5 Thrillers Perfect for Beginners
So you’re thinking about dipping your toes into thrillers? First of all—welcome. Honestly, I get a little jealous when someone says they’re just starting out, because that first rush of twists, late-night binge-reading, and “wait, what just happened?!” moments is unforgettable.
If we were hanging out together and you told me you wanted to try thrillers, these are the exact five books I’d hand you off my shelf. They’re easy to follow, ridiculously addictive, and perfect for getting you hooked.
Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
This one is about a young woman who takes a job apartment-sitting in a super fancy Manhattan building, but—of course—something sinister is lurking behind all that glamour.
✨ Why I’d recommend it: The short chapters make it fly by, and it’s got that perfect mix of creepy and binge-worthy without being too complicated. I remember thinking, “Just one more chapter,” until suddenly it was 2 a.m.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
Millie takes a job working for a wealthy family… and let’s just say her new employers aren’t exactly what they seem.
✨ Why I’d recommend it: This book pulls you in immediately. The writing is super straightforward but the story is juicy—it’s like watching a domestic drama spiral completely off the rails. You’ll tear through it in no time.
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Ten years after her teenage daughter goes missing, a mom meets a man… whose daughter looks a little too familiar.
✨ Why I’d recommend it: Lisa Jewell was one of the first thriller authors I ever read, and she’s perfect for beginners. The writing is emotional and easy to follow, but the twists will keep you guessing until the end.
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
Years after a dark tragedy in a grand London house, a woman inherits it—and uncovers the secrets hiding inside.
✨ Why I’d recommend it: This one is such a good mix of creepy atmosphere and family drama. If you like thrillers but also love character-driven stories, this is such a strong starting point.
Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
Amber Reynolds wakes up in a hospital, unable to move or speak—but she can hear everything. And she has one rule: Sometimes I lie.
✨ Why I’d recommend it: If you love unreliable narrators, this book is such a fun intro. It’s clever, twisty, and totally unputdownable without ever feeling overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to thrillers, these are the books I’d press into your hands right away. They’re addictive, easy to follow, and full of the kind of twists that will make you fall in love with the genre. Just promise me one thing: don’t start them late at night unless you’re okay with losing sleep. 😉
