Best Suspense Books May 2025

The Diplomat’s Wife

In this gripping tale of love and espionage, Marta Nederman emerges from the ashes of World War II, haunted by memories of her time in the Polish resistance. Now married to an American diplomat, she navigates the treacherous waters of Cold War politics in Paris. As old ghosts resurface and new dangers lurk, Marta must confront her past to protect her future. Jenoff weaves a masterful story of loyalty, betrayal, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The Kommandant’s Girl

Emma Bau, a young Jewish bride, is forced into hiding when the Nazis invade Poland. Separated from her husband, she assumes a new identity and finds work as a secretary for a high-ranking Nazi official. As she becomes entangled in a dangerous game of deception, Emma must navigate treacherous waters, risking everything to aid the resistance. Jenoff’s gripping tale explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and survival in a world torn apart by war, leaving readers breathless with each turn of the page.

The Lost Girls of Paris

Grace Healey stumbles upon an abandoned suitcase in Grand Central Terminal, uncovering a trove of photographs that ignite her curiosity. As she delves deeper, she unravels the story of Eleanor Trigg and her team of female secret agents during World War II. Grace becomes obsessed with discovering the fates of these brave women, whose dangerous missions in Nazi-occupied Europe have been all but forgotten. Through her journey, she not only honors their memory but also finds her own path to healing and purpose.

The Orphan’s Tale

Sixteen-year-old Noa, cast out by her family, finds refuge in a German circus during World War II. There, she meets Astrid, a Jewish aerialist hiding from the Nazis. As they form an unlikely friendship, both women must confront their pasts and fight for survival. Amidst the chaos of war, they discover strength in each other and the power of human connection. Jenoff’s poignant tale weaves together love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit in a heart-wrenching exploration of hope in the darkest of times.

Waiting for the Moon

In “Waiting for the Moon,” Kristin Hannah weaves a haunting tale of love and redemption. Set against the backdrop of a remote asylum in 1890s Washington, the story follows Selena, a mysterious woman with no memory, and Dr. Jed Harmon, the man determined to unlock her past. As they navigate the complexities of their growing attraction, dark secrets threaten to unravel everything they hold dear. Hannah’s lyrical prose and richly drawn characters make this a mesmerizing read that will stay with you long after the final page.

Magic Hour

As twilight descends on the rugged Olympic Peninsula, a wild child emerges from the forest, captivating a small town. Dr. Julia Cates, a child psychiatrist haunted by her past, sees a chance for redemption in this mysterious girl. With her sister’s help, Julia unravels the child’s secrets, confronting her own demons along the way. Hannah’s poignant tale explores the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of love, leaving readers spellbound until the last page.

Verity

Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, accepts a lucrative offer to complete the remaining books in a successful series for the injured author, Verity Crawford. As she delves into Verity’s notes, Lowen uncovers a chilling manuscript that reveals dark secrets about the Crawford family. Torn between her growing attraction to Verity’s husband and the disturbing truths she’s uncovering, Lowen grapples with ethical dilemmas and her own safety. This gripping psychological thriller kept me up all night, questioning reality and morality at every turn.

You Are Not Alone

Shay Miller’s life is unraveling. Jobless and alone, she witnesses a shocking incident that leaves her reeling. Desperate for connection, she’s drawn to the Moore sisters, who seem to have it all. As Shay becomes entangled in their glamorous world, she can’t shake the feeling that something’s off. Are these women really her saviors, or is there a darker motive behind their friendship? With each twist, Shay realizes she’s in deeper than she ever imagined. A gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.

An Anonymous Girl

Jessica Farris stumbles into a psychology study for easy money, but finds herself caught in a web of deceit and manipulation. As the mysterious Dr. Shields pushes her boundaries, Jess begins to question reality and her own morality. With each twisted turn, she’s drawn deeper into a dangerous game where trust is a luxury she can’t afford. This gripping psychological thriller will leave you breathless, questioning who’s really pulling the strings in this masterful dance of deception.

The Wife Between Us

Vanessa thought she had it all—a perfect marriage, a luxurious lifestyle, and a doting husband. But when Richard leaves her for a younger woman, her world shatters. Obsessed with her replacement, Vanessa spirals into a web of jealousy and deceit. As she unravels the truth about her past and Richard’s new fiancée, nothing is as it seems. With each twist, readers will question their assumptions, caught in a psychological thriller that blurs the lines between victim and villain. Trust no one, not even yourself, in this heart-pounding tale of love, betrayal, and revenge.