5 Thrillers to Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat

By: Kendra Wolfman

As a university student, I have many readings throughout the week for classes, the majority of which are not very exciting to read. That’s why I make sure to take some extra time, usually every night before bed, to read a few chapters of a book of my choice.

This helps me wind down for bed and is one of the ways I practice self-care. I especially love crawling under the covers and reading during the winter months. Once the temperature dips, there’s nothing better than curling up by the fire with a great story! I’ve put together a list of five thrillers I’ve read over the last few months to add to your reading list.

A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell

A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell is the story of a mom blogger named Stephanie who meets Emily, the mother of a child in her son’s class. The two quickly become best friends, until one day Emily disappears without a trace.

Stephanie turns to her blog followers to try and uncover her friend’s disappearance. What ensues is a tangled web of lies and deceit you’ll never see coming. This book was such a page-turner that I finished it in one day! More of a movie buff than a reader? Find the film adaptation on Amazon Prime starring Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, and Henry Golding from Crazy Rich Asians.

The Stranger Inside by Laura Benedict

The Stranger Inside by Laura Benedict tells the story of Kimber Hannon, a homeowner who returns from a trip to find her locks changed and a strange man living there. When she calls the police, she finds out that the man is living there legally.

With no idea who he is or how he got there, Kimber enlists the help of her friend Diana and her ex-boyfriend/lawyer Gabriel, to figure things out. The book switches between Kimber’s past and present, as readers join her journey to discover why a stranger is in her home. Where readers might feel for Kimber and her frightening situation at the beginning of the book, sympathy may start to wane as you discover more about her.

Just Between Us by Rebecca Drake

Just Between Us by Rebecca Drake tells the story of Alison, Julie, Sarah, and Heather, a group of small-town suburban moms who bond over their happy lives and families. Of course, as one might expect, everything is different behind closed doors.

When Alison spots a bruise on Heather’s wrist, the women suspect that Heather is being abused by her husband and attempt to help her leave the marriage. Everything spirals out of control when the women get a call saying their friend is dead, but that friend is not Heather. This book is told from the perspectives of each woman, who take turns revealing their darkest secrets as the book progresses.

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz tells the story of Diana Cowper, a wealthy woman from London who visits a funeral parlor to arrange her own funeral, and six hours later, is found dead.

Detective Inspector Hawthorne teams up with a writer named Horowitz to write a book about Cowper, and to determine whether there was foul play involved in her death. The story is similar to the game “Clue,” as readers are left to figure who killed Diana Cowper. With the introduction of each new character, you will be coming up with possible motives to solve the murder of Diana Cowper.

Thrillers are my favorite books because they keep me on the edge of my seat and surprise me with unexpected twists. A great story provides an escape from reality and I enjoy being submerged in thrilling mysteries with every turn of a page. Let us know if you’ve read any good thrillers recently in the comments below!