Mysteries & Thrillers You Shouldn’t Miss in 2024

Mysteries & Thrillers You Shouldn’t Miss in 2024

As an avid reader and lifelong fan of heart-pounding narratives, I can’t help but get excited about the new wave of mysteries and thrillers set to hit the shelves in 2024. There’s an undeniable allure in stories that keep you guessing, with twists and turns that lead to that final, satisfying reveal. Whether it’s the intricate plotting of a whodunit or the intense psychological depth of a thriller, these genres have a unique way of gripping our imaginations and refusing to let go.

 Deeper Than the Dead by Debra Webb

In Deeper Than the Dead, Debra Webb delivers a gripping tale of suspense and family secrets. The story centers around crime analyst and disgraced deputy police chief Vera Boyett, who returns to her small hometown in Tennessee following the discovery of her long-missing stepmother’s remains in a cave on her family’s property. As Vera and her sister Eve grapple with their tumultuous past and the reemergence of old wounds, they are thrust into a web of mystery and danger. With the help of Bent, the local sheriff and former love interest, Vera must navigate a labyrinth of suspects and buried secrets to clear her family’s name and uncover the truth behind the murders. Webb masterfully intertwines the suffocating heat of a Southern summer with the chilling revelations of hidden bodies, making this first installment in the Vera Boyett series a must-read for fans of taut, emotionally charged mysteries.

Get it now: Amazon

 It Had to Be You by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke

It Had to Be You, the eighth installment in the beloved Under Suspicion series, brings together the unparalleled storytelling talents of Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke. Television producer Laurie Moran is back, this time investigating the unsolved murder of a beloved couple, whose identical twin sons were prime suspects but never charged. As Laurie digs deeper into the brothers’ fractured relationship and their conflicting accounts of the fateful night, new evidence and old secrets come to light, challenging everything she thought she knew. With the twins now married and estranged, the stakes are higher than ever as Laurie and her team work to finally uncover the truth. This novel combines chilling suspense, intricate plotting, and the familiar charm of the series’ recurring characters, culminating in a jaw-dropping twist that will leave readers reeling.

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 The Unraveling by Vi Keeland

Renowned for her steamy romance novels, Vi Keeland ventures into the world of psychological thrillers with The Unraveling, delivering a dark and addictive narrative. The story follows Meredith McCall, a New York City psychiatrist struggling with grief after a devastating personal loss. When Gabriel Wright, a man connected to her past tragedy, becomes her patient, Meredith finds herself slipping into an unhealthy obsession. As her professional and personal lives spiral out of control, Meredith is drawn deeper into a dangerous game of deception and desire. Keeland skillfully blends elements of eroticism and suspense, creating a haunting tale of moral ambiguity and psychological intrigue. This novel is a thrilling departure from her usual fare, proving her versatility and leaving readers eager for more of her dark, captivating storytelling.

Get it now: Amazon

Related: Most Popular Books of 2024…So Far

Smoke Kings by Jahmal Mayfield

Smoke Kings, a debut novel by Jahmal Mayfield, is an intense and thought-provoking thriller that challenges the boundaries of justice and vengeance. The story follows a group of friends who, driven by a desire for reparations, kidnap the descendants of racists and demand compensation from them. This group, known as the Smoke Kings, finds themselves in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with a white supremacist leader and a former cop. Mayfield’s novel is a masterful blend of nuance and exhilaration, exploring complex themes of racial justice without succumbing to easy answers. Smoke Kings is a bold and uncompromising read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while provoking deep reflection on societal issues.

Get it now: Amazon

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

In The Fury, Alex Michaelides returns with a mesmerizing tale that transports readers to a secluded Greek island, setting the stage for an enigmatic murder mystery. As the story unfolds over Easter weekend, the identities of both the murderer and the victim remain shrouded in mystery, creating a suspenseful and twisty narrative. Michaelides skillfully unravels the complex relationships among the characters against the sun-drenched backdrop, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Known for his ability to craft psychological thrillers with unexpected turns, Michaelides once again delivers a riveting and surprising take on a classic genre, making The Fury a must-read for fans of suspenseful mysteries.

Get it now: Amazon

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett

Janice Hallett’s The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is a unique and engaging read for true-crime enthusiasts. Presented through a collection of transcriptions, texts, WhatsApp messages, emails, articles, and novel and screenplay excerpts, the book immerses readers in the investigation led by true-crime writer Amanda Bailey. Amanda delves into the chilling story of the Alperton Angels cult, focusing on the teenage mother who escaped and the now 18-year-old baby once deemed the Anti-Christ. Hallett’s innovative narrative style invites readers to become active participants in piecing together the mystery, resulting in a deeply immersive experience. This novel is a compelling puzzle that demands attention and offers a rewarding journey through its intricate layers.

Get it now: Amazon

Related: Best Book Club Books for 2024

My Favorite Scar by Nicolás Ferraro

My Favorite Scar, translated from Spanish by Mallory Craig-Kuhn, is a visceral and gripping crime noir by Nicolás Ferraro. The story follows the tumultuous journey of 15-year-old Ámbar and her father, Víctor, as they embark on a cross-country quest for revenge through Argentina. The narrative opens with a stark scene of Ámbar tending to her father’s gunshot wound, setting the tone for a brutal and relentless adventure. While the high-octane action and violence will appeal to fans of the genre, it is Ámbar’s poignant and conflicted coming-of-age story that gives the novel its emotional depth. Ferraro’s raw and unflinching portrayal of their bond and the challenges they face makes My Favorite Scar a powerful and unforgettable read.

Get it now: Amazon

California Bear by Duane Swierczynski

Duane Swierczynski’s California Bear is a multi-perspective crime novel that weaves together the lives of four unlikely collaborators as they work to solve an infamous California cold case. The story brings together a hard-drinking former cop, the ex-con he once imprisoned, the ex-con’s teenage daughter, and a genealogist. This diverse quartet adds depth and complexity to the narrative, grounding the suspenseful hunt for a serial killer in rich, well-crafted relationships. Swierczynski’s ability to blend intense suspense with emotionally resonant character arcs makes California Bear a standout in the genre. The novel’s intricate plot and well-drawn characters ensure that it is as compelling emotionally as it is thrilling.

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Camino Ghosts by John Grisham

Camino Ghosts by John Grisham combines historical fiction, courtroom drama, and contemporary suspense in a captivating tale. The story follows Mercer Mann as she uncovers the history of Lovely Jackson, the last descendant of slaves from Dark Isle, who is fighting against a resort developer threatening her ancestral land. Grisham expertly intertwines the rich history of the island with modern-day legal battles, creating a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and engaging. With well-developed characters and thought-provoking themes, Camino Ghosts is a compelling addition to the Camino Island series, offering readers a blend of mystery, history, and social commentary.

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Don’t Let the Devil Ride by Ace Atkins

Intriguing title and a promise of suspense, Don’t Let the Devil Ride by Ace Atkins delivers a gripping thriller set in Memphis, where Addison McKellar hires PI Porter Hayes to find her missing husband, Dean. As they uncover Dean’s involvement in a dangerous web of international intrigue, Addison and her children become targets. Atkins masterfully blends Southern charm with intense suspense, creating richly developed characters and a fast-paced, complex plot. The novel explores themes of deception and resilience, balanced with humor and vivid descriptions of Memphis life. This atmospheric and thrilling story is a must-read for fans of Southern noir and suspense.

Get it now: Amazon

Related: Great Books To Read in 2024

One Big Happy Family by Jamie Day

Jamie Day’s One Big Happy Family is a riveting summer suspense novel set in the iconic Precipice Hotel on Maine’s rocky coast. The story revolves around the Bishop sisters, who gather at the hotel to claim their inheritance after their father’s death. Amidst a looming hurricane and a murder mystery, tensions rise as dangerous secrets come to light. The young chambermaid, Charley, finds herself caught in the middle of the sisters’ scheming and betrayal. With razor-sharp wit and heart-pounding suspense, Day crafts a tale of family drama and deceit that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The novel’s compelling characters and Christiean vibes make One Big Happy Family a must-read for fans of summer mysteries.

Get it now: Amazon

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty explores fate and free will through the extraordinary events of a seemingly ordinary flight. When a mysterious woman predicts the exact times and causes of death for several passengers, their lives are irrevocably changed as the predictions begin to come true. The novel delves into the characters’ struggles to defy their fates, raising profound questions about destiny and control. With rich character development and a blend of mystical and philosophical elements, Moriarty crafts a thought-provoking and gripping narrative. Here One Moment challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and choices, making it a compelling and introspective read.

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Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra

Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra is a pulse-pounding thriller that combines horror and suspense. The story takes place during a blizzard, leaving a mother and her children trapped in their home with a shadowy intruder. As they hide in a secret room, the mother realizes she recognizes the intruder, adding a layer of personal terror to the unfolding events. Sierra masterfully explores themes of perception, trauma, and women’s autonomy while maintaining a relentless grip on the reader’s nerves. Nightwatching is a chilling and claustrophobic read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, blending complex ideas with unyielding suspense.

Get it now: Amazon

As 2024 unfolds, the literary landscape promises a rich array of mysteries and thrillers that will keep readers enthralled. From the provocative social justice themes in Smoke Kings by Jahmal Mayfield to the sun-drenched suspense of The Fury by Alex Michaelides, and the immersive true-crime puzzle in The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett, there’s something for every lover of the genre.

Additionally, My Favorite Scar by Nicolás Ferraro offers a raw, emotionally charged noir, while California Bear by Duane Swierczynski blends suspense with deep character studies. John Grisham’s Camino Ghosts brings a blend of history and contemporary drama, while Jamie Day’s One Big Happy Family provides a razor-sharp look at family secrets. Liane Moriarty’s Here One Moment explores fate with philosophical depth, and Tracy Sierra’s Nightwatching delivers chilling horror-thriller vibes. Each book stands out with unique narratives and gripping plots that are sure to captivate and entertain. As you dive into these stories, prepare for a year of late-night reading sessions, unputdownable books, and thrilling adventures that will leave you yearning for more. Happy reading!