Leave No Trace

by MJ White

Pub Date: Apr 06 2023

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Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on Jul 02 2025

M.J. White’s Leave No Trace is a gripping, twist-laden detective thriller that marks the third installment in the Cora Lael series. Set fifteen years after a young footballer, Ewan Stokes— nicknamed “Stokesy”—disappears, the case resurfaces when mysterious sightings, violent acts, and an online cult all point toward his ominous return. Dr. Cora Lael, with her intuitive psychological insights, teams up with South Suffolk CID to unravel the mystery and protect Stokes’s ex-girlfriend from escalating danger
The novel strikes a compelling balance between police procedural pace and psychological depth, with short, suspenseful chapters that build tension steadily before a thrilling payoff .

Intense, character-driven crime fiction with a haunting atmosphere. A must-read for thriller fans looking for layered mysteries and unforgettable protagonists.

 

Her

by Mira V Shah

Pub Date: Nov 23 2023

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Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on Jul 02 2025

Mira V Shah’s Her is a taut, twisty psychological thriller exploring envy, friendship, and hidden truths. Told through alternating perspectives of Rani—a struggling mum living across the street— and Natalie, the seemingly perfect newcomer, the novel builds rising tension as Rani becomes obsessed with Natalie’s ideal life.
The writing is compelling and fast-paced, with sharp, short chapters that create a compelling, binge-read feel . The ending is a touch rushed, but a gripping debut that keeps you guessing

 

The Dead Don't Speak

by Claire Askew

Pub Date: Jun 08 2023

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Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on Jul 02 2025

Claire Askew’s The Dead Don’t Speak is a haunting and atmospheric thriller that hinges on a deeply unsettling concept: when a family member dies in suspicious circumstances, the only witness left is someone who can’t speak.
Askew weaves tension expertly, using subtle psychological chills rather than overt horror. Her prose is crisp and evocative, painting a chilling portrait of grief, guilt, and growing paranoia. The protagonist’s slow unraveling is compelling and believable, while the eerie, unspoken presence of the dead keeps the pages turning.
A lean, suspenseful debut with just the right amount of psychological depth—ideal for fans of quiet, character-driven chills

 

Blood Mothers

by Gaye Maguire

Pub Date: Feb 12 2023

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Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on Jul 02 2025

Blood Mothers by Gaye Maguire is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of motherhood, trust, and betrayal. Set in a picturesque North Wales village, the

story centers on Jess, a stay-at-home mum who believes she’s found friendship and support among the other local mothers... until she starts to question how well she really knows them.
Gaye Maguire expertly builds tension through a carefully paced storyline, punctuated by subtle but unsettling moments that make you second-guess every interaction. The close-knit community setting adds an eerie sense of surveillance and pressure, escalating the suspense with each passing chapter.
Jess is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist whose maternal instincts—in both her young son and her own mother—drive much of the emotional depth in the novel. The supporting cast of mothers is varied and well-drawn; each woman carries a secret, and Maguire peels these layers away skillfully.
Blood Mothers is a compelling domestic thriller that explores the darker side of family and friendship. With its richly realized characters and building tension, it’s a perfect pick for readers who enjoy unsettling, character-driven suspense.

 

The Silent Bride

by Shalini Boland

Pub Date: Jun 01 2023

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Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on Jul 02 2025

The Silent Bride by Simon McCleave is a compelling psychological thriller that delves into the consequences of a single, life-altering choice. The story follows Helen Brister, who moves to a quiet suburb in an effort to start fresh, only to find herself tied to a dark past.
McCleave creates a tense atmosphere with richly drawn domestic settings, making the suburban backdrop feel both familiar and unsettling. Through Helen’s perspective, the novel explores themes of guilt, trust, and the ripple effects of our actions.
The writing is sharp and engaging, with a steady pace that keeps readers turning pages. While not overloaded with action, the tension rises in subtle ways—small reveals and character interactions build suspense organically, leading to a satisfying climax.
Helen is a believable and relatable protagonist, convincing in her emotional turmoil and determination. The supporting cast brings depth to the story, each character adding layers to the mystery. The Silent Bride is a suspenseful, well-crafted thriller driven by strong character development and atmospheric tension. Ideal for fans of domestic noir and psychological thrillers.

 

he Second Stranger

by Martin Griffin

Pub Date: Jan 19 2023

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Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on Jul 02 2025

The Second Stranger by Martin Griffin is a tense and atmospheric thriller set in a remote Scottish hotel during a snowstorm. The story follows a woman working at the hotel who is forced to make quick, life-or-death decisions when two strangers arrive — and one of them may be dangerous.
The novel is filled with suspense and mystery, keeping the reader guessing about who can be trusted. The isolated setting adds to the tension, creating a claustrophobic and eerie mood throughout the book. Griffin does a great job building suspense and slowly revealing the characters’ secrets.
The writing is clear and engaging, and the plot moves at a good pace with twists that are both surprising and satisfying. The main character is relatable and resourceful, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as the story unfolds. Overall, The Second Stranger is a gripping, well- written thriller that’s perfect for fans of psychological suspense and locked-room mysteries.

 

Hunter

by Ross Greenwood

Pub Date: Dec 05 2022

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Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on Jul 02 2025

Hunter by Ross Greenwood is a fast-paced and gripping crime thriller that follows the story of Alex Hunter, a man with a dark past who takes justice into his own hands. The book explores themes of revenge, morality, and what happens when the justice system doesn’t work.
Greenwood’s writing is clear and engaging, with short, sharp chapters that make it easy to keep reading. The story is full of suspense and action, and the characters feel realistic and well- developed. Alex Hunter is a complex main character — both flawed and sympathetic — which keeps the reader interested in his choices.
The plot moves quickly, with plenty of twists and tense moments that keep you guessing. While the book can be quite dark at times, it’s also thought-provoking and emotional.