Top 20 Best Mystery Thriller Books You Need to Read in 2025

Have you ever found yourself captivated by a book, heart racing, desperate to know what happened next? That is the magic of a great mystery thriller. It’s the itch you can’t seem to scratch, the burning curiosity that only the last page can fulfill.
Mystery thrillers masterfully balance suspense, character emotions, and plot twists. They play with our minds, make us question everything, and when done right, leave us gasping in awe. Who doesn’t love a good brain teaser mixed with adrenaline?

1. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Alex Michaelides’ debut novel, The Silent Patient, is a powerful psychological thriller that has gripped readers worldwide. The plot revolves around Alicia Berenson, a renowned painter who becomes mute after murdering her husband and refuses to explain her actions. Criminal psychologist Theo Faber gets obsessed with discovering the truth behind her silence, which leads him down a journey full of unexpected turns and personal disclosures. With its convoluted narrative and devastating ending, The Silent Patient is a captivating book that cements its place among the best mystery thrillers of recent years.

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The Silent Patient - Best Mystery Thriller Books

2. The Last Word by Taylor Adams

Taylor Adams’ The Last Word is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dangers of online interactions and the blurred lines between fiction and reality. The story follows Emma Carpenter, a grieving woman seeking solitude in a remote beach house, who becomes the target of a deranged author after posting a scathing review of his novel. As the tension escalates, Emma must confront not only the external threats but also her own inner demons. Adams masterfully crafts a narrative filled with unexpected twists, keeping readers on edge until the very end. This novel stands out as a must-read for thriller enthusiasts in 2025.

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The Last Word - Best Mystery Thriller Books

3. Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson

Peter Swanson’s Before She Knew Him is a masterclass in psychological suspense, earning its place among the top mystery thrillers to read in 2025. The novel follows Hen, an illustrator with a history of bipolar disorder, who suspects her neighbor Matthew of murder after recognizing a trophy linked to an unsolved crime. As Hen delves deeper, her credibility is questioned due to her mental health history, creating a tense narrative that blurs the line between reality and paranoia. Swanson’s intricate plotting and exploration of obsession and trust make this a compelling read for thriller enthusiasts.

Before She Knew Him - Best Mystery Thriller Books

4. The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni

Danielle Trussoni’s The Puzzle Master is a genre-blending thriller that follows Mike Brink, a puzzle prodigy with acquired savant syndrome after a traumatic brain injury. When he’s asked to decode a mysterious drawing by Jess Price, a silent inmate convicted of murder, Brink is pulled into a labyrinth of ancient mysticism, secret societies, and supernatural intrigue. The novel masterfully intertwines Jewish Kabbalah, haunted artifacts, and high-stakes conspiracies, making it a standout pick for mystery and thriller fans in 2025.

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The Puzzle Master - Best Mystery Thriller Books

5. The Maid by Nita Prose

The Maid by Nita Prose is a charming cozy mystery about Molly Gray, a hotel maid who discovers the body of a wealthy guest in his suite. Molly’s literal-mindedness and distinct viewpoint make her an unusual suspect and atypical sleuth. Set against the luxurious setting of the Regency Grand Hotel, the novel blends conventional whodunit themes with emotional character development. The Maid was praised by critics and readers alike, winning the Goodreads Choice Award for Mystery & Thriller in 2022, and it has been optioned for a film adaptation starring Florence Pugh.

The Maid - Best Mystery Thriller Books

6. None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

Lisa Jewell’s None of This Is True is a psychological thriller that explores identity, manipulation, and the ambiguity of truth against deception. The story follows Alix Summer, a prominent podcaster, as she meets Josie Fair, an enigmatic woman celebrating her 45th birthday. Alix is intrigued by Josie’s idea to showcase her life story, so she launches a podcast series that gradually reveals Josie’s terrible secrets. As their lives converge, Alix becomes entangled in a web of obsession and deception, culminating in a disturbing climax that calls into question the veracity of tales and the perils of unrestrained trust.

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None of This Is True - Best Mystery Thriller Books

7. A Death at the Party by Amy Stuart

Amy Stuart’s single-day thriller, A Death at the Party, follows Nadine Walsh, who discovers a dead corpse in her basement during her mother’s 60th birthday party. As the day progresses, secrets from Nadine’s past emerge, mixing with current tensions and familial relationships. Stuart’s story, reminiscent of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway, expertly balances suspense and psychological depth, making it an engaging read for aficionados of home thrillers.

A Death at the Party - Best Mystery Thriller Books

8. The It Girl by Ruth Ware

In The It Girl (2023), Ruth Ware delivers a compelling psychological thriller set against the backdrop of Oxford University. The story follows Hannah Jones, whose life is upended when her vivacious roommate, April Clarke-Cliveden, is murdered. A decade later, as Hannah prepares for motherhood, new evidence emerges suggesting that the man convicted of April’s murder may have been innocent. This revelation forces Hannah to confront her past and the secrets of her former friends. Ware masterfully intertwines themes of guilt, memory, and betrayal, keeping readers on edge with her signature suspense and intricate plotting.

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The It Girl - Best Mystery Thriller Books

9. The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

Lucy Foley’s The Paris Apartment is a gripping psychological thriller that immerses readers in a suspenseful locked-room mystery set within a luxurious Parisian apartment building. When Jess arrives to stay with her half-brother Ben, she finds him missing and the building’s eccentric residents harboring dark secrets. Told from multiple perspectives including Jess, the aloof socialite Sophie, and the enigmatic concierge the novel weaves a complex web of lies and deception. With its atmospheric setting and unexpected twists, The Paris Apartment is a standout choice for fans of contemporary mystery thrillers .

The Paris Apartment - Best Mystery Thriller Books

10. All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers

Ashley Flowers’ debut thriller, “All Good People Here,” delves into small-town secrets and unsolved grief. Journalist Margot Davies returns to Wakarusa, Indiana, to care for her sick uncle, only to become involved in the decades-old unsolved murder of her childhood neighbor, January Jacobs. The case resurfaces when a similar disappearance occurs, forcing Margot to confront the town’s hidden secrets. Flowers tells a chilling story about the complications of memory, justice, and the darkness that lurks behind closed doors using parallel timeframes and a tense narrative.

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All Good People Here - Best Mystery Thriller Books

11. The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden

Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid’s Secret is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into themes of domestic abuse, deception, and revenge. The story follows Millie, a housemaid who uncovers the dark secrets of her wealthy employers, the Garricks. When she discovers Mrs. Garrick’s suffering and the sinister happenings within their penthouse, Millie becomes entangled in a web of lies and danger. The novel is renowned for its unexpected twists and compelling narrative, earning it the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Mystery & Thriller in 2023. McFadden’s masterful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats, making it a must-read for fans of suspenseful thrillers.

The Housemaid's Secret - Best Mystery Thriller Books

12. Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn

In Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn, four seasoned female assassins Billie, Mary Alice, Helen, and Natalie find themselves marked for death by their own organization, the Museum, after decades of covert operations. On the cusp of retirement, they embark on a celebratory cruise, only to discover that their past has come back to haunt them. This action-packed thriller masterfully blends suspense, humor, and poignant reflections on aging, highlighting the strength and resilience of women who refuse to be underestimated. Raybourn’s witty narrative and compelling characters make this a standout addition to the mystery thriller genre.

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Killers of a Certain Age - Best Mystery Thriller Books

13. The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson

Peter Swanson’s The Kind Worth Saving (2023) is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of morality, guilt, and deception. The narrative follows Henry Kimball, a former high school teacher turned private investigator, who is hired by Joan Whalen to investigate her husband’s suspected infidelity. As Kimball delves deeper, he uncovers two bodies and is drawn into a web of past tragedies, including a school shooting from his teaching days. The novel masterfully intertwines past and present, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the shadows of the past. Swanson’s intricate plotting and character development keep readers on the edge of their seats, making it a standout in the mystery thriller genre.

The Kind Worth Saving - Best Mystery Thriller Books

14. I Will Find You by Harlan Coben

“I Will Find You” by Harlan Coben is a gripping mystery thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows David, a man who has lost his memory and is searching for the truth behind his wife’s mysterious disappearance. Coben masterfully blends suspense, unexpected twists, and emotional depth, making it a must-read for fans of the genre in 2025.

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I Will Find You - Best Mystery Thriller Books

15. Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane is a gripping mystery thriller set during the racially charged summer of 1974 in Boston. When her daughter goes missing, Mary Pat Fennessy uncovers horrible secrets hidden inside her own town. Lehane masterfully blends suspense with powerful social commentary, making Small Mercies an essential, thought-provoking read for any mystery thriller fan in 2025.

Small Mercies - Best Mystery Thriller Books

16. The Only One Left by Riley Sager

Riley Sager’s The Only One Left is an outstanding mystery thriller that skillfully blends gothic suspense and psychological intrigue. Set in 1983, the novel follows Kit McDeere, a caregiver assigned to the enigmatic Lenora Hope, the sole survivor of a notorious 1929 family massacre. Confined to a decaying mansion perched on a cliff, Lenora communicates solely through a typewriter, unraveling secrets that challenge long-held assumptions. Sager’s narrative delivers a haunting atmosphere and unexpected twists, solidifying its place among the top mystery thrillers to read in 2025.

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The Only One Left - Best Mystery Thriller Books

17. Zero Days by Ruth Ware

Ruth Ware’s Zero Days is a high-octane techno-thriller that follows Jack Cross, a security specialist framed for her husband’s murder. As she races to uncover the truth, Ware blends emotional depth with relentless suspense, delivering a gripping narrative that explores grief, betrayal, and resilience in the digital age. This departure from Ware’s usual gothic mysteries showcases her versatility and cements Zero Days as a must-read for 2025.

Zero Days - Best Mystery Thriller Books

18. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston is a gripping mystery thriller perfect for fans of suspense and deception. The story follows a skilled con artist, Evie Porter, who is trying to leave her dark past behind but finds herself caught in a dangerous new game. With sharp turns and unrelenting pacing, Elston creates a tale that keeps readers wondering until the very last page.

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First Lie Wins - Best Mystery Thriller Books

19. Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

Jessica Knoll’s Bright Young Women is a gripping mystery thriller that reimagines the Ted Bundy narrative from the perspectives of his victims. Focusing on sorority president Pamela Schumacher and Seattle resident Tina Cannon, the novel delves into their pursuit of justice following brutal attacks. Knoll’s work challenges the glorification of serial killers, emphasizing the resilience of survivors and critiquing the media’s obsession with such criminals.

Bright Yound Women - Best Mystery Thriller Books

20. Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler

Genevieve Wheeler’s Adelaide is a poignant debut that delves into the complexities of unrequited love and mental health. It’s set in London and follows Adelaide Williams, a 26-year-old American who falls profoundly for the emotionally distant Rory Hughes. As their relationship unravels amidst personal tragedies, Adelaide confronts her own emotional turmoil. Praised for its raw portrayal of grief and self-discovery, Adelaide resonates with readers navigating the challenges of young adulthood.

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Adelaide - Best Mystery Thriller Books

Conclusion

If you love mystery thrillers, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year. Whether you enjoy slow-burn psychological dramas, high-stakes whodunits, or adrenaline-charged action, there’s something on this list for you. So stock up your TBR (To Be Read) list now, you’re in for a thrilling ride!