Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers
I love it when I find mystery or thriller novels about writers. There is something so perfectly fitting about reading books about books so I knew I needed to make a list of my favorites. These books are surprising and unputdownable.
Kirsten and I have read so many mystery and thriller books about writers. We have a list of books about books as well; however, we could not put every one of these on that list. These books are too good not to have their own place!
So whether you like thrillers or cozy mysteries, there is a book on this list that you will love. Let me know which is your favorite!
The Best Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers
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.
Best New Thriller Novel About Writers
Famous Last Words by Gillian McCallister – Click here to read the review and see more books in this category
Best Thriller Book About Writers
The Woman in Cabine Ten by Ruth Ware – Click here to read the review and see more books in this category
Best Scary Thriller Novel About Writers
The Shining by Steven King – Click here to read the review and see more books in this category
Best Cozy Mystery Book About Writers
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter – Click here to read the review and see more books in this category
Best Mystery About Writers
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont – Click here to read the review and see more books in this category
*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.
New Thriller Novels About Writers
Famous Last Words
Author: Gillian McAllister
Year: 2025
Genre: Thriller
More info: Author of Reese’s Book Club and New York Times bestseller Wrong Place Wrong Time
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Camilla is a literary agent who is very excited to return to work after her maternity leave. But on the morning of June 21st, what is supposed to be her first day back, turns into the day that will change her life forever. Her husband, Luke, is not at home when Camilla wakes up, he is not answering his calls or texts, and he left a strange note. Why was her normally loving and supportive husband not there to see her off to work and Polly, their daughter, off the daycare?
When the police arrive at her work to tell her there is a hostage situation in London she is shocked to find out that Luke is the gunman. Now she must call in her sister to pick up Polly from daycare and go to the hostage negotiation in the hope of getting her husband out alive. What happens next, are unanswered questions that will haunt Camilla for the next 7 years.
Trigger Warnings
Murder
Why Jackie loves it
McAllister is the Queen of “What Would You Do”? and this book is no exception. I love the way she creates a slow build in this story because it sets the stage for the rest of the book, which is non-stop action. Would you have faith in your husband? Is he still a good man if he killed someone? Is Luke alive, or is Camilla just wishing her life away? I loved this thriller!
Find this book in New Release Books You Must Read / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers
Beautiful Ugly: A Novel
Author: Alice Feeney
Year: 2025
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
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
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism
Why Jackie loves it
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
Plot
Rosie Lachlan was left in her wedding dress and is now determined to find her soul mate – especially after she received a life-saving heart transplant. When she learns the identity of her heart donor, she becomes convinced that she and the donor’s husband are meant to be together.
Despite learning that Morgan Thorne may have had something to do with his wife’s death, Rosie is not sure she can stay away from his enigmatic pull. But not all is what it seemed in the Thornes marriage or with Rosie and her “rosie-colored” glasses.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve loved Megan Collins since The Family Plot so I was eager to get my hands on her latest book. It was just as suspenseful and surprising as all her books and I found myself gobsmacked by the plot-twist halfway through the story.
Find this book in: Books with Unreliable Narrators / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers
The Last Room on the Left
Author: Leah Konen
Year: 2025
Genre: Thriller
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Kerry takes a job as a caretaker for a motel in the Catskills after her life derailed. Her husband left her, she has not spoken to her best friend in months, she is an alcoholic, and she has writer’s block. She is determined to write her book and get her life back.
But, as soon as she arrives, she knows that things are not right. The room she is supposed to stay in is in complete disarray. There are alcohol bottles everywhere and clothes and suitcases in the room. A blizzard has started, the motel loses power and that is when Kerry notices a frozen body in the snow.
With no cell phone service and no power, Kerry enters the blizzard to her neighbor to find help from the police. When they arrive, the body is nowhere to be seen. Is her drinking problem finally catching up to her or is there a murderer on the loose?
Trigger Warnings
Alcohol abuse, drug use, reference to whipping/ nonconsensual S&M, and statutory rape
Why Jackie likes it
This is a fast-paced book that will have you wondering what is real. Kerry is an unreliable narrator who is not even reliable by her own account! If you liked Girl on the Train, this is the perfect book for you.
Find this book in: Books with Unreliable Narrators / Isolation Thrillers / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers
Thriller Books About Writers
The Woman in Cabin 10
Author: Ruth Ware
Year: 2016
Genre: Mystery Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
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.
Why Kirsten loves it
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.
Adaptation Information
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 Plot
Author: Jean Hanff Korelitz
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: The Book Series #1, New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Jacob is a formerly successful writer struggling to write his next great novel. His student Evan dies without publishing his own incredible story, so Jacob decides to write it himself to great critical acclaim. But then someone starts threatening to expose him for the theft of the story, launching him into the truth behind the tale he wrote about.
Why Kirsten loves it
What a ride! Jean Hanff Korelitz’s thriller is quite something. It’s one I just adored even if I did figure the big twist out early on. It’s the journey with this book.
Adaptation Information
This is set to be adapted into a TV series for Hulu. Mahershala Ali is set to produce and star in the series.
Find this book in: Books Becoming Movies and TV Shows / Books About Con Artists / Books by Jewish Authors / Best Thriller Books / Books About Books / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers
Luckiest Girl Alive
Author: Jessica Knoll
Year: 2015
Genre: Thriller
More info: A Film Starring Mila Kunis
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:16+
Plot
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.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
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
Home Before Dark
Author: Riley Sager
Year: 2020
Genre: Thriller
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller, USA Today Best Books of 2020
Age Range: 18+
Plot
It is so strange that I have read four paranormal fiction this month! Maggie Holt spent three weeks in a house that became the subject of a best-selling novel written by her father.
During the three weeks in the house, the family was haunted by ghosts before they were eventually forced to flee. Twenty-five years later, Maggie is shocked to learn that her father still owned the house when he died and the house is now hers.
As Maggie returns to the house to find out what really happened, she might be in for more than she bargained for. Even though this is last on our list of Riley Sager books, it was a fun read that I would highly recommend.
Why Jackie likes it
This is a fun book that is not only about books but also has a touch of paranormal as well. If ghosts are not your thing but you love thrillers, I would recommend this one as a perfect “in-between” book. Riely Sager is very readable and his books are never a disappointment.
Find this book in: The Best Riley Sager Books Ranked / Fall Books / Halloween Thriller Books / Books About Books
The Fiction Writer
Author: Jillian Cantor
Year: 2023
Genre: Mystery
More info: USA bestselling author
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Plot
Olivia Fitzgerald, a struggling writer, lands a lucrative ghostwriting gig for a reclusive billionaire, Henry Asherwood. Tasked with uncovering a dark secret about his grandmother and Daphne du Maurier, Olivia becomes entangled in a gothic mystery that challenges her notions of creative freedom and whose stories should be told.
Why Kirsten loves it
I got swept into the book and finished it in one sitting. It’s got Rebecca Easter eggs, Du Maurier fun facts, a hunky billionaire recluse with a cryptic mission, and a book within a book. It’s one of the most unique novels about writers I’ve ever read. #gifted by Park Row
Why Jackie loves it
Kirsten said it all. I loved the references to Du Maurier, but the story stands on its own as a unique and unputdownable read. I was not sure where the book was headed, and I loved how it developed.
Find this book in: Fiction Books About Writers / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers / Best Books by Jewish Writers and Authors
Scary Thriller Books About Writers
The Shining
Author: Steven King
Year: 2008
Genre: Thriller
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
One of Time‘s 100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books of All Time
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Jack Torrence is a recovering alcoholic with anger issues. He accepts a job as a winter caretaker at the Overlook Hotel in the hopes of writing his first novel.
He brings his wife and son with him in the hopes of reconnecting with them. Obviously, things go terribly wrong.
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism, Child Abuse, Violence
Why Jackie loves it
Steven King has a way of finding just the right blend of reality to add to his books to make them truly terrifying. The Shining is no exception. I don’t think there is anyone who has read this haunted hotel book who can think of an isolated cabin as a relaxing retreat ever again.
This book is one of the scariest thriller horror novels I’ve ever read. It is a classic book that shows the descent into madness. It is truly terrifying and a must-read thriller.
Find this book in: Book Set in the 70s / Winter Books/ Thriller Novels About Writers
The Writing Retreat
Author: Julia Bartz
Year: 2023
Genre: Thriller
More info: Instant New York Times bestsellers
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Alex has almost given up her dream of being a writer when a famous horror writer invites her to a month-long writing retreat. When she arrives, she is told that she must, along with the other attendees, write an entire novel during the retreat and the best novel will win a huge publishing deal.
Soon, Alex is having trouble differentiating between her book and reality. To make things even worse, her ex-best friend is among the 5 invitees and now she does not know who to trust.
Trigger Warnings
Murder, sexual content
Why Jackie loves it
I know this book had mixed reviews, but I love this horror thriller book. I was never sure what to believe, and I did not predict where the story was headed. It is certainly a scary pick and not for the faint of heart.
Find this book in: Fiction Books About Writers / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers / Horror Thriller Books / Isolation Thriller
Verity
Author: Colleen Hoover
Year: 2021
Genre: Thriller
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
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.
Trigger Warnings
Child death, Child Abuse
Why Jackie loves it
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
Cozy Mysteries About Writers
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
Author: Ally Carter
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
After losing her assets to her cheating ex-husband, mystery author Maggie Chase agrees to head to the home of her biggest fan for the Christmas holidays. Unfortunately for her, Ethan Wyatt, another author from her publishing house, is also along for the trip.
It turns out, they have traveled to the home of Eleanor Ashley, a prolific mystery writer (clearly inspired by Agatha Christie) who has a sprawling mansion in the middle of the countryside. During a snowstorm, she mysteriously disappears. Now Maggie and Ethan must work together to try to find her. With murder attempts around every corner and a growing attraction between our leads, this is one fun genre-bending story.
Why Kirsten loves it
Once I started this story, I couldn’t put it down! I was completely swept into the mystery, I was enchanted by the crackling chemistry between our two main characters, and the setting and snowstorm just left me craving a snowy night in. I was utterly charmed by this one and you will be too!
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Mystery Books / New Christmas Books 2024 / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024 / Romance Books About Books
Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies
Author: Catherine Mack
Year: 2024
Genre: Cozy Mystery
More info: USA Today Bestseller, An Indie New List Pick (May 2024)
Age Range: 15+
Plot
What a fun new mystery series! When a group of authors accompanies mystery writer, Eleanor Dash, on her book tour in Italy, people keep turning up dead around them. While she is trying to figure out a way to kill off her main character, Connor, and end her long-running series, someone is trying to kill the real-life Connor on the tour!
Now Eleanor and her writer frenemies must put their differences aside to try to solve the murders and stay alive. The hysterical scenarios they find themselves in keep the vacation murder plot delightfully lighthearted. Add in the descriptions of Italian food, gorgeous sites, and wild personal hijinks and you’ve got a lovely summer read.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s not often a mystery series that is both mysterious and fun, but this one delivers! It’s exactly the kind of mystery book I gravitate towards in the middle of summer. I can’t wait to see this series continue! #gifted by Macmillan Audio
Find this book in: Italy Novels / Best Beach Reads / Cozy Mystery Books / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers
She Doesn’t Have a Clue
Author: Jenny Elder Moke
Year: 2025
Genre: Romantic Mystery
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
She Doesn’t Have a Clue is a cozy mystery set on a remote island during a wedding weekend for an editor and marketing director at a small publishing house. One of their star writers, Kate is a mystery author who is stuck with her ex-friend (and sort of crush) Jake as a plus one at the wedding.
Over the course of the weekend, the bride is routinely targeted with murder plots and Kate and Jake stumble upon another body. Now they are trying to figure out what is going on while warding off their attraction to one another.
Why Kirsten loves it
The mystery was a delight and I couldn’t figure it out before it unfolded… but the romance was the heavy hitter. It’s a steamy story but filled with real chemistry and character depth.
This is one literary trend I hope continues to grow in popularity! These stories just hit differently!
Find this book in: Mystery Novels About Writers / Romance Books About Books
Mysteries About Writers
The Christie Affair
Author: Nina de Gramont
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: February 2022 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I adored this mystery novel set during the 11 days of Agatha Christie’s disappearance. It’s told from the perspective of Christie’s husband’s mistress and it is utterly absorbing.
This biographical fiction novel is totally fictional because there is no account of what actually happened to Agatha Christie during her missing days. There are layers of mystery throughout, with a side of a love story.
Why Kirsten loves it
I never felt I would be able to sympathize with a mistress but I was cheering for her by the end. I was also enchanted by the setting of the small hotel. If you love historical mystery books, this is a must-read.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction Novels / Historical Mystery Books / Hotel Novels / Ultimate List of Mystery Books / Mystery Novels About Writers
Plot
This is one of the best mystery thrillers that I have read in a long time. I loved this book from beginning to end. Years ago, Malcolm, a bookseller, wrote a blog post that included books with the most unsolvable murders.
One day, an FBI agent comes to his store to ask him about that post. She believes that someone is using it as a recipe for committing murders.
Why Jackie loves it
The book has twists and turns and is so well-written!!! I had no idea what was coming next.
Find this book in: Fictional Books About Serial Killers / Ultimate List of Books About Books / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers
The Main Character
Author: Jaclyn Goldis
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery
More info: Bestselling Thriller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:
Plot
This book had me at Orient Express. Within it, Rory has been sent on a lavish trip to the Italian Riviera aboard the newly remodeled famous train. It’s her reward for being celebrated writer Ginevra Ex’s newest main character – the real-life person who inspires each of Ex’s novels.
But Rory is shocked to see her brother, her best friend, and her ex-fiance aboard as well – all at Ginevra’s expense. The story opens with one of them being murdered but who and by whom remains to be seen.
As the foursome read Ginevra’s new manuscript secrets unravel, but behind the scenes, Ginevra’s own past is catching up to her and just why she was drawn to Rory in the first place remained unanswered.
Why Kirsten loves it
While the who-dun-it mystery within Ginevra’s novel was so well executed and the suspense of who was killed kept me turning the pages, it was Ginevra’s storyline that intrigued me most.
I was enthralled by Russia’s history with the Jewish people, having been mostly unaware of the animosity there before this book, and was shocked to learn that element came from Goldis’s own family history!
Why Jackie loves it
The idea of a novel within a novel is always so much fun and this book was brilliantly executed. I was never sure was a coincidence and what was the next attempt at murder. This was a page-turner I could not put down.
Find this book in: Best Mystery Books of 2024 / Best Jewish Writers / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers
The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair
Author: Joel Dicker
Year: 2014
Genre: Mystery
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The story of Marcus Goldman and his quest to learn what really happened between his mentor Harry Quebert and 15-year-old Nola Kellergan.
Did Harry commit the murder he is now being accused of? Will Marcus write the great American novel? Well, you’ll just have to read it to find out!
Why Kirsten loves it
This book was heavily hyped when it first came out but having just had a baby I was not interested in reading this whopper of a book. Then in 2018, Patrick Dempsey started in a TV mini-series based on the novel. I finally decided to pick it up.
Find this book in: Best Long Books / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers
The Magpie Murders by
Author: Anthony Horowitz
Year: 2017
Genre: Mystery
More info: Winner of the Macavity Award for Best Novel, NPR Best Book of the Year
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:
Plot
Susan Ryland is an editor who is working with Alan Conway, as she has for years. He has been writing about the detective Atticus PĂĽnd for years and is very successful. In Conway’s book, PĂĽnd is investigating a murder at Pye Hall, but the more Suan reads, the more she is unsure how much of the book is fiction. In this book, you uncover the murder of a mystery author while also reading his book about murder. Are they interconnected?
Why Jackie loves it
There is a murder mystery within a murder mystery in this well-written and thoughtful book. Anthony Horowitz is an internationally best-selling author for a reason. This book will keep you guessing until the last page. The idea is truly unique and so well executed.
Find this book in: Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers / Jewish Authors and Writers / British Mysteries
Expert Tip
Do you love books about books and don’t know where to start? We narrowed the list down quite a bit to include only thriller books about writers and mystery novels about writers, but if you are still having trouble choosing, here are some tips.
- I divided the list into thrillers, mysteries, and cozy mysteries. Pick your favorite and read a book from that category
- Love all mysteries and 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 is the best thriller book about writers?
Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister is a new thriller book that is a must-read.
What is the best mystery book about writers?
Kirsten and I absolutely love The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter.
Epilogue
Do you love thriller books about writers? What about mysteries about writers? These are such fun books to read. If I forgot your favorite, please send me an email so I can add it to my TBR!
Ultimate List of Books About Books
If you love this list of mysteries and thrillers about writers, you will love this ultimate list of books about books.
