13 Gripping Mysteries and Thrillers That Will Captivate Readers: NPR

Mysteries and thrillers are perfect companions for avid readers seeking captivating reads, especially during winter. El-Balad presents 13 gripping titles that feature a variety of themes, from stalkers to witchcraft, ensuring there’s something for every enthusiast.

Must-Read Mysteries and Thrillers

• All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman
• Audition by Katie Kitamura
• The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones
• Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
• Elita by Kirsten Sundberg Lunstrum
• Heartwood by Amity Gaige
• Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang
• The Naming of the Birds by Paraic O’Donnell
• Old Soul by Susan Barker
• The Stalker by Paula Bomer
• The Tokyo Suite by Giovana Madalosso
• Vantage Point by Sara Sligar
• Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

Highlights of Each Title

• All the Other Mothers Hate Me: A mother tackles the mystery of her son’s missing classmate while managing her chaotic life.
• Audition: A woman’s encounter with a man convinced she is his mother reveals layers of identity and narrative complexity.
• The Buffalo Hunter Hunter: An antihero from the Blackfeet tribe seeks redemption in a tale steeped in America’s dark past.
• Death of the Author: A narrative shift between a human author and a robot obsessed with storytelling explores themes of identity.
• Elita: Set on a remote island, a scholar uncovers the origins of a feral girl while grappling with her own freedoms.
• Heartwood: The story of a nurse who disappears while hiking unfolds through multiple perspectives, highlighting human resilience.
• Julie Chan Is Dead: After her sister’s death, a woman assumes her identity, leading to thrilling consequences.
• The Naming of the Birds: A Victorian mystery unfolds as detectives hunt for a serial killer linked to a haunting prologue.
• Old Soul: Two strangers discover dark connections from their pasts, raising questions about a mysterious woman.
• The Stalker: A sociopath navigates New York City, inflicting harm while humorously exposing his flaws.
• The Tokyo Suite: A mother and a nanny’s lives intertwine through a kidnapping plot, revealing deep-seated choices and regrets.
• Vantage Point: Set on a remote island, a narrative blends family drama with technology-related conspiracies.
• Witchcraft for Wayward Girls: Set in the 1970s, a young girl discovers witchcraft while confronting societal pressures.

Conclusion

Each title provides a unique perspective on the human experience through suspenseful narratives. Whether you seek thrill or mystery, this collection ensures a captivating reading experience. Explore the diverse worlds these authors create and indulge in the excitement of uncovering hidden truths.