13 Winter Thriller Books That Will Chill You To the Bone
Looks Like Books contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclaimer to learn more.
When the temperature drops, winter thriller books hit differently. Blizzards cut the power, roads vanish, and every knock at the door feels suspect. This list leans into snowbound settings and stormy isolation – locked-room puzzles, psychological twists, and a dash of Scandi noir – so you can settle in with a blanket while the stakes get colder.
Key Takeaways: Winter Thriller Books
Winter Thriller Books To Add To Your TBR List
Think storm-shut inns, avalanche-cut chalets, and phones that die when you need them most. This lineup spans sleek whodunits to high-adrenaline survival thrillers, all using winter as the real antagonist. Most are easy entry points, with brief scare-level notes to guide you.
1 – The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse
A chilling murder mystery unfolds in a former sanatorium turned luxury hotel in the snowy Alps.
2 – The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
A group of friends reunites at a remote lodge for New Year’s, but one ends up dead.
3 – One By One by Ruth Ware
A corporate retreat in a ski chalet turns deadly when an avalanche traps everyone.
4 – Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson
A rookie policeman investigates a murder in a quiet Icelandic village.
5 – Shiver by Allie Reynolds
Snowboarders reunite at a resort, confronting chilling secrets and lies.
6 – The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon
A haunting tale of murder, ghosts, and secrets in a snow-covered Vermont town.
7 – A Stranger In the House by Shari Lapena
A domestic thriller with shocking twists set in a cold Canadian winter.
8 – The Snowman by Jo Nesbo
Detective Harry Hole hunts a snowman-obsessed serial killer in Norway.
9 – Dead Of Winter by Darcy Coates
Stranded in a lodge during a snowstorm, a group must survive a killer among them.
10 – No Exit by Taylor Adams
A woman trapped at a rest stop discovers a kidnapped child in a van during a blizzard.
11 – An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena
Guests stranded in a snowstorm face danger as bodies start piling up.
12 – The Ice Twins by S.K. Tremayne
A psychological thriller about grief and mystery on a remote Scottish island.
13 – The Abominable by Dan Simmons
| A historical thriller about a perilous climb on Mount Everest with icy dangers. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Thriller Books
Are these all set in winter?
Yes – snow, cold, or storms play a central role in the tension and plot.
What’s the scariest pick?
For intensity, try No Exit or Dead of Winter. For lighter chills, start with The Hunting Party or An Unwanted Guest.
Best for book clubs?
The Sanatorium, One by One, The Winter People, and The Ice Twins offer strong atmosphere + discussion topics (isolation, memory, ethics).
Conclusion
Whether you’re snowed in at home or just looking for a novel as chilling as the season itself, these books deliver suspense, twists, and plenty of icy atmosphere. From remote lodges and mountain peaks to snow-covered towns and blizzards that trap characters in life-or-death situations, these winter thrillers are guaranteed to keep you hooked.
Winter may be cold, but these thrillers will leave you absolutely frozen – in the best way possible. So might these mysterious dark academia books. Stay warm, and happy reading!
Want more timely picks? Browse the Seasonal & Gift Guides hub for fall reads and holiday lists.
