TW: these books contain discussions of sexual assault, drug and alcohol, abuse, and self-harm.
With Halloween approaching, it is the perfect time of year to start reading those mysterious, suspenseful thriller stories. Personally, I could read thrillers all year long. Whether you are looking for some recommendations this season or need books to get you into the genre, these five will be perfect for you.
- The family Upstairs
-
This novel is what originally drew me into the thriller genre a couple of years ago. Written by Lisa Jewell, this story shifts perspectives between three different points of view and explores the mysterious past of the Lamb family. Right away we learn that three bodies are found in their family home, and from there on I could not put this book down; I needed to know how the story played out.
- Gone girl
-
This novel is a classic in the psychological thriller genre. If you haven’t heard of this story before, it is written by Gillian Flynn. The story follows the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne, the wife of Nick Dunne, who quickly becomes the prime suspect in her case. Amy’s disappearance leads to many questions surrounding their lives and marriage. From the very beginning, this book gives you unanswered questions you cannot wait to be solved.
- pretty things
-
When I began this book, I did not know what to expect. I picked it up when I had nothing else to read and was quickly hooked. Two wildly different women are thrown together when Nina, a con artist, rents a guest house from Vanessa, an Instagram influencer. Janelle Brown’s characters are not necessarily likable, however, I enjoyed this aspect of the story. I found myself not rooting for either character which I find to be rare in books. However, I found that this only made the story that more interesting.
- they never learn
-
I was hesitant to read this story at first because it isn’t super popular, but once I started this book I could not put it down. In this psychological thriller by Layne Fargo, Scarlett Clark teaches at a small university. In her time off she is a serial killer, murdering men who have been accused of sexual assault. While it may seem like the novel has been laid out in front of you after reading the synopsis, there is so much more to learn. I hadn’t read anything quite like this book before, and I loved the uniqueness of the story.
- where the truth lies
-
I originally bought this book with no expectations whatsoever. The book was in the buy one get one half off section of Barnes and Noble and it sounded appealing, so I figured I would check it out. But once I started this book I could not put it down. In Anna Bailey’s debut novel, a small town’s secrets are exposed after teenager Abigail Blake goes missing. In the process of investigating her case, the townspeople’s dark history is brought to light. I read this book in a day, and the end of the novel had a twist I did not expect. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a new suspense story.
These five books are perfect to start the Halloween season off with, just don’t be like me and read the last pages first. Either way, you will not be able to put these stories down. Happy reading!
Can’t get enough of HC UMass Amherst? Be sure to follow us on Instagram, listen to us on Spotify, like us on Facebook, and read our latest Tweets!