Best Suspense Books May 2025

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.

Her Fearful Symmetry

Twins Julia and Valentina inherit their aunt’s London flat, a mirror image of their own. As they settle in, they’re drawn into the building’s mysterious past and the lives of its eccentric residents. Niffenegger weaves a haunting tale of love, loss, and the blurred lines between life and death. With each page, I found myself more entangled in the sisters’ eerie world, unable to shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right. A beautifully crafted ghost story that lingers long after the final page.

The Echo Maker

Haunting and lyrical, “The Echo Maker” delves into the fragile nature of memory and identity. When Mark Schluter suffers a mysterious accident, he awakens with a rare neurological disorder, believing his sister to be an imposter. As his family grapples with this bewildering condition, a renowned cognitive neurologist arrives, drawn by the case’s complexity. Powers weaves a tapestry of science, emotion, and philosophical inquiry, challenging readers to ponder the very essence of what makes us who we are. A profound exploration of the human mind’s intricacies and the bonds that tie us together.

Future Home of the Living God

In this haunting dystopian tale, Erdrich weaves a chilling narrative of a world unraveling. Cedar Hawk Songmaker, four months pregnant, navigates a society gripped by evolutionary panic. As nature seemingly reverses course, she seeks answers about her own origins and the future of her unborn child. Erdrich’s prose is both lyrical and urgent, painting a vivid picture of a collapsing civilization and one woman’s desperate fight for survival. A thought-provoking exploration of motherhood, identity, and the fragile threads that bind us to our world.

Shadow of Night

Deborah Harkness’s “Shadow of Night” plunges readers into a captivating world of time travel and supernatural intrigue. As historian Diana Bishop and vampire Matthew Clairmont journey to Elizabethan London, they’re thrust into a dangerous web of politics, magic, and secrets. Harkness’s meticulous research brings the past to life, while her deft storytelling keeps you on the edge of your seat. I found myself completely lost in this rich, atmospheric tale, unable to put it down until the very last page.

The Round House

Thirteen-year-old Joe’s world shatters when his mother is brutally attacked on their North Dakota reservation. Struggling to cope, he seeks answers and justice, delving into the complex web of tribal and federal laws. Erdrich’s haunting prose weaves a coming-of-age tale with a gripping mystery, exploring themes of identity, family, and the lingering effects of historical trauma. As Joe grapples with adulthood’s harsh realities, his journey becomes a poignant reflection on the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community.

New Boy

Chevalier’s retelling of Othello set in a 1970s suburban schoolyard is a poignant exploration of childhood innocence and racial tension. Through the eyes of 11-year-old Osei, a Ghanaian diplomat’s son, we witness the cruel dynamics of playground politics unfold. As Osei navigates his first day at an all-white school, alliances shift, jealousies flare, and the seeds of tragedy are sown. Chevalier’s keen observations and deft prose capture the raw emotions of adolescence, making this a haunting and unforgettable read.

The Virgin Blue

Ella Turner’s move to rural France stirs up unexpected emotions and vivid dreams about her enigmatic ancestor, Isabelle du Moulin. As Ella delves into her family’s past, she uncovers a haunting legacy of religious persecution and forbidden love. Chevalier weaves a mesmerizing tale that spans centuries, blending historical intrigue with contemporary self-discovery. Through vivid prose and rich detail, she explores the enduring power of family secrets and the quest for identity. A captivating read that will linger in your thoughts long after the final page.

Of Love and Shadows

In this haunting tale of passion and political turmoil, Isabel Allende weaves a tapestry of love and resistance in a country gripped by fear. Irene, a fearless journalist, and Francisco, a daring photographer, find themselves drawn into a dangerous investigation that will change their lives forever. As they uncover the brutal truth behind disappearances and murders, their growing love becomes a beacon of hope in a world of shadows. Allende’s lyrical prose and unflinching portrayal of human resilience will stay with you long after the final page.