Best Adult Fiction Books December 2024

The Wife Between Us

Vanessa thought she had it all: a handsome, successful husband and a glamorous life in New York City. But when Richard leaves her for a younger woman, her world shatters. Obsessed with her replacement, Vanessa spirals into a web of deceit and manipulation. As she unravels the truth about her marriage, she discovers nothing is as it seems. With twists that will leave you breathless, this psychological thriller explores the complexities of love, jealousy, and the lies we tell ourselves. A gripping tale that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

The Night Swim

Rachel, a true-crime podcaster, arrives in Neapolis to cover a controversial rape trial. As she digs into the case, she’s drawn into a decades-old mystery involving a young girl’s drowning. Haunted by anonymous letters pleading for help, Rachel uncovers dark secrets that have plagued the town for years. With each revelation, she realizes the two cases might be connected, forcing her to confront her own painful past. Goldin’s gripping narrative weaves together past and present, exploring themes of justice, trauma, and the power of truth in a small town where everyone has something to hide.

Invisible Girl

Cate Fours vanishes without a trace, leaving her family and neighbors in a quiet London suburb reeling. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets emerge, intertwining the lives of a reclusive teacher, a troubled teenager, and a lonely woman next door. Jewell masterfully weaves a gripping tale of suspicion, betrayal, and unexpected connections, keeping readers guessing until the very end. With her signature blend of psychological insight and heart-pounding suspense, she explores the hidden depths of seemingly ordinary lives, reminding us that everyone has something to hide.

Her Every Fear

Kate Priddy’s life is upended when she agrees to a six-month apartment swap with her Boston-based cousin. Escaping London and her haunting past, she hopes for a fresh start. But her new home harbors dark secrets. As Kate unravels the mystery of her neighbor’s disappearance, she can’t shake the feeling of being watched. Swanson masterfully weaves a tale of paranoia and suspense, keeping readers on edge with every creaking floorboard and shadowy figure. I found myself holding my breath, unable to put it down until the shocking finale.

Before She Knew Him

Henrietta’s new neighbors seemed perfect—until she glimpsed something chilling through their window. Obsessed with true crime, she can’t shake the feeling that Matthew is hiding a dark secret. As she digs deeper, the line between curiosity and danger blurs. Swanson masterfully weaves a tale of suburban suspicion and psychological intrigue, keeping readers on edge with each twist. A gripping exploration of how well we truly know those around us, and the lengths some will go to protect their secrets.

The Night Watch

In the shadowy streets of wartime London, four lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Sarah Waters weaves a haunting tale of love, loss, and resilience as her characters navigate the perils of blackouts and air raids. With her signature attention to historical detail, Waters paints a vivid portrait of a city under siege, where passion blooms in unlikely places and secrets lurk behind every door. A masterful exploration of human connection amidst chaos, “The Night Watch” will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

In the Woods

In Tana French’s haunting debut, a chilling murder case intertwines with a detective’s own mysterious past. Twenty years after escaping a childhood tragedy that claimed his two best friends, Rob Ryan finds himself investigating a eerily similar crime. As he delves deeper, long-buried memories resurface, blurring the lines between past and present. French’s lyrical prose and intricate plotting create a atmospheric thriller that lingers long after the final page, exploring the shadowy recesses of memory and the lasting impact of trauma.

Don’t You Cry

In this gripping psychological thriller, Mary Kubica weaves a tale of deception and obsession that will keep you guessing until the very end. When Quinn’s roommate Esther vanishes without a trace, she’s left to unravel the mystery. Meanwhile, a young man becomes entangled with a mysterious woman in a nearby town. As their stories intertwine, dark secrets emerge, challenging everything you thought you knew. Kubica’s masterful storytelling had me on the edge of my seat, unable to put it down. A must-read for anyone who loves a good twist!

The Kiss Quotient

Stella Lane, a brilliant but socially awkward mathematician, decides to tackle her lack of romantic experience head-on. She hires Michael Phan, a charming escort, to teach her the ins and outs of intimacy. As their lessons progress, Stella finds herself drawn to Michael’s warmth and understanding. But can their arrangement evolve into something real? This heartwarming tale explores love, self-discovery, and the beauty of embracing one’s uniqueness. Hoang’s debut novel is a refreshing take on romance, filled with humor, tenderness, and unexpected connections.

The Hating Game

Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are executive assistants forced to share an office at a publishing company. Their relationship is one of intense rivalry and mutual loathing, filled with passive-aggressive games and snide remarks. But as they compete for a coveted promotion, Lucy begins to question her feelings. Is it possible that beneath the animosity lies a simmering attraction? With witty banter and undeniable chemistry, this enemies-to-lovers tale will have you laughing, swooning, and rooting for these delightfully flawed characters to finally admit what’s been there all along.