Crime & Thriller Fiction Books
Whether you enjoy following a detective uncovering secrets in crime fiction books, racing towards a dramatic conclusion in thrillers or navigating the twists of mystery fiction books, these genres deliver compelling reading from beginning to end.
Browse our popular books collection to find out more about our most talked-about titles.
Four unlikely friends
A shocking murder
Welcome to THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB
Prepare to be hooked: nail-biting suspense from the addictive number one ten-million-copy bestselling author.
Jack Reacher, \"the coolest continuing series character\" (Stephen King), returns in a brand new, pulse-pounding read from Lee and Andrew Child.
Featured thrillers and crime fiction books highlight standout titles known for their unexpected turns.
In The Thursday Murder Club, Richard Osman introduces a group of unlikely sleuths whose pursuit of the truth unfolds with wit and ingenuity, blending mystery with sharp observation and character-led storytelling.
Lisa Jewell’s None of This is True follows a chance meeting that spirals into a deeply unsettling relationship, as one woman becomes entangled in another’s disturbing and secretive life.
J. Ross’sHoly Island follows DCI Ryan, whose search for solitude is disrupted by a murder case, unfolding into an atmospheric mystery where past and present begin to collide.
Each of these crime and thriller fiction novels offers a tightly-constructed and absorbing reading experience.
The latest crime, thriller and mystery fiction books feature standout titles that are shaping the genre today.
James Patterson’s Cross & Sampson follows two determined detectives as they investigate two serious crimes hundreds of miles apart.
In Antihero, a story shaped by risk and consequence, Gregg Hurwitz delivers a thriller centred on a former black ops assassin who must choose between the code or his life.
Jonathan Kellerman’s Jigsaw returns with psychologist Alex Delaware and an investigation where seemingly separate cases begin to connect, revealing a layered and increasingly deadly mystery.
In The First Time I Saw Him, Laura Dave crafts a character-driven narrative where a sudden reappearance of a husband after five years forces one woman to run as hidden threats begin to close in.
Freida McFadden’s Want to Know a Secret? follows a carefully curated influencer life as it begins to fracture, exposing deception and the unsettling reality just beyond the frame.
Geoff Parkes’ The First Law of the Bush is set in a close-knit New Zealand community, where a mysterious death exposes buried tensions and the quiet dangers beneath the surface.
Popular thriller and crime fiction books bring together iconic titles and established voices.
For those new to the genre, they provide a strong place to begin, and returning readers can revisit familiar favourites that are shaped by suspense and memorable storytelling.
Brooke Robinson shares her secrets to crafting an intriguing plotline, her love of research and how she winds down after a day of writing about high-stakes scenarios.
Take this fun quiz to find out which crime novel you should read this summer.
Learn about Alex Michaelides’s new book, the real-life people who inspired his characters and how growing up in Cyprus contributed to the setting.
Go wider than the stories themselves with features that add depth to your reading experience, offering fresh perspectives, recommendations and insights.
These articles on mystery, crime and thriller fiction novels provide new ways to engage with your favourite books and authors, helping you discover more with every read.
Looking for something more specific? These curated book lists help you refine your search.
You can explore true crime reads in our non-fiction books or expand your repertoire by browsing a wide selection of fiction books, including tense, character-driven psychological drama; classic and contemporary crime-solving mysteries; and darker stories where relationships and secrets take centre stage.
New Zealand was greener than Emilia could ever have imagined.
As Lou widened her eyes with mischievous pleasure and blew him a kiss over the heads of other customers in the gelato bar, Jack smiled at her delight.
Why read crime books and thrillers?
Crime novels and thrillers keep readers engaged with the promise of the unexpected.
Action and adventure books combine the pace of thrillers with the intrigue of crime and mystery, creating an immersive reading experience.
Classic crime books introduce iconic detectives and enduring characters, with stories built on logic, observation and carefully constructed clues. From the golden age to locked-room mystery fiction books, these works continue to influence contemporary storytelling.
Spy books add another dimension, drawing readers into worlds of secrecy, strategy and shifting loyalties, often set against international backdrops shaped by political or moral complexity.
Interwoven plots and captivating characters keep readers invested, making each revelation feel earned and every page engaging.