Tess Barron
- Oct 3, 2023
- 15 min read

Thriller & Suspense Essential Reading List for Writers

Thriller & Suspense Genre Writer's Essential Reading List to Improve Their Craft

So, you've set your sights on the crazy ol' world of thriller and suspense writing, huh?

Well, you have chosen a genre that demands dedication and a relentless pursuit of learning to manipulate your readers. Because it's not merely about writing great stories; it's about writing stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats, make their hearts race, and blow their minds.

To excel, you'll need to immerse yourself in the art of writing but also the literary ancestors who have paved the way for you.

These authors and their creations hold the keys to unlocking gripping storytelling, building tension, creating suspense, and writing the best villains and heroes. Because they have managed it, they are the best teachers you will find.

Listen closely; come here.

Reading isn't just a pleasure. It's a vital step on your journey to becoming a great writer.

Whether you're starting to hone your skills or seeking to elevate your existing skills, this list I have compiled here of essential reads will help you to grow as a writer and write better thriller stories.

Here is the list of 15 essential thriller novels you should read if you are to write in the genre:

The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

The Silence of the Lambs is a deeply chilling masterpiece of the thriller genre that digs into the darkest corners of the human psyche. It introduced us to the brilliant but completely deranged Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a character who has become one of the most iconic figures in literature and film.

Harris's narrative craftsmanship is top-notch, the way he weaves a complex and harrowing story, making this book an essential read for thriller writers in the making.

Here are just a few reasons why thriller writers should read The Silence of the Lambs:

Iconic and Complex Characters: Harris creates characters with layers, especially the unforgettable Hannibal Lecter. Study this book to craft multifaceted characters with conflicting motivations, making them both compelling and disturbing.
Psychological Depth: The novel explores the psychological aspects of criminal behavior and forensic investigation in a gripping and realistic way. It's a masterclass in understanding the minds of both the criminals and those pursuing them.
Dialogue and Manipulation: The exchanges between characters, particularly between Clarice Starling and Lecter, are brilliantly written. Analyze this book to understand how dialogue can be used for manipulation through subtext and to reveal character.

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Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl is a contemporary thriller that twists and turns through the minds of its two unreliable narrators, Nick and Amy Dunne.

Exploring the disappearance of Amy and the unraveling of a seemingly perfect marriage, the novel is a roller-coaster of suspense, secrets, and psychological manipulation at its finest

Here are a few reasons why thriller writers should read Gone Girl:

Unreliable Narrators: Flynn skillfully uses unreliable narrators to keep readers guessing without falling into tired cliches. Get into this book to learn how to create POV characters who can't be entirely trusted, adding layers of much-loved complexity to the plot.
Plot Twists: Gone Girl is renowned for its unexpected plot twists and riveting mind games. Use this novel to analyze how to keep readers on the edge of their seats, constantly reevaluating what they think they know.
Character Development: The characters in this novel undergo significant transformations throughout. Flynn's exploration of their motivations and inner workings is a valuable lesson in character development and depth.

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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

In The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, we follow hacker Lisbeth Salander and investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist as they dive into a decades-old mystery involving a wealthy Swedish family.

This dark novel has an intricate web of secrets, corporate corruption, and personal vendettas. It is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that combines complex characters, a compelling mystery, and social commentary.

It is a valuable source of inspiration for any thriller writer seeking to craft emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating stories.

Here are a few reasons why thriller writers should read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo:

Intricate Mystery Plot: Larsson weaves a multi-layered mystery involving cold cases, family dynamics, and financial intrigue to create something un-put-downable. Read it and learn how to create intricate and engaging plots full of mystery in your own novels.
Social Commentary: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo offers commentary on issues such as violence against women, corporate corruption, and journalistic ethics. Touching on these themes helps the story resonate with the audience and gives it a sense of purpose. See how Larsson is able to smoothly incorporate these themes into his thriller without losing sight of the tension.
Tension Building: Speaking of tension…Learn from this novel how to create a sense of unease and anticipation in your own writing. Larsson skillfully builds tension and suspense throughout the story, keeping readers hooked from page one.

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The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train is a psychological thriller that could also be classified as domestic. It immerses readers in the lives of women whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. The story is narrated from multiple viewpoints, adding layers of complexity and intrigue.

The Girl on the Train has intricate storytelling and complex characters. It's an excellent resource for thriller writers looking to write stories that blend psychological depth, mystery, and suspense.

Here are a few reasons why thriller writers should read The Girl on the Train:

Psychological Suspense: Hawkins masterfully builds psychological suspense and tension throughout the story. Read it and explore how she used character psychology to create a sense of unease and mystery.
Character Development: The characters in this book are well-developed and dynamic, changing as the story progresses. Analyze Hawkins's writing to understand how to create characters with emotional depth and show growth.
Atmospheric Setting: The Girl on the Train has a vivid sense of place, particularly on the suburban train commute. Study the novel to learn how setting can enhance the mood and atmosphere of your own thriller.

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The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth

Frederick Forsyth's The Day of the Jackal is a classic thriller that follows the meticulously planned assassination plot against the president of France, Charles de Gaulle, by an elusive and highly skilled assassin known as "The Jackal."

This novel is a masterclass of tension, detail, and suspense that has set the standard for the genre.

Forsyth obviously did his research when writing this gripping story and is an expert in finely crafted suspense that makes The Day of the Jackal a must-read for any thriller writer looking to break into the genre.

Here are a few reasons why thriller writers should read The Day of the Jackal:

Tension and Suspense: I cannot mention enough how well this book builds tension and suspense as the reader follows the Jackal's methodical preparations and the efforts to stop him. Study this novel to understand how to create and maintain suspense in your writing.
Realism: Forsyth has been praised for his realistic depiction of espionage and assassination plots. In other words, he did meticulous research, and the story is based firmly on reality. Use this book to explore how you can incorporate research and realism into your own thrillers while maintaining the sense of danger and high stakes.
Political Intrigue: The Day of the Jackal dives into political intrigue and the inner workings of intelligence agencies, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Use this example of how to incorporate political elements into your thriller, and if you are writing a political thriller, you cannot not read this novel.

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In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

I debated putting this book on the list because it is not really a work of fiction—but rather landing in the narrative non-fiction genre. But In Cold Blood is a groundbreaking work of true crime writing that blurs the lines between fact and fiction.

And it is massively thrilling to book.

Truman Capote's magnum opus explores the brutal murder of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, and the investigation, trial, and execution of their killer, Richard "Dick" Hickock and Perry Smith.

This book is definitely a must-read for thriller writers, especially those writing novels in the serial killer subgenre. Consider it essential research into the subject.

In Cold Blood is a landmark in true crime and suspense writing. It offers valuable lessons for all thriller writers in terms of storytelling techniques and exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the boundaries of suspense within the real-world context.

Here are a few reasons why thriller writers should read In Cold Blood:

Character Study: Capote deep dives into the minds of both the killers and their victims. His meticulous research and character development provide valuable insights into crafting complex and layered, morally ambiguous characters. His characterization of the people involved makes this book impossible to set down.
Moral Complexity: In Cold Blood explores the moral complexities surrounding the death penalty and the motives behind the murders. Use it as an example of how to introduce moral dilemmas into your thriller narratives.
In-Depth Research: I have said this maybe too many times already, but I still think some writers have their walls up around this one, so I will say it again. Research is vital in writing. Capote's commitment to research and interviews with the people involved in the case is a testament to the importance of thorough research in crafting a compelling and authentic thriller (and really any story).

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Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

Mystic River is a completely riveting and darkly atmospheric thriller that delves into the lives of three childhood friends whose paths converge when tragedy strikes their old neighborhood.

Lehane's novel explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, guilt, and the long-lasting effects of trauma. The novel weaves together complex characters, a vivid atmosphere, and a captivating mystery. It is a great work to learn depth and emotional resonance.

Here are a few reasons why thriller writers should read Mystic River:

Emotional Resonance: Lehane is able to evoke deep emotions from readers in his novel. They are invested in the characters' fates and gripped from beginning to end. Use this book as a model for creating stories that resonate on an impactful emotional level.
Complex Plotting: Mystic River weaves together multiple storylines, slowly revealing the connections between past and present events. Learn from it how to craft intricate and interconnected plots that take readers on a wild ride.
Atmosphere and Setting: Lehane masterfully captures the atmosphere of a working-class Boston neighborhood. Study this book and learn to create a vivid sense of place and use the setting to enhance the mood and tone of your thriller.

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Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

Before I Go to Sleep is a psychological thriller that explores the life of a woman who suffers from an amnesia that erases her memory every night when she sleeps. Every day, she must piece together her identity and the events of her life with the help of a journal, discovering shocking and unsettling secrets along the way.

Watson's thriller is a thought-provoking story that is filled with psychological depth, narrative innovation, and a gripping mystery. It challenges conventional storytelling techniques and pushes readers into a world of suspense and uncertainty.

Here are a few reasons why thriller writers should read Before I Go to Sleep:

Unique Narrative Perspective: Watson was presented with a challenge of telling a story through the perspective of a character with amnesia. The story unfolds as she experiences day by day, creating a sense of immediacy and uncertainty because readers have no knowledge of what has happened before. Study this novel to explore how to push the boundaries of narrative.
Psychological Suspense: The suspense in this novel is tightly wrapped around the main character's psychological state as she unravels the mystery of her life. Analyze this book to understand how to craft a sense of disorientation and unease in your writing.
Tension and Pacing: Watson maintains a taut pace, gradually revealing layers of the mystery. Study this book to understand how to balance the release of information and keep reader engagement.

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The Alienist by Caleb Carr

A historical thriller set in the late 19th century in New York City, The Alienist is a novel that shows when the field of forensic psychology was in its infancy. The story follows "alienist" Dr. Laszlo Kriezler and a team of investigators as they try to solve a series of gruesome murders.

Carr's novel combines historical fiction with mystery and thriller and has a suspenseful, very well-constructed plot, making it a standout in the genre.

Here are a few reasons why thriller writers should read The Alienist:

Team Dynamics: Dr. Kreizler assembles a diverse team of experts to help solve the case, and the interactions between them are well-written and engaging. Explore how to develop engaging team dynamics between your characters to add depth and emotional resonance.
Complex Characters: The Alienist features a full cast of complex and morally ambiguous characters, each with their own motivations and flaws. Use this book to learn how to create well-rounded characters that drive the narrative forward.
Serial Killers and Mystery: Carr's novel centers around a mystery involving a series of brutal murders, and as the novel progresses, it becomes more layered with suspense and intrigue. The serial killer character is equally well developed and planned through psychological profiling and obvious research on Carr's part. Learn from this book how to construct compelling and multi-layered mystery plots and villains.

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The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

The Talented Mr. Ripley is a thriller that introduces readers to the incredible character of Tom Ripley, the charming, sociopathic protagonist with a talent for manipulation and deception.

Highsmith's novel takes readers on a cruise through the mind of a criminal as Ripley assumes the identity of others, commits murder and evades capture. It challenged readers to empathize with a morally complex and manipulative character. The novel is a valuable resource for those looking to write fiction that explores the darker aspects of human nature.

Here are a few reasons why thriller writers should read The Talented Mr. Ripley:

Complex and Unconventional Protagonists: Tom Ripley is one of literature's (and film's) most intriguing and morally ambiguous protagonists. The story is well-crafted around him, and you should study it to better understand how to craft villainous protagonists, pushing the boundaries while keeping them relatable and appealing.
Moral Ambiguity: The Talented Mr. Ripley explores themes of morality and the consequences of unethical actions while exploring the dark nature of its characters. Use it as an example of how to introduce moral dilemmas into your thriller narratives.
Identity and Deception: Highsmith's novel revolves around identity theft and deception. It will be a helpful resource for any writer looking to create suspenseful stories involving deception and writing characters with ulterior motives. Use it to study how the author reveals aspects of her characters' identities and subverts expectations.

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American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

American Psycho is the disturbing and controversial psychological thriller by Bret Easton Ellis. The story lets us into the mind of everyone's favorite serial killer, Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York City mergers and acquisitions specialist who moonlights as a sadistic killer.

The novel is not for the faint of heart, so if you get queasy from violence and visceral descriptions of some seriously messed up stuff, skip this recommendation. Ellis's novel is a disturbing exploration of violence, consumerism, and the shallow emptiness of the 1980's yuppie culture.

American Psycho is challenging and confronts readers with the darkest aspects of humanity. But if you are looking to write books that push boundaries, challenge conventions, and dive deep into the scuzzy depths of the human psyche, all while telling a suspenseful and thought-provoking story, then this is a book that needs to be on your essential reading list.

Here are a few reasons why thriller writers should read American Psycho:

Psychological Horror: The novel is a psychological thriller/horror that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Analyze this book to understand how to create an atmosphere of psychological unease and horror in your thriller and suspense writing.
Character Study: American Psycho provides an in-depth character study of a very disturbed mind, offering insights into the psychology of a killer. This book is a must-read if your aim is to develop characters with complex and unsettling motives.
Graphic Descriptions: Ellis's novel is known for its graphic and explicit depictions of violence. While extreme, it can be used as a model for writers seeking to convey the visceral and brutal aspects of the thriller genre or even to discover your own boundaries and limitations in that area.

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The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carré

A classic espionage thriller, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold takes readers into the shadowy world of Cold War espionage.

John le Carré's novel follows a British intelligence officer who becomes embroiled in a complex and morally shady mission to infiltrate the East German intelligence services.

This book is considered a timeless classic of the genre, combining espionage realism, moral complexity, and a great plot. It's a vital read for readers looking to write about spies, betrayal, and high-stakes international situations.

Here are a few reasons why thriller writers should read The Spy Who Came in from the Cold:

Clever Plotting: This novel's intricate plotting and unexpected twists keep readers engaged. Learn from it how to write a compelling and multi-layered plot.
Use of Deception: The Spy Who Came in from the Cold involves layers of deception and double-crossing, essential elements of espionage thriller as well as many other kinds of thriller books. Use it as an example of how to weave deception into your own narratives to create a web of events and intrigue.
Tension: le Carré is a master at building tension and suspense with a plot. You would do well to read it if only to understand how to maintain a sense of intrigue and danger throughout your writing.

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The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Secret History is a dark and atmospheric psychological thriller that follows a group of elite classics students at an exclusive college. Tartt's novel centers around themes of obsession, moral corruption, and the consequences of a murder that shatter their tightly-knit circle.

The story is captivating and challenges the reader to question the boundaries of morality. It will be a great resource read for writers interested in crafting stories that combine psychological depth and intellectual intrigue with a haunting atmosphere.

Here are a few reasons why thriller writers should read The Secret History:

Narrative Structure: Tartt uses an intricate narrative structure that includes a prologue that reveals the murder and the subsequent unraveling of the events leading up to it. Learn from this book how to use non-linear storytelling to create suspense.
Cultural References: The Secret History is rich in cultural references, especially in the context of classical literature and philosophy, creating depth and realism. Use it as an example of how to incorporate intellectual and cultural elements into your storytelling.
Group Interactions: The book explores the dynamics of a group of friends and the secrets that bind them together. This novel will help you better understand how to develop characters and their relationships with each other so they are engaging and engrossing.

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The Poet by Michael Connelly

The Poet follows the investigation of a serial killer who uses the work of famous poets as inspiration for his gruesome murders. Connelly's novel takes the reader on a suspenseful ride as the journalist protagonist unravels the mind of a killer, unearthing dark secrets along the way.

The novel is well-crafted and combines an original premise with a character-driven plot to create a memorable read.

Here are a few reasons why thriller writers should read The Poet:

Plot Twists: The Poet is known for its clever and unexpected plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Study this book to learn how to craft intricate and surprising plots that maintain reader interest.
Intriguing Psychology: Connelly gets right into the psychology of his novel's killer, exploring his motivations and methods. Use this book as a model for creating suspense but also depth by developing a complex and appealing antagonist.
Character-Driven Narrative: The Poet is a character-driven story where the protagonist gives the momentum. Learn from it how to create well-developed characters whose personal stakes drive the narrative and who readers can become attached to.

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Cape Fear by John D. MacDonald

Cape Fear is a well-known thriller that explores themes of fear, morality, and revenge. The novel follows the Bowden family as they become the target of a relentless and cunning criminal, Max Cady, recently released from prison and seeking vengeance against the family's patriarch.

This novel, which was originally published under the title The Executioners in 1957, is, by all considerations, a classic of the genre. With a relentless antagonist, plenty of moral dilemmas, and a tense cat-and-mouse chase, Cape Fear serves as a lesson in the impact of fear and revenge.

Here are a few reasons why thriller writers should read Cape Fear:

Exploration of Fear: Macdonald shows the psychological impact of fear on the Bowden family and the consequences of it. Use this book as a prime example of how to explore the theme of fear and its effect on your characters within your own thriller novel.
Cat-and-Mouse Dynamics: Cape Fear portrays an intense cat-and-mouse game between the protagonist and the antagonist. Analyze it to better understand how to create and maintain suspenseful pursuits within your plots.
Story Pacing: This novel is known for its suspenseful pacing and the constant sense of danger. Study Cape Fear to learn how to create a high level of tension and anticipation in your writing that keeps the story moving with purpose.

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Final Words

Thriller and suspense is a genre that demands both artistry and precision in order to be successful—it is a high-wire act of storytelling for the purpose of captivating and thrilling your reader's pants off.

The best way to improve your writing in any area is to read the masters who have already done what it is you are looking to accomplish and study them. Consider the valuable insights you have learned from each one and experiment with applying those techniques to your own writing.

From the psychological depth of The Talented Mr. Ripley to the espionage realism of John le Carré's Classic, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, these novels represent the beating heart of the thriller genre.

A great novel can challenge and inspire you and serve as a beacon goal for whatever it is you are trying to create.

Remember, in writing, mastery is an ever-evolving pursuit. You must write, read, and read about writing…(that last one you'll find here on The Writer's Cabin). So, keep the suspense alive and keep writing.

What are the subgenres of thriller & suspense?

The most popular subgenres within thriller and suspense include the following:

Psychological Thriller
Crime Thriller
Legal Thriller
Conspiracy Thriller
Political Thriller

But this list only scratches the surface. To read up on the other subgenres of thriller and to see in which category your writing might best fit, check out our guide to choosing your thriller & suspense subgenre.

Thriller Subgenres