Best Thriller Books April 2025

The Anansi Boys

Fat Charlie Nancy’s life was pretty ordinary until his estranged father died and he learned he had a brother named Spider. Suddenly, Charlie’s world turns upside down as Spider, who inherited their father’s godlike powers, crashes into his life. Balancing humor and heart, Gaiman weaves a tale of family, identity, and the magic that lurks just beneath the surface of our everyday world. As Charlie grapples with his newfound family and supernatural heritage, readers are taken on a wild ride through London, Florida, and the realm of the gods.

Trigger Warning

Neil Gaiman’s “Trigger Warning” is a haunting collection that lingers long after the final page. With his signature blend of whimsy and darkness, Gaiman weaves tales that unsettle and enchant. From ghostly encounters to reimagined fairy tales, each story is a carefully crafted gem. I found myself lost in his prose, savoring the unexpected twists and relishing the eerie atmosphere. It’s a book that demands to be read by candlelight, preferably on a stormy night.

Anansi Boys

Fat Charlie Nancy’s ordinary life is turned upside down when he learns his estranged father was Anansi, the trickster god. Suddenly, his charismatic brother Spider appears, bringing chaos and magic into Charlie’s world. As family secrets unravel and ancient powers awaken, Charlie must confront his heritage and find his own path. Gaiman weaves a captivating tale of identity, family, and the power of stories, blending humor and mythology in a way that kept me spellbound until the very last page.

American Gods

Shadow Moon, fresh out of prison, finds himself caught in a war between the old gods of mythology and the new gods of technology. As he travels across America with the enigmatic Mr. Wednesday, Shadow uncovers secrets about his own past and the true nature of reality. Gaiman’s masterful blend of fantasy and Americana creates a rich tapestry of belief, sacrifice, and the power of stories. I was captivated by the way familiar landscapes transformed into something magical and unsettling. A mind-bending journey that left me questioning the very fabric of our modern world.

Neverwhere

Stepping into the shadows of London Below, Richard Mayhew’s ordinary life unravels when he aids a mysterious girl named Door. Suddenly invisible to the world he knew, Richard is thrust into a realm of forgotten tunnels, mythical creatures, and dark dangers. As he navigates this underground labyrinth with a motley crew of outcasts, he discovers a London he never knew existed. Gaiman’s vivid imagination brings this hidden world to life, weaving a tale of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery that will leave you questioning the very fabric of reality.

The Shape of Water

Dive into a mesmerizing tale of love and acceptance set against the backdrop of Cold War-era America. A mute janitor forms an unexpected bond with an amphibious creature held captive in a top-secret research facility. As their connection deepens, she risks everything to save him from a cruel fate. Del Toro and Kraus weave a hauntingly beautiful narrative that explores the power of empathy and the transformative nature of love, leaving readers spellbound until the very last page.

The Midnight Hour

In “The Midnight Hour,” Elly Griffiths weaves a spellbinding tale that kept me up well past my bedtime. Set in 1960s Brighton, this atmospheric mystery follows PI Emma Holmes as she investigates a missing persons case that quickly spirals into something far more sinister. Griffiths’ knack for period detail and complex characters shines through, making the seaside town come alive with its seedy underbelly and colorful inhabitants. I found myself completely immersed in Emma’s world, rooting for her at every turn. A perfect read for fans of noir and historical fiction alike.

The Zig Zag Girl

In post-war Brighton, magician Max Mephisto grapples with a grisly murder that echoes his old stage act. When DI Edgar Stephens, his former wartime comrade, seeks his help, Max is drawn into a world where illusion and reality blur. As more victims appear, the duo must confront their shared past to unmask a killer with a flair for the theatrical. Griffiths weaves a spellbinding tale of friendship, magic, and murder that kept me guessing until the final, heart-stopping reveal.

The Vanishing Box

Magician Max Mephisto and Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens return in this gripping mystery set in 1950s Brighton. When a girl’s body is found in a trunk, the duo must unravel a web of secrets and lies within the world of variety theater. As they delve deeper, they uncover a sinister connection to Max’s own act. With atmospheric prose and richly drawn characters, Griffiths masterfully blends nostalgia and suspense, keeping readers guessing until the final curtain falls.

The Blood Card

In “The Blood Card,” Elly Griffiths weaves a captivating tale of mystery and magic set against the backdrop of 1950s Brighton. Detective Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto reunite to solve a perplexing murder that leads them into the shadowy world of variety acts and television. As they unravel clues from a cryptic playing card, the duo faces personal challenges that test their friendship. Griffiths’ vivid prose brings the era to life, making you feel the sea breeze and hear the carnival music. A thrilling ride that kept me guessing until the very end.