Top 10 best thriller books of all time — Freida McFadden and Lisa Jewell beaten by hidden gem
The best thriller novels of all time have been named by Goodreads, and there are some books on the list you might not expect
Whether you're an avid reader who can't get enough of novels or a casual reader who enjoys a good book while on vacation, everyone has their favorite genre. Some are drawn to fantasy or romance, while others prefer sci-fi or literary fiction.
Thrillers are another popular choice, with top-selling authors like Lisa Jewell and Freida McFadden gaining a lot of attention from readers today. But if you're new to the genre or seeking something a bit different, Goodreads' list of the all-time best thrillers, as voted by its users, might help you choose your next book.
With heart-pounding twists and fast-paced writing, there's something for everyone on this list.
The number one spot on the list is held by Murder on Family Grounds by Susan Rowland, the third installment in the Mary Wandwalker series. This thriller, which was first published just last year, follows Mary as she is forced to confront her past and figure out who is murdering members of a single family.
While it may not be the most famous thriller series globally, it has won over Goodreads readers, earning the most votes, reports the Express.
Coming in second is Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea. This 2021 publication tells the story of a TV reporter determined to uncover the truth behind a horrific murder decades after the investigation was abandoned.
Deeper Than the Dead by Debra Webb takes the third spot, followed by Jason Rekulak's Hidden Pictures in fourth place.
With a whopping 464,629 ratings on Goodreads, Hidden Pictures is not only one of the most-read books in the top 10 but also a regular feature on BookTok.
The best thrillers of all time, according to Goodreads:
- Murder on Family Grounds by Susan Rowland
- Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea
- Deeper Than the Dead by Debra Webb
- Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
- The Elephant Tree by R.D. Ronald
- Those Empty Eyes by Charlie Donlea
- The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
- The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
- On Her Watch by Melinda Leigh
- Never Lie by Frieda McFadden
Notable mentions that just missed the top 10 include What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall, None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell, and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.
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You can find the full list of the best thriller novels of all time on Goodreads.