Top Crime Thrillers of 2021: A Reading Guide

Crime thrillers have always captivated readers with their intricate plots, suspenseful twists, and compelling characters. If you're a fan of the genre, you're in for a delightful treat with these in-depth exploration of some of the best crime thrillers released in 2021. From intricate mysteries to thrilling page-turners, these books are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Top 5 Thriller Novels to Read in 2021

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Returning to the classics, And Then There Were None continues to captivate readers with its gripping tale of ten strangers isolated on a remote island, each responsible for a similar murder. Christie's mastery of suspense is on full display as the characters' fates become increasingly intertwined.

Tell Me Your Dreams by Sidney Sheldon

Sydney Sheldon's Tell Me Your Dreams is a masterclass in suspense, featuring a retired detective who investigates a series of murders among a close-knit group of family friends. The novel is filled with twists and turns, making it a must-read for any thriller fan.

Cross Your Heart Take My Name by Novoneel Chakraborty

Reading Novoneel Chakraborty's Cross Your Heart Take My Name feels like diving into a chilling, psychological thriller. The story follows a young detective as she unravels a decades-old case involving a controversial film and the cult that formed around it. Chakraborty's writing is both poetic and suspenseful, making it a standout in the crime thriller genre.

If We Last by Ishita Banik

Ishita Banik's If We Last is a thrilling tale of camaraderie and survival, set in a dystopian world. As a group of survivors navigate the dangers of a ravaged society, they uncover a mysterious symbol that leads them on a dangerous quest. Banik's writing is vivid and intense, making this a compelling and emotionally charged read.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

Lucy Foley's The Guest List is a chilling, atmospheric mystery that takes place on a luxurious island at a private wedding. As the night progresses, guests mysteriously start to disappear, leading the readers (and the characters) to question hidden secrets and suspected killings. Foley's storytelling is masterful, creating a sense of claustrophobic suspense that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

Best Crime Thrillers Rated by Goodreads

The Push: A Novel by Pamela Dorman Books

The Push is a gripping exploration of a mother's perspective on her child's impending death and the aftermath. The novel, which has earned high ratings on Goodreads, is a powerful and moving read that deals with themes of grief, loss, and redemption.

Let Me Tell You What I Mean by Knopf

Knopf's Let Me Tell You What I Mean is a thought-provoking psychological thriller that questions the nature of reality and perception. With its intricately woven plot and complex characters, this book offers a unique reading experience.

20 Years in Marsh - Only One Truth: A Romance Thriller Novel

This novel is a captivating blend of romance and suspense, following a couple who are torn apart by a mysterious series of events that occur over two decades. The book is highly rated on Goodreads for its emotional depth and enthralling plot.

A Crooked Tree by Harper

A Crooked Tree by Harper is a suspenseful and evocative novel that explores the complexities of family, guilt, and redemption. Set in a small town, the story unravels as a series of murders are linked to a historical event, creating a chilling atmosphere.

The Wife Upstairs by Knopf

This novel delves into the intricacies of marriage and the secrets that unfold when a seemingly perfect couple faces a life-changing event. The suspenseful plot and rich character development make it a standout read.

How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House is a suspenseful and unpredictable crime thriller that explores the lives of three women bound by a mysterious event. The book has been praised for its compelling narrative and complex characters.

Summer Water by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

This novel is a poignant, suspense-filled story set in a small coastal town. It delves into the lives of characters whose lives are intertwined by a dark secret that has remained buried for years.

Life Among the Terranauts by Harper

Life Among the Terranauts is a gripping science fiction thriller that explores the lives of astronauts living on a space station. The novel is praised for its atmospheric tension and exploration of the psychological toll of isolation.

The Removed: A Novel by Harper

Harper's The Removed is a chilling, suspenseful novel that delves into the world of a girl who has been disappeared. The book is praised for its twisty plot and exploration of themes such as identity and survival.

The Last Sister: A Compelling Crime Thriller

In The Last Sister, Kendra Elliot presents a compelling crime thriller that delves deep into the past and present of a small Oregon town. Emily, the protagonist, is shaken to the core when she discovers her friend's dead body and her husband's body hung from a tree. The investigation quickly brings in the FBI, and Agent Zander Wells joins the case.

While the book is primarily a mystery with some romance, it is more focused on solving the puzzles and uncovering the truth. The big old house where Emily and her sister Madison live with their great aunts provides a fascinating setting. The dark history of Oregon and the family secrets are intriguing elements that keep the reader engaged.

The reader is left intrigued by the deeper storyline involving the murder of Emily's father and the disappearance of her older sister. The relationship between Zander and Emily adds a romantic twist, but the focus remains firmly on the intricate plot and the suspenseful investigation.

Overall, The Last Sister is a gripping and captivating read for fans of the crime thriller genre. The historical elements, suspenseful plot, and engaging characters make it a standout in the field, and I am eager to see where the series takes us in the future. I highly recommend this book and the series to mystery enthusiasts looking for a compelling and twisty read.