Ah…October has arrived with all its fall glory. The mornings are cool and crisp, but still warm in the afternoons. One of my favorite times of year. As the temps drop the best thing to do it so grab a book and hunker down. I have no problem doing this anytime of year but there is a little more comfort when you do it on sunny, chilly day. So sit back and relax while I share my list of must read thrillers.
If you are looking for something other that thrillers check out some of my other Book Lists
- My Latest Must Reads for Book Lovers – Link
- Women in Fiction Under Pressure – Link
- Strong Female Characters – Link
This month’s must read thrillers are stories that kept me turning pages late into the night. I read two fabulous psychological suspense novels about women whose lives are upended but who come out stronger on the other side. They were both fantastic reads. Next I picked up book two of the Holmes, Marple and Poe series by James Patterson, book eight in the Slow Horses spy thriller series, and even a fun Scottish rom-com from a new-to-me author.
Everyone is Lying to You – The Perfect Life is Deadly
This was my #1 must read thriller on the list! I can’t stop recommending it. Two estranged friends are forced back together when one’s life hangs in the balance. A wildly successful “trad wife” influencer is finally ready to leave her abusive husband, but she knows the only way out is leverage. Armed with damning information, she strikes a media deal to secure her children’s future and enlists the help of an old friend. But when the plan unravels, the stakes turn deadly. This was one of those unputdownable thrillers that I’ll be talking about for a long time.
Mean Moms – The PTA Just Turned Psychotic
Rich moms who have it all—you love to hate them, and they love to hate each other. At one of New York City’s most elite private schools, three glamorous women endure a year of harassment, humiliation, and even physical attacks from an unknown tormentor. Could it be the flashy new mom from Miami they welcomed into their circle? Or is someone far more sinister pulling the strings? This was such a juicy, domestic suspense novel, perfect for fans of Big Little Lies.
Holmes Is Missing – The Case That Could End Them
This is the second book in the Holmes, Marple & Poe series, and I still love the premise. Three detectives with iconic last names solving crimes in New York City. This time, however, Marple and Poe are on their own, since Holmes is in rehab for his heroin addiction. They spring him when six newborns are kidnapped from a downtown maternity ward, but Holmes wants nothing to do with the case. In fact, he’s ready to quit the firm altogether. Can Marple and Poe convince him to stay? While this wasn’t my favorite, it’s still a solid crime thriller and I’m curious to see where book three takes the trio. Read this post if you want to read about book one, Holmes, Marple & Poe.
Bad Actors – London’s Secrets Never Sleep
Book 8 of the Slow Horses series wasn’t one of my favorites, but it still delivered. This time around Russian spies are circling and personal agendas are undermining the stability of No. 10 Downing Street. As if that weren’t enough, someone has the nerve to try to oust Lady Di from the Park. Will Lamb dig her out of the mess she’s in, or will he and the Slow Horses finally let her sink? I may have skipped a book somewhere, because I felt a little lost, but it was still gritty and smart. And if you haven’t yet, you can also watch the excellent adaptationFans of espionage thrillers and political intrigue won’t want to miss this one. (And don’t forget the excellent Apple TV adaptation!)
Highland Fling – Chaos, Kilts, and Chemistry
This was the only non-thriller on my list sometimes a girl has to change things up, right? This charming romantic comedy follows a virtual assistant from London who is sent to Scotland to assess the future of a struggling textile mill. The twist? She’s doing it for a boss she’s never even met. What starts as a business trip quickly turns into chaos. She becomes entangled with the eccentric Dalmain family while staying in their home. Unable to say no, she finds herself running a food truck, catering last-minute dinner parties, and wrangling wayward adults who can’t quite manage adulthood. All the while, she’s fighting to save the mill from closure, and maybe falling for a certain local along the way.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, not a bad month of reading! I hope you enjoyed this roundup of must read thrillers (plus one rom-com twist) and maybe found a new favorite to add to your list. Stay tuned next month’s picks are already shaping up to be just as exciting.
Until next time.
