7 Best Psycho Thriller Novels of 2025 Reviewed

Discover chilling tales with our list of the best psycho thriller novels. Each book promises suspense and sleepless nights.

Gone Girl coverThe Girl on the Train coverBefore I Go to Sleep cover

Greetings, fellow thrill-seekers! Picture this: you’re curled up on the couch, popcorn in hand, ready to embark on a heart-pounding journey into the dark corners of the human mind. We know what you’re thinking: ‘Where do I find the best psycho thriller novels to give me that thrilling experience?’ Well, we’ve got you covered! In this post, we’re zooming in on the mysteries, plot twists, and spine-tingling chills that keep us flipping pages long past bedtime. We focus on gripping plots, unforgettable characters, and those jaw-dropping moments that’ll make you gasp, as we unveil our top picks.

On this list:

7 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl cover

  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2012
  • Pages: 422

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This book messed with our heads in all the right ways. Twists, turns, and unexpected corners made us late for dinner more than once. Plus, it reminded us never to get on Amy’s bad side.

6 The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train cover

  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 316

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We couldn’t put this book down, even though we had to wake up early the next day. It’s got suspense, mystery, and it made us kinda dizzy with all that train riding.

5 Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

Before I Go to Sleep cover

  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 372

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Reading this book felt like we were piecing our own memory together. Every day is a surprise for Christine, and we went along with her, biting our nails the whole time.

4 Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

Behind Closed Doors cover

  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2016
  • Pages: 336

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This book had us checking our locks twice before bed. Grace and Jack seem perfect, but boy did we learn you can’t judge a book by its cover, literally.

3 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient cover

  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 325

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We were intrigued by the idea of a silent protagonist. This booked grabbed us by the collar and didn’t let go until the very last page. Twists galore!

2 Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Sharp Objects cover

  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 254

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Gillian Flynn does it again. This book had our skin crawling but we couldn’t look away. The small-town secrets and personal demons kept us reading way too late.

1 The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison

The Silent Wife cover

  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2013
  • Pages: 326

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This book takes the cake among the best psycho thriller novels. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion. You know something’s coming, but when it hits, you’re still surprised. The tension builds and builds until it bursts open like a shaken soda. We were fascinated by Jodi’s unraveling life and the psychological intricacies at play. The writing paints a vivid picture of marital strain and betrayal, making it hard to step away. As the last page turned, we found ourselves just sitting there, staring, and thinking about how chilling it all was.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!