10 Reviews: Best Psychological Thriller Books for Young Adults (Apr 2024)

Shaker Heights residents suspect an inside operation after the Richardson family’s home burns down, and Izzy, the family’s troublemaker, comes under intense scrutiny. However, the neighbors down the street are so close that they could almost pass for a family. Little Fires Everywhere is the arson above mystery/family drama, and it’s challenging to locate a library these days that doesn’t have a copy on the hold shelf. If you enjoy thrillers, it’s about time you picked up Celeste Ng’s explosive book because its fame is anything but excessive.

"One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Kept my attention from the very first page to the last. Definitely worth the read!"

by emilyruns89

Bronwyn has never been caught breaking any rules in public. Cooper is a baseball illiterate. Nate’s one blunder in a life of crime. But, there are chinks in Addy’s picture-perfect world. The founder of Bayview High’s favorite gossip app, Outsider Simon, has vowed never to talk about them again. He passes away before he can reveal their darkest secrets to the world. It was not an accident, according to the investigators. They’re all suspects now. Aren’t all of us secretive? It matters how far you’re willing to go for them.

"this book is soooo good. 10/10 would recommend if you live mystery books that make you think."

by rachel

In 2015, The Girl on the Train novel thriller about Rachel, a woman who has lost everything—her husband, her job, and perhaps even her sanity—was a big smash. While drinking and fantasizing about the picture-perfect suburbanites she sees on her train, Rachel spends her days looking out the window and seeing something beautiful. After that, Rachel is now a part of something far more significant than herself. Although, she doesn’t know what will happen later.

"This is a real page turner!!!!! After reading the brief descriptions of the story line & the high ratings, I decided to read it. OMG. I wasn't disappointed. Wow."

by Michele J.

Regarding HBO adaptations, Reese Witherspoon’s take on Liane Moriarty’s narrative of a group of Monterey women forming an influential feminist miniseries made waves. However, their Instagram-perfect lifestyles aren’t what they appear to be, as they find the undercurrents of domestic violence and assault in their community. Moreover, this thrilling take on the First Wives Club is a must-read because of Moriarty’s ability to create believable characters and fascinating prose.

"The twists and turns were endless. The end a real shocker. I want to read more books like this. Totally enthralled."

by Kelly Rietow

Amy Dunne went missing on the morning of Nick and Amy’s fifth wedding anniversary, and Nick is the leading suspect. Amy’s diaries reflect perfectionism that might push any spouse to their breaking point, while Nick seems preoccupied with Amy’s head shape. The study into the Dunne marriage reveals these fissures in their seemingly solid foundations. ‘How well do we genuinely know the ones we love?’ asks Gillian Flynn in her New York Times bestselling novel about the many lies that lurk beneath the surface of a marriage.

"It's a page turner for sure. It's a little complicated but you can follow it. The story is good but I hated how it ended."

by Amazon Customer

Kevin, Amat, Benji, and the rest of Beartown’s junior ice hockey team are about to compete in the national semi-finals. A few teenage lads carry this town’s hopes and dreams. But, under that weight, the match sparks a violent deed that traumatizes a girl and shakes a city. Accusations spread like ripples through Beartown. It is a narrative about a town, a game, loyalty, dedication, and friendship; the people you disappoint even though you love them; and the daily decisions that define life. Fredrik Backman found the world in a little forest community.

"I really enjoyed the ups and downs of this book. Kept me up reading well into the night more than once. ..."

by Jeanne Wegman

Paul attends college in the 1970s to cope with his father’s death. Paul’s family finds him sensitive, insecure, and incomprehensible. He is then charmed by Julian in ethics class. Julian is Paul’s lone intellectual equal and ally against convention. Paul will do anything to win Julian’s friendship since he’s exciting. However, Paul believes Julian can’t live up to his charisma, violence, and harshness. As their bond grows, they understand how far they’ll go to stay together, ultimately to irrevocable violence. These Violent Delights explore terrible human yearning.

"Best fictional I've read in years. What do you read after that! Probably will have to go with a completely different genre."

by Randy Roo

Daniel Tate, stolen at age ten from an affluent California enclave, pops up in Vancouver six years later. Traumatized, he reveals his identity and is reunited with his family. They say he’ll regain his memories, but having him back matters. Perfection. Stunning. This young impostor has used fake identities for years and found a big score. Daniel is wealthy, famous, and has a lovely family. Since he’s found a home, he’s grateful. But, until the time comes, he sees Daniel. Maybe someone knows the imposter. He could disappear like Daniel Tate unless he discovers the truth.

"OMG! What a great book!! Read it in a day--I couldn't put it down! A MUST READ for 2018!!"

by TraceyS

The victim is a woman who carries identification that identifies her as Alexandra Madison, an alias Cassie employed when she was working undercover as a police officer. Cassie is thrust back into the role of a covert operative almost immediately to determine who was responsible for the young woman’s death and, perhaps more significantly, who she was. The Likeness is a story that delves deep into the mysteries of identity and belonging while maintaining a high level of tension.

"Loved the story. Loved the way it was told. It’s not your average murder mystery. Well developed characters that I won’t easily forget."

by M. Mcmurray

Ivy’s immigrant grandma exploits her poor appearance to educate her to steal from yard sales and thrift stores. Ivy steals to obtain suburban trappings and woo Gideon Speyer, a wealthy political family’s golden son. Ivy’s mother deports her to China for her transgressions, ending her dream. Ivy’s childhood and family have made her restless and poised. When Ivy meets Gideon’s sister Sylvia in Boston, a reunion appears fated. It’s Ivy infiltrating Gideon and the Speyer clan through dinners and trips. Ivy’s history haunts her present-day life.

"Bought this book on a recommendation from a friend. Glad I did. Alot of twists and turns. The actions of the main character, Ivy, were frustrating much of the time but I couldn't put the book down."

by Elaine