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

Although the protagonist of this work spends much of his time inside and chronicling his time at Oxford, he is a reclusive New York City resident. The narrator and five other students created a game in the fall term of their first year. When the game began, the rules were straightforward: If you failed a dare, you were doomed. However, as the game progresses and becomes more complex, the group is forced to take on greater and greater risks, with disastrous outcomes.

"Lots of great plot twists in this psychological thriller. The author leaves bread crumbs for the reader but you have to watch carefully to find them. A great book club book!"

by Deana

Alex Michaelides, the author of The Silent Patient, one of 2019’s most popular suspense books, has written another compelling psychological thriller. Mariana Andros is sure Edward Fosca committed murder and got away. Fosca is a gorgeous and charming Greek tragedy professor at Cambridge, notably by The Maidens. Mariana gets obsessed with establishing Fosca’s guilt when her niece’s maiden companion is murdered, even if it threatens her profession, sanity, and life.

"I highly recommend this book! It has the perfect amount of mystery and suspense, while also exploring the emotional mind and bonds of love and trust."

by Ashlee Heeman

It’s a beautiful Secret History read-alike. Ten years have passed since Detective Colborne last saw Oliver Marks. Oliver was one of seven talented young Shakespearean players at Dellecher Classical Conservatory when he was detained. All the evidence led to Oscar, so Colborne charged him, but he had his doubts. Therefore, Oscar is determined to find the truth about that night ten years ago now that Colborne is retired.

"That was incredible. Incredibly written. The world of Shakespeare and a mystery. This was incredible. Also, I feel smarter for reading this book… so bonus."

by KK

Dare Me is one of Megan Abbott’s best works, and she is currently the reigning queen of dark teen drama. In high school, Addy and Beth were inseparable, both in the classroom and on the cheerleading squad. The new coach changes squad dynamics, and girls compete for spots and the coach’s attention—until the news of a death close to the team threatens to reveal the squad’s dark heart and jeopardize their future. In the end, who will have something positive to look forward to?

"When I started reading this, I thought, hmm, cheerleading, do I care about that. But it’s not what it’s about. Highly recommended!"

by Betsy

Retribution is the star of one of the most popular dark academic mysteries ever translated. Yuko Moriguchi’s entire existence revolved around her students and her young daughter. Yuko’s world is destroyed when a school accident costs her daughter’s life. In addition, her final lesson will be her last when she decides to quit school. They may expect to learn a lot about two of their classmates in this gripping tale, and the conclusion will astound them all.

"The story is truly mesmerizing. Not everyone gets their just desserts, but you'll have to read it to find out who does and how."

by kcmagpie

Jessica Miller is an overachiever who didn’t let a disastrous senior year stop her. She moved to New York City after college, became the youngest partner at her consulting firm, and earned enough money to pay off her college loans and convince herself—if not her dad—that she shouldn’t keep mourning not getting into an ivy league school. Unfortunately, Jessica’s success doesn’t distract her classmates at her reunion. Instead, her group of old pals, the self-proclaimed East House Seven, must relive their complex relationships and discover who murdered one of their own.

"Such a complicated tale. Lots of twists and turns. Nothing turns out to be as it seems. With friends like these…who needs enemies."

by Melissa

Charlie Jordan wants off campus. However, her best friend is the third victim of the Campus Killer, and she wants to return to Ohio to her family. She can’t get there alone, so she’s driving with Josh Baxter, a campus message board friend who needs to care for his father. Charlie begins to see holes in Josh’s explanation and finds his conduct suspicious and disturbing. Could her drive home be a rolling nightmare?

"Never put it down until completing! Just when you think all is as it seems, Riley throws a curve ball!"

by Kindle Customer

Catherine House has graduated senators, professors, and business owners. The old house campus in Pennsylvania is remote, and the school likes it that way. Even prominent alumni keep their school years private. Ines is glad for the retreat to Catherine House, the school-sanctioned wine parties, and the free tuition. However, Ines wonders if many of her classmates are also hiding from their pasts. Therefore, she is keen to learn what the private school teaches.

"I found myself entwined in this story from the beginning. I wanted to know what happens to the protagonist. Futuristic story. Well written and entertaining."

by MMcElhine

A college reunion stirs up sentiments of inadequacy, competition, and guilt in this thriller. Ambrosia Turner hesitates to attend her 10-year Wesleyan reunion until she hears from Sully. Sully’s message touches and worries Ambrosia, who hasn’t seen him in years. In chapters alternating, Ambrosia is nervous about going back to a college where she feels forced and fake. She knows how her fiery relationship with Sully made her think as she fit in and what tragic closing to their friendship kept them apart—until now.

"What a story!!! The girls are Not so nice here at all! What a writer! This story is one that will stay with me a long time. You should read it. I don't want to spoil it for you."

by Donna D

Jess Walker attends East Anglia University to study with Lorna Clay, author of The Truants. Jess quickly befriends an affluent student, a South African journalist, and Nick, who likes her. Jess wants Lorna’s academic and personal approval. This frightening scenario is set against campus’ concrete and skies. Great artists must break down, according to The Truants. Jess and Georgie investigate Agatha Christie’s disappearance. Jess and her pals develop a series of sad connections with Lorna before realizing she’s fleeing from a scandal.

"I didn’t expect to go on this journey. But the way it was written and dealt with searing painful moments in life made me grateful for reading it. Wow."

by Adam R. Boyd