Thriller and mystery books are perennial favorites for readers who love suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists. In 2023, there are plenty of exciting new titles to add to your reading list. So, whether you are a fan of psychological thrillers, police procedurals, or classic whodunits, here are the top thriller and mystery books to read in 2023.

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

Alex Michaelides burst onto the thriller scene with his 2019 debut The Silent Patient, which became an instant bestseller. His follow-up, The Maidens, is just as gripping. Set at Cambridge University, the novel follows a group of friends who become embroiled in a murder investigation after one of their own is found dead. With its lush setting and complex characters, The Maidens is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Last Thing to Burn by Will Dean

Will Dean’s debut novel, Dark Pines, was a critical success, and his follow-up, The Last Thing to Burn, is just as compelling. The novel follows a young woman named Jane who is held captive on a remote farm by a man who calls himself Lenn. As she plots her escape, Jane begins to uncover the secrets that Lenn is hiding, leading to a shocking confrontation. With its tense atmosphere and page-turning plot, The Last Thing to Burn is a must-read for fans of dark and twisty thrillers.

The Chain by Adrian McKinty

Adrian McKinty’s The Chain is a thriller that explores the dark side of social media and the lengths that parents will go to to protect their children. When Rachel’s daughter is kidnapped, she receives a chilling message: in order to get her daughter back, she must kidnap another child and pay a ransom. As Rachel becomes embroiled in the chain, she realizes that she is not the only one caught in its web. With its high stakes plot and heart pounding action, The Chain is a thriller that will keep you guessing.

The Shadow Box by Luanne Rice

Best-selling author Luanne Rice’s latest novel is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the complex relationship between sisters. After Clare’s sister, Anne, dies unexpectedly, she inherits Anne’s house and begins to uncover the dark secrets that Anne was hiding. As Clare delves deeper into her sister’s life, she begins to question everything she thought she knew about Anne and about herself. With its richly drawn characters and atmospheric setting, The Shadow Box is a haunting and suspenseful read.

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse

The Sanatorium is a debut novel from author Sarah Pearse that takes place at a remote mountain resort in the Swiss alps. When Detective Elin Warner arrives at the hotel to celebrate her brother’s engagement, she quickly becomes tangled in a murder investigation. As she and her colleagues try to piece together what happened, they begin to realize that the hotel has a dark and twisted history. With its eerie setting and layered plot, The Sanitarium will defy your expectations.

False Witness by Karin Slaughter

Karin Slaughter is a master of the thriller genre, and her latest novel, False Witness, is just as suspenseful. The novel follows attorney Leigh Collier, who is forced to confront the secrets of her past when a new client reveals a shocking connection to her family. As Leigh digs deeper, she uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that threatens everything she holds dear. With its taught pacing and complex characters, False Witness is a thriller that will keep you hooked until the last page.

In 2023, there is no shortage of thrilling and suspenseful books, so why not add these to your reading list and discover your next favorite mystery? You won’t be disappointed.