There’s nothing like a spine-tingling psychological thriller to keep you reading until the early hours. This year, some of our favourite authors are back with gripping new stories filled with shocking twists, unsettling paranoia, and dark secrets waiting to be uncovered. From domestic suspense to high-stakes quests for survival, here are eight must-read psychological thrillers that will have you hooked. Which one will you pick up first?
Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister
Publication date: 9th April 2026
We suspect you’ll love it because: This is a tense, fast-paced, cat-and-mouse thriller with a strong emotional heart, exploring the lengths a parent will go to in order to protect their child.
The plot in a nutshell: Simone and her daughter Lucy are about to embark on an epic road trip across America. But on the first night of the trip, Lucy disappears. In her place, someone has left a phone, which rings. The person on the line tells Simone she can only see her daughter again if she commits the unthinkable. As the demands escalate, Simone’s love and loyalty are put to the ultimate test.
Great for fans of: Claire Douglas, Andrea Mara, The Bodies by Sam Lloyd.
What the experts say: “A taut, heart-in-mouth thriller. With Gillian McAllister’s trademark beautiful writing, not only is Caller Unknown a wonderfully atmospheric and twisty read, it’s also a powerful ode to motherhood. I couldn’t put it down. Absolutely superb.” – Claire Douglas, author of The Family Friend.
The Exes by Leodora Darlington
Publication date: 12th February 2026
We suspect you’ll love it because: It has mind-bending twists and an unreliable narrator, leaving you to question everyone. We couldn’t put this one down – or predict that ending.
The plot in a nutshell: When Natalie meets James, she thinks she’s found ‘the one’ and can finally move on from her disastrous past, which includes trauma, family estrangement and three dead ex-boyfriends. Then, one night after an argument with James, she comes to from a blackout and finds a knife in her hand… But is Natalie a cold-blooded killer or is there something else going on?
Great for fans of: Freida McFadden, B.A. Paris, The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.
What the experts say: “An outstandingly clever novel where the twists are an integral part of the story and not imposed upon it. I was dazzled and enthralled.” – Elly Griffiths, author of The Frozen People.
The Family Friend by Claire Douglas
Publication date: 12th March 2026
We suspect you’ll love it because: It combines a unique premise, a didn’t-see-that-coming plot, and believable characters.
The plot in a nutshell: Imogen is surprised when she is left a house in a will by a woman named Dorothea – someone she’s not seen for 16 years. Once moved in, she discovers of a box with her own name on it and quickly realises the house isn’t just an inheritance but a message from Dorothea to investigate her death.
Great for fans of: Shari Lapena, The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell, The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas.
What the Dead Good team says: “I wanted to start off 2026 strong, and knew Claire Douglas would not disappoint. She truly is the queen of the psychological thriller, and The Family Friend might just be her best work yet. I loved, loved, LOVED this book! Strongly recommend.” – Francesca Pymm, Social Media Lead at Dead Good.
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney
Publication date: 20th January 2026
We suspect you’ll love it because: This is a mind-bending domestic thriller with a wildly unpredictable plot and twists you won’t see coming. You won’t be able to put it down – and then you’ll be desperate to discuss that shock ending…
The plot in a nutshell: Eden goes for a jog around her new neighbourhood. But when she returns, her key no longer fits in the door and there’s another woman in her home. Even stranger: her husband insists that this woman is his wife.
Great for fans of: Riley Sager, Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
What the experts say: “I was completely hooked from the first page to the last.” – Clare Leslie Hall, author of Broken Country.
Such a Nice Girl by Andrea Mara
Publication date: 7th May 2026
We suspect you’ll love it because: The action kicks off from the first page in this high-concept thriller, and Andrea Mara ramps up the tension until the jaw-dropping final twist.
The plot in a nutshell: Two best friends believe one of their adult daughters has tried to kill the other. Both girls are now missing and neither mother knows who is the victim, and who is the perpetrator, putting their friendship to the ultimate test.
Great for fans of: K. L. Slater, Alice Feeney, All Her Fault by Andrea Mara.
What the experts say: “Spine-chilling, with stunning writing that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Andrea Mara never misses and this is no exception.” – Freida McFadden, author of The Housemaid.
It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell
Publication date: 2nd July 2026
We suspect you’ll love it because: There’s a compelling mystery at its core and it’s a multi-layered story with an intricate plot. Like all of Lisa Jewell’s books, it also features multi-faceted characters who feel like real people.
The plot in a nutshell: Twenty-five years ago, Jane Trevally was in a stranger’s house when she heard a woman’s scream and realised she was in danger. She fled the scene. But now, a lost dog leads her back to the same house, and she’s determined to find out what happened all those years ago – and the location of a missing woman.
Great for fans of: Ruth Ware, Liz Nugent, Shari Lapena.
What the experts say: “A top-notch thriller, featuring the most endearing protagonist that I can easily identify with – a nosy middle-aged woman who stumbles across the story of a missing girl and decides to investigate it herself. Alternately cosy and harrowing, it investigates the most toxic family I have ever read. Superbly written with wit and class, Lisa Jewell remains at the top of her game with this entertaining and twisty thriller.” – Liz Nugent, author of The Truth About Ruby Cooper.
It Ends Here by Heidi Perks
Publication date: 26th March 2026
We suspect you’ll love it because: The central mystery around the identity of the perpetrator is undeniably gripping, but it is the emotions of the hostages’ families that make this thriller so compelling.
The plot in a nutshell: Five people are being held in a café on the Isle of Wight. Concerned relatives rush to the scene, where it soon becomes clear that the police don’t which of them is the hostage-taker and which are the victims. Now, the family and friends must question how well they really know the people closest to them…
Great for fans of: Andrea Mara, Gilly Macmillan, Jane Corry.
What the experts say: “I’m blown away by Heidi’s plotting. It Ends Here is so compulsive and gripping, brilliantly constructed. She’s at the top of her game, an absolute superhero of the genre – so impressive.” – Sabine Durrant, author of Dead Heat.
Getting Away with Murder by Shari Lapena
Publication date: 16th July 2027
We suspect you’ll love it because: This dysfunctional family drama is full of red herrings and characters you’ll love to hate. It’s a smart, suspenseful thriller that you’ll read in one sitting.
The plot in a nutshell: Ted and Jill love their elegant Brooklyn brownstone. Then they make a bad investment and lose all their money, meaning their lifestyle is threatened. The only solution? To kill a wealthy family member. But as their actions spiral out of control, the suspense builds and they start to question whether they can really trust each other…
Great for fans of: Lisa Jewell, Liz Nugent, Cara Hunter.
What the experts say: “Shari Lapena is far and away one of the best psychological thriller writers in the world today and an absolute auto read author for me. She is never afraid to take risks, never formulaic and always intensely bingeable. I love her.” – Lisa Jewell, author of It Could Have Been Her.
Warning Signs by Tracy Sierra
Publication date: 12th February 2026
We suspect you’ll love it because: This tense, claustrophobic thriller oozes with unease. It is another masterclass in suspense from the author of Nightwatching.
The plot in a nutshell: A father and son go on a ski weekend but things go fatally wrong. Now, 12-year-old Zach, who was taught survival skills by his late mother, will need to use everything he’s learned if he wants to live…
Great for fans of: Amy McCulloch, Stephen King, The Hunger by Alma Katsu.
What the experts say: “Wow, Tracy Sierra has done it again – knife-edge tension and a perfect denouement. Absolutely outstanding.” – Andrea Mara, author of Such a Nice Girl.
Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino
Publication date: 15th January 2026
We suspect you’ll love it because: It’s a darkly funny thriller that’s been described as Gone Girl meets Selling Sunset. There’s definitely something of Amy Dunne in Margo’s unhinged behaviour, but this is a funnier read. The TV rights have already been bought, with Killing Eve writer Suzanne Heathcote penning the script.
The plot in a nutshell: Margo and her husband have lost out on 11 properties, so when she finds her dream home, she is prepared to do whatever it takes to get it – and we really mean whatever…
Great for fans of: Freida McFadden, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, Alex Michaelides.
What the experts say: “Not since Gone Girl have I been so gripped by a narrative voice. This is a tale of blackest comedy, spiralling obsession and ultimate horror. By turns laugh-out-loud funny and appalling, Marisa Kashino asks how far you would go to secure your dream house, then goes several steps further than you would ever dare. Compulsive and unputdownable. Highly recommended.” – Alex Michaelides, author of The Silent Patient.
The Other You by Carys Green
Publication date: 26th March 2026
We suspect you’ll love it because: This is a chilling, thought-provoking read about the dark side of domestic life. It’s as thought-provoking as it is gripping, and one that you’ll fly through but think about long after you’ve finished.
The plot in a nutshell: Elena is struggling with the demands and stresses of new parenthood so, when her mother-in-law suggests getting a clone from More You, it seems like the perfect solution. But while having Nellie in their home is a definite help, things turn sinister when she starts speaking and acting just like Elena…
Great for fans of: Ashley Audrain, The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin, Eden Falls by Ajay Chowdhury.
What the Dead Good team says: “This book gave me chills! Yes, it’s a bit more sci-fi than I’m used to, but I loved the premise – what if you can’t trust the people you love the most? It reminded me of a cross between an Andrea Mara book and The Stepford Wives and had me questioning everything and everyone before its haunting conclusion.” – Katie Russell, Content Lead for Dead Good.
Have we missed any books off our list? Let us know in the comments below…
Sorry I have to disagree with the “only child” idea. I’m the oldest of four girls and would class myself as a “reader”.
I love these emails. Always useful for discovering must read books.
I too have read all of the above books, and I usually devour 3 plus books a week. I rely on Dead Good to tell me in advance what to buy, and to recommend to friends. Once when buying a book, an older lady said to me “show me a reader and i will show you an only child”, and i think she was possible right!
I have read most of the books above. I loved the Shari Lapena which I thought one of her best, the Lisa Jewell and the Cara Hunter. I love it when authors write books in different formats like podcasts etc.
The Trap is on my TBR so I look forward to reading it next year.