Paula Hawkins Books Ranked
As soon as Into the Water came out, I could not help comparing it to Girl on the Train. I knew that I needed to make a list of Paula Hawkins books ranked. Her books are all great psychological thrillers that will keep you on your toes.
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins came out around the same time as a few other thrillers that were wildly popular. Girl on The Train was received far better than Into the Water but, I actually like Into the Water much more because I am not always a fan of the unreliable narrator (never mind a narrator that I can’t stand).
I created this list with my favorite Paula Hawkins books ranked as soon as her newest book was published (The Blue Hour). There are only four books on the list- for now- and I will update with the new books as they are published.
The Best Paula Hawkins Books Ranked
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. 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.
#4
Slow Fire Burning (Jump to see review)
#3
The Blue Hour (Jump to see review)
#2
Girl on the Train (Jump to see review)
#1
Into the Water (Jump to see review)
*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.
My Favorite Paula Hawkins Books with Reviews
#1
Into the Water
Author: Paula Hawkins
Year: 2017
Genre: Thriller
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This thriller is a fast-paced book that leaves you guessing until the very end. Two women are dead and the question is whether it was murder or suicide. The story is told from many points of view, which adds to the unpredictability but is a little confusing at first.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide, rape
Why Jackie loves it
I quickly adjusted and immersed myself in the novel. Into The Water by Paula Hawkins has character development, surprise, and suspense. I read it in 2 days and was left asking what?! Really?!….Wow!!!
Find this book in: Paula Hawkins Books Ranked / Popular Thriller Books
#2
Girl on the Train
Author: Paula Hawkins
Year: 2015
Genre: Thriller
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Movie Starring Emily Blunt
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Rachel takes the same train every day and peers out the window watching people. She watched two people in particular as they led what appeared to be a perfect life until one day she saw something terrible while watching them.
She reports it to the police but, can they trust a dysfunctional alcoholic? This is a domestic thriller story that will have you questioning who is telling the truth from the beginning until the end. Unreliable narrators like Rachel make the best page-turners! You’ll never know what to believe!
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a thriller that is unexpected and original. The unreliable narrator is one of my favorite thriller tropes and Hawkins did it to perfection in this book.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved to hate Rachel. She is the perfect unreliable narrator and I never guessed what would happen next.
Find this book in: Books with Stalkers / Domestic Thrillers / Unreliable Narrators / Psychological Thriller Books / British Books / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Paula Hawkins Books Ranked / Amnesia Books
#3
The Blue Hour
Author: Paula Hawkins
Year: 2024
Genre: Thriller
More info: November 2024 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book begins with the discovery of a human bone within a sculpture by the late artist Vanessa Chapman. Soon, an investigation begins (which is complicated by the fact that they will have to destroy art work to examine the bone). The story brings us to Eris, a secluded Scottish island, and weaves together the lives of three central characters: Grace Winters, Vanessa’s companion; James Becker, an art scholar; and Julian, Vanessa’s estranged ex-husband.
The novel is told in flashbacks and diary excerpts which makes the story more unique. And the isolated island definitely contributed to making the book feel a lot more creepy.
Why Jackie likes it
I love the idea of art in a thriller novel and Hawkins does a great job at pulling apart the relationships of the characters. This was not my favorite Paula Hawkins book- That would have to be “Girl on a Train”. But, this book is worth the read.
Find this book in: Paula Hawkins Books Ranked / Books Set in Scotland
#4
A Slow Fire Burning
Author: Paula Hawkins
Year: 2021
Genre: Thriller
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
When A young man is found dead in a boat, there are three women who have a connection to him and each has their own history of resentment and pain. Laura was a one-night stand seen leaving his home. Carla is his aunt who recently lost another family member and Miriam is the nosy neighbor.
Each of them is hiding something and all have reasons to want him dead.
Trigger Warnings
Child death, animal death
Why Jackie likes it
I listened to the book and I initially found it confusing. The story jumps around so much that keeping the characters straight in my head took a bit. This is a slow burn thriller- meaning you will have to stick with it for a bit to see where it was going. I liked this book but, I didn’t love it. Of all the Paula Hawkins books, this is my least favorite but still worth the read, in my opinion.
Find this book in: Paula Hawkins Books Ranked
Expert Tip
- When trying to decide your favorite Paula Hawkins book, don’t just look at her technical writing ability, but think about what each book made you feel, how scared were you? Were there unexpected twists and turns?
- This list is entirely subjective, you might have an opinion much different than mine! Let me know what you think of my rankings!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Paula Hawkins Book?
I think Into the Water is Paula Hawkins’s best book. But, it is so subjective. Every one of her books has twists and turns that you will not see coming. And if you do, I need you to let me know how!
What Kind of Books Does Paula Hawkins Write?
Paula Hawkins is a thriller writer. Her books are psychological thrillers with twists and turns. Some of her books have unreliable narrators and others will take you across the globe looking for answers.
Related Content
Epilogue
So that is my list of Paula Hawkins books ranked. Do you agree with my list? What are your favorite Paula Hawkins books?
Paula Hawkins Books in Order
If you love Paula Hawkins, This is a list of all the Paula Hawkins books in order of publication.
