Best Suspense Books May 2025

The Betrayals

In “The Betrayals,” Bridget Collins weaves a mesmerizing tale of ambition, secrets, and forbidden love. Set in an elite academy where students compete in the mysterious grand jeu, the story follows Leo Martin as he returns to his alma mater, haunted by memories of a passionate affair. As he uncovers long-buried truths, Leo finds himself drawn into a dangerous game of power and deception. Collins’ lyrical prose and intricate world-building captivate, leaving readers questioning the nature of art, loyalty, and the price of greatness.

The Binding

In a world where memories can be bound into books, young Emmett Farmer is apprenticed to a mysterious bookbinder. As he uncovers the secrets of his craft, he stumbles upon a forbidden volume—his own. Torn between curiosity and fear, Emmett delves into a past he can’t remember, uncovering a love story that challenges everything he thought he knew. Collins weaves a spellbinding tale of magic, romance, and the power of the written word, leaving readers breathless until the very last page.

The Essex Serpent

Sarah Perry’s “The Essex Serpent” is a mesmerizing tale of Victorian-era intrigue and romance. Set against the backdrop of a small English village, the story follows Cora Seaborne, a recently widowed amateur naturalist, as she investigates rumors of a mythical sea creature. Perry’s lush prose brings the marshy landscape to life, while her complex characters grapple with faith, science, and desire. I found myself completely absorbed in this atmospheric novel, feeling the damp chill of the Essex coast and the palpable tension between the main characters. A truly captivating read that lingers long after the final page.

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.

Vicious

In a world where extraordinary abilities are born from near-death experiences, two brilliant college roommates become bitter rivals. Victor and Eli’s dangerous experiment spirals into a decade-long vendetta, blurring the lines between hero and villain. Schwab’s dark and thrilling tale explores the complexities of power, ambition, and morality, leaving readers questioning their own definitions of good and evil. I couldn’t put it down, finding myself captivated by the intricate plot and morally ambiguous characters. A must-read for anyone craving a fresh take on the superhero genre.

The King of Crows

Dive into the thrilling conclusion of Libba Bray’s Diviners series. As the King of Crows looms over a devastated New York City, our beloved characters must confront their deepest fears and harness their supernatural powers. With heart-pounding action and gut-wrenching emotion, Bray weaves a tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the fight against darkness. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late to see how it all unfolds. A bittersweet farewell to characters who feel like old friends.

Before the Devil Breaks You

Dive into the thrilling world of 1920s New York in this gripping tale of supernatural intrigue. As the Diviners grapple with their newfound powers, a sinister force lurks in the shadows, threatening to unravel everything they hold dear. Bray’s masterful storytelling weaves together history and fantasy, creating a rich tapestry of characters you can’t help but root for. With each page, I found myself more entangled in their lives, feeling the weight of their choices and the pulse of a city on the brink of change. A haunting, atmospheric read that’ll keep you up well past midnight.

Lair of Dreams

Dive into the glittering, dangerous world of 1920s New York in this spellbinding sequel. As a mysterious sleeping sickness grips the city, Evie and her supernatural friends must navigate a realm where dreams and reality blur. Bray’s lush prose brings the Jazz Age to life, weaving together romance, mystery, and the occult. With richly drawn characters and heart-pounding suspense, this book kept me up way past my bedtime, totally engrossed in its dreamlike atmosphere. A thrilling adventure you won’t want to wake up from.