As the days grow shorter and the nights colder, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a gripping mystery or thriller novel. The kind of book that ensnares your senses, keeping you glued to the page until the early hours. This winter, the literary world is brimming with chilling narratives and enigmatic storylines. Here are “10 New Mystery and Thriller Novels Perfect for This Winter”.
10 New Mystery and Thriller Novels Perfect for This Winter
The New Mother (Nora Murphy)
Set in suburbia, Nora Murphy’s “The New Mother” unravels the harrowing tale of Natalie Fanning, a new mother grappling with isolation and exhaustion while caring for her colicky baby. Her neighbor Paul appears as a savior, offering much-needed support. However, as the plot unfolds, Paul’s sinister intentions become evident, making Natalie unwittingly part of his chilling plan.
Murphy’s narrative navigates the complexities of human relationships in desperate times, leaving readers anxiously awaiting Natalie’s discovery of the danger lurking within her seemingly helpful neighbor. This psychological thriller offers a unique take on motherhood challenges, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
The Trap (Catherine Ryan Howard)
Catherine Ryan Howard’s “The Trap” is a riveting psychological thriller set against the backdrop of a series of unsolved disappearances in 1990s Ireland. The novel intertwines the lives of Lucy, determined to uncover the fate of her missing sister, and Angela, a civilian in the Missing Persons Unit desperate to prove herself.
As Lucy embarks on a perilous quest for truth and Angela pulls at threads that could unravel the case, a nameless predator reveals his chilling narrative, adding a layer of psychological horror. Howard masterfully weaves these stories, creating a tense, atmospheric tale that explores the depths of grief, the quest for justice, and the dangers of the unknown.
Holly (Stephen King)
In “Holly” by Stephen King, the beloved character Holly Gibney returns in a gripping thriller to investigate the eerie disappearances in a midwestern town. Facing personal turmoil and up against diabolically clever adversaries, Holly must use her wits and ethical tenacity to unravel the dark secrets hidden by respectable academics Rodney and Emily Harris.
As she delves deeper into the mystery, Holly confronts her most chilling and complex case yet, testing her detective skills and resolve. King’s masterful storytelling and rich character development make “Holly” a compelling read for fans of psychological suspense and intricate narratives.
My Darling Girl (Jennifer McMahon)
Jennifer McMahon’s “My Darling Girl” is a chilling psychological thriller set in a frosty Vermont Christmas. The story revolves around Alison, who reluctantly takes in her dying, estranged mother, Mavis, hoping to heal old wounds. However, as eerie, unexplainable events begin to occur, Alison suspects a demonic presence linked to her mother.
Balancing themes of family trauma and supernatural horror, McMahon crafts a tense narrative that questions the lengths one will go to protect loved ones and confronts the harrowing past. This novel is a gripping exploration of familial bonds strained by dark forces, perfect for those who love their thrillers with a haunting twist.
The Mystery Guest (Nita Prose)
Unraveling within the polished corridors of the Regency Grand Hotel, a gripping murder mystery unfolds when renowned author J.D. Grimthorpe is found dead, setting the stage for Nita Prose’s “The Mystery Guest.” Central to the enigma is Molly Gray, the hotel’s meticulous Head Maid, whose past intertwines mysteriously with the deceased.
As she navigates a web of suspects and her own history, Molly’s quest for the truth takes her through the shadows of the Grimthorpe mansion. Prose masterfully crafts a narrative rich with suspense and hidden depths, proving that secrets, no matter how deeply buried, eventually come to light. This novel stands as a captivating choice for winter reading, weaving intrigue and revelation into every page.
None of This Is True (Lisa Jewell)
A gripping tale of suspense and dark secrets unfolds in Lisa Jewell’s psychological thriller, where popular podcaster Alix Summers finds her life entwined with the mysterious Josie Fair.
Their chance meeting spirals into a dangerous obsession as Alix delves into Josie’s past for her true crime series, only to become the centerpiece of a terrifying narrative when Josie disappears. Exploring the perilous intersection of public personas and private lives, this novel is a compelling read for fans of intricate mysteries and the dark side of the digital age.
What Have We Done (Alex Finlay)
Alex Finlay’s gripping thriller “What Have We Done” brings together three individuals—a stay-at-home mom, a faded rock star, and a debt-ridden TV producer—under deadly circumstances. Bound by a traumatic past at Savior House, a group home marred by abuse and mysterious disappearances, they are forced to confront their shared history when someone begins targeting them for death.
This edge-of-your-seat narrative delves deep into the haunting power of childhood traumas and the dark secrets that can shape our lives. As the trio unravels the truths of their past, they face a chilling revelation that might be the key to their survival. Finlay’s novel masterfully combines suspense with a poignant exploration of the enduring impact of our formative years.
The Stranger Upstairs (Lisa M. Matlin)
Lisa M. Matlin’s “The Stranger Upstairs,” introduces us to Sarah Slade, a social media influencer with a hidden past, who buys the notorious Black Wood House, planning to renovate it for her blog while distracting from her failing marriage. However, as she uncovers the house’s sinister history, bizarre accidents and haunting occurrences escalate, blurring the line between reality and paranoia.
Sarah’s life spirals out of control as she confronts the menacing presence in the house and her own secrets, leading her to question if her quest for a fresh start is worth the looming, deadly consequences. Matlin’s debut is a gripping blend of gothic and psychological horror, examining the dark shadows within us and the ones lurking in our homes.
The Bone Hacker (Kathy Reichs)
In “The Bone Hacker” by Kathy Reichs, #1 New York Times bestselling author, forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan faces her twenty-second high-stakes case on the Turks and Caicos islands. After a series of bizarre tourist disappearances and a body with a strange tattoo, Brennan’s investigation reveals a sinister plot with global implications.
As she navigates a labyrinth of clues and becomes a target herself, Reichs weaves a thrilling narrative of technology and terror, challenging readers to solve the mystery alongside Brennan in this gripping, heart-pounding thriller.
Strange Sally Diamond (Liz Nugent)
Liz Nugent’s “Strange Sally Diamond” is a dark and riveting novel about Sally, a recluse thrust into the spotlight after she bizarrely disposes of her father’s remains as per his last wishes. As she navigates her newfound independence and forms relationships, Sally’s past, filled with forgotten horrors, comes back to haunt her through cryptic messages from a stranger who knows too much.
Nugent’s storytelling weaves a tense psychological thriller that explores identity, resilience, and the shadows of memory, making it a gripping and atmospheric read perfect for those seeking depth and suspense in their winter reading list.
Also Read: 10 New Horror Novels Perfect for This Winter
