A great thriller makes you say “just one more chapter” at midnight. Here are six that earn that reputation, covering psychological suspense, classic mystery and fast-paced plots.
1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
On their anniversary, a woman disappears and her husband becomes the prime suspect. Flynn’s twists and unreliable narrators made this a defining thriller of its era.
2. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Ten strangers are lured to an island and begin to die one by one. It is a masterclass in plotting and one of the best-selling mystery novels ever.
3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
A journalist and a hacker investigate a decades-old disappearance. Dark, complex and the start of a popular series.
4. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
A woman stops speaking after allegedly killing her husband, and a therapist becomes obsessed with her case. Quick to read, with a memorable twist.
5. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
A commuter watches a couple from her train window and gets drawn into a disappearance. Good for readers who like unreliable narrators.
6. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Short chapters, cliffhangers and historical puzzles make this a perfect airport read. It is in the mdlibri catalogue.
Which thriller should you start with?
- Prefer classic puzzles: And Then There Were None.
- Prefer psychological tension: Gone Girl or The Silent Patient.
- Prefer fast action: The Da Vinci Code.
- Prefer something darker and longer: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
Some of these contain violence and mature themes, so check content notes before buying for younger readers.