Top 13 gripping crime novels and thrillers recommended for this summer by our editorial team's book expert
August 2025 has seen a flurry of exciting crime fiction and thriller releases, with several books making it to the must-read lists across various sources. Here are some of the standout titles that have captured the attention of readers worldwide.
Karin Slaughter, a renowned author known for her strong female characters and exploration of crime, justice, and human nature, has released her latest novel, "We Are All Guilty Here." This is the first book in a new series set in a small community and has already been published in 120 countries. Slaughter's book follows her successful adaptation of her novels into Netflix series and Disney+ shows.
Another prominent author releasing a key work in August is Samantha Downing with her novel "Too Old for This." The book promises to be a gripping addition to the crime fiction genre.
Apart from these, "A Dish Best Served Dead" and "The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective" are also highlighted as August must-reads.
The month's thriller offerings are not limited to these. "A Beautiful and Terrible Murder," "Kiss Her Goodbye," "The Gossip Columnist's Daughter," and "The Hospital" are listed as must-read mystery and thriller books for August. These titles, along with "The Locked Ward" by Sarah Pekkanen and "Mother Knows Best" by J.A. Baker, have generated strong buzz and are featured in video roundups of new thriller releases specifically for 2025.
In addition, there are several anticipated thrillers that are scheduled for release in 2025 but have been pushed to surrounding months. These include "Sister, Butcher, Sister" by K.D. Aldyn (June), "Never Flinch" by Stephen King (May), and "The Secret of Secrets" by Dan Brown (early September).
Apart from these, Lisa Jewell's latest novel, "The Night She Disappeared," is a twisty, fast-paced psychological thriller that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Another intriguing read is "Mary Shelley," a feminist retelling of the life of Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, focusing on her time in 1816 at Lake Geneva.
Lastly, August 2025 Book of the Month is a mystery novel titled "Katie Cole" by Nicci Cloke. The novel revolves around the disappearance of a woman, with her belongings found inside her apartment and her three-year-old daughter at daycare.
With such a diverse range of crime fiction and thrillers, August 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting month for readers.
Health enthusiasts might find time to unwind after a day of wellness routines with a captivating crime fiction book, such as "The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective" or "Katie Cole", offering an escape from their usual routines. For family bonding nights, consider reading "Mary Shelley", a feminist retelling of Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin's life, fostering discussions about strong women and literary history. As the month progresses, cozy evenings can be spent indulging in the beauty of a written word with a good book, like "A Dish Best Served Dead" or "The Night She Disappeared," while enjoying some entertainment, like a movie or a series adaptation.
