10 Reviews: Best Thriller Novels to Read for Beginners (Apr 2024)

Another youngster is lost in Long Man, but it’s amid an imminent flood this time. Young mother Annie Clyde Dodson has refused to flee despite the threat of the Long Man river, hoping to ensure that their daughter would inherit their farm when she grows up and is no longer dependent on them. Conversely, Gracie vanishes in the middle of an argument with her husband, who wants them to leave and start over in Michigan. How long will it take for the Dodsons to find her before they’re all wiped out?

"Very well written and the characters came to life through their individual struggles and life decisions that needed to be made. ..."

by Elizabeth B. Ryan

A famous Patricia Highsmith thriller is reimagined in Swanson’s second book as two strangers, Ted and Lily. They were met on an airplane rather than a train, with one of them being a woman. This meeting makes the “deal” they make to co-murder Ted’s wife all the more intriguing. Ted is obviously joking, but he doesn’t know that Lily might not be, especially considering her prior experience in this industry.

"I loved this book. It kept me on my toes right to the last page!!!!! Genius..I usually can guess how a book will turn out or at least who did it..this one kept me guessing"

by Bossy Boots

Larsson’s Millennium series is a dark, epic narrative that has received international acclaim and many film adaptations. She is a computer hacker and researcher with a complex history and an appetite for retribution. Because she’s an investigator, she’s eager to provide a hand in a young woman’s investigation. The heroine, however, will not be deterred by the threats she receives as she and journalist Mikael Blomkvist draw closer to the truth. Therefore, she is determined to bring as many violent misogynists to jail as possible.

"I wasnt expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. It was engaging, kept me reading every day to the end. And I knew how the story ended!"

by Ken Owsley

The Girl on the Train novel thriller about Rachel, who has lost everything — her husband, her job, and perhaps even her sanity — became a hit in 2015. Until one day, she witnesses something stunning through her train window; Rachel spends her days drinking and fantasizing about the picture-perfect suburbanites she passes. Then, suddenly, Rachel is part of something far more significant than herself. That she’s somehow connected to while not knowing it.

"I loved this book and couldn’t put it down! Very well written and enjoyable for sure. Love all of the twists and turns."

by Holli Craven

An evocative depiction of a drought-stricken farming village, Kiewarra, in The Dry is an apparent death sentence sealed by the most recent triple homicide. In Kiewarra, for the funerals, Detective Aaron Falk is persuaded to stay by the perpetrator’s mother, who feels her son is innocent, is convinced to stay. After reading this book, you’ll be tormented by the fact that natural communities have the power to both mold and destroy us, and this novel is an excellent example of that.

"The Dry is a good read because it keeps your attention from the beginning to the end. It has a lot of action and unexpected turns and surprises. I recommend it for adult readers"

by Amazon Customer

The Dinner is a one-night story that starts with Paul and Claire meeting Paul’s brother and his wife, well-known politicians, to talk about their children’s future. The topic at hand, however, is something a lot more insidious than college admissions or career choices. This razor-sharp story illuminates European sensibilities, complicated family dynamics, and the lengths people will go to to protect their loved ones.

"This,book was totally surprising to me. I resisted the urge to skim parts of it and enjoy the writer's style instead. I recommend this book highly ..."

by Kindle Customer

This suspenseful thriller introduces us to another deceptively content family. Before Caitlin leaves for college, the Courtlands are vacationing in the Rocky Mountains. While their children play in the mountains and fresh air, the parents urgently try to mend their relationship. However, when Caitlin leaves for a run one morning and doesn’t return, all that is forgotten. It’s not clear who or what could have brought her down. Therefore, what secrets are the Courtlands holding from each other?

"Best book I have read in years. I was a part of the story - in fact, I had to remind myself repeatedly that it was a story."

by Kindle Customer

Moriarty’s most well-known work, Big Little Lies, elevates the idea that all fiction is lies to a new level. A lovely coastal town is plunged into a scandal involving the troubled history of one young mother, the secret home life of another person, and a kindergarten fight that goes out of hand in this tale. Read the novel first, then watch the HBO series produced by Reese Witherspoon to immerse yourself in the plot entirely.

"This is a fast paced novel. I read it as an extra credit assignment for my social work class. I couldn’t put it down! It’s an amazing book. I wish there was a sequel!!"

by Blondie22

Baby Teeth is the story of a dysfunctional family, including a kid who is terrified of everything. Plus, it is told in this new novel from 2018. Even though Hanna is seven years old and has never spoken, her mother worries less about that than you would if your child tried to kill you. Even if you think your baby’s teeth are cute, they may wreak havoc on your skull. Thus Hanna’s mother had to take matters into her own hands.

"I love this book! It has so many twists and turns! I really wish it was longer. Highly recommend for a thriller!"

by Amber

Christine Lucas forgets everything about herself daily, including even her name. Because she has anterograde amnesia, the only hint is where she comes from is the notebook that she keeps. But how can she put her faith in this document when she can’t even recall writing it in the first place? It goes without an utterance that if you like the movie Memento, you should put the mind-bending novel by Watson at the top of your reading list.

"Could not put this book down!!!! It was incredibly written and so intense. I can't wait to read more by this author."

by Katie Holmes