Hey there! Are you looking for the best thrillers coming out this month? Then you’re going to love this list!
Here are the 12 thriller novels I’m most excited to read this month. And I’ll also be sharing why I’m so excited to reach each from a writer’s standpoint.
As a writer, I’m always reading with a critical eye. Each book I take on as a reader is another opportunity to learn. However, I try to be really specific about what I’m focusing on. It’s too easy to get swept away in everything these talented authors can do. Instead, I go in with a singular focus. I tried to represent each of the areas I plan to focus on during the “Reasons to be excited” section. So if you’re a writer, be sure to check that out!
It’s spooky season but that doesn’t mean horror gets to have all the fun. October is the month when we dive headfirst into a stack of brand-new books. Autumn is probably my favorite season to curl up and read a book. For me, I like the fact that there are days when I can still read outside, bundled up in sweatshirts and sweatpants. Even better if the leaves are actively falling in my back yard.
Anyway, this month we’re seriously treated to some amazing new novels. This lineup promises to be an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, intrigue, and unputdownable tales.
So, buckle up as we take you on a whirlwind tour of the latest thriller offerings in the month of October.
Kill Show by Daniel Sweren-Becker
When Sara Parcell vanishes one fateful spring morning, the nation gets captivated by her disappearance. Thanks to a controversial TV series that unfolds in real time, the story of Sara’s disappearance catches fast. But what if the biggest secret in this enigmatic case remained hidden in plain sight? And a decade later, those who knew Sara best break their silence.
Release Date: October 3rd
Two Reasons to Be Excited About Kill Show
- [As a Writer] Genre-Bending Storytelling: “Kill Show” appears to break the traditional mystery novels. The choice by Sweren-Becker to present the story as an oral history, delving deep into the behind-the-scenes machinations of the true crime entertainment industry. I plan to read this with a critical eye around how to modify traditional genres in a way that is fresh and entertaining, but also responds critically to our society. More on that below!
- [As a Reader] Social Commentary: This book considers the insatiable appetite of society for true crime. I know I’m guilty of this craze. And it’s worth examining the exploitation that can accompany true crime as a genre. I’m guessing “Kill Show” will prompt readers to consider this phenomenon in a way that might make us turn a critical eye on ourselves.
Where is My Husband? by Ivanka Fear
Mallory’s life is defined by secrets, lies, and a constant sense of imminent danger. Ever since her parents passed, she’s been struggling with anxiety and depression. She feels a sense safety within her relationship with Jake, who rekindles her will to live. Then one day, Jake mysteriously disappears, and Mallory’s life takes a chilling turn. Haunted by frightening memories and unnerving developments in her own home, she begins to question the true nature of her marriage with Jake.
Release Date: October 3rd
Two Reasons to Read “Where is My Husband” by Ivanka Fear:
- [As a Writer] Twisted Psychological Thrills: I anticipate some serious psychological tension in this story. Pair that with an unraveling of secrets and this book promises an instructive journey into the dark recesses of the human psyche. Writers working on psychological thrillers filled with suspense, twists, and complex character dynamics will find a lot to learn from this tale.
- [As a Reader] Domestic Suspense: As a reader, I love when a skillfully unraveling plot shows how a seemingly idyllic family life can be tainted by hidden truths. If you’re a fan (like I am) of stories that delve into the darker aspects of relationships and the suspense that lies beneath the surface, then you might love this book.
These Still Black Waters by Christina McDonald
Suspense makes the list! USA Today bestselling author of Do No Harm, Behind Every Lie, and The Night Olivia Fell, Christina McDonald is back with a vengeance.
Two women find themselves locked in a relentless pursuit of a the truth, no matter how ominous. Neve seeks refuge at her childhood summer home after a violent home invasion. She’s hoping for a fresh start, but her peaceful getaway is shattered when a body surfaces in the lake behind the house. But Neve’s guarding her own secrets.
Detective Jess Lambert believes there’s more to meet the eye when it comes to Neve. Both Jess and Neve are forced to confront a reality neither wants to face.
Release Date: October 3rd
Two Reasons to be Excited About These Still Black Waters:
- [As a Writer] Twisted Secrets: Who doesn’t love a good mystery where secrets abound? I’m imagining a slow drip of clues that will have me wanting more. As a writer, I plan to try to notice those moments where the reading feels like I’m running downhill. I’ll pick apart how Christina McDonald became so damn good at this style of writing.
- [As a Reader] The Suspense is Killing Me: Atmosphere is everything. And does it get more atmospheric than a summer house by a lake?
And Don’t Look Back by Rebecca Barrow
Harlow’s life has been a cycle of near misses on elusive threats, always at the whim of her mother’s fears. However, when an accident claims her mother’s life, Harlow is left with enigmatic instructions. She’s supposed to find a safety deposit box key and then never stop running. What will she find inside the box? And how will that shape how she sees her mother as well as her own identity?
Release Date: October 3rd
Two Reasons to Be Excited to Read “And Don’t Look Back”
- [As a Writer] Mysterious Secrets: I love unpacking a great mystery. It’s even better when we’re unraveling those long-buried secrets that seem to be at the center of a story like this. Bringing readers into that mystery and uncertainty in a way that is engaging but not overwhelming is a tool every thriller, mystery, and suspense writer needs.
- [As a Reader] Making Difficult Choices: I love reading about a character’s transformation from a life of running to one of going after something. A goal, other than hiding, is a powerful propeller to drive readers through a novel. I imagine this journey is one I won’t soon forget.
The Intern by Michelle Campbell
In Michelle Campbell’s new novel, Madison is a Harvard law student who secures a coveted internship with a charismatic judge. However, Madison is hiding a dark secret that threatens her promising career: her distressed brother Danny accused the judge of being corrupt, and now she’s presiding over the case. When Danny mysteriously disappears after the allegations, Madison must take a perilous journey to uncover the truth about what happened. To do so, she’ll have to full immerse herself in the judge’s world. It’s a cat-and-mouse game with high stakes.
Release Date: October 3rd
Two Reasons to Be Excited to Read The Intern
- [As a Writer] Cat-and-Mouse Game: When writers want to pull off a tension-filled novel, one of the best ways is to keep readers on the edge of their seats using progressively rising stakes, the raw anticipation of surprising revelations, and a few well-calculated and unexpected twists. I’d guess The Intern has all of this!
- [As a Reader] Intriguing Legal Thriller: Legal thrillers can feel overdone or played out. But this is a fun, new twist for the genre. This story promises an immersive dive into the high-stakes world of the legal system, where secrets, ambition, and power collide.
The Blue Monsoon by Damyanti Biswas
The Blue Monsoon is the sequel to Damyanti Biswas’ The Blue Bar. Mumbai is drenched in a down pouring of rain as Senior Inspector Rajput finds himself sucked into a gruesome crime scene. A murder with links to a known cult sends shockwaves through the city. However, as a murder video surfaces on an influencer’s social media account, the investigation takes unexpected turns.
Release Date: October 24th
Two Reasons to Be Excited to Read Damyanti Biswas’ The Blue Monsoon
- [As a Writer] Immersive Setting: The setting of a relentless rain-soaked backdrop makes for a perfect thriller, mystery, or suspense setting. This adds a rich layer of atmosphere to any dark story. I imagine reading this will give more than a few examples of how to immerse a reader in a city landscape’s vibrant and dark underbelly.
- [As a Reader] Multilayered Mystery: This story promises to be a complex and multilayered story that unfolds as an investigator navigates a web of cults, conflicts, and personal challenges. As readers, we can look forward to a gripping and thoughtful thriller. One that not only explores the dark secrets of a city landscape, but also dives into the complexities of human nature.
I Kill Killers by S.T. Ashman
In Ashman’s I Kill Killers, the world of a pianist-turned-serial killer hunter takes an even more sinister turn when she finds herself connected to her latest target. Caught in a relentless game of chase with a determined and qualified FBI agent, she finds herself plunged into a deadly showdown with a serial killer whose cunning is equal to her own.
Release Date: October 10th
Two Reasons to Be Excited to Read I Kill Killers
- [As a Writer] Complex Characters: As a writer, complex characters are a must. That’s true of any genre. But as a thriller writer, creating morally ambiguous characters who blur the boundaries between right and wrong, well that’s what readers love about the genre. And this story seems like an amazing case study for moral ambiguity.
- [As a Reader] High-Stakes: Life and death is at stake in this story. And the high-stakes game fo chase that the protagonist has with both the FBI agent and the serial killer seems like it will deliver a fast-paced read. With a relentless pursuit, paired with unexpected twists and psychological tension, readers of stories about serial killers won’t be able to turn pages fast enough.
It Takes Monsters by Mandy McHugh
Victoria finds herself trapped in a web of deception and murder. She’s done with her overbearing and inept husband, Warren. So Victoria orchestrates the perfect crime to set herself free. However, her meticulous planning is thrown into chaos when a reschedule extravagant costume ball coincides with the particular date chosen for the act. She’ll need to race against time to modify her plans. When Warren is found dead by someone else’s hand, Victoria is forced into the heart of a murder investigation, and she’s a suspect. Victoria will find herself haunted by a killer who seems to know her every dark intentions. To save herself, she’ll need to unravel the secrets hidden within her marriage before police close in around her.
Release Date: October 17th
Two Reasons to Read “It Takes Monsters” by Mandy McHugh:
- [As a Writer] Intriguing Puzzle: For every thriller, it’s important to pack it tight with a riveting psychological puzzle. A story where secrets and deception help to create that perfect suspenseful atmosphere. If you’re writing a story where readers need to unravel the mystery, this will be a great read for you!
- [As a Reader] Dark Secrets: Hidden secrets are always fun to read about. So exploring how the past can shape consequences for characters really never goes out of style. Readers who appreciate stories that delve into the complexities of human nature, trust, and betrayal might find a new favorite in this novel.
The Trouble with Drowning by Heather Hach
The Trouble with Drowning by Heather Hach shares the story of a struggling writer named Kat, who encounters the successful author Eden Hart. Kat can’t help but measure herself against Eden, the embodiment of perfection. However, as Kat’s life takes an Eden-like turn and she finds some literary success as well as a passionate romance with Jacob (the son of her literary idol) reality begins to splinter. Kat has to face the demons of her past which resurface and trigger a mental health crisis. Kat’s dream life begins slipping through her fingers. And Kat is left on a relentless quest to reclaim her idealized life. It builds to an insidious plan that threatens to destroy her.
Release Date: October 17th
Two Reasons to Read The Trouble with Drowning
- [As a Writer] The Art of Obsession: This novel appears to dive deep into the dangerous allure of obsession. As a writer, being able to navigate obsessive characters can be tricky. This is especially true for our narrators. How quickly or slowly can your narrator become obsessed? What are the right buttons to press that will ratchet up the tension to the correct degree? I plan on diving into this novel with a keen eye on a character pushed to the brink, and their willingness to make questionable decisions.
- [As a Reader] Suspenseful Plot: I’m assuming this story weaves a suspenseful and captivating plot that is going to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Plus, reading about writers always seems to carry its own fun thrill. I’m personally hoping to enjoy this story for the combination of psychological depth and page-turning suspense.
The Last Applicant by Rebecca Hanover
Just reading the summary for this book gives me a rollercoaster of tension and suspense against a private school backdrop. Audrey Singer, the admissions director of an elite Manhattan private school, loves her job and has a great marriage. However, like any good thriller, Audrey’s carefully constructed world gets blown to bits. Sarah Price, an obsessively determined mother doing her best to get her son a coveted kindergarten spot, turns what starts as a high-stakes contest of admissions into a dangerous game.
Release Date: October 24th
Why I’m Excited to Read The Last Applicant:
- [As a Writer] Classism Commentary: I feel like I’m seeing more and more of the thrillers with a backdrop of elitism and classism. Personally, I’m here for it. I plan to read this with a critical eye on how Rebecca Hanover navigates this kind of atmosphere and plot line.
- [As a Reader] Intriguing Psychological Story: As the narrative unfolds, I anticipate I’ll be reading a psychological thriller filled with suspense, secrets, and unexpected twists. It sounds to me like an intricate battle of wits between Audrey and Sarah, fueled by ambition and their own personal agendas. I’m guessing this story will deliver on manipulation, rivalry, and suspense.
In Their Shadows by Briana Cole
A web of secrets, suspense, and deception unravels in this thriller. The true life of a con-artist is exposed. And she’s on borrowed time. Fans of gritty psychological suspense will be drawn into this scandalous tale where April, a master of the craft of deceit, has perfected the art of living inside parallel lives. She has two entirely different, but prosperous identities (which include unsuspecting husbands). At first, her world appears flawless. Then one day a mysterious package arrives, and everything is at risk of crumbling to the ground. April will need to uncover her unknown adversary and hold tight to her chosen life, by employing every trick in her playbook.
Release Date: October 24th
Two Reasons to Be Excited to Read In Their Shadows:
- [As a Writer] Deceptive Characters: I’m assuming we’re going to find ourselves among a cast of intricate and morally ambiguous characters. Even our main character will live in the gray area of what is right and wrong. Knowing how to navigate this is a skill every thriller writer needs in their toolbox, and I can’t think of a more fun story to use as an example of how to pull off that delicate balance.
- [As a Reader] High-Stakes Suspense: I mean, it’s all in the summary. Here’s a gripping story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Secrets? Check. Scandal? Check. Intrigue? Check. Throw in a relentless but unknown adversary and I’m preordering a copy right now.
When I’m Dead by Hannah Morrissey
Medical Examiner Rowan Winthorp finds herself in the center of a harrowing investigation. When her daughter’s best friend gets murdered, Rowan makes the discovery hours later. Now her daughter, Chloe, has vanished, leaving behind cryptic clues. As Rowan and her husband delve into the case, they’re confronted with unsettling truths about their daughter’s hidden life. Each discovery threatens to unravel what they thought they knew about their child.
Release Date: October 31st
Two Reasons to Be Excited to Read When I’m Dead
- [As a Writer] Family Dynamics: So many of our stories explore how families deal with tragedies. Reading a story where the characters are simultaneously confronted with a disaster but are also actively engaged in pursuit of setting wrong to right serves as a masterclass in navigating emotional rollercoasters.
- [As a Reader] Propulsive Plotting: There are some thrillers where people deal emotionally with the aftermath of a tragedy. And there are other thrillers where people go after their loved ones instead of waiting for others to do it. If you want to read about a mother’s attempt to recover her own daughter, you’ll love this story. Filled with unexpected twists and shocking revelations, this story seems like it would be an ideal choice for any thriller-fanatic.
