Crack These! The Year's Most Gripping Reads Will Keep You Up All Night

Halfway Through the Year, Thrills and Chills Still Abound: More of 2025’s Best Mystery, Thriller & True Crime Books

Okay, bookworms, buckle up! We're already halfway through 2025 (can you believe it?), and that means it's time for another dive into the best mystery, thriller, and true crime books the year has to offer. If you recall, I dropped the first installment of my top picks back in July, and trust me, those books are still worth your time. Go check them out if you need a refresher or are just looking for some fresh reading material.

Crack These! The Year's Most Gripping Reads Will K...

This time around, I'm building on that list with some selections culled from Book Riot's own "Best of 2025" list (we seem to have similar tastes!) alongside a few more of my personal favorites. And believe me, I've put in the work. I've devoured over 200 books so far this year, and a whopping 61% of them have fallen into these deliciously dark genres.

So, what’s grabbed my attention lately

So, what’s grabbed my attention lately? Well, picture this: a retired *elderly* serial killer, a woman consumed by her desire to own a home, an 18-year-old whose life is blown apart (literally) by a bomb, revealing a past she never knew. Intrigued? I thought so!

One of my absolute favorite sub-genres is what I affectionately call the "wait-for-it crime novel." These are the books that slowly build tension, layering character development and atmosphere until the explosive climax hits you like a ton of bricks. And speaking of explosions… Downing's latest is packed with intensity from the very first page. Who else can write an elderly serial killer who you’re not exactly cheering for, but… well, you’re not *not* cheering for her either? Lottie Jones, at 75, is trying to enjoy a quiet retirement filled with church activities and friendly faces. But when a true crime docu-series comes knocking, Lottie dusts off her old skills. The tension is palpable.

Then there are the true crime reads that just leave you reeling. One particular book that has stuck with me goes far beyond the salacious headlines. It's a meticulously researched account of Nicole Daedone's life, peeling back the layers of sex and revealing a disturbing web of exploitation, coercion, control, and gaslighting, all disguised as wellness and liberation. It's powerful stuff, and a must-read for anyone interested in the dark side of self-help movements.

So, there you have it – another glimpse into the shadowy corners of my reading list. Happy reading, and remember to always keep the lights on!