Crime, Mystery, & Thriller Book Recommendations from Crossword Readers
We asked our readers to share their favorite crime, thriller, and mystery novels, and the responses were exhilarating. Here’s a look at why they love these gripping reads.
Vyoma Iyer
1. The Reappearance Of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
I honestly love the work of Holly Jackson and this book had such an interesting storytelling style. The plot twists are insane you will literally start questioning every single character.
2. A Good Girl's Guide To Murder Series by Holly Jackson
Now it’s a Netflix show but before that this book was worth the hype. Holly Jackson knows how to keep the plot interesting and when to throw in those insane twists.
3. Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie
A classic tale of who really is the killer when everyone had a motive. You can never go back to reading mystery novels after you have read Agatha Christie novels.
Mystery/thriller books are always good when you want to read something different and something that is interesting too.
Siddhi Palande
Ghosts Of Silent Hills by Anita Krishan
Based on the true hauntings, this book is a page turner. And even after years of reading it, the shudder inducing stories remain fresh in your mind!
This book has been my top read and recommendation over the years. Won't disappoint!
Arushi Kulshreshtha
1. Roses Are Blood Red by Novoneel Chakroborty
This book is part of obsession series written by author. If you are psychological romantic thriller lover then this book is a gem for you. With all the twists and turns in the story, you will be hooked it the very end. The story contains some trigger warnings as well. Do read it if you are okay with it. Fun fact- I couldn' t sleep for two days after reading this book.
Verity is a psychological thriller full of suspense, twists and trigger warnings with some addition of erotic scenes. If you are a fan of thriller books and okay with trigger warning then you should give this book a try. It is a fast paced with dark suspense story. This was my first Colleen Hover book and I loved it a lot!! This book made my non reader friend a reader, lol.
3. The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino
The Devotion of suspect X is an amazing crime mystery thriller book. If you love to watch detective shows, this book is a gem for you. It will give all the detective vibes, mysteries to find and twists at one place with great story plot. Recommended to beginners as well.
4) The Girl in room 105 by Chetan Bhagat
This is the book I read when I started reading thriller books. Those who are beginners in thrillers can pick up this book. This book is a romantic crime thriller. The story is light read with a good suspense. You will be engaged till the very end of the book.
Thrillers is an amazing genre and picking up these books won't make you feel regret.
Shreya Jaggi
1. The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden
This book revolves around Millie who starts working as a Housemaid in a rich couple's house but starts suspecting that there is something terribly wrong with the woman behind the closed doors. She has her own secret to protect too though. This book was so good! I couldn’t really predict anything that just kept happening, the twists and turns were mind blowing. I just could not stop reading and when I thought the story was over, there was another twist waiting for me. This was like way better than even the first book.This is the best thriller, I have read till now this year. I loved how the story continued, and I loved how it shocked me at every page. You need to read it right now, I am sure anyone who loves dark mysteries as well as female rage would love it!!
2. A Good Girl's Guide To Murder Series by Holly Jackson
There are three books in the series that revolve around Pip, in the first book she is trying to uncover the truth behind Andie Bell's disappearence, while trying to prove that Sal Singh is innocent. With every book, the stories keep getting darker. This is one of the first and best YA thrillers ever. It is not like a short thriller with just beginning and end. It has so many subplots, character depth and twists at every chapter. The illustrations and evidence pictures scattered throughout the books make it so much more interesting and makes you more involved in the investigation. If you love, small town, YA thrillers with twists and character driven stories, this book is going to be your cup of tea.
Autumn and Winter are perfect times to read crime, mystery, thriller books. It just feels like there is something in the air, that motivates you to pick up those spooky, chilly books on your TBR. These are some of my top favourite thrillers I have read in the recent years. I hope you enjoy these recommendations as well.
Divya Khare
1. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
I loved this book which was about Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, who seemingly has it all—until she shoots her husband five times in the face and never speaks again. Her silence turns her into a mystery, and it’s up to Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist, to unravel the truth behind her crime.
Why I Love It: The suspense is brilliantly crafted, and the plot twist left me speechless. Alex Michaelides’ writing is mesmerizing, making this book impossible to put down.
Who Should Read It: If you love psychological thrillers with shocking twists, The Silent Patient is a must-read. It’s perfect for those who enjoy unraveling complex mysteries.
2. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
Hannah’s life is turned upside down when her husband, Owen, suddenly disappears, leaving behind a note that says, "Protect her," referring to his 16-year-old daughter, Bailey. As Hannah and Bailey search for the truth, they uncover secrets that make them question everything they knew about Owen.
Why I Love It: This book is a gripping mix of mystery and emotional depth, with a storyline that kept me invested from start to finish. The relationship between Hannah and Bailey is beautifully portrayed.
Who Should Read It: Fans of domestic thrillers with a strong emotional core will love this book. If you enjoy stories about family secrets and identity, this one’s for you.
3. Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Ten years after her daughter Ellie disappeared, Laurel Mack meets a charming man whose daughter bears an uncanny resemblance to Ellie. As Laurel delves deeper, she uncovers dark secrets that could explain what really happened to her daughter.
Why I Love It: Lisa Jewell’s writing is both haunting and gripping. The emotional depth and suspenseful plot made this book hard to put down.
Who Should Read It: Perfect for those who love psychological thrillers with strong character development. If you enjoy unraveling family secrets, this book is for you.
These books have left a lasting impact on me with their gripping plots, unforgettable characters, and mind-bending twists. Each one offers a unique dive into the world of mystery and suspense, keeping you hooked from the first page to the last. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned thriller reader, these recommendations are sure to satisfy your craving for intense, heart-pounding stories.
These books have left a lasting impact on me with their gripping plots, unforgettable characters, and mind-bending twists. Each one offers a unique dive into the world of mystery and suspense, keeping you hooked from the first page to the last. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned thriller reader, these recommendations are sure to satisfy your craving for intense, heart-pounding stories. Dive in, and prepare for a thrilling ride!
Om Kini
A Good Girl's Guide To Murder Series by Holly Jackson
A simple school assignment that turned into discovering the hidden truth behind mysterious murder of a girl and who’s accused, her boyfriend killing himself.
I was really skeptical about picking this series but after the show released I am so glad I did. It’s so teenagers coded. What is going on my mind about the mystery stuff, the main character is thinking the same too. It felt like we are solving the case together haha. I have just read the first book but I reallyyy enjoyed it🤌🏽
Richa Verma
1. The Inugami Curse by Seishi Yokomizo
It's a perfect Japanese mystery for the fans of Agatha Christie.
2. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
It's a book that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a memorable pacy thriller!
3. Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie
Poirot is my absolute favourite literary detective. It's the perfect book for Poirot fans. Lot of blood in this one and it is sure to send chills down your spine.
Hannah Vargees
1. We Were Liars by E Lockhart
This book is a mix of mystery and an eery romance. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart is a suspenseful young adult novel that revolves around the wealthy Sinclair family, who spend their summers on a private island. The story is narrated by Cadence Sinclair, who, after a traumatic accident, suffers from memory loss. As she pieces together the events of a past summer with her cousins and a close friend, long-buried secrets and lies begin to unravel, exposing the fragile nature of their seemingly perfect lives.
I cried reading what the end of the book did to me. I did not see the twist inthe story coming. When all seems perfect, sometimes it really isnt and this book is the perfect example of that. If you know E Lockhart, you know that these books are absolutely amazing.
A gripping thriller that follows three seemingly unconnected individuals—Megan, a suburban soccer mom with a hidden past; Ray, a failed photojournalist; and Broome, a detective haunted by an unsolved case. When a man goes missing under circumstances similar to a cold case from years ago, their lives intersect, unraveling dark secrets they’ve long tried to bury. As they navigate a web of lies and deceit, the truth about their pasts and the danger they now face comes to light. With intense twists, the novel explores themes of identity, guilt, and second chances.
The way three different people are tied together tells me how good this story was planned out and Harlan Coban when way way way above my expectation. He is so underrated for his writing and I could not stop reading this till I got to the ending. Once you read this book the Lent Season will not be the same to you.
3. The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie
This is a classic mystery featuring the amateur sleuth, Miss Marple. The story begins when a young woman's body is discovered in the library of Colonel Bantry's home, leaving the household and local authorities baffled. As the investigation unfolds, Miss Marple is called upon to solve the case, using her sharp observational skills and deep understanding of human nature. With secrets and hidden connections gradually revealed, she uncovers the truth behind the victim's identity and the motives for the crime, in a tale of deception and intrigue.
Miss Marple seems like a carefree subtle character but this book kept me hooked till the end, I was started by the twist and how Miss Marple uses her keen attention to detail and a weapon. All Agatha Christie fans must pick this.
I love reading these thrillers. Would love to know what you think about these books, if you have already read them or picked them up after the review. Feel freee to share it all on my socials. Thank you for reading
Richa Sharma
Captain Bill, our pilot is set on a surprise trip, which happens to be a well planned move. When in the air, Bill faces a nightmare fuelling dilemma. His family is kidnapped and to save them he must crash the plane he is flying.
Falling is a thriller through and through. With a dutiful protagonist, chilling threat and so much drama, this book will keep you hooked. I breezed through this book and it had my complete attention. The pace is heart racing fast and as much filled with action and emotions.
Highly recommended for my thriller fans, who wants a quick weekend read!
2. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
It tells the story of Avery Grambs, whose life is turned upside down when she is unexpectedly named as the sole heir in the will of a mysterious billionaire. Avery is suddenly thrust into the world of the Hawthorne family, which is full of secrets and dynamic personalities. This book has a talent for keeping you engaged and interested with its complex riddles and thrilling family drama. The series is perfect for binge-reading, written in a captivating style that is both easy to read and deeply absorbing. If you enjoy puzzles and suspenseful storytelling, then this series is sure to satisfy your craving for a good mystery.
3.The American Boyfriend by Ivy Ngeow
In The American Boyfriend, we follow Phoebe and her toddler, Jojo, as they travel to meet her long-distance boyfriend, Carter, in the sunny city of Florida. Upon arrival, Phoebe is pleasantly surprised to find that their vacation home is even more beautiful than she had dreamed. However, her dream vacation soon turns into a nightmare. This story has all the elements of a classic mystery novel: intriguing characters, an eerie setting, and a gripping narrative. It's the perfect book to devour over a weekend. You'll find yourself engrossed in the story, eagerly anticipating what will happen next.
4. Club You to Death by Anuja Chauhan
The story is set around a fancy club, The Delhi Turf club. The club stands for luxury and comfort. So it's nothing short of a shock when the handsome gym trainer is found dead one morning. The quintessential writing of style of Anuja Chauhan does it again, the book will make you laugh one moment and steal your breath the very next. I was truly amused by the hilarious Hinglish dialogues and the eclectic bunch of characters.
Reading such engaging and puzzling reads make my life interesting! I love wondering over the whodunnit or tying up the ends of a disaster. Pointing fingers, the whispers and the satisfying end, that's the beauty of every mystery read.
Share your own recommendations and why you love them in the comments!
