Buckle Up: These Thriller Reads Will Mess With Your Head (In the Best Way)
If there’s one thing I love more than a perfectly chilled glass of wine or a cozy weekend with zero plans, it’s a good thriller. And I don’t mean just mildly suspenseful—I’m talking jaw-drop, goosebumps, “wait WHAT just happened?!” thrillers that keep you up past your bedtime saying “just one more chapter” until it’s suddenly 3am.
Lately, I’ve been flying through books like a woman possessed (don’t worry, I’ve read enough thrillers to recognize the warning signs). Here are a few of my recent favorites—each one gave me the chills in their own uniquely twisted way.
🔥 Last One Out by Steph Nelson
Grab it here
This one had me hooked from the jump. Frankie’s cousin Chloe disappeared 25 years ago and was presumed dead… until she suddenly shows up out of the blue, very much not dead. Cue the chaos. Secrets unravel, loyalties shift, and let’s just say—no one is ready for what the truth actually is. It’s moody, mysterious, and full of “I did NOT see that coming” moments.
😬 Those Girls by Chevy Stevens
Read it if you dare
Let’s get this out of the way: this book is dark. Like, pitch-black dark. Trigger warnings galore, so tread carefully. That said—it’s also gripping and devastating and beautifully written. The story follows three sisters who flee an unthinkable situation and try to start over. But nearly two decades later, the past comes calling. It’s haunting and heart-wrenching and will stick with you long after the last page.
🛳 If You Lie by Caleb Stephens
Pack your bags
True-crime podcaster Olivia boards a yacht with her estranged sister for what’s supposed to be a luxury escape—but quickly finds herself in the middle of some serious cult-y vibes. Think: rich people, secrets, isolation at sea, and a whole lot of “is anyone actually who they say they are?” The twists in this one? Next-level. I couldn’t stop reading. Or blinking.
💀 The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden
Swipe right on this one
Sydney is just trying to find love in NYC. Online dating is a nightmare, but then she meets him. He’s perfect… maybe too perfect. Soon, bodies start turning up and all signs point to someone close. But who? This is one of those twisty-turny thrillers that makes you question everyone. Is he a killer? Is she losing it? Am I losing it? Loved every second.
If you’re in the mood for suspense, tension, and books you’ll immediately need to talk about with someone (anyone, really), pick up one—or all—of these. Just maybe don’t read them right before bed. You’ve been warned. 😏📚
Have a favorite thriller I have to add to my list? Drop it in the comments—I’m always on the hunt for my next psychological rollercoaster!
Side note: I have a Kindle Unlimited subscription, so that leads a lot of my book choices lately! It’s been worth every penny for me since I subscribed in 2018.
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