Wondering about the Top Mystery and Thriller Books for Fall 2025? This is my list of the books by big-name authors, plus some more under the radar picks I have my eye on! Please let me know your picks in the comments!
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Top Mystery and Thriller Books for Fall 2025
I’m dividing this list into two categories:
- New Fall 2025 Mystery and Thriller Books by Big Name Authors
- Mystery and Thriller Books for Fall 2025 by Debut and Up and Coming Authors
I’m publishing this now so you can get pre-orders and library holds in (I just nabbed some good spots on the hold list!)
I will be reviewing most of these, so check back for my thoughts … OR
Fall 2025 Mystery and Thriller Books by Big Name Authors
Apostles Cove (Cork O’Connor #21) by William Kent Krueger (September 2)
I have not tried his books yet! William Kent Krueger fans, should I start with book one?
Clown Town (Slow Horses #9) by Mick Herron (September 9)
I havd not (yet) read this series so will not be reading this one, but did watch and enjoy the Apple TV adaptation!
A Slowly Dying Cause (Inspector Lynley reboot) by Elizabeth George (September 23)
I didn’t realize that Elizabeth George has been releasing new books in this series, which began in 1988, every two or three years. I’m not sure if this book ties into the new Lynley series on Britbox, or if the “reboot” concept is because George changed up her UK publisher.
So …. I read this and it was over 650 pages. For me, that was too long. Were her books always this long? I lost sight of the mystery!
Check out my Readers Guide to A Slowly Dying Cause!
Killing Stones (Orkney series #1) by Ann Cleeves (September 30)
I have watched some of Shetland and really liked it, so I’m happy that she is starting a new series that I can try out!
Check out my Readers Guide to The Killing Stones!
The Impossible Fortune (Thursday Murder Club #5) by Richard Osman (September 30)
Love this series and am excited for the Netflix movie adaptation and this new installment! If you need a recap for the prior Thursday Murder Club books, check out this post.
My Readers Guide to The Impossible Fortune with a character list and spoilers!
Sharp Force (Kay Scarpetta #29) by Patricia Cornwell (October 7)
I read a LOT of Patricia Cornwell back in the 90s. Then I moved on to other things.
Her books have been adapted several times, but now there is a new adaptation coming on Netflix and starring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis. I’m curious to see the ethereal, wispy Kidman play the tough, no-nonsense Scarpetta.
My Readers Guide to Sharp Force by Patricia Cornwell.
The Intruder by Freida McFadden (October 14)
I think many of us have felt that McFadden’s rapid publishing model has meant that some of her recent books could use more editing and development.
My Readers Guide to the Intruder is UP. I have opinions!
Gone Before Goodbye by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben (October 14)
Well, well. The Book Club queen is teaming up with prolific author Harlan Coben. I’m excited to see what they came up with!
Check out my Readers Guide to Gone Before Goodbye!
The Proving Ground (Lincoln Lawyer #8) by Michael Connelly (October 21)
I love a Mickey Haller book, so I am excited about this one!
Stay tuned for my thoughts!
The Widow by John Grisham (October 21)
I still remember reading The Firm on a beach somewhere back in the day. I haven’t been keeping up with what Grisham has been up to, so I’m trying this one!
Here’s My Review of The Widow!
The Black Wolf (Inspector Gamache 20) by Louise Penny (October 28)
Yes, this series is also on my to-read list. These books regularly end up on “best of” end of the year lists. One of my goals for winter 2025/2026 is to try some new series!
Debut and Up and Coming New Mystery and Thriller Books for Fall 2025
These books range from British authors you may or may not have heard of to debut authors!
Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards (September 16)
This book about a dinner party in London turned dark and deadly is getting good early reviews.
My Readers Guide to The Wasp Trap is here!
No Rest for the Wicked by Rachel Lee Adams (September 16)
This is a debut suspense story about a pathologist who has to return to her small Wisconsin town after her father is abducted. I started it and really like it so far. It’s a dark and quirky book that won’t be for everyone. My Readers Guide to No Rest for the Wicked is here.
Opinion is VERY divided about the cover. Some people thought it was a cozy cat mystery (NO!) and others thought it was more goofy than spooky. Tell me what you think in comments!
Other People’s Houses (Fforde Morgan 3) by Clare Mackintosh (September 16)
I have really enjoyed this procedural series. Book one, The Last Party, was a little chaotic, but by book two, A Game of Lies, the series really found its footing!
I really enjoyed this one – check out my Review of Other People’s Houses!
Wives of Hawthorne Lane by Stephanie de Carolis (September 16)
I love neighborhood thrillers AND domestic suspense , so I’m trying this. It is getting good early reviews!
Check out my Readers Guide to The Wives of Hawthorne Lane.
The Killer Question by Janice Hallett (September 23)
I am a huge fan of Janice Hallett, whose epistolary books are so clever and fun to read that I forget I am reading emails or legal documents and such. I’m so excited about this one!
If you are new to her work, check out The Appeal, The Twyford Code, and The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels.
Here’s my Readers Guide with SPOILERS for The Killer Question!
Keep This for Me by Jennifer Fawcett (October 7)
I have a whole list of serial killer books and don’t read them much anymore, but this is getting strong early reviews and is about a woman whose mother’s killer is found. And then another woman disappears.
Here’s my Review of Keep This For Me!
Where He Left Me by Nicole Baart (November 4)
Yes, there are many missing wives books and a few about missing husbands. When a woman’s husband vanishes, she has to decide if she really knows him at all.
This wasn’t my VERY favorite, (check out my Goodreads review here) but I did love the setting a lot!
Looking for winter books? Check out my Most Anticipated Books for Winter 2026!
Jen, always look forward to receiving your newsletter. Such a thrill to expand my TBR. Thanks for showing me the gems.
Aw, thanks Lori. I hope you are doing well. What have you been reading lately?
I’m new to your page & love it! So many great titles. Some new authors, some great faves!
I’ve read every William Kent Krueger book in the series & once you start you’ll be hooked! I suggest starting at the beginning. He develops his characters very well & you feel like you’re part of their lives.
Also, the Louise Penny series is great! That’s another one to start at the beginning.
Hi Janny,
Thanks for replying! I used to read so many series and then switched mostly to standalone titles, but I do love a good series and these two are always high rated. I think this could be a winter reading project for me!