Have you ever found yourself so absorbed in a book that the world around you seemed to disappear? The urge to socialize, eat, or even sleep starts to fade as you get lost in the story. That, in our opinion, is the true sign of a captivating read! We’ve put together a list of irresistible, stay-up-all-night page-turners, including the latest psychological thrillers, non-stop mysteries, and thrilling true crime books. Keep reading for a selection of exciting new reads, along with descriptions straight from the publishers.
WHERE THE FOREST MEETS THE STARS
by Glendy Vanderah
In this breathtaking debut novel, an enigmatic child brings two strangers together, teaching them how to trust, love, and heal.
After the loss of her mother and her own struggle with breast cancer, Joanna Teale returns to her research on nesting birds in rural Illinois, determined to prove that she has not been broken by her personal hardships. She immerses herself in her work, working tirelessly from dusk to dawn, until her solitary life is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious child. The girl, barefoot and covered in bruises, calls herself Ursa and claims to have been sent from the stars to witness five miracles.
Suspicious of Ursa’s circumstances, Jo agrees to let her stay temporarily, hoping to learn more about the child’s past. To help uncover the truth, she enlists the help of her reclusive neighbor, Gabriel Nash. But as they spend more time together, the mysteries deepen. How can a young girl not only read but understand Shakespeare? Why do remarkable events seem to occur whenever she’s around? And why does Jo and Gabe’s search for missing children seem to have stopped?
As the summer comes to an end and Ursa draws closer to her fifth miracle, the child’s haunting past begins to catch up with them all. With their painful secrets exposed, Jo, Gabe, and Ursa must confront difficult decisions. Ultimately, their fates will be determined by forces beyond their control—guided by the stars.
She Lies in Wait
by Gytha Lodge
Six friends. One killer. Who can you trust? A missing teen’s disappearance after a night of partying sets off a chilling investigation, and thirty years later, the discovery of her body reopens an unsolved case in this gripping thriller.
On a scorching July night in 1983, a group of teenagers heads into the forest for a camping trip. Full of promise and potential, they are at the cusp of adulthood, and Aurora Jackson, the youngest of the group, is thrilled to be included. The night begins like any other—drinks, dancing, arguments, kisses—but by morning, Aurora is gone. Her friends claim she was safe the last time they saw her, peacefully settling down for sleep. Despite a thorough investigation, no trace of the girl is found.
Three decades later, Aurora’s body is discovered in a secluded spot known only to the six friends. Detective Jonah Sheens, who was a young cop in the small town back then, is assigned to the case. He had known the teens, including Aurora, before the investigation began, and he is determined to finally uncover the truth behind her disappearance. As Sheens digs into the past, the members of the camping group are drawn back to the forest, where they will confront the dark secrets of that night—a night that left one of them dead and the others forever scarred.
This compelling, psychologically intense novel introduces Detective Chief Inspector Jonah Sheens and marks the start of a thrilling new series from a talented new author. Perfect for fans of Tana French and Kate Atkinson.
The Hiding Place
C. J. Tudor
The gripping second novel from the author of The Chalk Man, The Hiding Place follows a teacher with a secret agenda as he returns to the school he once attended, only to unearth a far darker mystery than he could have ever imagined.
Joe never intended to return to Arnhill. After the betrayal, the suicide, the murder, and his sister’s disappearance, the last thing he wanted was to go back to the town that haunted him. But fate has other plans. When a tragic incident involving a young boy named Morton occurs, it becomes clear that what happened to Joe’s sister all those years ago is happening again—and Joe knows exactly who is to blame.
Lying his way into a teaching job at his old high school is the least of his challenges. Confronting old friends who are far from thrilled about his return, all while staying one step ahead of enemies made over the years, is far more difficult. But the hardest part will be returning to the abandoned mine where it all began, and finally facing the terrifying, life-changing truth about Arnhill, his sister, and the dark secrets he’s been running from. For Joe, the worst moment of his life wasn’t the day his sister vanished. It was the day she came back.
C. J. Tudor’s The Hiding Place combines chilling psychological suspense, a complex and twisting mystery, and shocking revelations, making for a thrilling read that will captivate even the most seasoned fans of the genre.
THE WINTER SISTER
The Winter Sister sounds like a gripping and emotional read! The mix of suspense, family dynamics, and long-buried secrets creates a compelling premise. The protagonist, Sylvie, is not only dealing with the lingering mystery of her sister’s murder but also with the challenging relationship with her mother, making for an emotionally charged story. The added twist of Sylvie’s guilt and Ben’s involvement heightens the tension. It’s a story about confronting the past and the secrets that shape families, which is bound to be both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. Have you read it, or is it something you’re considering?
Two Can Keep a Secret
By Karen M. McManus
Echo Ridge is a small town with a big reputation. Ellery has heard the stories—her aunt went missing there at seventeen, and only five years ago, a homecoming queen’s murder made headlines. Now, Ellery has no choice but to move there and live with a grandmother she hardly knows.
The town may look perfect on the outside, but beneath the surface, it’s hiding a web of secrets. Before Ellery even starts school, someone sends a chilling message: homecoming will be as dangerous as it was five years ago. And sure enough, another girl disappears, proving that history might be repeating itself.
Ellery is no stranger to secrets. Her mother has them, her grandmother has them, and soon, Ellery realizes that nearly everyone in Echo Ridge is concealing something. But secrets are dangerous, and in a town like this, it’s clear: the best way to survive is to keep your secrets close—and never trust anyone who tells you theirs.
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark
By Michelle McNamara
For over a decade, a brutal and elusive predator terrorized Northern California, committing fifty sexual assaults before moving south to carry out ten horrifying murders. Despite the best efforts of local law enforcement and seasoned detectives, the criminal, known as the “Golden State Killer,” remained undetected and disappeared without a trace.
Thirty years later, true crime journalist Michelle McNamara, who ran the popular website TrueCrimeDiary.com, became obsessed with solving the case. Fueled by a deep drive to uncover the identity of this violent psychopath, McNamara sifted through police reports, spoke with victims, and immersed herself in online communities dedicated to the hunt for the killer.
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark is a haunting chronicle of McNamara’s relentless pursuit of justice. It provides a chilling snapshot of a dark chapter in American history while also offering an intimate look at the woman whose obsession led to an extraordinary breakthrough. McNamara’s investigation helped reveal the Golden State Killer’s identity, fulfilling her dream and cementing the book as a modern true crime classic, celebrated for its originality and emotional depth.
BEARSKIN
Bearskin by James A. McLaughlin sounds like a gripping, suspense-filled novel with a strong sense of place and atmosphere. The story of Rice Moore, a man on the run from dangerous cartel figures, trying to find peace in the quiet Appalachian wilderness, is intriguing. The conflict between his need for solitude and the looming danger he faces from poachers, law enforcement, and his past makes for an intense narrative. McLaughlin’s ability to evoke the beauty and danger of the environment adds a layer of tension that likely amplifies the novel’s slow burn. It seems like one of those books that builds suspense gradually, making you feel the weight of each decision Rice makes. Have you read it, or are you considering it for your reading list?
Give Me Your Hand
by Megan Abbott
A life-altering secret shatters an unlikely friendship in this gripping psychological thriller from Edgar Award-winning author Megan Abbott, praised as “magnetic” by Meg Wolitzer.
You shared everything. Then she shared too much.
Kit has clawed her way to the top of her field and is on the verge of achieving all her dreams. She’s fought tirelessly to get here, never letting anything get in her way.
But now, Diane stands between her and her future. Once inseparable best friends, their shared drive for success once bonded them. Until Diane revealed a shocking secret—the darkest thing she’d ever done, something beyond Kit’s worst imaginings—and their bond shattered beyond repair.
Kit remains the sole keeper of Diane’s secret. But now, Diane knows something about Kit—something that could ruin everything Kit has fought for.
How far will Kit go to make every sacrifice and ounce of hard work worthwhile? What will she be willing to give up? Diane believes Kit is just as ruthless as she is. Perhaps she’s right.
Ambition is in their blood.
The Silent Patient
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides seems like an intense psychological thriller! The premise of Alicia, a famous artist, shooting her husband and then refusing to speak again is captivating. I can imagine how the mystery of her silence would pull readers in, especially with Theo, the criminal psychotherapist, trying to unravel the reasons behind the shooting. The story seems to dive deep into the mind of the characters, and with the plot involving both Alicia’s past and Theo’s motivations, there’s potential for unexpected twists. What do you think of the story so far?
The Hunting Party
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley sounds like a perfect mix of suspense, mystery, and a touch of nostalgia, with an intriguing premise set in the remote Scottish Highlands. The tension among old friends, the looming secrets, and the tragic event that unfolds creates a captivating setup. Have you read it already, or are you just diving into the plot now?
