Best Thriller Books January 2025

In the Woods

In Tana French’s haunting debut, a chilling murder case intertwines with a detective’s own mysterious past. Twenty years after escaping a childhood tragedy that claimed his two best friends, Rob Ryan finds himself investigating a eerily similar crime. As he delves deeper, long-buried memories resurface, blurring the lines between past and present. French’s lyrical prose and intricate plotting create a atmospheric thriller that lingers long after the final page, exploring the shadowy recesses of memory and the lasting impact of trauma.

The Cuckoo’s Calling

Cormoran Strike, a war veteran turned private detective, is barely scraping by when a new case falls into his lap. The supposed suicide of a supermodel draws him into a world of multimillionaires, rock stars, and desperate designers. As Strike delves deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of secrets and lies. With his determined assistant Robin by his side, Strike must navigate London’s seedy underbelly to unravel the truth. This gripping mystery had me hooked from the first page, with its vivid characters and unexpected twists. Galbraith’s attention to detail brings the gritty streets of London to life.

The Orphan Master’s Son

In this haunting tale of survival and identity, Jun Do navigates the brutal landscape of North Korea. From his humble beginnings in an orphanage to his rise as a government operative, Jun Do’s journey is a gripping exploration of love, loyalty, and the human spirit. Johnson’s vivid prose brings to life a world shrouded in secrecy, where truth is malleable and freedom comes at a devastating cost. A masterful blend of dark humor and heartbreaking reality, this novel will leave you questioning the nature of self in a society where individuality is forbidden.

The 5th Wave

Cassie Sullivan’s world shatters when the Others arrive. Waves of destruction decimate humanity, leaving her alone and desperate to find her little brother. Trust becomes a luxury she can’t afford. As she navigates a treacherous landscape, Cassie clings to a promise made to Sammy. Along the way, she encounters Evan Walker, mysterious and alluring. Is he friend or foe? In a world where nothing is as it seems, Cassie must unravel the truth to survive. Yancey’s gripping tale of alien invasion will keep you on edge, questioning everything you thought you knew about humanity and survival.

The Last Thing He Told Me

Hannah’s world shatters when her husband Owen disappears, leaving behind a cryptic note: “Protect her.” Determined to uncover the truth, Hannah embarks on a perilous journey with her reluctant stepdaughter Bailey. As they dig deeper, they unravel a web of lies and secrets that challenge everything Hannah thought she knew about Owen. With each revelation, the stakes grow higher, and Hannah must confront the possibility that the man she loved may not be who he claimed to be. A gripping tale of love, loyalty, and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we care about.

The Committed

In this gripping sequel, our unnamed narrator navigates the gritty underbelly of 1980s Paris. Fresh from the Vietnam War, he grapples with identity, ideology, and the lingering trauma of his past. Nguyen’s prose is both lyrical and unflinching as he explores the complexities of the immigrant experience and the legacy of colonialism. Through a haze of drugs and violence, our protagonist searches for belonging in a world that seems determined to keep him on the fringes. A haunting meditation on memory, loyalty, and the price of survival.

The Passenger

Haunting and enigmatic, McCarthy’s latest masterpiece plunges readers into a world of existential dread. Bobby Western, a salvage diver, becomes entangled in a mystery that defies explanation. As he grapples with his past and the specter of his genius sister, the narrative unfolds like a fever dream. McCarthy’s prose is as sparse and poetic as ever, painting a bleak yet mesmerizing portrait of a man adrift in a universe indifferent to human suffering. A challenging, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page.

War of the Worlds

H.G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds” is a chilling masterpiece that still haunts me. The way he describes the Martian invasion, with those terrifying tripods and heat-rays, feels unnervingly real. I couldn’t put it down, staying up late to finish it. Wells’ vivid prose paints a horrifying picture of humanity’s vulnerability. It’s not just sci-fi; it’s a stark warning about complacency and the dangers of technological superiority. A must-read that’ll make you look at the night sky differently.

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Embark on a thrilling adventure with Jules Verne’s timeless classic, “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” I was captivated by the eccentric Professor Lidenbrock and his reluctant nephew Axel as they decipher an ancient manuscript and set off on an impossible quest. Verne’s vivid imagination brings to life a subterranean world of prehistoric creatures and natural wonders. The tension builds with each step deeper into the Earth’s core, leaving me breathless. A perfect blend of science and fantasy that still ignites the explorer in me.

Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein’s obsession with creating life leads him down a dark path of scientific experimentation. As his monstrous creation comes to life, Victor recoils in horror, abandoning his “child” to a cruel world. The creature, shunned by society, seeks revenge on his creator. Shelley’s haunting tale explores the boundaries of science, the nature of humanity, and the consequences of playing God. Her vivid prose and complex characters continue to captivate readers, making this Gothic masterpiece as relevant today as when it was first published in 1818.