2024 has been an exciting year for thriller fans, with many gripping new releases hitting the shelves. Let’s take a look at 10 of the best-selling and most talked-about thriller novels that have captivated readers around the world this year.
1. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Ashley Elston’s “First Lie Wins” has taken the thriller world by storm in 2024. This twisty psychological suspense novel follows two sisters, Sadie and Nora, who were raised as professional con artists by their father. When their father mysteriously disappears, the sisters must work together to uncover his secrets and figure out what happened to him.
As they dig deeper, they discover layers of betrayal and manipulation they never saw coming. The story keeps readers guessing until the very end, with shocking revelations that force the sisters to question everything they thought they knew about their family and each other. With its clever plot twists and exploration of family secrets, “First Lie Wins” has become a favorite among thriller fans looking for an edge-of-your-seat read.
2. The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett
Janice Hallett’s “The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels” has been praised as a treat for true crime enthusiasts who love a good puzzle. The story follows a journalist who decides to investigate a long-buried case about a cult called the Alperton Angels.
Years ago, the cult planned to ritually kill a baby they believed was the Antichrist. At the last minute, one of the cult members had a change of heart and saved the baby. Now, 18 years later, the journalist tries to track down the child and uncover the full truth about what really happened with the Alperton Angels.
As she digs into the past, she finds herself getting dangerously close to the story. With its clever structure and shocking twists, this thriller keeps readers guessing until the very end. Hallett’s unique storytelling style and intricate mystery have made this one of the most talked-about thrillers of the year.
3. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Liz Moore’s “The God of the Woods” has been hailed as a transfixing and suspenseful read. The story begins in August 1975, when 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar goes missing from her bunk at Camp Emerson. Her disappearance is especially alarming because it echoes that of her brother Peter, who vanished 14 years earlier.
As the search for Barbara intensifies, the story moves between different perspectives and timelines to slowly reveal the dark secrets of the wealthy Van Laar family. Moore expertly blends elements of mystery and suspense to create a character-driven thriller that explores themes of wealth, class, and the dangers of keeping secrets.
The novel’s atmospheric setting in the Adirondacks and its complex, flawed characters have drawn comparisons to Moore’s previous hit “Long Bright River.” However, many readers have found “The God of the Woods” to be even more gripping and unforgettable. Its literary style and thought-provoking themes have made it a favorite among readers looking for a thriller with depth.
4. The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
From the author of “The Girl on the Train” comes another suspenseful hit with “The Blue Hour.” Set on a remote Scottish island with only one house and one inhabitant, the story kicks off when a shocking discovery is made at a London art gallery.
This discovery leads to long-buried secrets on the island finally coming to light. Hawkins weaves a complex web of deceptions, manipulations, and misdirections that keep readers guessing until the end. The isolated island setting creates a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere that adds to the suspense.
Critics have praised “The Blue Hour” for its taut pacing and clever plot twists. Hawkins once again proves her talent for creating unreliable narrators and morally gray characters that leave readers unsure who to trust. With its exploration of art, identity, and the weight of the past, “The Blue Hour” offers both thrills and thought-provoking themes.
5. The Mercy Chair by M.W. Craven
M.W. Craven returns with another gripping installment in his Washington Poe series. In “The Mercy Chair,” detective Washington Poe faces one of his darkest and most twisted cases yet. The story begins with a man found tied to a tree and stoned to death. His body is covered in tattoos that form a mysterious code that even Poe’s brilliant analyst Tilly Bradshaw struggles to crack.
As Poe and his team investigate, they uncover connections to a horrific family massacre from 15 years ago. At the center of it all is the sinister “mercy chair,” which people would rather die than talk about. Craven ratchets up the tension with each chapter, creating a dark and suspenseful atmosphere that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
“The Mercy Chair” stands out for its intricate plotting, shocking twists, and exploration of religious extremism. Craven doesn’t shy away from disturbing subject matter, making this a truly chilling read. Fans of the series will especially appreciate the further development of the compelling partnership between Poe and Tilly.
6. Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh
Legal thriller fans have been raving about Steve Cavanagh’s latest Eddie Flynn novel, “Witness 8.” In this installment, con artist turned lawyer Eddie Flynn takes on the case of John Jackson, a pediatric brain surgeon accused of murder. While Eddie believes his client is innocent, we learn early on that John has been set up by his babysitter Ruby Johnson.
What follows is a twisty courtroom drama full of Cavanagh’s trademark clever plotting and surprising revelations. As Eddie works to defend his client, he also finds himself the target of a contract killer. Meanwhile, Ruby’s motivations and true identity remain a mystery that slowly unravels over the course of the novel.
Cavanagh’s fast-paced writing style and flair for creating memorable characters have made “Witness 8” a standout in the legal thriller genre. The book offers both exciting courtroom scenes and tense action sequences outside the courtroom. With its exploration of false accusations and hidden identities, “Witness 8” keeps readers guessing until the very end.
7. Don’t Let the Devil Ride by Ace Atkins
Ace Atkins delivers a thrilling adventure in “Don’t Let the Devil Ride,” which follows private investigator Porter Hayes as he searches for a missing man. When Addison McKellar’s husband Dean disappears without a trace, she hires Porter to find him. What starts as a simple missing person case quickly spirals into something much more dangerous.
As Porter and Addison dig into Dean’s life, they discover he was involved in a high-stakes world of international intrigue. Soon they find themselves targeted by dangerous people who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. Atkins expertly balances action, suspense, and humor as Porter and Addison race to uncover the truth.
Set primarily in Memphis, the novel has a strong sense of place and colorful local characters. Atkins’ witty dialogue and well-drawn characters, especially the aging but still sharp Porter, have made this a favorite among readers. With its blend of domestic suspense and international thriller elements, “Don’t Let the Devil Ride” offers something for every thriller fan.
8. We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
Richard Osman launches an exciting new series with “We Solve Murders,” which introduces readers to an unlikely detective duo. The story follows a security guard and her retired police officer father-in-law as they team up to solve crimes.
When a puzzling murder case lands in their laps, the pair must use their combined skills and knowledge to crack it. Osman brings his trademark wit and charm to this new series, creating lovable characters and clever mysteries. While the plot keeps readers guessing, it’s the warm relationship between the main characters that really shines.
Fans of Osman’s previous Thursday Murder Club series will find plenty to love here, with a similar blend of humor, heart, and intriguing mysteries. “We Solve Murders” proves to be a cozy yet compelling read that has quickly become a favorite among mystery lovers.
9. The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz
Jean Hanff Korelitz follows up her hit novel “The Plot” with another clever literary thriller in “The Sequel.” The story focuses on the widow of “The Plot’s” protagonist as her own literary success suddenly comes under threat.
Korelitz once again takes readers into the cutthroat world of publishing, exploring themes of authorship, creativity, and literary deception. As the protagonist becomes entangled in a web of lies and manipulation, the tension steadily builds to a shocking conclusion.
With its mix of suspense and biting satire of the publishing industry, “The Sequel” has captivated readers and critics alike. Korelitz’s sharp writing and twisty plotting keep the pages turning, while also offering thoughtful commentary on the nature of storytelling and success.
10. Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
Liane Moriarty, known for her addictive domestic thrillers, takes an ambitious swing with “Here One Moment.” The novel follows the passengers of an ordinary flight who suddenly find their lives changed forever when they discover their true destinies.
As the story unfolds from multiple perspectives, Moriarty explores deep existential questions while still delivering the suspense and plot twists her readers expect. The characters are richly drawn and relatable, making their journeys of self-discovery all the more compelling.
While not a traditional thriller, “Here One Moment” keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its unpredictable plot and probing look at fate versus free will. Moriarty’s talent for blending humor, heart, and suspense is on full display, resulting in a unique and unforgettable read that has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Conclusion
2024 has been an excellent year for thriller lovers, with established authors and newcomers alike delivering gripping, thought-provoking novels. From twisty psychological suspense to action-packed adventures, there’s something for every taste on this list of best-sellers. These 10 novels have captured readers’ imaginations and topped charts around the world, cementing their place as some of the most exciting thrillers of the year.