Most Popular Thriller Books of 2023 So Far….
Thriller books have always captivated readers with their suspenseful plots, unexpected twists, and thrilling narratives. In 2023, the genre continues to deliver gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. From psychological suspense to gothic mysteries, this year’s selection of thriller books offers a wide range of captivating reads. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular thriller books of 2023 so far, featuring authors like Rachel Hawkins, Mary Kubica, Freida McFadden, Stacy Willingham, Sally Hepworth, Jeneva Rose, Julia Bartz, Ana Reyes, Rebecca Makkai, Bret Easton Ellis, J.T. Ellison, and Alex Finlay.
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins takes readers on a gothic suspense journey set in an Italian villa with a dark history. Emily and Chess, best friends since childhood, embark on a girls trip to Italy to reconnect. As they explore Villa Aestas, they uncover the secrets of its past, including a notorious rock star, a brutal murder, and the mysterious works left behind by its former occupants. As Emily delves deeper into the villa’s history, tensions rise, and betrayals emerge, leading to a gripping climax.
Don’t miss out on the sizzling secrets that await within the enchanting pages of The Villa by Rachel Hawkins! Curious to know more? Dive into our review and prepare to be whisked away to a world of intrigue, romance, and unexpected twists.
Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica
In Just the Nicest Couple, Mary Kubica weaves a tale of mystery and disappearance. When Jake Hayes goes missing, his wife Nina and her friend Lily become entangled in a web of secrets and deception. As Nina searches for her husband, she uncovers the truth about what happened leading up to his disappearance, with surprising revelations along the way. The suspense builds as Nina’s determination to uncover the truth clashes with the hidden agenda of those around her.
The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden
The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden introduces readers to Douglas Garrick and the enigmatic woman behind the closed doors of his penthouse. As the new housemaid, the protagonist discovers disturbing signs of illness and secrets within the household. With her own dark past, she makes a promise to protect Mrs. Garrick while keeping her own secrets hidden. This thrilling tale unravels the mysteries of the penthouse and reveals the extent of the protagonist’s determination for justice.
All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham
Stacy Willingham’s All the Dangerous Things follows Isabelle Drake, a mother desperate to find her son, who was taken from his crib a year ago. Plagued by insomnia and determined to bring her child home, Isabelle agrees to be interviewed by a true-crime podcaster. However, as she delves deeper into her past and the night of her son’s disappearance, unsettling memories and doubts begin to surface. Isabelle’s journey to uncover the truth becomes a rollercoaster of suspense and self-discovery.
Buckle up and brace yourself for a heart-pounding journey through the pages of All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham! Ready to uncover the dark secrets, thrilling escapades, and pulse-pounding action? Don’t miss our review, where we dive deep into this captivating tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth explores marriage, betrayal, and the secrets that push us to the edge. Gabe and Pippa find their dream home in a cottage on a cliff. But when Pippa discovers that Gabe knew the victim of a mysterious death near their home, their relationship starts to crumble. Doubts and questions arise as Pippa wonders if her soulmate is lying. This gripping novel delves into the complexities of relationships and the hidden truths that can unravel them.
Want to know if true love conquers all or if there’s a darker side to this soulful journey? Don’t miss our review, where we unravel the secrets and mysteries of The Soulmate that will leave you questioning the very nature of destiny.
The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes
Then on this list of Most Popular Thriller Books of 2023, we have The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes, a chilling tale of loss, secrets, and the haunting power of the past. Maya, haunted by the sudden death of her friend Aubrey years ago, sets out on a quest for answers. Her journey takes her back to her hometown, where she uncovers hidden messages and dives into the mysteries of her past.
As Maya gets closer to the truth, she finds herself entangled in a web of darkness and danger, centered around a cabin in the woods. Ana Reyes crafts a suspenseful narrative that explores the complexities of memory, the search for closure, and the lengths we’ll go to unravel the secrets that have shaped our lives.
The House in the Pines is a gripping thriller that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end, as they accompany Maya on her journey to uncover the truth behind her friend’s death and confront the demons that have haunted her for years.
The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis
Set in 1981 Los Angeles, The Shards follows the story of Bret, a curious prep school senior who becomes fascinated by the enigmatic new student, Robert Mallory. As Robert becomes involved in Bret’s close-knit circle of friends, a serial killer known as the Trawler starts haunting Los Angeles. Bret’s obsession with Robert intensifies, and when the Trawler begins to taunt Bret and his friends, they question how close the killer is to their own lives. Bret delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding Robert and the Trawler, leading to a gripping exploration of secrets, danger, and the blurred lines between reality and obsession.
It’s One of Us by J.T. Ellison
In It’s One of Us, Olivia Bender desperately longs to be a mother but has faced countless failures with fertility treatments and IVF. Just as she begins to lose hope, the police inform her and her husband, Park, that Park’s son is the prime suspect in a murder investigation. The problem is, Park and Olivia don’t have any children together. The shocking truth emerges when Park confesses that he had previously donated sperm to a clinic, leaving Olivia to grapple with the possibility that her husband might be the father of a murderer. As the investigation deepens and Olivia keeps her own secrets hidden from Park, the novel explores the complexities of trust, deception, and the lengths we go to protect the ones we love.
What Have We Done by Alex Finlay
What Have We Done reunites Jenna, Donnie, and Nico after twenty-five years apart, but this reunion is far from joyful. They find themselves targeted by an unknown assailant who wants them dead. Forced to confront their dark past, the trio were survivors of the Savior House, a group home for parentless teens that was shut down following the mysterious disappearance of several children. As they delve into their shared history, secrets and traumas resurface, and they must face the chilling reality that someone from their past is seeking revenge. This gripping thriller explores themes of friendship, survival, and the haunting consequences of their time at Savior House.
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
In this compelling novel by Rebecca Makkai, Bodie Kane, a successful film professor and podcaster, prefers to forget her troubled past, including a family tragedy and a mysterious murder that occurred during her time at a boarding school. When the Granby School invites her back to teach a course, Bodie is drawn into the case and begins questioning the conviction of the school’s athletic trainer for the murder. She starts to wonder if there were other suspects overlooked and if the real killer is still at large. As she delves deeper into the case, Bodie’s own memories and secrets resurface, forcing her to confront the truth and the darkness that has haunted her. “I Have Some Questions for You” is a gripping exploration of memory, reckoning, and the search for justice.
You Shouldn’t Have Come Here by Jeneva Rose
Grace Evans, an overworked New Yorker seeking a complete escape from her busy life, decides to book an Airbnb on a ranch in the heart of Wyoming. Upon arriving, she is pleasantly surprised to meet Calvin Wells, the handsome owner of the ranch. However, Grace soon discovers unsettling things: a lack of cell phone service, a missing woman, and a nagging feeling that something is amiss in the town.
Despite her initial uneasiness and warnings from Calvin’s friends and family, Grace and Calvin grow closer and begin to fall for each other. But as her departure date approaches, their relationship takes a dark turn. Grace becomes suspicious of Calvin’s infatuation, fearing it has transformed into obsession. Meanwhile, Calvin becomes convinced that Grace is hiding something from him.
Told from dual perspectives, “You Shouldn’t Have Come Here” is a thrilling roller coaster ride and cautionary tale about the dangers of opening your house and heart to a stranger.
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
Five aspiring writers are selected for a month-long writing retreat at the secluded estate of Roza Vallo, a controversial high priestess of feminist horror. Among them is Alex, a struggling writer who is ecstatic about the opportunity.
Upon their arrival at Blackbriar Estate, the writers are informed that they must complete an entire novel from scratch during their stay, and the author of the best work will be awarded a seven-figure publishing deal. Alex’s long-extinguished dream of success in the literary world suddenly seems within reach.
However, as the women immerse themselves in their writing, a series of mysterious deaths occur, trapping them in a state of terror. Despite their fear, they are compelled to continue writing, realizing that more than just a publishing deal is at stake at Blackbriar Estate. Alex must confront her own inner demons and find the strength to finish her novel in order to save herself.
The Writing Retreat is an unhinged, propulsive, and claustrophobic closed-door thriller that will draw you in and leave you breathless.
These are just a few of the most popular thriller books of 2023 so far. Each one offers a unique and thrilling narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. From gothic suspense to psychological mysteries, these books promise captivating storytelling, unexpected twists, and a thrilling reading experience.
Have you read any of the books mentioned on our Most Popular Thriller Books of 2023 So Far list? What did you think of them?