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Best Psychological Thriller Books

April 2025

Wild Fire

Shetland’s rugged beauty masks a simmering undercurrent of secrets in Ann Cleeves’ gripping “Wild Fire.” As Detective Jimmy Perez investigates a young nanny’s murder, he uncovers a web of lies that threatens to consume the close-knit island community. Cleeves’ masterful prose brings the windswept landscape to life, while her nuanced characters grapple with loyalty, suspicion, and the weight of the past. A haunting tale that kept me guessing until the very end.

Thin Air

Detective Jimmy Perez returns to his Shetland Islands home, only to be thrust into a perplexing case. A young woman vanishes during a music festival, leaving behind whispers of folklore and dark secrets. As fog shrouds the rugged landscape, Perez unravels a web of lies and long-buried truths. Cleeves masterfully weaves atmosphere and suspense, capturing the isolation and close-knit nature of island life. I found myself shivering alongside the characters, feeling the damp chill seep into my bones as I turned each page.

Dead Water

Ann Cleeves delivers another gripping Shetland mystery in “Dead Water.” When a journalist is found dead in a traditional Shetland boat, Detective Jimmy Perez is drawn back from grief to investigate. As he unravels the victim’s past, he discovers a web of secrets and lies that reaches far beyond the isolated islands. Cleeves’ vivid prose brings the windswept landscape to life, while her nuanced characters and intricate plot keep readers guessing until the very end. A masterful addition to the series that’ll have you longing for a cozy sweater and a dram of whisky.

Blue Lightning

Detective Jimmy Perez returns to his childhood home on Fair Isle, seeking solace and a fresh start. But when a brutal murder rocks the tight-knit community, he’s thrust into a complex investigation. As a fierce storm isolates the island, Perez must unravel long-buried secrets and confront his own past. Cleeves masterfully weaves atmospheric tension with rich character development, creating a gripping tale that’ll keep you guessing until the very end. A perfect read for those dark, stormy nights.

Red Bones

Detective Jimmy Perez returns to his Shetland roots in this gripping mystery. When an elderly woman is shot on her land, Jimmy must unravel a web of secrets stretching back to World War II. As he digs deeper, he uncovers long-buried tensions and rivalries in the close-knit island community. Cleeves masterfully evokes the stark beauty and isolation of the Shetlands, weaving a tale that’s as much about the land and its people as it is about murder. I found myself completely absorbed in the atmospheric setting and complex characters.

Raven Black

Raven Black, the first in Ann Cleeves’ Shetland series, is a haunting mystery that seeps into your bones like the chill of a Scottish winter. Set against the stark beauty of the Shetland Islands, Cleeves weaves a tale of suspicion and secrets that kept me guessing until the very end. Her vivid descriptions transported me to this remote community, where I could almost taste the salt air and hear the cry of seabirds. A masterful blend of atmospheric writing and intricate plotting, this book left me eager to explore more of Cleeves’ work.

White Nights

In this gripping Shetland mystery, Detective Jimmy Perez faces a perplexing case when an English artist is found hanging in a local gallery. As midsummer approaches, bringing endless daylight to the islands, Perez delves into the victim’s past, uncovering secrets that challenge his perceptions. Cleeves masterfully weaves the stark beauty of the Shetland landscape with complex characters, creating a atmospheric thriller that kept me guessing until the very end. A must-read for fans of Nordic noir.

The Devil and the Dark Water

Embark on a treacherous voyage with Stuart Turton’s “The Devil and the Dark Water,” a gripping maritime mystery that will leave you breathless. Set in 1634, this tale follows a doomed ship’s journey from Batavia to Amsterdam, where dark forces and sinister secrets lurk in every shadow. As a passenger myself, I was captivated by Turton’s masterful blend of historical detail and supernatural intrigue. With each turn of the page, I found myself questioning reality and sanity alongside the characters. A must-read for anyone craving a unique, atmospheric thriller.

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

Aiden wakes up in a body not his own, tasked with solving a murder that hasn’t happened yet. He has eight days, eight hosts, and one chance to unravel the mystery of Evelyn Hardcastle’s death at Blackheath Manor. As he navigates through a twisted game of time loops and body-swapping, Aiden uncovers dark secrets and hidden agendas. With each new day bringing fresh revelations and dangers, he must race against time to break free from this nightmarish cycle. Turton’s mind-bending thriller kept me guessing until the very end, leaving me breathless and in awe of its intricate plot.

Vengeful

Eli Ever and Victor Vale were once college roommates, brilliant and reckless. Their rivalry led to tragedy, transforming them into extraordinary beings with dangerous abilities. Now, a decade later, Victor has escaped from prison, determined to settle the score. Eli, meanwhile, has become a hero in the eyes of the public. As their paths converge once more, new players enter the game, each with their own agenda. Schwab’s electrifying sequel delves deeper into the complexities of power, revenge, and the blurred lines between hero and villain.