The Greatest "Thrillers, Fiction" Books Since 1970

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Thrillers

Thrillers are a genre of books that are designed to keep readers on the edge of their seats. These books typically feature high-stakes plots, intense action, and suspenseful twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Thrillers can encompass a wide range of sub-genres, including crime, mystery, espionage, and horror, but they all share a common goal of keeping readers engaged and entertained through heart-pounding action and unexpected plot twists. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or action-packed adventure stories, the thriller genre offers something for everyone who loves a good page-turner.

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  1. 376. The Ritual by Adam Nevill

    This novel is a gripping tale of four old university friends who reunite for a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness, only to find themselves lost and stumbling upon an ancient evil lurking in the forest. As they delve deeper into the woods, they encounter a series of increasingly terrifying phenomena, including pagan symbols and unsettling artifacts, which suggest that they are not alone. Their journey quickly turns into a nightmare as they are hunted by a sinister presence, forcing them to confront not only the dark forces pursuing them but also the personal demons that have driven them apart over the years. This story masterfully blends elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural, creating a chilling and unforgettable experience.

    The 11035th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 377. Last Days by Adam Nevill

    This horror novel plunges readers into a chilling narrative centered around Kyle Freeman, a struggling filmmaker commissioned to document the activities of a notorious cult known as The Temple of the Last Days. As Kyle delves deeper into the cult's dark history, marked by gruesome rituals and the mysterious disappearance of its members, he finds himself ensnared in a terrifying web of supernatural forces. The story masterfully intertwines elements of suspense, cult dynamics, and the supernatural, leading to a harrowing exploration of fear and the unknown. The protagonist's journey is not just a quest for footage, but a descent into a nightmarish realm where the past and present collide with dire consequences.

    The 11039th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 378. The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes

    This novel is a gripping thriller that intertwines the lives of a time-traveling serial killer and one of his survivors, who is determined to bring him to justice. Set against the backdrop of Depression-era Chicago, the narrative follows the killer as he uses a mysterious house to travel through time and target young women with bright futures—his "shining girls." After one victim survives a brutal attack, she embarks on a relentless quest to find her assailant, uncovering a trail of similar murders stretching across decades. The story masterfully blends elements of crime, horror, and science fiction, creating a chilling and suspenseful tale of resilience and retribution.

    The 11047th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 379. No One Gets Out Alive by Adam Nevill

    This horror novel plunges readers into a chilling narrative centered around a young woman's harrowing experience in a dilapidated house she rents in a desperate attempt to start anew. As she navigates her impoverished circumstances, she quickly realizes that the building harbors dark secrets far beyond its decaying walls. Sinister forces and inexplicable occurrences escalate, ensnaring her in a terrifying struggle for survival. The story masterfully intertwines psychological terror with supernatural elements, creating a gripping atmosphere of dread that questions the very nature of reality and the possibility of escape from a malevolent past that haunts the present.

    The 11052nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 380. Disappearance At Devil's Rock by Paul Tremblay

    This novel is a gripping and eerie tale that unfolds in a small town where a teenage boy mysteriously vanishes from a local park, Devil's Rock, during a night out with friends. The story delves into the harrowing aftermath of his disappearance, as his mother and sister grapple with the unknown, piecing together clues that emerge in the form of shadowy figures, inexplicable diary entries, and unsettling folklore surrounding the park. The narrative masterfully blends elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural, while also exploring themes of grief, family bonds, and the haunting nature of uncertainty. As the search intensifies, the community is drawn into a chilling quest for answers that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare.

    The 11063rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 381. City Of Blades by Robert Jackson Bennett

    In this dark and gripping fantasy sequel, a retired general is called back into service to investigate the disappearance of a government agent in a city that was once the heart of a magical civilization. The city, now ruins from a devastating war, holds a dangerous secret that could change the world—a miraculous technology that once powered an entire civilization, now sought by various factions for their own purposes. As the general delves deeper into the mystery, he encounters old adversaries and unearthly forces, and he must confront his own demons and the cost of his past actions while trying to prevent a cataclysm that could once again engulf the world in conflict.

    The 11212th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 382. City Of Miracles by Robert Jackson Bennett

    In the concluding volume of a genre-blending trilogy, a once-powerful minister, now a reclusive fugitive, is thrust back into the chaotic world of political intrigue and divine magic following the murder of his old friend. Seeking vengeance, he navigates a city teeming with divine entities and their earthly agendas. As he uncovers secrets that could reshape the world, he finds himself becoming a linchpin in the struggle for power among the gods and their human conduits. The narrative weaves a tale of redemption, the cost of power, and the nature of miracles in a reality where the divine walk among men, and the fate of all rests on the brink of monumental change.

    The 11220th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 383. The Relentless Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal

    Set in an alternate 1960s where a meteorite strike has accelerated space exploration, the novel follows a female astronaut as she navigates the complexities of lunar politics, espionage, and personal sacrifice. With Earth facing environmental catastrophe, the space program becomes a beacon of hope for humanity's survival. The protagonist must contend with sabotage attempts that threaten the stability of the lunar colony, while also grappling with societal expectations and her own ambitions. As the space race intensifies, she is drawn into a dangerous game of political intrigue and must use her wits and courage to ensure the success of the mission and the safety of her colleagues.

    The 11253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 384. The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey

    The book revolves around a brilliant scientist who specializes in cloning and genetic engineering. Her life takes a dark turn when she discovers that her husband has been having an affair with a clone she created—a replica of herself, but more compliant and tailored to his desires. When a violent incident leaves her husband dead, the scientist and her clone must dispose of the body and cover up the crime. As they work together, they grapple with complex questions of identity, morality, and the ethics of cloning, all while trying to outsmart a world that may not be ready to understand or accept their existence. The narrative delves into themes of betrayal, personal autonomy, and the very essence of what it means to be human.

    The 11265th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 385. Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee

    In this gripping finale to an epic fantasy trilogy, two rival clans battle for control of their island nation and its valuable magical resource, jade, which grants its wearers superhuman abilities. As modernity encroaches, with new technologies and foreign powers vying for influence, the Kaul family must navigate treacherous political waters, grapple with the implications of their jade-infused legacy, and face personal sacrifices. Their choices will determine not only the fate of their own family and the clan they lead but also the future of their entire culture and country, as ancient traditions clash with the unstoppable force of progress.

    The 11265th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 386. Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King, Owen King

    In a small Appalachian town, an extraordinary event unfolds: women who fall asleep become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze. If disturbed, they awaken in a violent, primal state. Meanwhile, in this bizarrely evolving world, Evie Black, a mysterious woman with a unique immunity to the sleeping phenomenon, emerges as both a potential savior and a harbinger of doom. As tensions between men and women escalate, the town becomes a battleground for a deeper societal confrontation, with Evie at its center. This novel weaves a rich tapestry of character and conflict, exploring themes of gender, power, and survival in a world teetering on the brink of an unfathomable transformation.

    The 11306th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 387. Little Darlings by Melanie Golding

    This psychological thriller delves into the fragile reality of Lauren Tranter, a new mother to twins, who is convinced that her babies are in danger from a supernatural entity intent on stealing them and replacing them with changelings. After a harrowing encounter in the hospital, Lauren's fears are dismissed as the product of exhaustion and mental strain. However, when her twins disappear and are then found seemingly unharmed, Lauren's conviction only deepens, leading her into a desperate struggle to protect her children and prove her sanity. Set against a backdrop of folklore and modern-day anxieties about motherhood, the narrative weaves a chilling tale of paranoia, love, and the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her children.

    The 11311th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 388. Battle Ground by Jim Butcher

    In this thrilling installment of a popular urban fantasy series, the city of Chicago becomes the epicenter of a supernatural war. The protagonist, a wizard detective, must rally his allies, both mortal and magical, to defend the city against a formidable and ancient enemy leading an army of monsters. As the battle rages, the stakes are higher than ever, pushing the hero to the limits of his power and resolve. Loyalties are tested, and sacrifices are made, in a desperate fight not just for survival, but for the soul of the city itself. The narrative is packed with action, magic, and the series' hallmark witty dialogue, making it a gripping read from start to finish.

    The 11317th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 389. The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher

    This novel follows a young woman who, after a personal upheaval, moves in with her uncle to help run his quirky museum of oddities. When she discovers a mysterious hole in the museum's wall, it leads her into a series of surreal, alternate realities filled with terrifying creatures and endless, hollow spaces. Teaming up with a fellow traveler, she embarks on a harrowing journey to find her way back home, facing not just the physical dangers of these other worlds but also confronting her deepest fears and insecurities. The narrative weaves a tale of adventure, horror, and self-discovery, as the protagonist learns the true meaning of courage and resilience in the face of the unknown.

    The 11317th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download