The Thriller Throne: 6 Authors Ruling the Genre
Page-Turning Pros Keep Readers Up All Night—And Loving Every Minute of It
With so many inventive authors creating exciting and engaging thriller novels, it's clear just how powerful and influential this genre is for readers worldwide. A readership who enjoys an escape from their real lives, begging for their pulse to quicken, desperate to solve the mystery before it unfolds.
And the number of authors succeeding at this craft is mind-boggling. And as one such reader, I am THRILLED for their success. And that means more gripping stories for us. So without further ado, I want to spotlight some of my faves. This list is not all encompassing, nor is it in any rank order, as I could never do that to the authors that have given me so much, and there are so many!
So I’ve chosen 6 authors who propel me to the bookstore immediately upon a new release and have filled my mind and heart with joy.
Here is my Thriller Throne:
Gillian McAllister
McAllister is a bestselling British author who explores moral dilemmas, time twists, and the complexity of human relationships. “Wrong Place Wrong Time” cracked something open in me. I was struggling with panic attacks and work stress, but reading this book took me out of my reality and into a world where we’re heading back in time to find answers. And for that, I’ll forever be grateful. I immediately became a Gillian SUPERFAN and am working through her entire body of work as we speak.
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“Wrong Place Wrong Time,” obviously. First, a murder, then you move backward in time to find out why. Clear your schedule because you’re going to want to binge this one. If you’re not hooked after this one, then you have hate in your heart.
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“Just Another Missing Person” is an organic next read, followed by “Famous Last Words” to crank it up a notch.
Ruth Ware
Ware is a contemporary British author, comparable to the likes of Agatha Christie, specializing in modern whodunits and locked-room mysteries that keep readers guessing. Ruth Ware is the reason I fell in love with the genre, catapulting me straight into the thriller stratosphere. I’ve been a SUPERFAN ever since. If you disagree, you’re wrong. She’s an icon and a legend. Show some respect.
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“The Woman in Cabin 10” is a MUST. This book lit the thriller flame for me. Ground zero. Where it all started for me, and I hope for you too. AND she’s releasing the sequel this summer! “The Woman in Suite 11” is out 7/08/25, and I will be first in line! (Unless I can get my hands on an ARC in the meantime…wink wink)
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You honestly can’t go wrong with any Ruth Ware novel but my recommendation is to get lost in the woods with “In a Dark, Dark Wood,” then get trapped in the snow with “One by One,” and bop over to Oxford to find out who killed “The It Girl.”
Alice Feeney
Alice Feeney, a British writer and former BBC journalist, is celebrated for her psychological thrillers that explore hidden secrets, the extremes people reach to protect them, and the intricacies of human connection. Her novels create vivid, atmospheric locales that pull readers into every carefully crafted setting. I find myself most intrigued by each premise, discovering the motivations of Feeney’s deep, dark characters.
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“Beautiful Ugly” is a stellar creation with one of the most satisfying endings—NO SPOILERS! It’s smart, twisty, transportive, and keeps you guessing until the bitter end. “Beautiful Ugly” will be your gateway drug.
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“Rock Paper Scissors” and “His & Hers” will be the fix you need, but don’t sleep on “Sometimes I Lie.” Secrets and lies are the name of the game. Can you tell who’s lying?
Freida McFadden
McFadden is a physician and bestselling author of an array of fast-paced psychological thrillers and sharp twists. A thriller fan fave churning out hit after hit after hit. She’s releasing three books this year! “The Crash” debuted in January, “The Tenant” is the most recent, with “The Intruder” in the fall. A thriller junky’s dream! If you’re a new fan of the genre, this is your entry point. Hurry!
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“The Housemaid” period. Any Freida fanatic will lead you to this page-turner and rightfully so.
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After devouring “The Housemaid” series, check out the standalone novel “The Boyfriend” for a bloody good time and you won’t be sorry. But you might start questioning everyone around you…
Jeneva Rose
As much as I am a fan of her books, I’m a fan of Jeneva Rose herself and of her social media presence—an absolute hilarious and authentic superstar who brings light to my day every time I see her posts. And if that wasn’t already entertaining enough, her novels will bring murdery joy to your life. The New York Times bestselling Rose will draw you in with her domestic thrillers, snarky prose, and sneaky shockers.
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This is a tough one, but I’m going with “You Shouldn’t Have Come Here.” It’s part thriller, part romance (which is not generally my preferred genre, but it’s spicy in a fun way), and part whodunnit.
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Either the campy killer “One of Us Is Dead” or “The Perfect Marriage” and “The Perfect Divorce” duo, but don’t forget about “Home Is Where the Bodies Are.” Soooo I guess I’m saying pick any one of her books and you can’t go wrong.
Lisa Jewell
Another legend and force to be reckoned with—Lisa Jewell is a bestselling British author acclaimed for her compelling blend of psychological suspense and character-driven storytelling. Much like Ware, Jewell was a staple of my early thriller days and helped shepherd me into a love for the genre, starting with “Then She Was Gone,” and my addiction deepened. Her new novel “Don't Let Him In” is out next month! I’m about to start the ARC, so more to come. Just make sure Jewell finds her way to your CR/TBR lists or get out. Bye!
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“None of This Is True” is such a banger. I ALWAYS recommend this novel or buy it for friends. It’s so modern and current, giving Single White Female a run for its money.
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I am not sure I can even pick one…Ok, I will. Delve into the pair of “The Family Upstairs” and “The Family Remains” and I promise you will prioritize the rest of her catalog. Go!
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