Top 25 Most Underrated Fiction Books For Thriller Lovers. These Are Seriously HORRIFYING Like S***

Thriller enthusiasts are always on the hunt for gripping tales that keep them guessing until the very last page. While popular bestsellers often dominate the spotlight, there are countless underrated gems waiting to be discovered. In this curated list, we bring you 25 lesser-known but exceptional fiction books that deliver heart-pounding suspense, unexpected twists, and unforgettable characters. Get ready to dive into a thrilling literary adventure like no other!

1. "The Kind Worth Killing" by Peter Swanson:

In this psychological thriller, "The Kind Worth Killing" takes readers on a twisted journey of deception. When two strangers meet on a flight, they form a sinister pact to eliminate their respective partners, leading to a chilling exploration of secrets and revenge that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

2. "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón:

Immerse yourself in the post-war Barcelona of "The Shadow of the Wind," a gothic mystery that revolves around a young boy's obsession with a mysterious book and its enigmatic author. Delve into a world of dark secrets and haunting atmospheres as you follow this mesmerizing literary journey.

3. "Before I Go to Sleep" by S.J. Watson:

Prepare to be gripped by "Before I Go to Sleep," a gripping psychological thriller that revolves around a woman who wakes up every morning with no memory of her past. As she desperately tries to unravel the truth about her life, she uncovers shocking revelations that challenge everything she knows.

4. "The Dry" by Jane Harper:

Immerse yourself in the atmospheric debut novel, "The Dry," set in a drought-stricken Australian town. When a federal agent returns to investigate a murder-suicide, long-buried secrets resurface, and tensions rise. Experience a suspenseful narrative that paints a vivid picture of a community on the edge.

5. "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides:

Dive into the pages of "The Silent Patient" and enter the world of Alicia Berenson, a famous painter accused of murdering her husband. Struck mute and refusing to utter a word, she becomes the center of a gripping narrative that holds a shocking twist. Prepare to question everything in this psychological thriller.

6. "The Travelling Cat Chronicles" by Hiro Arikawa:

Embark on a heartwarming and poignant journey with Nana, the cat, and his owner as they travel together in "The Travelling Cat Chronicles." This beautifully crafted tale weaves themes of friendship, loyalty, and the profound bond between humans and animals, leaving readers with a warm and uplifting feeling.

7. "The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" by Stuart Turton:

Prepare for a mind-bending murder mystery like no other in "The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle." The protagonist awakens in a different body each day, tasked with solving Evelyn Hardcastle's murder. As the intricate plot unravels, readers are kept on the edge of their seats, trying to unravel the enigma before it's too late.

8. "The Good Girl" by Mary Kubica:

In "The Good Girl," the gripping narrative revolves around the kidnapping of Mia, the daughter of a prominent family. Told through multiple perspectives and timelines, the novel delves into the complex web of family secrets and the intricacies of human nature, delivering an unforgettable and emotionally charged thriller.

9. "The Passage" by Justin Cronin:

Embark on an epic post-apocalyptic journey with "The Passage" as a group of survivors navigate a world overrun by vampires. With its rich storytelling and a sprawling narrative that seamlessly blends elements of thriller, horror, and science fiction, this novel grips readers from the very first page and doesn't let go.

10. "The Chalk Man" by C.J. Tudor:

In a small English town, a group of childhood friends uncovers a hidden message that unravels a dark and deadly secret in "The Chalk Man." With a nostalgic 1980s setting and a chilling atmosphere that permeates every page, readers are taken on a thrilling and psychological rollercoaster.

11. "The Dinner" by Herman Koch:

Join two couples as they gather for a dinner at a fancy restaurant, only for the evening to take a sinister turn in "The Dinner." Dark secrets and hidden agendas come to light, making it a compelling exploration of family dynamics, morality, and the choices we make when faced with extreme circumstances.

12. "The Talented Mr. Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith:

Experience the chilling psychological thriller, "The Talented Mr. Ripley," as Tom Ripley is tasked with retrieving a wealthy man's son from Italy. As he becomes entangled in a web of lies and deceit, he discovers that his talent for impersonation goes much further than expected, leading to a gripping and suspenseful narrative.

13. "In the Woods" by Tana French:

Detective Rob Ryan is haunted by a childhood trauma as he investigates the murder of a young girl in "In the Woods." The atmospheric crime novel delves deep into the complexities of memory and identity, captivating readers with its compelling storytelling and rich character development.

14. "The Snowman" by Jo Nesbø:

Follow Detective Harry Hole on a hunt for a chilling serial killer who leaves snowmen as his calling card in "The Snowman." With its Nordic noir setting and intricate plotting, this novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to unravel the mystery behind the snowmen.

15. "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt:

Immerse yourself in the atmospheric world of "The Secret History," where an elite New England college becomes the backdrop for a gripping tale of a dark secret and its consequences. With lyrical prose and complex characters, this novel delves into themes of morality and obsession in an unputdownable narrative.

16. "Bird Box" by Josh Malerman:

Step into a post-apocalyptic world where a mother must protect her children from a terrifying threat in "Bird Box." Blindfolded and navigating a treacherous river, the suspense and tension build as they try to survive, making this haunting and suspenseful tale a must-read for thriller enthusiasts.

17. "Before the Fall" by Noah Hawley:

Delve into the aftermath of a mysterious plane crash and the lives of the survivors in "Before the Fall." As the cause of the accident and the true identities of the passengers are uncovered, readers are taken on a gripping and character-driven journey that explores the ripple effects of tragedy.

18. "The Loney" by Andrew Michael Hurley:

Enter a desolate coastal region and experience the unsettling journey of a religious pilgrimage in "The Loney." With its haunting prose and eerie atmosphere, this atmospheric novel blends mystery and horror, leaving readers captivated by its unique storytelling.

19. "The Girl with All the Gifts" by M.R. Carey:

Immerse yourself in a dystopian world plagued by a fungal infection and follow the extraordinary journey of a young girl named Melanie in "The Girl with All the Gifts." This genre-defying thriller explores themes of survival, humanity, and sacrifice, delivering a thought-provoking and suspenseful narrative.

20. "The Little Friend" by Donna Tartt:

Set in the atmospheric American South, "The Little Friend" unravels the gripping story of Harriet, a young girl determined to solve the murder of her brother. With its rich prose, vivid characters, and a dark and engrossing mystery, this literary gem captivates readers from start to finish.

21. "The Killing Moon" by N.K. Jemisin:

Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing city of Gujaareh, where peace is maintained by the Gatherers in "The Killing Moon." This fantasy-infused thriller delves into the delicate balance of power as a Gatherer questions their mission, creating a gripping and thought-provoking narrative.

22. "The Secret Place" by Tana French:

Step into the world of an exclusive girls' boarding school and join Detective Stephen Moran as he investigates the murder of a teenage boy in "The Secret Place." With themes of loyalty, friendship, and the complexities of adolescence, this atmospheric mystery keeps readers guessing until the very end.

23. "The Death of Mrs. Westaway" by Ruth Ware:

Follow Hal, a young woman who receives a mysterious inheritance letter that leads her down a dangerous path of deceit in "The Death of Mrs. Westaway." With twists and turns, this gripping psychological thriller explores the dark secrets of a family, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.

24. "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova:

Embark on a thrilling literary adventure in "The Historian" as a young woman delves into the legend of Vlad the Impaler. With its rich historical details, supernatural suspense, and intricate plotting, this immersive novel keeps readers captivated and hungry for more.

25. "The Lost Man" by Jane Harper:

In the harsh Australian Outback, a family is torn apart by tragedy in "The Lost Man." This atmospheric thriller explores the complexities of family dynamics, the unforgiving landscape, and the long-buried secrets that come to light. With its gripping storytelling, it's a must-read for fans of the genre.

Conclusion:

If you're a fan of thrillers and are seeking lesser-known gems that will keep you hooked from start to finish, this list of 25 underrated fiction books is your ticket to a world of suspense, mystery, and unforgettable characters. Explore these hidden treasures and discover new favorite authors that will leave you captivated and craving for more thrilling reads. Happy reading!