Must-Read Thriller Books For Beginners

 The thriller genre can be elusive to the untrained eye, owing to its various sub-genres and convoluted tropes. However, there are a great many fantastic thriller books that are perfectly designed for beginners. In this article, I have complied a list of books that boast an intriguing premise backed up by simple but effective execution. They are neither too intricate nor very bland. Each book is highly invigorating and fast-paced, and so it will certainly retain your interest right till the end.

1. The Last Word, by Taylor Adams

You will never pen a care-free negative review for a book after reading this intense psychological thriller. A woman living in a remote location is hunted down by the author of a book that she posted a one-star review of. An anxiety-inducing but riveting ride from start to finish, The Last Word leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of keeping the readers high on tension the whole way through. You can't help but root for the main character as she narrowly dodges the killer's attempts at finishing her off. The isolated setting on top of the anonymity of the antagonist makes the story even more enthralling to follow. The narrative feels like a game of tug-and-war, with the upper hand swinging from the protagonist to the villain. Just when you think the book is done with changing directions, it throws another twist at you. What's more, the language is extremely accessible, even for unseasoned readers. Whether you are a thriller veteran or a complete novice, this novel is bound to get your palms sweaty and your heart pumping. The striking similarity between the book and the Netflix movie "Hush" presents another interesting angle for those willing to put it on their radar.

2. Home Before Dark, by Riley Sager

Riley Sager is a household name for thriller enthusiasts, and for good reason. While he has a number of successful thrillers to his name, Home Before Dark is my personal favorite by him. It follows a woman named Maggie Holt, who inherits a haunted house that her father wrote a book called "The House of Horrors" about 25 years ago, thus immortalizing the horrific tales of the house. As Maggie struggles with her own cynicism in the face of the unsettling events and small town gossip, the readers instinctively fall into the game of figuring out whether there is any substance to the paranormal stories. Home Before Dark can also serve as a sound threshold into the realm of horror novels, as it is a captivating hybrid between of the two genres. Sager uses vivid imagery to paint nerve-wracking scenes that egg the readers on to read the next chapter. The lines between fiction and reality are blurred as the house begins to reveal its secrets. The book should be consumed by everyone who simply wants to dip their toes into the thriller/mystery genre. All-in-all, the paranormal mystery, the excerpts from House of Horrors, the alternating time-lines as well as the suggestive interludes of relatively minor characters make Home Before Dark an immaculate entertainer.

3. The Maid, by Nita Prose

The 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards winner definitely deserves a special mention on this list. A devoted hotel maid's life is thrown into disarray when she discovers the dead body of a wealthy man in his suite, and is made the lead suspect in the murder case. This thriller is comparatively quiet, with a strong focus on Molly's unique personality and its implications on the precarious situation she is in. The mystery moves along at a satisfying pace, allowing the readers to take in all the significant details without falling prey to boredom. Apart from the plot, the main character's quirky tendencies make for a particularly delightful reading experience. The reason as to why I recommend it to beginners is the familiar set-up and the basic writing style. The plot is pretty linear and doesn't involve a lot of people. A tight-knit cast of characters is the main crew of the story, and by the end, a heartwarming found family union amuses the readers as well. On the whole, it is an excellent pick for newbies who haven't had much experience with the genre.

4. The Sun Down Motel, by Simone St. James

A roadside motel troubles a young woman, just like it terrorized her aunt thirty-five years ago. This thriller is set in an atmospheric environment, and relies heavily on the dual timeline trope. The chapters are short and snappy, rendering the novel incredibly readable. The book goes by really fast, passing through a series of mini-twists and paranormal happenings. The author masterfully avoids the usual lull that often comes around in the middle of a book. While there isn't tons of action, the book still manages to trigger your curiosity and leave you anxious to find out more. It also toes the line separating horror from mystery, with several supernatural aspects mingling with the actual plot. In all honesty, it is not a masterpiece with memorable characters and a mind-blowing ending, but it does possess all the characteristics of a breezy novel to kill the time. If you enjoy creepy stories set against a darkly cozy backdrop, The Sun Down Motel is the book for you.

5. A Good Girl's Guide To Murder, by Holly Jackson

Last but not the least, this Young Adult mystery series checks all the boxes of an engrossing thriller. Pip, an exceptionally bright student, is determined to solve the mystery of a murder that took place in her small town five years ago. The police convicted someone that Pip believes to be innocent. She takes on this project with all her might and puts the entire town under a microscope. The plot is unbelievably engaging on account of the short chapters and the inclusion of multi-media. That's right- the book follows an unconventional format as it comprises podcast snippets in addition to the normal narrative. This prevents the readers from getting distracted or losing interest in the story. Pip's adventures act as outlets for the readers to live their dreams vicariously, because let's be honest; we have all had fantasies of playing Sherlock. The best part of this novel is the fact that it is followed by two other books following the same characters, but different stories. The entire series is nothing short of masterful, with meaningful themes infused with electrifying thrills. 

CONCLUSION

The thriller genre is an ever-expanding goldmine of excitement and stimulation. For those of use who want to experience a heightened version of reality, this genre is the perfect paradise. It is, however, important to approach it one step at a time so as to not get overwhelmed. Have you read any of the above mentioned books? If not, are you planning to? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Happy reading folks!