Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden is a quick psychological thriller with a straightforward writing style typical of the author. The story moves at a steady pace and kept my interest. The characters are not especially deep. It’s an easy read that may appeal to readers looking for a light, uncomplicated suspense novel.
I received a complimentary e-copy. Thank you to Edelweiss.
Title: Two Kinds of Strangers Author: Steve Cavanaugh Format: eBook Length: 400 pages Rating: 5 stars Publication Date: March 24, 2026
Steve Cavanagh has done it again!! Two Kinds of Stranger grabbed my attention from the very first chapter and never let me go. The story is packed with tension, twists you don’t see coming, and the kind of suspense that keeps you saying, “Just one more chapter” long into the night.
I loved how every character seemed to be hiding something, making it impossible to know who could be trusted. The pacing was relentless, with shocking reveals that continually changed my assumptions. Cavanagh’s ability to build suspense while delivering believable, complex characters is what sets his thrillers apart.
This was a fast-paced, addictive read that kept me guessing until the very end. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with clever plotting, unforgettable characters, and jaw-dropping twists, this book is an absolute must-read!
Thank you to Edelweiss for my e-copy of this book. I listened to this one thanks to my library.
Title: Three Reasons For Revenge Author: Dervla McTiernan Format: audiobook Length: 10 hours 28 minutes Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: July 21, 2026
Dervla McTiernan has delivered a brilliantly layered thriller with Three Reasons for Revenge. What begins with Alexis Turner reporting an assault to Detective Sergeant Judith Lee quickly spirals into a much larger mystery, when Alexis vanishes and three seemingly unrelated people receive mysterious packages designed to destroy their lives. I loved how every new revelation only raised more questions, and the connections between the characters unfolded so naturally that I was constantly rethinking my theories.
I also appreciated how each of the package recipients had their own compelling storyline, making it impossible to know who could be trusted or what role they ultimately played in the larger puzzle.
This is a smart, fast-paced thriller that rewards readers who love piecing together complex mysteries alongside memorable, well-developed characters. I plan to read more books by this author!
Thank you to William Morrow’s Scene Of The Crime Program, which sent me a complimentary audiobook.
Title: The Safe Room: A Short Story Author: Lisa Unger Format: eBook Length: 63 pages Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: July 1, 2026
Private investigator Rae Donovan’s relationship with her father is distant to the point of estrangement. But when she learns he’s dying in hospice, she drops everything to be at his side. By the time she arrives, he’s already too far gone to speak, and a doctor says his death is consistent with poisoning.
As she scours his isolated Adirondack home for clues, she discovers a hidden room filled with surveillance equipment, weapons, and a safe full of cash—maybe her father wasn’t the unassuming retiree she’d imagined. Rae must decide whether knowing the full truth about her family is worth the danger of tracking it down.
Lisa Unger knows how to pull you into a story, and The Safe House was no exception. From the very beginning, I was hooked by the mystery of who killed Rae’s father, and wanted to know how everything was connected. I wish this story could of been a little bit longer so the ending could of been more flushed out, but overall I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys quick paced thrillers.
I chose this book as a First Reads choice in June 2026.
Title: The Delivery: A Novella Author: Gregg Hurwitz Format: eBook Length: 225 pages Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: July 1, 2026
Rebecca and Mark Higgins are doing their best to hold their family together. She’s healing from the pain of a miscarriage, he’s drowning in pressure at work, and their neurodivergent daughter, Maddy, needs all the care she can get. So when a cutting-edge tech company offers the perfect solution, they jump at the chance. And they welcome “Mr. Man”―a humanoid AI companion―into their home.
Designed to anticipate their needs, he’s like a miracle at first. The house runs like clockwork. Meals appear on the table. And Maddy thrives under his patient attention. But when inexplicable tragedies start to strike the neighborhood, Rebecca glimpses a darker pattern at play.
Each incident is an answer to an unspoken fear, each kindness shadowed by violence. Mr. Man isn’t just following instructions―he’s anticipating what they want. Even the things they never dared to say. And if he’s executing their darkest desires, it’s their responsibility to stop him…at any cost.
Gregg Hurwitz knows how to write suspense, and The Delivery was an entertaining read. The story grabbed my attention immediately with what seemed like a routine delivery that quickly spiraled into a dangerous, high-stakes fight for survival. The tension never let up, and I found myself constantly wondering how the family was going to escape each new obstacle. I especially enjoyed the fast pacing and the way Hurwitz kept raising the stakes without slowing the story down. There were several tense confrontations that had me turning the pages as quickly as possible. This was a fun, adrenaline-fueled thriller that delivered exactly what I was expecting from the synopsis. If you enjoy nonstop action and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this one is well worth reading.
This is a new author to me and I would definitely read more of his work.
I chose this book as a First Reads choice in June 2026.
Title: Keep Them Close Author: David Ellis Format: eBook Length: 348 pages Publication Date: June 30, 2026
From the bestselling author of Look Closer comes a new domestic thriller about betrayal and murder inside one twisted family
Two siblings. One murder. So many lies.
Siblings Allison and Luke have been through a lot together. They’ve always stood by each other. They’d do anything for each other.
Or so it seems.
When Allison’s husband, Finley, is murdered, the investigation threatens to expose the siblings’ darkest secrets. An illicit affair. A decades-old accident. A stunning deception. How do these events explain Finley’s death? How far will Allison and Luke go to keep their secrets buried? And can the siblings even trust one another anymore?
As the investigation winds tighter and past and present collide, the most shocking betrayal might lie a little too close to home…
Keep Them Close by David Ellis was a twisty, fast-paced thriller that kept me guessing from start to finish. The story is packed with family secrets, betrayals, and unexpected revelations, and I never felt completely sure who I could trust. The alternating perspectives and timelines added to the suspense and made it hard to put down. Ellis does a great job weaving together multiple storylines and delivering surprises at just the right moments. If you enjoy domestic thrillers filled with deception, family drama, and plenty of twists, this one is definitely worth picking up!
Title: The Kind Worth Killing Author: Peter Swanson Format: Paperback Length: 311 pages Rating: 5 stars Publication Date Of My Edition: 2015
The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson was an absolutely brilliant psychological thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The story is packed with twists, deception, and morally complex characters who are impossible to look away from. The multiple perspectives added so much depth to the plot, allowing the tension to build steadily while revealing just enough information to keep me guessing. Swanson’s writing is sharp, suspenseful, and impossible to put down. Every chapter left me wanting to read just one more, and the ending was perfectly satisfying. If you enjoy clever psychological thrillers filled with manipulation, secrets, and unexpected twists, this is a must-read.
Title: It’s Not Her Author: Mary Kubica Format: audiobook Length: 11 hours 32 minutes Narrators: Jennifer Jill Araya, Brittany Pressley, Gary Tiedermann Rating: 4.5 stars Publication Date:February 3, 2026
It’s Not Her was such an addictive and suspenseful read. Mary Kubica does an amazing job creating tension from the very beginning, and every chapter pulled me deeper into the mystery. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist completely changed everything.
I especially loved the emotional depth of the story and how layered the characters felt. The pacing was fantastic, the atmosphere was unsettling in the best way, and the ending was absolutely everything. This was one of those thrillers that was impossible to put down!
I also enjoyed each narrator. They made the characters come to life in such a great way!
Title: The Anniversary Author: Alex Finlay Format: audiobook Length: 7 hours 38 minutes Narrators: Ari Fliakos & Brittany Pressley Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: May 12, 2026
I really enjoyed The Anniversary by Alex Finlay. The story pulled me in right away with its intriguing premise and didn’t let go. The pacing was steady, with just the right amount of suspense to keep me listening, and I found myself constantly trying to piece together what was really going on.
The plot twist completely caught me off guard in the best way. It was the kind of reveal that makes you stop and rethink everything you’ve read up to that point, which I always appreciate in a thriller. It felt well-executed and satisfying rather than rushed or predictable.
I listened to the audiobook, and both narrators (Ari Fliakos and Brittany Pressley) did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. They really captured the tone and emotions of the characters, adding depth and tension in all the right moments. Their performances made it even easier to stay fully immersed in the story.
Overall, this was a gripping and entertaining read with strong storytelling and a memorable twist. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted thriller.
I received a complimentary audiobook copy. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to listen.
Title: The Invitation Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas Format: eBook Length: 329 pages Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: July 1, 2025
I stayed up all night reading this book, which is rare for me. Was it a masterpiece? Not really. But I was totally invested in Amelia and Jude’s relationship. I liked the witty banter the characters had with each other and did laugh out loud a few times. I wish Jude would of came clean instead of just yelling “wait, wait” at her while Amelia was running away. Anyway, I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I chose this book as a First Reads choice in June 2025.
Title: Kill For Me, Kill For You Author: Steve Cavanagh Format: Hardcover Length: 340 pages Rating: 4 stars Publication Date Of My Edition: March 19, 2024
I gave Kill For Me, Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh four stars because it completely pulled me in with its dark, twisty premise and kept me guessing the whole time I was reading. The concept is chilling and clever, and the pacing made it hard to put down once things really got going. I especially liked how the multiple POVs were essential to the story. Seeing events unfold from different perspectives added layers to the plot and kept building suspense, making me want to keep reading to piece everything together. The characters were compelling, even if not always likable, which added to the overall intensity. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist would shift everything.
Title: Her Last Breath Author: Taylor Adams Format: audiobook Length: 10 hours 8 minutes Narrator: Sophie Amoss Genre: Thriller Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: February 17, 2026
Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams is a gripping, high-stakes thriller that refuses to let you look away. Adams has a remarkable ability to drop readers straight into danger and then steadily tighten the screws with each chapter. The pacing is razor-sharp—every scene feels purposeful, every detail loaded with tension—and the story escalates in a way that makes it nearly impossible to stop reading.
What truly elevates the novel is its emotional core. Beneath the suspense and shock lies a deeply human story about fear, resilience, and the instinct to survive. The protagonist is written with depth and vulnerability, making the stakes feel intensely personal. You’re not just watching events unfold—you’re experiencing them alongside the characters, sharing in their dread, hope, and determination.
The author also does a great job at the atmosphere. The setting feels immersive and vividly cinematic, heightening the sense of claustrophobia and urgency. Quiet moments are just as powerful as the explosive ones, creating a rhythm that keeps readers on edge. And when the twists arrive, they’re both surprising and satisfying, grounded in the logic of the story.
The audiobook narration adds another layer of intensity, with a performance by Sophie Amoss that captures the urgency and emotional nuance of the story beautifully, making the suspense even more immersive.
In the end, Her Last Breath delivers exactly what great thrillers promise: relentless tension, emotional investment, and a finale that lingers long after the final page. It’s a standout read for fans of smart, character-driven suspense.
I received a complimentary audiobook through William Morrow’s Scene of The Crime program. I was sent a widget through NetGalley.
Title: You’ve Been Warned Author: James Patterson and Howard Roughan Format: Hardcover Length: 306 pages Rating: 5 stars Publication Date: September 10, 2007
The story follows Kristin Burns, a New York photographer whose life begins to unravel when her dreams start bleeding into reality. At first, it’s small things, moments of déjà vu and unsettling coincidences. But soon the line between waking and dreaming collapses entirely. People she’s never met recognize her. Events she only remembers from dreams seem to have actually happened. And then there are the warnings, cryptic messages that suggest she is both in danger and somehow responsible for what’s happening.
What makes this novel so gripping is its relentless uncertainty. The authors expertly manipulate perception, keeping both Kristin and the reader disoriented. Just when you think you’ve grasped the truth, the narrative shifts. The short chapters (a Patterson trademark that I love) intensify the pace, creating a breathless, almost cinematic rhythm. It’s nearly impossible to stop reading because every chapter ends with a hook that makes you keep turning the pages.
Kristin herself is a compelling protagonist. She’s not a hardened detective or a fearless action hero. She’s an ordinary person whose mind may be betraying her. Her vulnerability makes the suspense more intimate and disturbing. As her world destabilizes, so does ours. The paranoia is contagious.
Exploring themes of guilt, memory, and identity, You’ve Been Warned delivers plenty of twists and a bold, haunting conclusion. Dark, gripping, and deeply unsettling, it’s a thriller that lingers after the final page.
Title: When I Kill You Author: B.A. Paris Format: audiobook Length: 7 hours 52 minutes Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: February 17, 2026
I listened to this last year so it counted for last years challenges.
When I Kill You is another gripping, emotionally charged thriller from B.A. Paris, and I was hooked from the very first page. The tension builds beautifully throughout the story, with Paris’s signature blend of atmospheric suspense and deeply personal stakes. I found myself completely immersed, not just in the plot but in the way the story unfolded with such precision and psychological depth. I did guess the plot twist before it happened, but it did not ruin the book for me.
If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you on edge while delivering strong character insight, When I Kill You is absolutely worth the read.
Title: Inside Man Author: John McMahon Format: audiobook Narrator: Will Damon Length: 9 hours 35 minutes Publication Date: January 13, 2026
Inside Man by John McMahon is a gripping, smartly constructed thriller that kept me fully invested from start to finish. McMahon writes his cast with depth and emotional realism, making it easy to become immersed in their world and genuinely care about what happens as the story unfolds.
The dual investigations are especially compelling. As the two cases gradually intertwine, the tension builds in a way that constantly pulled me forward. Just when I thought I understood where things were heading, new connections emerged, keeping the story fresh and unpredictable without ever feeling forced or confusing. The pacing strikes a great balance between thoughtful development and propulsive suspense.
The audiobook elevates the experience even further. Narrator Will Damron does an outstanding job, bringing nuance and authenticity to each character’s voice. His performance enhances the emotional beats and sharpens the tension, making it hard to stop listening.
I received a complimentary audio copy. Thank you to the lovely people I reached out to at Macmillan for allowing me to have this ALC on my NetGalley Shelf.
Under the cover of turbulence, a killer strikes. With nowhere to land and nowhere to hide, who will save the passengers from this nightmare at 30,000 feet?
It’s a ticket to paradise. Flight 868 with nonstop service to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Over a dozen tipsy passengers are off to a destination wedding. A team of high school baseball players are headed to a tournament. The plane is packed with people eager to escape their lives, and others who can’t wait to return to their beloved home.
But sweet anticipation turns to terror when a lightning strike short-circuits the avionics and plunges the plane into darkness. When the lights come back on, a passenger is found brutally murdered, with only a bewildered air marshal to solve the crime. He soon realizes that several passengers are harboring dark secrets, but the identity of the murderer eludes him. There’s only one certainty: the killer is on the plane.
Thousands of feet above the earth with thunderstorms closing in, the danger outside is as grave as the mounting threat within. Can the captain outrun the storm? Or will the murderer among them bring the plane down first?
Passion, betrayal, and murder collide in this high-stakes, locked-room mystery. A must-read for fans of T. J. Newman and Jeneva Rose.
I received a complimentary e-copy through Thrill Book Lovers: The Pulse.
Title: Dark Arts and A Daiquiri Author: Annette Marie Format: audiobook Length: 7 hours 39 minutes Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: November 16, 2018
This audiobook is a fast and funny urban-fantasy adventure. Tori’s snarky voice and fearless attitude make her a fantastic protagonist, and the chemistry with her mage roommates is as charming as ever. Annette Marie delivers sharp humor, great action, and surprisingly heartfelt moments, all wrapped in vivid world-building that’s impossible to resist. I cannot wait to listen to the next book in this series!
Fifteen years ago, the Tanner family vanished without a trace, leaving behind a chilling scene: half-eaten meals, a bloodstain by the door, and a smoldering fire consuming their business across town.
The once-vibrant home stands untouched, a haunting relic of the past. As rumors fade into local folklore, the mystery of their disappearance seems destined to remain unsolved–until Aubrey Tanner returns.
Now a hardened thirty-year-old, Aubrey arrives in town with secrets etched in her silence. Why did she come back? Was she a victim of the night that changed everything, or does she hold the truth of what happened to her family? The town is rife with theories, but three women share a dangerous bond: they know more than they’ve ever confessed.
As the past resurfaces, old alliances fray. A teacher, a café owner, and a psychologist are drawn together by memories they’d rather forget. Each holds a piece of the puzzle–and a dark secret of their own. When a new disappearance sends shock waves through the town, blackmail begins, and the stakes climb higher.
In a race against time, these women must confront the truth or risk becoming the next victims of a past they cannot escape. With tension rising and danger lurking, one thing is clear: someone is destined to kill again.
I received a complimentary ARC through Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse.
Title: Warping Minds and Other Misdemeanors Author: Annette Marie and Rob Jacobsen Format: audiobook Length: 6 hours 34 minutes Rating: 3.5 stars Publication Date: August 25, 2020
COYER Library Love
I liked the characters in this book, but something about the story won’t let me rate it above 3.5 stars. I think my mind is wanting to compare it to the other series that Annette Marie wrote, and while they are in the same universe, this one just has a different feel. It was not a bad story, and I will continue on with the read-along.
