9 Under-the-Radar Mystery and Thriller Authors That You Need To Read Now
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Looking for your next heart-pounding read? While big-name authors often dominate the mystery and thriller shelves, there’s a treasure trove of under-the-radar mystery and thriller authors delivering equally gripping, twist-filled tales.
Whether you love psychological suspense, complex characters, or shocking endings, these authors are ready to keep you guessing until the very last page.
If you love a good fast-paced thriller, these nine mystery and thriller writers deserve a spot on your to-be-read list. Get ready to discover fresh voices and hidden gems in the genre that will have you turning pages late into the night.
Contents
9 Under-the-Radar Mystery and Thriller Authors
1 – Chris Pavone
Chris Pavone is known for his intricately plotted thrillers that weave together international intrigue, espionage, and moral dilemmas. His novels, including The Expats and Two Nights in Lisbon, transport readers into glamorous yet dangerous settings, from European cities to sun-soaked islands. Pavone’s writing combines high-stakes tension with deeply personal conflicts, making his books both thrilling and thought-provoking. If you love fast-paced stories with clever twists and richly drawn characters, Chris Pavone’s novels are a must-read.
Try This Book: Two Nights In Lisbon
2 – E. M. Davey
E.M. Davey writes literary thrillers infused with historical intrigue and adventure. Drawing on his background as an investigative journalist, his novels, like Foretold by Thunder and The Napoleon Complex, are packed with hidden secrets, ancient conspiracies, and high-stakes chases through exotic locations. Davey’s stories seamlessly blend historical research with gripping suspense, appealing to fans of Dan Brown and Robert Harris. If you’re drawn to thrillers with an archaeological twist and a touch of mystery, E.M. Davey is an author worth exploring.
Try This Book: Foretold by Thunder
3 – Stephanie Wrobel
Stephanie Wrobel delivers dark, psychological thrillers that explore twisted family dynamics and deep emotional scars. Her novels, like Darling Rose Gold and This Might Hurt, are filled with slow-building tension, unreliable characters, and shocking twists that leave readers questioning everything. Wrobel’s writing appeals to fans of Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins, with a knack for writing deeply unsettling yet utterly addictive stories. If you love thrillers that dive into the complexities of human relationships and keep you on edge, Stephanie Wrobel is an author you don’t want to miss.
Try This Book: Darling Rose Gold
4 – Paula Hawkins
Paula Hawkins, best known for her blockbuster debut The Girl on the Train, continues to deliver gripping psychological thrillers that delve into the darker sides of human nature. Her latest work, The Blue Hour, is a slow-burn mystery packed with suspense, secrets, and morally complex characters. Hawkins’ writing is atmospheric and haunting, appealing to fans of Lisa Jewell and Ruth Ware. If you enjoy character-driven thrillers with shocking twists and a touch of emotional depth, Paula Hawkins’ novels are a perfect fit.
Try This Book: The Blue Hour
5 – Sarah Jost
Sarah Jost is an emerging voice in psychological suspense, crafting deeply atmospheric mysteries that linger long after the final page. Her debut novel, The Estate, explores themes of betrayal, obsession, and the sinister secrets hidden within seemingly idyllic settings. Jost’s writing is rich in tension and emotion, drawing readers into carefully woven plots with unexpected twists. Perfect for fans of Louise Candlish and Shari Lapena, Sarah Jost’s work offers a fresh take on domestic and psychological thrillers. If you crave mysteries that blend suspense with layered storytelling, Jost is an author to watch.
Try This Book: The Estate
6 – Louise Candlish
Louise Candlish is a master of domestic suspense, known for her razor-sharp storytelling and morally complex characters. Her novels, like The Other Passenger and Our House, are filled with intricate plots and jaw-dropping twists that keep readers guessing until the very end. Candlish’s writing often explores the dark undercurrents of seemingly ordinary lives, making her stories relatable yet utterly chilling. Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Lisa Jewell, her books are a must-read for anyone who loves smart, character-driven thrillers that pack an emotional punch.
Try This Book: The Heights
7 – Matthew Farrell
Matthew Farrell delivers fast-paced, pulse-pounding thrillers that dive deep into dark secrets and twisted family dynamics. Known for novels like Don’t Ever Forget and What Have You Done, Farrell’s gripping plots are filled with shocking twists and relentless suspense. His stories often explore the complexities of trust, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect—or destroy—the ones they love. Perfect for fans of Harlan Coben and Michael Robotham, Matthew Farrell’s books are ideal for readers who crave high-stakes thrillers with emotional depth and unexpected endings.
Try This Book: The Perfect Mother
8 – Catherine Steadman
Catherine Steadman writes sophisticated psychological thrillers that keep readers hooked with their blend of glamour, intrigue, and suspense. A former actress, Steadman brings a cinematic flair to her novels, such as Something in the Water and The Family Game. Her stories often feature ordinary characters thrust into extraordinary and dangerous situations, with plots packed full of clever twists and turns. Perfect for fans of Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley, Steadman’s books are a great pick for readers who love atmospheric thrillers with a touch of elegance and unpredictability.
Try This Book: Look In the Mirror
9 – Alice Feeney
Alice Feeney is a master of mind-bending psychological thrillers that are as clever as they are chilling. Known for her bestselling novels like Sometimes I Lie and Good Bad Girl, Feeney’s stories are filled with unreliable narrators, shocking twists, and intricate plots that keep readers guessing until the very last page. Her ability to delve into the complexities of human relationships and hidden secrets makes her work perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn and B.A. Paris. If you enjoy thrillers that blur the lines between truth and deception, Alice Feeney is an author you need on your radar.
Try This Book: Sometimes I Lie
Conclusion
If you’re looking to shake up your reading list with fresh voices and unexpected twists, these nine under-the-radar mystery and thriller authors are a perfect place to start. From gripping psychological suspense to high-stakes international intrigue, these books promise to keep you glued to the pages and guessing until the very end.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the mystery and thriller genre or just starting to explore its dark and thrilling depths, these authors prove that some of the most exciting reads can easily come from hidden gems.
So, go ahead—add a few of these names to your TBR list, and get ready for some sleepless nights!
Have you read any of these authors? Or do you have a favorite hidden gem to share? I’d love to hear what it is.
