Twelve Must Read Thrillers

Twelve Must Read Thrillers

(Author Louise Jensen has compiled a list of the twelve must read thrillers published this century. Some can be dystopian, some can have a trace of romance, a few will provide twists and surprise endings, and all are destined to be classics.)

Someone like me – M. R. Carey

The story of Liz Kendall, a single mother whose alter ego takes control, was horrifying. I found myself leaning forward in my chair while reading, urging Liz to claim back her life. Written in a cinematic style, I could see this unfolding in front of my eyes.

The taking of Annie Thorne – C.J. Tudor

This was a chilling novel I was glad I read in daylight. Children have gone missing but the real problems start when they return. They look the same, but are they? Fans of Stephen King will love this.

I let you go – Clare Mackintosh

As well as a beautiful writing style, Clare created a fabulous character in Jenna, who flees to remote Wales after a tragedy. Even after you find out her unexpected secret, you can’t help rooting for her.

The Widow – Fiona Barton

We often hear from the perspective of victims or criminals but this book tells the story of Jean, the wife of a man accused of awful crimes. He’s recently died but that doesn’t stop the press from hounding her relentlessly. Is she all she seems, though?

While my eyes were closed – Linda Green

This novel came out at the same time as a batch of stories about missing children, but this one stood head and shoulders above the rest. A gradual, unfolding story, told from a dual narrative, shows the thoughts and emotions of the mother of the missing child, along with the kidnapper

Behind her eyes – Sarah Pinborough

It’s hard to say too much about this story without giving the concept away but the triangle of Louise, David, and Adele will hold you transfixed until the breath-taking twist.

The Stand – Stephen King

I read this epic story of a plague when I was a teenager and I still remember the chills it gave me.  Dark, brooding, and a chilling reminder not to take the world as we know it for granted.

He Said, She Said – Erin Kelly

Written in alternating past/present chapters, I found this story utterly compelling. Laura and her boyfriend, Kit, report a brutal attack but the repercussions are huge. Still, Laura knows what she saw, or did she? You’re never quite sure who is telling the truth until the end.

Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier

This gothic suspense is one of my all time favorite books. The classic includes Mrs. Danvers, one of the creepiest housekeepers ever. A story of paranoia—or is it? You’ll have to read it to find out.

Watching Edie – Camilla Way

There’s nothing quite like a story of toxic friendship and this book about Heather and Edie is deeply unsettling. Who is good and who is bad? I changed my mind at regular intervals but I still didn’t see the end coming.

In her wake – Amanda Jennings

Amanda has the most gorgeous writing style and this story starts off with a bang with everything Bella thought she knew about herself being ripped away from her. Her journey to solve a 25-year mystery is both suspenseful and emotional.

Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn

Amy is missing. Her diary hints at a torrid relationship with her husband, Nick, but is he really a killer? Easy to read with a fabulous twist and characters you’re never quite sure you should trust.

Biography: Louise Jensen is a million copy author of Global No. 1 psychological thrillers The Sister, The Gift, The Surrogate and The Date. Her novels have also been sold for translation to twenty-four territories, as well as being featured on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestseller’s List. The Gift has been optioned for a TV film. Louise’s fifth thriller, The Family, will be published in autumn 2019.