5 Awesome Thriller Books Without Romance

Thriller Books Without Romance

Finding romance-free thrillers is a real challenge for ardent lovers of adventure and stimulation who can't help but roll their eyes at hackneyed romantic sequences that bog down the story. If you are sick and tired of putting up with unnecessary romance in your thrillers, and are looking for books that are a 100% focused on action and mystery, you have come to the right place. The following is a list of five incredibly exhilarative thriller novels that will constantly keep you on your toes - that too without a dash of cheesiness.

1. No Exit , by Taylor Adams

Page Count: 287

Average Rating: 4.01

Published In: 2017

A young woman is placed in a terrifying life-or-death situation when she gets stuck at a rest-stop during a blizzard with four strangers- one of whom has a kidnapped child in their car. As she races against time to protect herself and rescue the child, things get progressively more aggressive. No Exit is a one-of-a-kind thriller that cuts to the chase right away and continues to advance at a break-neck pace. Not a single second goes to waste in this adrenaline-pumping ride filled with simmering excitement and looming dread. With loads of action unfolding in every other scene, there is almost no room for dwelling on anything outside of the immediate surroundings, let alone romance. Once you pick it up, you will certainly be at the edge of your seat until you get to the finishing sentence. The book is undoubtedly a welcome treat for victims of reading slumps, as well as thriller sleuths who are perpetually looking to be swept off their feet. Apart from being a page-turner, No Exit also explores morality in a subtle yet impactful manner. 

2. Confessions, by Kanae Minato

Page Count: 240

Average Rating: 3.99

Published In: 2008

Confessions is a highly unique thriller that ventures into unchartered territory and plays on unconventional tropes. A school teacher sets out on the path of revenge when her daughter is killed by two of her pupils. While the premise seems familiar at the first glance, the execution of the novel is where the actual mastery of the author lies. Narrated by a range of characters, Confessions unravels its many mysteries through a delicate dance of tragedy and despair. Every chapter ends with a cliffhanger that reveals a significant puzzle piece, thus adding to the cryptic appeal of the story. It is a book that follows a classroom engulfed by its own darkness. You will not encounter an ounce of romance as you witness the steady disentanglement of the book's events. It does come across as a slow-burn at times, but the jaw-dropping plot twists peppered throughout the narrative make the wait worthwhile. If you have an eye for contemplative thrillers that unveil the monstrosity of humankind, Confessions needs to be on your to-be-read list.

3. Misery, by Stephen King

Page Count: 370

Average Rating: 4.21

Published In: 1987

Misery is the perfect bridge between horror and thriller novels. It boasts an eerie atmosphere coupled with the tingling anticipation typical of a thriller. When a best-selling author is met with a tragic accident, he is saved by Annie Wilkes-  his biggest fan, who also happens to be his captor. As Annie nurses Paul back to health, her obsession with his books manifests into a sinister and life-threatening reality for Paul. It may appear to be a potential romantic set-up, but the book doesn't take that route. Instead, it revolves around the implications of Annie's calculated insanity. Misery is not an action thriller by any means, but it still manages to unsettle the reader and keep them glued to its pages. Reading the novel feels like walking on eggshells, as the you await Annie's next move with bated breath. The main intrigue factor of the novel comes from the unpredictability of the situation. Taking a detour from romance, Stephen King explores the twisted dynamics of an obsessive relationship between a writer and his fan. King expertly amps up the insidious nature of this relationship as the book progresses. Misery is a goldmine for fans of psychologically disturbing thrillers that infuse a sense of paranoia in them.

4. An Unwanted Guest, by Shari Lapena

Page Count: 352

Average Rating: 3.77

Published In: 2018

Everyone loves a closed door mystery with And Then There Were None vibes. This novel follows a similar format to the unforgettable classic. A group of people taking a quiet vacation in a cozy mountain lodge is cut off from the world by a snow-storm, but when the first guest turns up dead, the game of deceit and suspicion begins. While some of the guests are couples, the actual story has little to do with the characters' love lives. As suggested by the synopsis, tension runs high throughout the novel. The balanced pacing along with the isolated setting make for an immersive mystery that provides the readers with well-timed jabs of entertainment. Lapena's writing style is simplistic and extremely readable, making the novel a breeze to get through. Thus, you will be at the end of the book before you know it. The final plot twist is polarizing, but there is no doubt about the fact that An Unwanted Guest is a tempting reading offer for those who long for mysteries of a certain kind that also happen to be devoid of romance.

5. Five Survive, by Holly Jackson

Page Count: 391

Average Rating: 4.08

Published In: 2022

Let us end the list with a young adult thriller that will totally exceed your expectations and do away with your reservations. The YA thriller/mystery genre gets a bad reputation as it is assumed to be juvenile and therefore, less worthy of appreciation. Five Survive, however, is a roller-coaster ride of excitement and thrill that will surprise young and adult audiences alike. When six friends embark on a road-trip, everything seems perfect- until an anonymous sniper shoots down their wheels. With no way out, their dream trip suddenly turns into a fight for survival. As the teens scramble to come up with plans to rescue themselves, things continue to become graver by the second. Each scene is characterized by an obtrusive sense of overwhelming fear and the suspense of finding out the real identity of the sniper. Jackson swiftly makes a series of important developments and elevates the stakes to extraordinary levels with great dexterity. The readers are left wondering if the characters are going to make it our alive at all. The ominous title only accentuates the already nerve-wracking narrative that refuses to allow you a moment of reprieve. The extreme build-up is followed by an equally satisfying pay-off, as the plot twist is shocking enough to knock the wind out of anyone's lungs. 

Conclusion

There is nothing wrong with the overlap between romance and thrillers. The purpose of this article is to serve those readers who want to enjoy something different that gives them a break from the usual monotony of cliche romantic tracks. There are numerous thrillers that have a gratuitous amount of romance, and are still loved by millions of readers. However, there is something in the market for everyone.