Few things are as gripping as a good thriller novel. The twists, the turns, the moments that have you holding your breath or staying up way too late because you have to know what happens next. If you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat stories or crave the rush of uncovering a mystery, you’re in luck. From chilling psychological tales to pulse-pounding crime sagas, here are seven must-read thriller novels to add to your bookshelf.

1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Subgenre: Crime/Investigative Thriller

This international bestseller introduces us to Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant but troubled hacker, and Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist with something to prove. The unlikely pair team up to solve the decades-old disappearance of a young heiress, only to uncover family secrets darker than anyone could have imagined.

Lisbeth Salander is one of the most unforgettable protagonists in modern fiction, and Larsson’s intricate plotting will keep you glued to the page. The combination of tech-savvy investigation and deep human drama makes this book a standout in the genre, perfect for fans of complex, morally murky characters.

2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Subgenre: Psychological Thriller

Marriage takes a dark turn in this twisted tale of Nick and Amy Dunne. When Amy vanishes under suspicious circumstances, Nick becomes the prime suspect. But as the story unfolds, told from both Nick’s and Amy’s unreliable perspectives, it becomes clear that there’s far more to the story than meets the eye.

Few books capture the concept of an unreliable narrator quite as masterfully as Gone Girl. Gillian Flynn’s razor-sharp writing unveils secrets, lies, and manipulations, keeping you guessing until the final reveal. If you love thrillers with a side of mind games, this one is for you.

3. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Subgenre: Psychological Thriller

Alicia Berenson seemed to have it all until she was found standing over her husband’s dead body, covered in blood. Since that fateful night, she hasn’t spoken a single word. Enter Theo Faber, a psychotherapist determined to uncover the truth behind her silence by digging into her past.

With its clever plot twists and chilling atmosphere, The Silent Patient delivers a knockout conclusion that will leave you reeling. Michaelides creates a tension-filled narrative that’s as much about obsession and betrayal as it is about solving the mystery. It’s one of those books you’ll want to immediately discuss with someone else after finishing.

4. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler

Subgenre: Noir/Detective Thriller

This classic introduces Philip Marlowe, a wisecracking private detective hired to unravel a case that starts with a blackmail scheme and spirals into murder. Set against the backdrop of 1930s Los Angeles, The Big Sleep is filled with shady characters, clever repartee, and enough twists to keep you guessing.

Chandler’s writing is as sharp as Marlowe’s one-liners, and his take on gritty noir set the gold standard for the genre. Perfect for fans of hard-boiled detectives, morally complex mysteries, and a dash of vintage glamour, this book is a gateway into the classic thriller genre that still holds up today.

5. The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Subgenre: Domestic/Psychological Thriller

At first glance, this story seems like a straightforward tale of a jealous ex-wife fixating on her husband’s new fiancée. But the plot quickly subverts your expectations, and nothing in this tangled web of love, lies, and betrayal is what it appears to be.

If you’re into twisty stories that keep you second-guessing everything, this book delivers in spades. Hendricks and Pekkanen skillfully drop breadcrumbs of truth throughout a tightly paced narrative, constantly challenging what you think you know. It’s one of those books where you’ll want to go back and reread certain scenes once the truth is revealed.

6. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

Subgenre: Suspense/Psychological Thriller

Christine wakes up every morning without memories of the day before. Her amnesia resets her life every time she falls asleep, leaving her entirely dependent on her husband and her journal to piece together her existence. But when she starts remembering details that conflict with what she’s been told, Christine realizes someone in her life might not be telling the truth.

The premise alone is enough to hook you, but Watson’s execution takes it to another level. The slow-burning suspense steadily grows until it explodes into a final act as shocking as it is satisfying. This is a perfect pick for readers who love psychological puzzles that keep them on edge.

7. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Subgenre: Psychological Thriller

Journalist Camille Preaker reluctantly returns to her hometown to cover the murder of two young girls. Immersed in the claustrophobic atmosphere of small-town life, Camille is forced to confront her own traumatic past while uncovering a psychological darkness much closer to home than she expected.

Gillian Flynn strikes again with this dark, unsettling thriller about family secrets and buried trauma. Her sharp prose and portrayal of deeply flawed characters make Sharp Objects an unforgettable read. Be prepared to feel slightly unsettled long after you finish this one!