I took the leap. And wow, am I glad I did. I read this book and then recommended it to everyone I knew. It is a story about love, nature, and perseverance.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a novel that is so much more than the sum of its parts. It is part mystery and part historical fiction that shows the importance of human connections.
Find this book in: Books About Poverty and Its Impact / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Books Like Where the Crawdads Sing / Book Club for Where the Crawdads Sing/ Books with Food in the Title / Books That Will Emotionally Wreck You / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Books Set in the 1960s
The Light Between Oceans
Author: M. L. Stedman
Year: 2012
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A lighthouse keeper and his wife have gotten used to the lonely, isolated life of maintaining the lighthouse on a faraway island. But they are yearning for a baby to keep them company.
When one washes ashore, they quickly claim the child as their own without reporting it to the authorities. On a rare outing in town 2 years later, they bring their daughter along and realize the impact of what they have done.
Why Jackie loves it
This was a heartbreaking but beautiful read and the movie adaptation was excellent as well.
Find this book in: 1920s Novels / Books about Mothers / Sad Books / Isolation Books
Plot
Ernt Allbright has come home from the Vietnam War traumatized and as his mental state deteriorates, his wife, Cora, and daughter, Leni, must learn to navigate the Alaskan wilderness on their own. It has elements of survivalists, anarchy, and mistrust for the world, but is tempered with young love, community, and hope.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic abuse, Alcoholism
Why Kirsten loves it
This isolation book is so haunting. I could not get it out of my head. Kristin Hannah is an amazing writer with wonderful characters. Her stories feel realistic almost to a fault. They are heartbreaking and heartwarming and utterly unforgettable. I did not think that I would like a book about Alaska but, I could not put it down.
Why Jackie loves it
Another Kristin Hannah story, another NYT best seller – and for good reason! I liked this coming-of-age story set in the Alaskan wilderness. The setting is truly its own character, bringing an element of desperation to that story that wouldn’t exist in another locale.
Find this book in: Books set in the 1970s / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Isolation Books / Winter Books / Best Books of 2018 / Books Like Where the Crawdads Sing / Books Set in the 80s
Isolation Thrillers
Plot
This is an isolation thriller from one of the best there is. Five couples participating in a game shoe are trapped together on an island when a storm comes in. They are cut off from everyone without phones but that is the least of their worries.
Without power, their food and water supply dwindles quickly, the radio has a very limited battery supply, people are sick and injured, and one of them may be a murderer/ serial killer
Why Jackie loves it
This is a page-turning thriller with unexpected twists and turns I did not see coming. This is a perfect beach read- it will keep you on your toes.
Find this book in: Fictional Books About Serial Killers / Best Beach Reads of 2024 / Books Set at a Hotel / Isolation Books / Best Thrillers 2024 / Epistolary Novels
Plot
The action starts on page one of this wilderness survival story featuring an ex-army officer and a woman who is 8.5 months pregnant. After an avalanche takes out their train car, they are the last survivors fighting for survival in the snowy mountains. We learn more about their backstory and what might be drawing them together.
Why Kirsten loves it
My heart was pumping the entire time! I couldn’t put this book down, I was so scared I needed to finish it before bed.
Find this book in: Novels About Weather / Isolation Books
Close Your Eyes and Count to 10
Author: Lisa Unger
Year: 2025
Genre: Thriller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:
Plot
Maverick Dillan is a daredevil and extreme adventurer who plays ultimate games with epic prizes. Adele is a single mother who is struggling for money after her husband embezzled money from his company and disappeared. When she is invited to Falcao Island for a chance to win big prize money, she plans to go, play, win, and return to her kids.
When a huge storm comes in, the social media stunt turns deadly, and Adele is in a struggle for her survival if she wants to return home to her kids.
Why Jackie loves it
I thought the premise of this book was really fun. I loved that the entire game was posted on social media. I also loved that video games and online friendships played a role in this non-stop thriller. I listened to this book and it fept me on my toes. #gifted
Find this book in: Novels about Weather / Isolation Books / Fictional Books About Influencers / Books Set in Tropical Locations
The Fury
Author: Alex Michaelides
Year: 2024
Genre: Thriller
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
While you know within the first chapter that a murder has been committed, the book’s first half is a slow-paced development of the characters, the relationships, and their motives for being the murderer or the victim.
By 60%, the pacing changes into a non-stop action plot with twists and turns around every corner. It reached a furious crescendo that I did not see coming, but Alex’s books tend to do that to me!
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved the settings – mostly gorgeous Greece, sometimes rainy London. I loved the characters (and by loved I mean loved to hate them all.) The book is in journal format and has stellar storytelling. #gifted by Celadon Books
Why Jackie loves it
The audiobook narrator’s reading of this book breathed life into this already fast-paced book. I adored that the book is written like a journal, it makes the story that much better because you are never sure how much to believe!
Find this book in: Isolation Books / Novels About Weather / Epistolary Novels / Books Set in Tropical Locations
Plot
This is the Ultimate Beach Read Thriller! It’s all about 2 girls who hire a couple to charter them a boat to a deserted island. But the island isn’t so deserted after all. As their relaxing trip turns deadly, we learn about the backstory that brought each person to their destination.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a wonderfully addicting novel that is great in audiobook format as well. I found the setting to be so unique and integral to the party.
Find this book in: Books like People We Meet on Vacation / Books set at the Beach / Isolation Novels / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Boat Books
Daisy Darker: A Novel
Author: Alice Feeney
Year: 2022
Genre: Thriller
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Daisy’s family is gathering for Nan’s birthday on a tiny, private, tidal island after not seeing each other for years. When the tide comes in, they will be cut off from everybody for 8 hours.
When Nana’s body is found dead with a creepy poem written on the wall beside her, they each begin to suspect each other- after all, one of them is a murderer. Soon, everybody’s secrets start to come out as the members of the family die one at a time.
Why Jackie loves it
This book had me guessing until the very end and definitely has the feeling of “And Then There Were None”. In the true Alice Feeney style, I had no idea what was going to happen next so, I stopped trying to guess so I could just enjoy the thrill of the ride.
Find this book in: Isolation Books / Locked Room Mystery / Books With Flowers in the Title
The House Across the Lake
Author: Riley Sager
Year: 2022
Genre: thriller
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Casey Fletcher is an actress fleeing bad press after the death of her beloved husband. She retreats to the family’s lake house, despite the fact that this is where he husband drowned.
Casey spends her days drinking and spying on the house across the lake. When she saves former supermodel, Katherine Royce from drowning, the two strike up a friendship, it becomes clear that Katherine and her husband are having some serious issues- after all, you find out a lot of things when watching the neighbors all day through binoculars.
Why Jackie likes it
Some points in the story moved slowly for me and at one point, the story nearly lost me. But, I am so glad that I kept reading. There were definitely surprises that I did not see coming. If you like a creepy thriller, this pick from Riley Sager books is for you.
Find this book in: Riley Sager Books Ranked/ Ghost Books / Novels Set on a Lake / Haunted House Books / Isolation Books
Mystery Isolation Books
Murder on the Orient Express
Author: Agatha Christie
Year: 1934
Genre: Classic Mystery
More info: Hercule Poirot #10, International Bestseller
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When the luxurious Orient Express train is snowbound overnight, no one expects a murder to take place. But that’s exactly what happened and with Hercule Poirot onboard, the murderer just might get caught.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a classic and an absolute must-read. It’s one of those books that unless you know the ending, you would never guess it. So well-devised, this book is a definite favorite and it all takes place on a train in the middle of a snowy tundra, making it a fantastic story for a cozy winter night.
Find this book in: Agatha Christie Books in Order / Locked Room Mysteries / Novels About Weather / Detective Books / Ultimate List of Mystery Books
And Then There Were None
Author: Agatha Christie
Year: 1939
Genre: Classic Mystery
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A mysterious person is trying to right the wrongs of the past by luring unsuspecting criminals to a deserted island…and then murdering them one by one. But who is the killer? Why are they killing? And just how long have they been stalking their prey? You have to figure out whodunit in this unreliable narrator book.
Why Kirsten loves it
This Agatha Christie book is one of the best stories she has EVER written. It was fast-paced, totally engaging and I did not see the ending coming. Each murder was more clever then the one before. Check out the black and white movie based on the book. It’s great!
Why Jackie loves it
A classic for a reason, Agatha Christie broke the mold with this book. It’s one of the most well-plotted mysteries I’ve ever read.
Find this book in: Unreliable Narrator Book / Best Classic Novels / Historical Mystery Books / Agatha Christie Books in Order / Best Mystery Books / Locked Room Mysteries
Plot
This book is so many things in one! It’s a mystery set on Christmas Eve about a train full of people who get snowbound – and then someone gets murdered! Luckily there is a former detective named Roz who will work the case and try to keep everyone safe.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, Domestic Violence
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s more than just a murder mystery though, it also addresses domestic violence and rape – so please go in prepared if those are triggers for you. It’s kind of odd to put all those things in one book, but it works! #gifted
Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Isolation Novels / Christmas Mystery Books
Fantasy Isolation Books
House in the Cerulean Sea
Author: T.J Klune
Year: 2020
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Cerulean Chronicles #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Linus Baker is a caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He is sent on a mission to a secret orphanage isolated on an island where 6 of the world’s most dangerous youth live.
Linus is sent to determine if the children are being cared for properly. Linus, who lives his life by the book, will have to look deeper to try and find the real answers to his questions.
Trigger Warnings
Child abuse
Why Jackie loves it
This story was so much more than the sum of its parts. I felt like I had met each of the children in the story. Even though the story has magic, it somehow seems completely relevant to our society now. The magic and the orphan aspect are all reminiscent of Harry Potter.
Find this book in: Magical Realism Books / Feel-Good Books / Book for Book Club / Books About Friendship / Books With Color in the Title / Best Beach Reads / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Isolation Books / Books Like Ninth House
The Enchanted Greenhouse
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Year: 2025
Genre: Cozy Fantasy Romance
More info: The Spellshop #2
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This is a standalone fantasy set in The Spellshop world. Terlu cast an illegal spell and created a sentient plant earning her a punishment of being turned into a wooden statue. But Terlu wakes up on an island of hundreds of magical greenhouses, having been awoken by the lone human inhabitant – a gardener, Yarrow. He’s brought her here to help her stop the enchanted greenhouses from failing. As she works to save the various plants, she begins to fall in love with Yarrow despite his grumpy exterior.
Why Kirsten loves it
Like her previous novel, this story is like a warm hug of a book. I read it in spring when my own garden began to bloom and it brought the magic of the season to life in a fun way. I adored the talking plants and the slow, sweet romance between the main characters. You don’t have to have read the previous book by any stretch, but there is a sweet check in on those characters at the end of this story.
Find this book in: Isolation Novels
Circe
Author: Madeline Miller
Year: 2018
Genre: Mythology
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Circe, the nymph, is a footnote in mythology and gets overshadowed in The Odyssey. She does not possess power like the other goddesses but she does have witchcraft. Zeus has banished her to a deserted island where she meets many characters from mythology, and in particular, the book The Odyssey”. It was fascinating to see this goddess get her moment in the sun. I can’t believe I knew so little about her before this story.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
The Odyssey is one of my all-time favorite books and I think I read Du’Laires Book of Greek Myths more than any other book when I was in middle school. I ADORED Circe because it has all my favorite things about Greek mythology but for adults!
Why Jackie loves it
I am not a huge mythology buff like Kirsten is so I loved this book without ever reading the Odyssey. I will pause so you can gasp. It is true, I have never read the Odyssey and loved this book for Miller’s fantastic storytelling ability.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology / Books Set at the Beach / Classic Book Retellings / Best Books 2018 / Adult Fantasy Novels / Mythology Books / Historical Fantasy Books
The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Author: Stuart Turton
Year: 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Age Range: 15+
Plot
Evelyn Hardcastle will be murdered every day at 11:00 PM. In order to escape Blackheath, Aiden Bishop must solve her murder. He will wake up every day for 8 days inhabiting a different host body. He will experience the same day until he solves the murder.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best books that I have read in a really long time. It is so smart and so well written- the complexity of the plot line is mind-boggling and kept me entranced until the very last page.
Find this book in: Locked Room Mystery / Books About Puzzles / Best Time Loop Books / The 20 Best Books of 2018
Celebrity Book Club Isolation Books
The Family Upstairs
Author: Lisa Jewell
Year: 2019
Genre: Thriller
More info: November 2019 GMA Book Club Pick
New York Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This book starts with Libby’s 25th birthday when she inherits a multi-million dollar home. She knows that she was adopted at 10 months old but, she doesn’t know the truth about what happened to her family. She is shocked to find that the story that she was told is not what happened to her family.
25+ years ago Henry, his sister, and his parents are living a very privileged life. When he is 12 years old, things change when David moves into the house with his wife and kids with no plans to leave. He is charismatic and alluring to everyone except Henry. The story moves between past and present until the two stories come together and you finally understand what happened in the house all those years ago. I love listening to full cast audiobooks and this popular thriller book was no exception.
Trigger Warnings
Child Abuse, Confinement
Why Jackie loves it
I love Lisa Jewell. As I read her books I find each one creepier than the last. I listened to this one and loved that it was a full cast audiobook. It brought the story to life.
Find this book in: The Best Lisa Jewell Books / Books About Cults / The Best Domestic Thriller Books / Good Morning America Book Club List / Popular Thriller Books / GMA Book Club List 2019
The Guest List
Author: Lucy Foley
Year: 2020
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller, June 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I’ve just read THE thriller
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve become very picky about thrillers recently and this one is hands down my favorite of the year so far. It also made our Best of 2020 list!
Adaptation Information
This story is soon to be a TV series on Hulu. Liz Tigelaar is set to write and produce the show.
Find this book in: Locked Room Mysteries / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Best British Mystery Books / Best Beach Reads / British Books /Best Psychological Thriller Books / Popular Thriller Books / Best Reese Witherspoon Books
The Club
Author: Ellery Lloyd
Year: 2022
Genre: Thriller
More info: March 2022 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The Home Club is clearly based on members-only celebrity clubs like SoHo House but the newest Home Club is opening on a private island and features an opening weekend to die for.
Literally, because it’s a murder mystery. Except we the readers don’t know who is murdered, how, or why at the beginning…but instead we are treated to various narrators telling the points of view of the weekend as it unfolds.
Why Kirsten loves it
This contemporary fiction book was a WILD ride and I loved every exhilarating twist and turn! The layered approach to telling the story of the celebrity shenanigans and the murder of a key figure in the Home Group family had me flipping through the pages of this isolation novel. A truly enjoyable beach read!
Find this book in: Locked Room Mysteries / Isolation Books / Hotel Novels / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2022
The Sanatorium
Author: Sarah Pearse
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: Detective Elin Warner #1 , February 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Plot
Oh boy, was this a creepy haunted house book! I wish I had chosen to read it during the wintertime instead of the summer because seeing snow while reading it would have made it that much creepier.
With dead bodies piling up, and a blizzard keeping the guests of the fancy sanatorium-turned-hotel stuck inside, will Elin be able to solve the mystery before she becomes a victim herself?
Why Kirsten likes it
This is such a great blizzard book for mystery book lovers. It is creepy and everything else you want in a thriller and it’s an iconic book to read during a snowstorm!
Find this book in: Fiction Serial Killer Books / Locked Room Mystery / Isolation Book / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2021
Expert Tip
If you are looking for an isolation book and don’t know where to start, here are some expert tips
- Pick a genre you love. Every book on this list is a page-turner
- Look at Jackie’s and my descriptions of the books to help you choose. We indicated what we love about each book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an isolation book?
An isolation book is any story in which the main characters are alone and isolated with little to no contact with other people. Whether they are on an island or live far away from others, being isolated acts as a plot device for the story.
Related Content
Epologue
Which books on isolation do you like? The cozy quarantine novels or scary isolation books?
