Best Psychological Thriller Books April 2025

Thirteen Reasons Why

Clay Jensen receives a mysterious package containing cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his crush who recently committed suicide. As he listens, Hannah reveals the thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life, each reason tied to a person at their high school. Clay’s night becomes a haunting journey through Hannah’s pain, forcing him to confront difficult truths about himself and others. Asher’s gripping narrative explores the ripple effects of our actions, the weight of secrets, and the devastating consequences of bullying and indifference.

The Thirteenth Tale

Haunting and atmospheric, “The Thirteenth Tale” weaves a spellbinding mystery that will captivate readers from the first page. Diane Setterfield’s debut novel follows Margaret Lea, a biographer tasked with uncovering the truth behind the enigmatic life of reclusive author Vida Winter. As Margaret delves deeper into Vida’s past, she unravels a gothic tale of family secrets, forbidden love, and long-buried truths. With echoes of classic literature and a touch of the supernatural, this mesmerizing story will leave you questioning the line between reality and fiction.

The Secret History

Nestled in the verdant hills of Vermont, Hampden College harbors dark secrets beneath its ivy-covered walls. Richard Papen, a California transplant, finds himself drawn into an enigmatic circle of classics students led by the charismatic Professor Julian Morrow. As Richard delves deeper into their world of ancient rituals and forbidden knowledge, he uncovers a chilling truth that will forever alter his perception of friendship, morality, and the human capacity for evil. Tartt’s haunting prose weaves a spellbinding tale of obsession, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

The Outsider

In a small town, a beloved Little League coach is arrested for a horrific crime. Eyewitnesses and DNA evidence point to his guilt, but he has an ironclad alibi. Detective Ralph Anderson, grappling with personal demons, is drawn into a perplexing case that defies logic. As the investigation deepens, unsettling questions arise, blurring the line between reality and the supernatural. King masterfully weaves a chilling tale that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Silent Patient

Alicia Berenson’s life seems perfect. A famous painter married to a fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house overlooking a park in London. One evening, her husband Gabriel returns home late, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face. Then she never speaks another word. Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist, is determined to unravel the mystery of Alicia’s silence. As he delves deeper into her past, he becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth. But his search leads him down a twisting path into his own motivations—a search for the truth that threatens to consume him.

The Associate

Kyle McAvoy’s promising legal career takes a dark turn when he’s blackmailed into joining a prestigious law firm. Haunted by a secret from his past, he’s forced to spy on his employer and steal sensitive information. As he navigates the cutthroat world of corporate law, Kyle finds himself caught between his conscience and self-preservation. Grisham’s taut prose keeps you on edge, wondering if Kyle can outmaneuver his blackmailers and salvage his future. A gripping tale of ambition, corruption, and redemption that’ll have you questioning the price of success.

Swimsuit

Diving into a world of glamour and danger, “Swimsuit” plunges readers into a heart-pounding thriller. When a beautiful model vanishes during a photo shoot in Hawaii, ex-cop Ben Hawkins is thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse. As he unravels the mystery, Ben discovers a chilling pattern of disappearances and a killer with an insatiable appetite for fame. Patterson’s signature fast-paced style keeps you on edge, making this beach read anything but relaxing.

Alex Cross’s Trial

In this gripping historical thriller, James Patterson takes us back to the roots of the Alex Cross family saga. Set in the early 1900s, the story follows Ben Corbett, a young lawyer tasked with investigating lynchings in the Deep South. As Ben uncovers shocking truths, he forms an unlikely alliance with Abraham Cross, Alex’s great-uncle. Together, they face dangerous opposition and confront the harsh realities of racial injustice. Patterson’s vivid storytelling and meticulous research bring this tumultuous era to life, offering a poignant exploration of courage and the fight for equality.

The Chocolate War

Cormier’s haunting masterpiece delves into the dark underbelly of high school politics. When Jerry Renault refuses to participate in Trinity School’s annual chocolate sale, he becomes an unwitting rebel, challenging the corrupt power structure. Through Jerry’s struggle, we witness the brutal consequences of nonconformity and the crushing weight of peer pressure. This raw, unflinching exploration of adolescent cruelty and moral courage will leave you questioning the nature of individuality and the true cost of standing up for what’s right.

Worst Case

Detective Michael Bennett faces his most terrifying challenge yet in this heart-pounding thriller. When a series of brutal murders rocks New York City, Bennett must confront a cunning killer who seems to know his every move. As the body count rises, he races against time to unravel the twisted mind behind the crimes. With his family in danger and the city on edge, Bennett pushes his limits to catch the elusive predator before it’s too late. Patterson’s masterful storytelling keeps you guessing until the very end.