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Nothing can match the nail-biting thrill you experience while reading an engaging thriller or mystery novel. The best part is when the author has managed to convince you a certain way about the story, but then a twist happens and you are left astonished.
The excitement that you get from suspecting the characters, guessing the reasons behind mysterious happenings in the stories is exceptional. And of course, the plot twists and revelations at the end of a book make you want to scream.
Damn, I love that feeling.
Now, that’s the charm of reading an amazing thriller/mystery novel.
And if have never read a thriller, I would suggest you should read one.
It’s the best genre everrrr!
That’s why I have made a list of five amazing thriller books with jaw-dropping plot twists for you.
1) Dangerous girls
(by Abigail Haas)
Synopsis – It’s Spring Break of senior year. Anna, her boyfriend Tate, her best friend Elise, and a few other close friends are off on a debaucherous trip to Aruba that promises to be the time of their lives. But when Elise is found brutally murdered, Anna finds herself trapped in a country not her own, fighting against vile and contemptuous accusations.
As Anna sets out to find her friend’s killer, she discovers hard truths about her friendships, the slippery nature of truth, and the ache of young love.
As she awaits the judge’s decree, it becomes clear that everyone around her thinks she is not just guilty, but dangerous. When the truth comes out, it is more shocking than one could ever imagine.
My thoughts – OMG! This book totally blew my mind. The atmosphere is set from the beginning, as it opens at a crime scene. From there on, you just keep on guessing and finding new developments in the case. To be honest, the characters are pretty unlikeable but the story is all more addicting. The court sequences are so engrossing to read. And then there is the ending that leaves you startled. I wanted to scream after I had finished reading the book. I would have liked more details about that conclusion but I guess the ending was perfect for the story.
So, if you are looking for a compelling thriller with a bunch of teenagers on a vacation, a murder mystery, and some amazing court scenes, then Dangerous girls is the one to pick up for your next read!
2) Big little lies
(by Liane Moriarty)
Synopsis– A murder…A tragic accident…Or just parents behaving badly? What’s indisputable is that someone is dead.
Madeline is a force to be reckoned with. She’s funny, biting, and passionate; she remembers everything and forgives no one. Celeste is the kind of beautiful woman who makes the world stop and stare but she is paying a price for the illusion of perfection. New to town, single mom Jane is so young that another mother mistakes her for a nanny. She comes with a mysterious past and a sadness beyond her years. These three women are at different crossroads, but they will all wind up in the same shocking place.
Big Little Lies is a brilliant take on ex-husbands and second wives, mothers and daughters, schoolyard scandal, and the little lies that can turn lethal.
My thoughts – Big little lies had been on my tbr for months, I don’t know why I didn’t pick it up for reading sooner but I’m so glad I read it. The first thing that always comes to my mind when I think about this book is that I had almost predicted the plot twist!! But the author still managed to stun me with the revelation.
This book does deal with some problematic issues such as sexual assault, domestic violence, rape, so please be careful before reading this one if you get triggered by any of this.
The main characters Madeline, Celeste, and Jane are good as Mommies for a thriller set in a kindergarten. They all have their individuals stories going on but they somehow form a connection with each other. They are the typical kindergarten parents, competitive, judgemental, protective, and want the best for their children. This book is relatable on a lot of levels, with the mother-daughter relationship, divorce, single mom, and her struggles. A lot is going on along with the murder mystery in the background. You will start to enjoy this, once you get the flow of the story.
Read this one for sure, it is popular for a reason! (wink)
3) Behind closed doors
(by B. A. Paris)
Synopsis – Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth, she has charm and elegance. You might not want to like them, but you do.
You’d like to get to know Grace better.
But it’s difficult because you realize Jack and Grace are never apart.
Some might call this true love. Others might ask why Grace never answers the phone. Or how she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. And why there are bars on one of the bedroom windows.
Sometimes, the perfect marriage is the perfect lie.
My thoughts – You know certain books give you chills just by looking at their cover or title, this one does that to me.
One of my favorite psychological thrillers!
It was such a fast-paced, well-written, and gripping story. A page-turner with its numerous twists and turns and shocking revelations to keep you hooked.
Trigger warning – There is a lot of psychological abuse, domestic abuse and sexual violence in this book.
4) The Woman in the window
(by A. J. Finn)
Synopsis – Anna Fox lives alone, a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her day drinking wine (maybe too much), watching old movies, recalling happier times . . . and spying on her neighbors.
Then the Russells move into the house across the way: a father, a mother, and their teenage son. The perfect family. But when Anna, gazing out her window one night, sees something she shouldn’t, her world begins to crumble and its shocking secrets are laid bare.
What is real? What is imagined? Who is in danger? Who is in control? In this diabolically gripping thriller, no one—and nothing—is what it seems.
My thoughts – The best part about this book is the writing. That’s what kept me engaged in the story. The plot is not much extraordinary but still makes for an intriguing read. There was a lot of unveiling of truths and crazy plot twists in the second half. I can’t believe I predicted the killer right but was still fooled by the author with one of the twists. Needless to say, you will be hooked to this book while wondering about the killer!
5) We were liars
(by E. Lockhart)
Synopsis –
A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.
My thoughts – It’s been months, since I read this. Now when I think about this book again, I realize why it has become so popular in YA. It has all of those elements in it. This was a nicely written book and a fast read. I absolutely did not see the twist coming, I was too engrossed finding the little clues that I ignored the ones so evident in front of me! My only complaint would be the characters, I did not like a single one of them. The atmosphere was too depressive for me though it’s understandable after you finish reading the book.
Tell me when you finish reading this one, and feel like throwing the book across the wall😂 I’ll be there for you lol.
These are some of the best thriller/mystery books to binge read!
I’m coming with more awesome thriller recommendations. (wink)
Which one of the above are you picking up for your next read?