The Greatest "Suspense, Fiction" Books Since 2017

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 286 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Suspense

Suspense is a genre of literature that is characterized by a feeling of tension, uncertainty, and anxiety that keeps the reader on edge and engaged throughout the story. It typically involves a protagonist who is facing a dangerous or threatening situation, and the plot is driven by the anticipation of what might happen next. Suspense novels often feature unexpected twists and turns, and the reader is left guessing until the very end. This genre is popular among readers who enjoy thrillers, mysteries, and crime fiction.

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  1. 1. Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke

    "Bluebird, Bluebird" follows the story of Darren Mathews, a black Texas Ranger who finds himself caught in a small East Texas town plagued by racial tensions and unsolved murders. When two bodies are discovered, one black and one white, Darren is determined to uncover the truth behind these racially charged crimes. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets, corruption, and long-buried truths that threaten to tear the town apart. In a gripping and atmospheric narrative, the book explores themes of race, justice, and identity while unraveling a complex mystery.

  2. 2. Jade City by Fonda Lee

    In a bustling city ruled by powerful crime families, the Kauls, who possess the rare ability to harness the magical powers of jade, struggle to maintain their control amidst rising tensions and rivalries. As the city teeters on the brink of chaos, the Kaul siblings find themselves caught in a dangerous web of betrayal, loyalty, and ambition, where the fate of their family and their city hangs in the balance. With vivid world-building and intricate character dynamics, "Jade City" is a gripping tale of power, honor, and the price of maintaining control.

  3. 3. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    In "Mexican Gothic," a young woman named Noemí travels to a remote mansion in the Mexican countryside to rescue her cousin who has seemingly fallen under the spell of her new husband. As Noemí delves deeper into the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the house, she uncovers dark family secrets and confronts a malevolent force that threatens their lives. Blending elements of gothic horror and Mexican folklore, this atmospheric tale explores themes of colonialism, racism, and female empowerment in a captivating and chilling narrative.

  4. 4. My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

    In this darkly comedic novel, a nurse named Korede finds herself repeatedly cleaning up after her sister Ayoola, who has a disturbing habit of killing her boyfriends. As Ayoola's murderous tendencies escalate, Korede is torn between her loyalty to her sister and her growing concern for the next potential victim. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, the sisters' bond is put to the ultimate test, leading to a gripping and unexpected conclusion.

  5. 5. The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley by Hannah Tinti

    "The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley" is a gripping novel that explores the life of a rugged, hardened criminal named Samuel Hawley, who attempts to protect his daughter Loo from his violent past. The narrative alternates between the present, where Hawley and Loo are trying to settle down in Massachusetts, and the past, where the circumstances surrounding Hawley's twelve bullet wounds (each representing a "life") are revealed. Through their journey, the book delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and survival.

  6. 6. The Changeling by Victor LaValle

    The novel is a dark fairy tale that explores themes of parenthood, identity, and the impact of technology on modern life. It follows Apollo Kagwa, an antiquarian book dealer from New York City, whose life is turned upside down when his wife, Emma, commits a horrific act and then disappears. As Apollo searches for answers, he is drawn into a world filled with mythical creatures, secretive societies, and ancient folklore. Along his journey, he must confront his own past and the dark history of his family while navigating a city that seems to harbor magical secrets. The story blends the fantastical with the everyday to create a narrative that examines the fears and anxieties of being a parent in the 21st century.

  7. 7. Gideon The Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

    In a universe where necromancers hold power, Gideon, a skilled swordswoman, is reluctantly paired with her childhood rival, Harrow, to compete in a deadly trial that could grant them immortality. As they venture into an ancient, decaying mansion filled with secrets and puzzles, they must unravel the mysteries of their world and face sinister forces lurking within. With a blend of dark humor, complex characters, and a gripping plot, "Gideon The Ninth" is a thrilling and unique blend of science fiction and fantasy.

  8. 8. The Invisible Life Of Addie La Rue by V. E. Schwab

    The book follows the story of a young woman in 18th-century France who, desperate to escape an arranged marriage and yearning for freedom, makes a Faustian bargain with a mysterious god-like figure to live forever without being remembered by anyone she meets. Her immortality becomes a curse as she moves through the centuries, leaving no mark on the world until, 300 years later, she stumbles upon a young man in a bookstore who, to her shock, remembers her name. This encounter unfolds into a tale of love, memory, and the intrinsic value of leaving one's mark on the world.

  9. 9. Hollywood Homicide by Kellye Garrett

    In "Hollywood Homicide," a former actress turned amateur sleuth finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation when her friend, a rising starlet, is found dead. With her dreams of becoming a detective reignited, she navigates the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to uncover the truth, facing off against a cast of eccentric characters and discovering that fame can be deadly.

  10. 10. This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El Mohtar, Max Gladstone

    In this epistolary science fiction novel, two rival agents, Red and Blue, find themselves on opposite sides of a sprawling temporal conflict known as the Time War. As they carry out missions to manipulate the strands of history for their respective factions, their paths cross in unexpected ways. Through a series of secret letters left across time and space, what begins as taunting correspondence evolves into a deep, forbidden connection. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of time-travel and intrigue, exploring themes of love, identity, and the consequences of actions within the ever-shifting sands of time. As their bond deepens, Red and Blue must ultimately decide where their loyalties lie and what sacrifices they are willing to make for a chance at a future together.

  11. 11. Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

    The book centers on a teenage girl with a traumatic past, who was convicted of a heinous crime at a very young age—the murder of a baby. Now living in a group home and dealing with the complex dynamics within, she struggles with the weight of her past and the challenges of her present. As she contends with a society quick to label her as irredeemable, she seeks to uncover the truth and fight for a future that seems increasingly out of reach. Her journey is one of resilience and the quest for redemption, as she navigates a system that is often more interested in judgment than justice.

  12. 12. The Turn Of The Key by Ruth Ware

    In "The Turn of the Key" by Ruth Ware, a young woman named Rowan Caine takes a job as a live-in nanny at a luxurious smart home in the Scottish Highlands. However, the seemingly perfect opportunity quickly turns into a nightmare as Rowan discovers the dark secrets hidden within the house and the tragic events that have unfolded in the past. As strange occurrences escalate and tensions rise, Rowan becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation, desperately trying to prove her innocence and uncover the truth before it's too late.

  13. 13. Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha

    "Your House Will Pay" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of race, family, and forgiveness. Set in Los Angeles, the story follows two families, one African American and one Korean American, whose lives become intertwined after a shocking act of violence. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, the characters are forced to confront their past and grapple with the consequences of their actions. Through its powerful storytelling and complex characters, the book offers a profound examination of the lingering effects of historical injustices and the potential for redemption.

  14. 14. The Other Americans by Laila Lalami

    "The Other Americans" by Laila Lalami is a compelling and intricate novel that explores the interconnected lives of a diverse group of characters living in a small California town. When a Moroccan immigrant is killed in a hit-and-run accident, the incident sets off a chain of events that uncover hidden secrets, racial tensions, and the complexities of identity in America. Through multiple perspectives, Lalami skillfully delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for belonging, ultimately painting a vivid portrait of contemporary American life.

  15. 15. Miracle Creek by Angie Kim

    In a small town, a Korean immigrant family runs a hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) facility, offering hope to desperate parents seeking treatment for their children's autism. However, tragedy strikes when a mysterious explosion occurs at the facility, killing two people. As the community reels from the incident, the subsequent trial uncovers a web of secrets and lies, revealing the complex relationships between the families involved and the lengths they would go to protect their loved ones. Told from multiple perspectives, "Miracle Creek" explores themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the lengths people will go to find redemption in the face of tragedy.

  16. 16. Trail Of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse

    In a post-apocalyptic world where rising waters have drowned much of the earth, the story unfolds on a Native American reservation that has survived the cataclysm. The protagonist, a monster hunter with supernatural abilities, navigates a landscape steeped in the lore and gods of her indigenous culture. As she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind a series of brutal murders, she is accompanied by an enigmatic medicine man with secrets of his own. Together, they confront not only malevolent creatures from legend but also the darker aspects of humanity and personal trauma, all set against the backdrop of a world struggling to rebuild from environmental and societal collapse.

  17. 17. The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell

    "The Old Drift" by Namwali Serpell is a sweeping and ambitious novel that spans generations and continents, exploring the intertwined lives of three families in Zambia. Set against the backdrop of colonialism, technological advancements, and political upheaval, the story delves into themes of love, power, and identity. From the early days of the British settlers to the rise of an experimental town and the emergence of a new generation, Serpell weaves a rich tapestry of characters and narratives, offering a thought-provoking exploration of history, race, and the impact of human actions on the world.

  18. 18. Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden

    "Winter Counts" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel set on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The story follows Virgil Wounded Horse, a local enforcer who takes justice into his own hands when the legal system fails his community. When his nephew becomes entangled in the dangerous world of drug trafficking, Virgil embarks on a mission to protect his family and seek retribution. Through its powerful narrative and exploration of Native American culture, the book sheds light on the complexities of modern-day reservation life and the struggle for justice in an unjust world.

  19. 19. When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole

    "When No One Is Watching" is a gripping thriller that takes place in a gentrifying Brooklyn neighborhood. Sydney, a young Black woman, becomes increasingly suspicious of the changes happening around her as her neighbors mysteriously disappear. Teaming up with her new white neighbor, Theo, they uncover a dark conspiracy that threatens to upend the community and their lives. As Sydney and Theo dig deeper, they must navigate a web of lies, secrets, and hidden agendas, while also confronting their own personal demons. This thought-provoking novel explores themes of race, identity, and the insidious nature of systemic oppression, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion.

  20. 20. Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby

    In this gripping crime novel, a former getaway driver turned mechanic, named Beauregard "Bug" Montage, is tempted to return to his criminal past when faced with mounting financial struggles. As he struggles to provide for his family and keep his auto shop afloat, Bug finds himself drawn back into the dangerous world of high-stakes heists. With a blend of adrenaline-fueled action and poignant family dynamics, this book delves into themes of race, identity, and the consequences of one's choices.

  21. 21. Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips

    "Disappearing Earth" is a novel by Julia Phillips that explores the interconnected lives of the residents of a remote Russian peninsula after the disappearance of two young girls. Each chapter follows a different character as they grapple with their own personal struggles and the impact of the girls' disappearance on their community. Through vivid descriptions of the harsh landscape and the characters' complex relationships, Phillips weaves a gripping tale of loss, grief, and the enduring power of human connection.

  22. 22. Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

    The book revolves around an eighteen-year-old biracial, unenrolled tribal member who witnesses a shocking murder and is subsequently drawn into an FBI investigation of a lethal new drug. As she secretly collaborates with the investigation, using her knowledge of chemistry and traditional Ojibwe medicine, she must confront her own past and identity, navigating the tightrope between the demands of two very different communities. Her journey is one of courage and resilience, as she seeks justice for her community while grappling with complex issues of identity, family, and loyalty.

  23. 23. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

    The book revolves around a young woman with a troubled past who is given a second chance through a scholarship to an elite university, where she becomes involved with the secretive societies that practice magic and the occult. Tasked with monitoring their activities, she uncovers a series of supernatural crimes and mysteries that she must solve, using her own newfound magical abilities and wits. As she delves deeper into the university's hidden world, she confronts the dark power and privilege that fuel these ancient organizations, while also grappling with her own personal demons and histories.

  24. 24. Survivor’s Guilt by Robyn Gigl

    "Survivor's Guilt" follows the gripping journey of a defense attorney named Lily Forrester, who becomes haunted by a traumatic event from her past. Faced with the guilt of surviving a tragic accident that claimed the lives of her best friend and a young girl, Lily's life takes a dark turn as she grapples with the consequences of her actions. As she delves deeper into the truth surrounding the accident, Lily must confront her own demons and fight for redemption, all while navigating the complex world of the legal system. This suspenseful and emotionally charged novel explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the lengths one will go to seek justice and find peace.

  25. 25. The Last Widow by Karin Slaughter

    In this gripping thriller, an abduction sets off a chilling chain of events in a case that tests the boundaries of forensic investigation and criminal psychology. A scientist from the Centers for Disease Control is kidnapped in broad daylight, leading to a desperate search by local law enforcement. Amidst the chaos, a series of catastrophic events unfolds, revealing a dark plot that threatens the heart of the city. A pair of investigators, one a medical examiner and the other a special agent, are drawn into the vortex of a sinister conspiracy. As they unravel the mystery, they must confront their own personal demons while racing against time to prevent a potential disaster of national significance.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download