Explosive Twists: 21 Thrillers You Can’t Put Down
If you’ve ever stayed up until two AM, sobbing or screaming over a book’s shocking twist, you’ll understand why thrillers with wild plot twists are so addictive. This list celebrates 21 books that deliver expertly plotted twists you didn’t see coming, leaving you desperate to share the moment with friends. From rampant success stories like Girl on the Train, The Woman in the Window, and Gone Girl (which we’ve intentionally left out), to hidden gems, these thrillers go beyond jaw-dropping moments to offer satisfying and earned surprises. Questioning Wild Plot Twists in Fanfic adds another layer of excitement for readers who love unexpected turns. Whether it’s a blow-your-hair-back twist or an out-of-nowhere explosion, these stories are crafted to keep you hooked. So grab one of these best reads, and prepare to be stunned—just don’t blame us if you lose sleep!
1. The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi
A Twist You Won’t Guess in This Tale of Ambition and Secrets
Anisa Ellahi, a Bollywood subtitle writer in London , dreams of translating great literature but feels overshadowed by her boyfriend Adam’s extraordinary aptitude for languages. When he reveals the Centre , promising fluency in just 10 days , Anisa is both sceptical and intrigued . She joins, surrendering her possessions and cutting ties with the outside world . As she delves deeper, the disturbing hidden price of the Centre’s services unravels, leaving readers questioning the cost of ambition. With a twist that will leave you stunned, this book is a must-read.
2. ‘My Murder’ by Katie Williams
A Bittersweet Twist on Solving Your Own Murder
In My Murder by Katie Williams , the story dives into a chilling yet inventive premise: what if you had to solve your own murder ? The victim, revived by a government project , begins to suspect that not everything is as it seems. As the plot unfolds, the novel delivers a surprising twist that’s both clever and deeply bittersweet . With its unique take on life, death, and justice, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves thought-provoking mysteries.
3. Good Bad Girl by Alice Feeney
A Gripping Mystery with Twists That Bind
In Good Bad Girl by Alice Feeney , a chilling mystery unfolds as three women must solve a case involving two murders , three suspects , and one victim . The story ties together the haunting disappearance of a baby from her push-chair twenty years ago and a recent murder in a care home . With every reason to distrust each other, they dig into the connections that bind them, hoping to uncover the truth about the missing child and the mother who lost her. Known as The Queen of Twists, Feeney delivers yet another clever and suspenseful tale, solidifying her reputation as a master of gripping mysteries like Daisy Darker .
4. ‘The Night Shift’ by Alex Finlay
A Fast-Paced Thriller with Pulse-Pounding Twists
In The Night Shift by Alex Finlay , two Final Girls team up to uncover the truth behind a vicious massacre . This fast-paced novel is crafted to deliver shock and awe , blending excellently plotted moments with twists that feel earned rather than forced. While there are occasional eye-roll-worthy moments , the story keeps you hooked with its relentless energy and clever surprises, proving why it’s such a good read.
5. The Interview by C. M. Ewan
A Jaw-Dropped Journey Through Twists and Turns
In The Interview by C. M. Ewan , the tension builds from the very first page as you find yourself in an office thirteen floors above a bustling city . Alone with an enigmatic interviewer , their questions grow increasingly stranger and unsettling , leaving your fear rising . With no escape but to answer a seemingly impossible question , every chapter delivers thick and fast surprises that will leave you jaw-dropped . This gripping read is a masterclass in suspense, perfect for fans of psychological thrillers.
6. ‘Hidden Pictures’ by Jason Rekulak
A Twisty , Eerie Tale with a Jaw-Dropping Twist
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak is a masterfully crafted story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. With its eerie atmosphere and cleverly twisty plot, Rekulak deftly moves the narrative along at a fast clip , ensuring there’s never a dull moment. The novel’s jaw-dropping , polarizing twist is best experienced with as little beforehand knowledge as possible, making it a perfect choice for readers who love surprises. Engaging and entertaining, this book is a must-read for fans of suspenseful storytelling.
7. Can You See Me Now? by Trisha Sakhlecha
A Shattered World of Privilege and Secrets
In Can You See Me Now? by Trisha Sakhlecha , the story unfolds fifteen years after three sixteen-year-old girls meet at an exclusive private school in India . Alia, a new arrival from England , is drawn into the intoxicating world of privilege and intimacy shared by Sabah and Noor. But as jealousy and resentment take root, her bright new world shatters in just one night. Now, as a cabinet minister in the Indian government , Alia discovers that her secrets refuse to stay buried , threatening to unravel everything she has built.
8. The Good Girl by Mary Kubica
A Fast-Paced Thriller with an Oh DAMN Twist
In The Good Girl by Mary Kubica , a high-profile kidnapping case unfolds in Chicago , where Mia Dennett, the 20-something daughter of a prominent judge , is abducted by a strange man . Instead of focusing solely on Mia’s perspective, the story is told through the eyes of her anxiety-ridden mom , a world-weary detective , and most crucially, the desperate man holding her hostage. With a breakneck pace , this taut thriller keeps you hooked until the final, unforgettable “oh DAMN ” twist that lingers long after you finish.
9. The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks
A Heart-Racing Thriller with an Unbelievable Twist
In The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, the story dives into the lives of Marissa and Mathew Bishop, a seemingly golden couple whose marriage is fractured by infidelity . Enter Avery Chambers, a bold therapist who has lost her licence due to her maverick methods , but promises results in just ten sessions . As the trio embarks on a collision course , their submerged secrets unravel, threatening more than just their relationships. With its heart-racing pace and shocking twists, this novel keeps readers hooked until the very last page.
10. ‘The Long Weekend’ by Gilly MacMillan
A Twisty and Unpredictable Thriller with a Dash of Chaos
In The Long Weekend by Gilly MacMillan , what starts as a simple girl’s trip quickly spirals into chaos when a mysterious note threatens the lives of their husbands at an isolated retreat . MacMillan masterfully packs the story with unhinged characters , creating a rollercoaster of tension and surprises. This twisty , unpredictable thriller feels like the author set out to do the absolute most , and she absolutely succeeded . With its gripping pace and wild twists, it’s a ride you won’t soon forget.
11. When I Was Ten by Fiona Cummins
A Dark Read with Twists That Keep You Guessing
In When I Was Ten by Fiona Cummins , the infamous double murders of Dr. Richard Carter and his wife cast a long shadow over their ten-year-old daughter, Sara Carter, who spent eight years in a children’s secure unit for the crime. Now living under an assumed name , Sara is trying to build a quiet life with her own family . On the anniversary of the murders, journalist Brinley Booth begins tracking down Sara and her older sister Shannon , forcing them to confront the truth about that fateful night . As the story unfolds, the twists blur the line between truth and lies, leaving readers unsure which characters to believe . This gripping tale dives deep into the consequences of confronting the past.
12. ‘The Child’ by Fiona Barton
A Super Intense Mystery Unveiled in London
In The Child by Fiona Barton , a gripping mystery unfolds when decades-old bones of an infant are discovered at a construction site in London . Veteran journalist Kate Waters takes on the case, determined to uncover the identity of the baby . Could this be the same child stolen from a maternity ward in a local hospital decades earlier, never to be found ? With its super intense narrative and layered secrets, Barton crafts a tale that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
13. The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
A Razor-Sharp Thriller with a Powerful Social Edge
In The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris , Nella Rogers, the only Black employee at Wagner Books, is initially thrilled when Hazel joins the office. They hit it off immediately, and it seems like a positive change—until Nella receives a sinister note . As disturbing incidents begin to escalate , Nella starts to question if these events are connected to Hazel’s sudden appearance . This dynamic thriller masterfully blends razor-sharp social commentary with twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat .
14. ‘In a Dark, Dark Wood’ by Ruth Ware
A Twisty Thriller That Keeps You Guessing
In In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware , reclusive writer Leonora reluctantly attends a hen do for a high school pal she hasn’t spoken to in years. What starts as an awkward reunion quickly turns sinister as old resentments and bitter feuds resurface, culminating in a shocking act of violence . This gripping story proves that sometimes, the darkest secrets lie buried in the woods , waiting to be uncovered.
15. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
A Moonlit Mystery That Will Leave You Spellbound
In The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins , the story begins on a moonlit London night when art teacher Walter Hartwright encounters a mysterious young woman —beautiful , terrified , and dressed entirely in white . Compelled to help this piteous creature , he is soon drawn into a world of secrets , murder , and madness . With an impossible mystery to solve, this classic read delivers an incredible twist that remains as impactful today as it was when first published.
16.’The Silent Patient’ by Alex Michaelides
A Truly Shocking Psychological Thriller
In The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides , a woman’s gruesome act of violence against her husband becomes the center of attention for a therapist obsessed with uncovering her hidden motive . This psychological thriller has been hyped to hell and back , but it truly lives up to its acclaim . With a narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end, this book is a truly shocking masterpiece that will leave readers breathless.
17. ‘His & Hers’ by Alice Feeney
A Twist-Filled Mystery in a Quintessentially British Village
In His & Hers by Alice Feeney , a murder in a small, quintessentially British village sets the stage for a gripping tale. As a detective and a reporter are assigned to cover the case , they find themselves entangled in a dangerous path filled with twist after wild twist . Though not everyone may be a huge fan , there’s no denying that this layered story keeps readers hooked until the very end.
18. ‘The Wife Between Us’ by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
A Jaw-Dropping Game of Cat and Mouse
In The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen , the story unfolds as a jealous ex-wife and a pretty young woman play a twisted cat and mouse game . At first glance, it seems like a tale of rivalry, but what if all is not as it seems ? With its disorienting twists and turns, this jaw-dropping thriller keeps readers guessing until the very end. Dun, dun, DUNNNN .
19. ‘It’s Always the Husband’ by Michele Campbell
A Disastrous Friendship That Burns Bright and Ends Deadly
In It’s Always the Husband by Michele Campbell , the story dives into the intense dynamics of a friendship that burns bright and fast , only to flame out in disastrous ways . The tension peaks with a shocking murder on a bridge , leaving readers questioning how well they truly know those around them. I wish I could erase this book from my mind just to experience its twists with fresh, innocent eyes again. Yikes —this one will stay with you long after you finish.
20.’The Seven Visitations of Sydney Burgess’ by Andy Marino
A Grim Fever Dream with a Twisty, Devastating Resolution
In The Seven Visitations of Sydney Burgess by Andy Marino , readers are plunged into a grim fever dream that feels both unsettling and unforgettable. The story grows increasingly trippy , leaning into stomach-turning body horror with each passing chapter . As the tension builds, the novel delivers a twisty, devastating resolution that lingers long after the final page. This is one fever dream you won’t soon shake off.
21.’The Last Word’ by Taylor Adams
A Claustrophobic Thriller with Jaw-Dropping Twists
In The Last Word by Taylor Adams , a woman in a remote beach house begins to suspect that an author is retaliating against her one-star review of his book. This eerie and claustrophobic thriller expertly ramps up the psychological suspense , blending gut-churning fear with jaw-dropping twists . While it has some minor issues , Adams’ ability to create a tense atmosphere makes this a fun read for fans of thrillers like No Exit .
