Popular Thriller Books

I wanted to make a list of my favorite popular thriller books. The fun thing about this post is that many of these popular thrillers withstand the test of time. These are not necessarily all the newest books. Rather, these are books that have shocking twists that are so well-plotted that you do not see the ending coming.

Best Popular Thriller Books

Kirsten and I have read a lot of thrillers. We can often spot a twist from a mile away. When either of us read a book that has a great twist or unexpected turn, I know it is a book I want to include in my list. If you are looking for a great Psychological Thriller, you can check out that post here.

A popular thriller is one that is universally enjoyed. It is often a book that has spent time on the best-seller list and may have been a “buzz” book for a while. Often, this is for a very good reason.

The Best Popular Thriller Books

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.

New Popular Thriller Books

Beautiful Ugly A Novel

Author: Alice Feeney

Year: 2025

Genre: Thriller

More info: New York Times Bestselling Author

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Grady Green, an author, anxiously awaits news about the sales of his latest book. He had hoped his wife, Abby, would be with him when the call came, but she was still on her way home. During a phone call with her, he hears the screech of brakes as Abby exclaims that there’s a woman in the road. Despite his desperate pleas for her to stay in the car, Abby gets out to check on the woman. Suddenly, the call cuts off.

When Grady drives to her location, he finds Abby’s car perched dangerously close to the edge of a cliff. The driver’s door is open—but Abby is gone.

A year later, Abby is still missing, and Grady is consumed by grief and insomnia. Struggling to move forward, his editor, Kitty, offers him a lifeline: a chance to escape to a remote Scottish island to work on his next book. Grady needs the money and the change of scenery to start rebuilding his life.

The island, isolated and sparsely populated, has strict rules—no visitors during the off-season and no cars for non-residents. It seems like the perfect place to write. But when Grady sees a woman who looks exactly like Abby, he begins to question his sanity. Is it a cruel trick of the mind, or something much more mysterious? #gifted

Alcoholism

Alice Feeney never fails to write a fantastic thriller and this book was no exception. It is fast-paced, smart, and unexpected. Grady is an alcoholic which makes him an unreliable narrator; however, his character is more than just an alcoholic. I often dislike unreliable narrators but I loved this book.

Find this book in: Books About Scotland / Books with Unreliable Narrators / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers / Popular Thriller Books

Popular Thriller Books

Wife between us

Author:Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Year: 2018

Genre: Thriller

More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Everything that you think you know in this book is just an assumption. You can assume that you are wrong. I cannot say much about this book because I do not want to spoil anything but, it is such a perfect domestic thriller.

Warning: do not start it if you don’t have time to finish it. Nellie is so excited about her upcoming wedding that is just days away. She cannot shake the feeling that someone is following her. At first glance, this is a thriller about a jealous ex-wife and the woman who is replacing her.

This is a psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat and question what you think you know! I love that the plot seemed clear and yet I could not shake the feeling I was missing something the entire time. I was definitely on the wrong track.

The plot seems pretty straightforward when you start reading the book but then there are hints that things are not exactly what they seem to be. I did not understand the full story until the end of this thrilling book and loved every minute.

Find this book in: Unreliable Narrator Books / Popular Thriller Books/ Best Psychological Thriller Books / The 20 Best Books of 2018

silent patient

Author: Alex Michaelides

Year: 2019

Genre: Thriller

More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller

Age Range: 18+

This popular thriller book was Michaelides’s debut novel and sold over 65 million copies for good reason. This psychological thriller sucked me in immediately – a woman murders her husband and then doesn’t say a word for 10 years.

Convinced he can help, a psychologist named Theo transfers to the facility where Alice is staying to try to get the real story behind the fateful night of the murder.

Soon, he will become obsessed with Alice and finding out the truth behind the murders.

Suicide Attempt, mental illness

This is my first Michaelides book and I can see why this is a bestseller. The story is fast moving and unpredictable and the plot sucked me in immediately.

Find this book in: Unreliable Narrator Books / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Best Psychological Thriller Books / Popular Thriller Books

the woman in cabin 10

Author: Ruth Ware

Year: 2016

Genre: Mystery Thriller

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Shortly after being burglarized, a travel journalist boards a small luxury cruise liner to cover its inaugural voyage. When she thinks she sees a passenger thrown overboard – but everyone is still accounted for – she has to decide if what she saw was real or only in her head.

This book wasn’t as creepy as some of Ware’s others, but it still kept me on the edge of my seat. You just might want to wait until you are off a boat to read this one! If you love thriller novels, this book is a must-read.

Netflix is adapting this book into a movie starring Kiera Knightley. Guy Pearce, Hannah Waddingham, Art Malik, Gitte Witt, David Ajala and more have recently been cast as well. Release date is TBD

Find this book in: Sailing Novels / Isolation Books / Psychological Thriller Books / Unreliable Narrator Books / Books Becoming Movies / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers / Popular Thriller 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+

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.

Child Abuse, Confinement

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

into the water

Author: Paula Hawkins

Year: 2017

Genre: Thriller

More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

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.

Suicide, rape

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

Popular Thriller Mystery Books

i let you go

Author: Clare Mackintosh 

Year: 2016

Genre: Thriller

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Age Range: 16+

The book begins with a mother’s worst nightmare. Her son slips out of her grip and into the street where he is struck and killed by a car. This happens almost immediately.  This was important to me so that it would not be too heart-wrenching. 

Now the search is on for the driver of the car. The police are trying to find the driver of the car and are willing to chase any lead to find answers in the horrendous hit-and-run.

Jenna moves to the Welsh coast to escape the loss of her child and her painful past.

Death of a child

This domestic thriller grabbed me, shook me, and then gently put me down.  I was given a ride and wasn’t sure what hit me.  This book had a few things that I was not expecting and I loved it. Years after reading it, it is still one of my favorite thrillers I have ever read.

Find this book in: British Mystery Books / Popular Thriller Books/ Best Psychological Thriller Books

the last time I lied

Author: Riley Sager

Year: 2018

Genre: Thriller

Age Range: 16+

Emma is returning to her summer camp as a counselor after avoiding it since the tragedy of her bunkmates, Vivian, Natalie, and Allison’s disappearance. Trying to piece together what happened that fateful summer, she realizes she might be in danger.

I was so freaked out that I finished this thriller in 2 days, maybe because I visited my own overnight camp while reading it. I just needed to know how it ended! Other people have told me they were shocked at the twists and turns too.

Find this book in: Books Set at Camp / Best Riley Sager Books Ranked / Lake Novels

Verity

Author: Colleen Hoover

Year: 2021

Genre: Thriller

More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Lowen Ashleigh is an aspiring writer who is suffering from writer’s block. When circumstances suddenly present themselves for Lowen to be a ghostwriter for her favorite author, Verity Crawford, she is excited by the prospect.

Verity is currently comatose after an accident and is living with her husband and son. Lowen moves into their Vermont house so she can work from Verity’s office to finish her last book. As Verity works on the project, she begins to feel a romantic connection to Jeremy Crawford. She also finds Verity’s autobiography which presents a picture of a very different person than the one people see.

Child death, Child Abuse

This thriller is filled with twists and turns. You never know where the story is going and who to trust. I can’t believe this Colleen Hoover book is her only thriller!

Find this book in: Thriller Novels About Writers / The Epic List of Colleen Hoover Books in Order /Popular Thriller Books

rebecca

Author: Daphne Du Maurier

Year: 1938

Genre: Thriller

More info: National Book Award Winner, 1938
Anthony Award Winner, 2000

Age Range: 14+

The OG psychological thriller book, Rebecca is a book set in Cornwall that will leave you checking behind you when you walk down a dark hallway. 

The new Mrs. de Winter is haunted by her husband’s first wife, Rebecca.  The deceit will have you second-guessing everything you read while you yell at the pages. It is a chilling novel about a naive second wife discovering the truth behind the wife who came before her.

The Netflix book adaptation stars Lily James and it reignited this popular thriller book’s success. If you have not read this book, it is a perfect book for fall.

One of the most acclaimed psychological thriller authors, Daphne Du Maurier is at her best in this chilling psychological thriller. Everything about this gothic thriller will make you feel a little bit uncomfortable. I love Du Maurier and I have read this classic more than once.

I was at least 50 pages into this book when I called Kirsten and asked if I would ever learn the new Mrs. De Winter’s name. The fact that the main character remains nameless throughout the book adds to the thrill of the book. It is a classic that everyone should read at least once.

Find this book in: Best Mystery Novels / Popular Thriller Books / Unreliable Narrator Books / Best Classic Books / British Books / Best Psychological Thriller Books

Popular Thrillers Chosen by Celebrity Book Clubs

wrong place wrong time

Author: Gillian McAllister

Year: 2022

Genre: Mystery Thriller

More info: August 2022 Reese’s Book Club Pick

Age Range: 15+

Jen is waiting for the 18-year-old son, Todd to return home the night before Halloween when she watches him come from the darkness and murder a total stranger by stabbing him. She does not know why her son would do this but her life is torn to pieces.

When she wakes up the next morning, she is shocked to discover that she has gone back to a day before the murder. Can she stop it from happening? First, she needs to find out why.

Now, each time Jen wakes up, she has gone further back in the past- days, weeks, and years before the murder ever happened.

This time travel mystery is one of the smartest and most captivating books I have ever read. It is an easy pick for a favorite book of the year.

Find this book in:Best Thriller Books / Best Time Loop Books / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Popular Thriller Books

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+

I’ve just read THE thriller of Summer 2020 and it’s soooooo good.⁣ A murder at a wedding. On an isolated island. In the middle of a power outage.⁣ Yaaaaaaaaas. ⁣This is an unputdownable psychological thriller book and a vacation I would NOT want to be on. The murder sets the scene and then we get the story in flashbacks without knowing who is murdered until the end. ⁣

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!

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 Mysteries / Books Becoming Movies in 2024 / Best Beach Reads / British Books /Best Psychological Thriller Books / Popular Thriller Books

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Author: Catherine Steadman

Year: 2018

Genre: Thriller

More info: June 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:

This thriller was a slow build with an explosive finish. When two newlyweds find something in the water on their honeymoon, it alters the course of their lives and marriage.

I loved how the heroine changes throughout the book. It felt very realistic based on the circumstances. The story itself was fast-paced from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down.

Find this book in: Popular Thriller Books / Books set at the Beach

The Last Thing He Told me

Author: Laura Dave

Year: 2021

Genre: Mystery

More info: May 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

I raved about this book when I read it earlier this month! Well-chosen, Reese! The story of a stepmother and her daughter as they try to find the girl’s father after his abrupt departure. Owen Michaels gives his wife a note that says “protect her” before disappearing without a trace.

Hannah and Michael have been married for only a year and now Hannah must become everything to 16-year-old Bailey. As Hannah and Bailey search for Micheal, there are more questions than answers. Why was Michale’s boss arrested? Why is the FBI at their house?

This mystery has so much heart as you see Hannah bond with and try to protect her new stepdaughter, Bailey. I did not see the ending of this book coming, but absolutely adored it. This is one of the mystery books that will keep you turning the page.

Find this book in: Domestic Noir / Books About Mothers / Ultimate Mysteries / Best Beach Reads / Best Books of 2021 / Popular Thriller Books

The Last Mrs. Parrish

Author: Liv Constantine

Year: 2017

Genre: Thriller

More info: December 2017 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

I found this stalker book to be enjoyable if only because of the plotting of Amber Patterson. I adored being in the head of the villain.

I read this popular thriller book because it was a Reese Witherspoon pick AND because I heard wonderful things about it. I had read another thriller in January so I completely predicted what was going to happen in this book. As with all thrillers, especially domestic thrillers, when the element of surprise is missing, it’s not as good a read. Still, if you are looking for a very readable psychological thriller book, this is a great pick.

Find this book in: Best Psychological Thriller Books / Best Domestic Thriller Books/ Popular Thriller Books

Popular Thrillers Adapted to Screen

gone girkl

Author: Gillian Flynn

Year: 2012

Genre: Thriller

More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
One of Time’s 100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books of All Time

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

This is a psychological thriller book that almost everyone had heard of when it became a hit movie. It is the perfect example of what happens when a marriage goes terribly wrong. You will be questioning this book from the first page to the last.

On her fifth wedding anniversary, Amy Dunne mysteriously disappears. At the top of the suspect list is her husband Nick who seems perfect to the outside world. But, Nick and Amy are not who they appear to be.

There are so many twists and turns in this book that is the epitome of a domestic thriller and, if you love unreliable narrator books, this one is right up your alley. You may end up hating the characters, but this is one of the most popular thriller books ever written.

This is such a great psychological thriller. I never knew what was going to happen and it kept me turning the pages to see how this thriller would end.

This is another book where I loved to hate both Nick and Amy. They are both despicable which adds to the fun of this book

Find this book in: Domestic Thriller Books / Best Mystery Books / Unreliable Narrator / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Best Psychological Thriller Books / Popular Thriller Books

the woman in the window

Author: A.J. Finn

Year: 2018

Genre: Thriller

More info: New York Time Bestseller

Age Range:16+

If you love old movies, you will adore this book. It is a spin on Hitchcock’s Rear Window and features an agoraphobic narrator who is often unreliable.

Anna Fox lives alone in her house. She is agoraphobic and cannot leave, so she sits at her window and watches everyone in the neighborhood. 

When she sees something across the street, she is sure there has been a crime but, what is real and what is imagined? Amy Adams stars in the Netflix adaptation of this book.

I love the nod to Hitchcock. It puts a new spin on a classic!

I love the fact that I was never sure what was real and what was made up. This is a book with an unreliable narrator that I really liked/

Find this book in: Unreliable Narrator Books / Psychological Thriller Books / Books About Mental Illness / Popular Thriller Books

luckiest girl alive

Author: Jessica Knoll

Year: 2015

Genre: Thriller

More info: A Film Starring Mila Kunis

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:16+

It takes place in a suburban suburb of Philly and explores the vicious habits of the old money elite. Ani FaNelli attended The Bradley School, a prestigious high school where she endured humiliation. She is determined to leave her past and the secrets that haunt her behind. Now, she seems to have it all and is determined to keep it that way.

There are so many big reveals in this book but beware – there is a trigger-inducing rape scene in the story that is difficult to read.

Rape

I could not put this story down when I first read it. The author drew from her own experience when writing it so proceed with caution if rape is trigger for you.

Find this book in: The Best Netflix Book Adaptations / The Ultimate List of Best Thriller Books / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers / Popular Thriller Books

big little lies

Author: Liane Moriarty

Year: 2014

Genre: Thriller Mystery

More info: Emmy and Golden Globe Winning Series

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

This book is Liane Moriarty at her finest. It’s all about a group of mothers in a community who share some big lies. Their friendships take center stage, but there is a fair amount of family drama as well in this domestic noir. This is one of the most popular thriller books around.

This novel was recently turned into a show on HBO starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, and more. This book has a little bit of everything from ex-husbands and scandals. Sometimes little lies are so much more.

Domestic Abuse

Drama, scandal, and murder are in perfect combination in this thriller. There is a reason it is so popular and the adaptation of the show was done really well!

This is my favorite Liane Moriarty book. It is full of twists and turns but does not feel too ridiculous or long. It was just the right amount of scandal to keep me turning the pages.

Find this book in: Books About Motherhood / Domestic Thriller Books / Best Mystery Books /Best Psychological Thriller Books / Popular Thriller Books

BTB Elements and icons 10

Do you love thrillers and don’t know where to start? We narrowed the list down quite a bit to include only the most popular thriller books but if you are still having trouble choosing, here are some tips.

  • I divided the list into new popular thrillers, mystery thrillers, popular thrillers chosen by celebrity book clubs, and popular thrillers adapted to the screen. Pick your favorite and read a book from that category
  • Love all thrillers? Have a look at the descriptions and pick a book that appeals to you.
  • Are you a “Jackie” or a “Kirsten”? Have a look at who wrote the reviews of each book to help you make a choice

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best popular thriller books?

There are so many AMAZING popular thrillers. Lisa Jewell is always a guaranteed great thriller read. Check out The Family Upstairs. Something in the Water by Paula Hawkins is a fantastic popular thriller. The Guest List by Lucy Foley is another great pick from popular thrillers.

Epilogue

What is your favorite popular thriller book? Is there something on this list that I missed?

Thrillers

The Ultimate List of Best Thriller Books

If you love thrillers as much as I do, this is the best list of all the best thrillers Kirsten and I have read.