Ready to be thrilled? The New York Times recently published their list of the 50 best thriller books of the 21st century! These are the books that keep you guessing, keep you up at night, and haunt you long after the final page.
At Genre, we’re big fans of thrillers and we carry many of the celebrated titles that appear on the list. From the New York Times’ list, these are our five favorites, and you can get them right here:
The Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz (512 pages)
When editor Susan Ryeland is given the manuscript of Alan Conway's latest novel, she expects it to be similar to all his other work. Having worked with the bestselling crime writer for years, she's intimately familiar with his detective, Atticus Pünd, who solves cozy mysteries disturbing sleepy English villages. An homage to queens of classic British crime such as Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, Alan's traditional mystery formula has proved hugely successful. So successful that Susan must continue to put up with his disturbing behavior if she wants to keep her job.
Conway's latest tale has Atticus Pünd investigating a murder at Pye Hall, a local manor house. Yes, there are dead bodies and a host of intriguing suspects, but the more Susan reads, the more she's convinced that this book within a book contains another story hidden in its pages: one of real-life jealousy, greed, ruthless ambition, and murder. A masterful, clever, relentlessly suspenseful puzzle, The Magpie Murders is a deviously dark take on vintage English crime fiction in which the reader becomes the detective. This mystery-within-a-mystery was also adapted into a 2022 television series on PBS Masterpiece, for those who like to read and watch.
For those who love: classic mysteries
Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier (320 pages)
Full of twists and turns, this is the story of three best friends: one who was murdered, one who went to prison, and one who's been searching for the truth all these years.
When she was sixteen years old, Angela Wong disappeared without a trace. Fourteen years later, Angela’s remains are discovered in the woods near the home of her best friend, Georgina Shaw, now a rising star at her Seattle pharmaceutical company. Kaiser Brody, who was close with both girls back in high school, finally learns the truth—that Angela was a victim of Calvin James, a serial killer and Georgina’s first love. Geo knew what happened all along, and while everyone thinks they finally know the truth, there are dark secrets buried deep.
For those who love: unexpected twists
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (576 pages)
It’s early morning, August 1975, and a camp counselor discovers that Barbara Van Laar has gone missing. Barbara isn't just any thirteen-year-old: she's the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region's residents. And this isn't the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara's older brother vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found.
A panicked search begins, and a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore's multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It’s been called Liz Moore's most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.
For those who love: class conflict
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz (336 pages)
Jacob Finch Bonner was once a promising young novelist, but now he’s teaching in a third-rate MFA program and hasn’t written anything decent in years. Then Evan Parker, his most arrogant student, announces he doesn’t need Jake’s help because his novel in progress is a sure thing. Jake dismisses it was amateur narcissism… until he hears the plot. Jake resigns himself to the downward spiral of his career and braces himself for the supernova publication of Evan’s novel.
But it never comes. Even has died, presumably without finishing his book. And Jake does what any self-respecting writer would do with a story like that. In a few short years, Jake is enjoying the fame, wealth and praise that has come with the publication of the story. But then an email arrives: you are a thief, it says. Jake struggles to understand his antagonist and hide the truth from his readers, and what he learns about his late student both amazes and terrifies him. Who was Evan Parker and how, exactly, did he get the idea for this “sure thing” of a novel?
For those who love: complicated main characters
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (320 pages)
After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She's not sure what she will find. Her cousin's husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region. Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She's a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she's also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin's new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi's dreams with visions of blood and doom.
Her only ally is the family's youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family's past. The family's once colossal wealth and faded mining empire once kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness. And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind.
For those who love: gothic horror vibes
Add These Thrillers & More to Your TBR
At Genre, we’re thrilled to offer top reads in the mystery/thriller category. See the whole collection here or visit the blog for more book recommendations and resources.
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