Best Suspense Books May 2025

The Lake House

Nestled on the Cornish coast, the Edevane family’s idyllic estate harbors dark secrets. As a child, Alice witnessed a tragedy that haunted her for decades. Now a successful author, she returns to unravel the mystery that tore her family apart. Intertwined with a young detective’s quest for answers, Alice’s journey uncovers long-buried truths and unexpected connections. Morton’s evocative prose brings the lake house to life, its whispers echoing through time, inviting readers to lose themselves in a tale of love, loss, and redemption.

The Distant Hours

Edie Burchill stumbles upon a long-lost letter that unravels a decades-old mystery, drawing her into the enigmatic world of Milderhurst Castle. As she delves deeper, she uncovers the haunting secrets of the eccentric Blythe sisters and their reclusive father, a renowned author. Morton’s evocative prose weaves a spellbinding tale of family, love, and betrayal, spanning generations. With each page, I found myself transported to the crumbling castle, feeling the weight of its history and the whispers of untold stories echoing through its halls.

The Secret Keeper

Laurel Nicolson’s idyllic childhood shatters when she witnesses a shocking crime involving her mother, Dorothy. Decades later, as her mother lies dying, Laurel is haunted by that memory. Determined to uncover the truth, she delves into Dorothy’s past, unearthing a tale of love, loss, and betrayal set against the backdrop of wartime London. With each revelation, Laurel questions everything she thought she knew about her family, leading her on a journey that will change her forever.

The Forgotten Garden

Nell’s life is forever changed when she discovers she was abandoned as a child on a ship bound for Australia. Decades later, her granddaughter Cassandra inherits a cottage in Cornwall, leading her on a quest to unravel Nell’s mysterious past. As she delves into a world of forgotten memories and family secrets, Cassandra uncovers a tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of storytelling. Morton’s lush prose weaves a spellbinding narrative that spans generations, leaving readers captivated until the very last page.

The House at Riverton

Kate Morton’s “The House at Riverton” is a haunting tale of secrets and betrayal. Set in Edwardian England, it follows Grace Bradley, a former housemaid, as she unravels the mysteries of her past. Morton’s vivid prose brings the grand Riverton estate to life, with its opulent rooms and shadowy corners. I was captivated by the intricate web of relationships and the way the story seamlessly weaves between past and present. The characters felt so real, I found myself thinking about them long after I finished reading.

The Cuckoo’s Calling

The Silent Corner

In “The Silent Corner,” Dean Koontz weaves a chilling tale of a woman’s quest for answers in a world gone mad. FBI agent Jane Hawk’s perfect life shatters when her husband inexplicably commits suicide. Driven by grief and suspicion, she uncovers a sinister conspiracy that threatens humanity’s free will. As Jane delves deeper, she becomes a fugitive, hunted by powerful forces. Koontz’s masterful prose keeps readers on edge, blending heart-pounding suspense with thought-provoking themes. A gripping thriller that’ll leave you questioning the world around you.

Behind Closed Doors

Grace thought she had it all: a handsome, successful husband and a perfect life. But behind the façade of their beautiful home lies a chilling secret. Jack isn’t the man she thought he was, and Grace finds herself trapped in a nightmare she can’t escape. As the truth unravels, she must find the strength to fight back before it’s too late. A gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Couple Next Door

I peered through the curtains, watching the new neighbors move in. Something about them seemed off. Sarah’s laughter echoed too loudly, Mark’s smile a bit too forced. As days passed, I found myself drawn into their world, unable to look away. Late-night arguments, hushed phone calls, mysterious visitors – what secrets were they hiding? I knew I should mind my own business, but curiosity got the better of me. Little did I know, my obsession would lead me down a dark path I never expected.

The Woman in Cabin 10

Lo Blacklock, a travel journalist, embarks on a luxury cruise assignment, hoping to escape recent traumas. One night, she hears a terrifying scream from the cabin next door and witnesses a woman being thrown overboard. But all passengers are accounted for, and the ship sails on as if nothing happened. Plagued by panic attacks and insomnia, Lo questions her sanity as she desperately tries to uncover the truth. With each passing day, the mystery deepens, and Lo realizes she might be the next target in this claustrophobic thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.