I’m a huge bookworm, but ghosts, paranormal mystery, and gore are where I draw the line. That said, psychological thrillers are my kryptonite. I know, it’s confusing. But to me, the key difference between a thriller and a scary thriller is one that will keep you up at night—and I’m not talking stay-up-all-night-to-find-out-what-happens-scary. I mean, sleep-with-all-the-lights-on-scary. There’s a stark difference between the two, and as someone who reads books for a living, I can quickly separate one from the other. So whether you’re new to the genre or are just easily spooked, I’ve compiled a list of thrillers that will leave you jaw-dropped but won’t interfere with your REM sleep.
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1. Till Death Do Us Part by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn
Simon & Schuster
Ten years after the death of her husband, June (who is enjoying an afternoon with her fiancé) sees him—or his ghost?—lurking in the park. A day or so later, while researching new clients for her natural wine bar, June comes across a sommelier profile, and it’s the man from the park. Her dead husband. Desperate for answers, she secretly flees to Napa to meet this mystery man and uncover his secrets.
2. You Can’t Catch Me by Catherine McKenzie
Lake Union Publishing
Trust me when I say that thrillist Catherine McKenzie will get you out of a book rut. Her novels, including You Can’t Catch Me, are so intricately mapped out and filled with so many twists and turns that you truly won’t see the ending coming. In this book, a grifter’s victim plans a master ploy to capture the swindler who lit her life on fire.
3. She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica
Harper Collins
This novel will keep you up at night, but only because you’ll be dying to know how it ends. She’s Not Sorry follows a Chicago ICU nurse, Megan Michaels, who gets too invested in her patient’s life. But when details about Caitlin’s tragic accident come to life, including who was at the scene of the crime, everyone’s motives get called into question.
4. We Love The Nightlife by Rachel Koller Croft
Penguin Random House
Sure, their friendship might be toxic, but when there is a party every night on the disco dance floor, what’s not to love? British vampire Nicola has an aggressive hit list. But when Amber decides she’s ready to cut ties with the bloodsucker for good, she’ll have to jump through leaps and bounds to break free or else she’ll end up like the rest of Nicola’s exes.
5. The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave
Simon & Schuster
Estranged siblings Nora and Sam reconnect under unfortunate circumstances. Local authorities say their father’s death was the result of a fluke mishap, but Nora and Sam rule otherwise. They begin piecing together their father’s final moments, leading them to unlock a family secret that upturns their lives forever.
6. The Switch by Lily Samson
Penguin Random House
Elena and Adam get a taste of London’s upper echelon while house sitting in an opulent part of town, and it’s suffice to say that they like what they see. Then Elena meets a neighbor named Sophia. But when Elena develops an intimate relationship with Sophia’s husband (under Sophia's discretion, might we add!), chaos ensues.
