Top Crime Thrillers of the Decade
The last decade has seen a remarkable surge in crime thrillers, captivating audiences with intricate plots and compelling characters. From psychological dramas to gritty detective stories, these narratives have explored the darkest corners of human nature, keeping readers and viewers on the edge of their seats.
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Among the standout titles, novels like "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins and "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn have redefined the genre, blending domestic drama with suspenseful twists. Both works delve deep into the complexities of relationships and the deceptive facades people maintain, creating an atmosphere of tension that mirrors real-life anxieties. In cinema, films such as "Prisoners" and "Seven" have captivated audiences, showcasing masterful storytelling and unforgettable performances. Television series like "True Detective" and "Mindhunter" have also made significant contributions, offering deep psychological insights into the minds of criminals while exploring the moral dilemmas faced by law enforcement. This decade has undoubtedly solidified the crime thriller genre’s place in popular culture, demonstrating its ability to resonate with both contemporary issues and timeless themes of justice and vengeance.
Gone GirlView AllGone Girl - A thrilling and twisted tale of deceit and revenge.
The Girl on the TrainView AllThe Girl on the Train - Thrilling, suspenseful, and mysterious story of a troubled woman.
The Silent PatientView AllThe Silent Patient - Artist Alicia Berenson goes silent after husband's murder.
The Woman in the WindowView AllThe Woman in the Window - Thrilling psychological thriller about an agoraphobic woman witnessing a crime.
Behind Closed DoorsView AllBehind Closed Doors - Intense psychological thriller about domestic abuse and deception.
The ReversalView AllThe Reversal - Legal thriller involving a high-profile retrial and courtroom drama.
The Wife Between UsView AllThe Wife Between Us - A psychological thriller about love, betrayal, and obsession.
Big Little LiesView AllBig Little Lies - Mystery drama about secrets and lies in a wealthy community.
The ChainView AllThe Chain - A suspenseful novel about a mother's desperate choices.
The Guest ListView AllThe Guest List - A wedding turns deadly on a remote Irish island.
Top Crime Thrillers of the Decade
1.
Gone Girl
"Gone Girl" is a gripping psychological thriller by author Gillian Flynn. The novel follows the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne, who vanishes on the morning of her fifth wedding anniversary. As the investigation unfolds, secrets and lies are revealed, casting doubt on the true nature of Amy's marriage to her husband Nick. Told from alternating perspectives, the story delves into the complexities of relationships, manipulation, and the lengths people will go to for love and revenge. With its unpredictable twists and turns, "Gone Girl" keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Pros
Twists and turns- gripping plot
- complex characters
Cons
Disturbing themes- unlikable characters
- intense and dark narrative
2.
The Girl on the Train
"The Girl on the Train" is a suspenseful thriller novel by Paula Hawkins. The story follows Rachel, a troubled woman who becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she sees every day from the train. When the woman from the couple goes missing, Rachel becomes embroiled in the investigation, but her own alcohol-induced blackouts make her an unreliable witness. As the mystery unfolds, the novel delves into themes of voyeurism, memory, and the dark secrets that lurk behind seemingly idyllic facades. The book has been praised for its gripping plot and complex, flawed characters.
Pros
- Gripping plot
- strong character development
Cons
- Some predictable elements
- slow pacing at times
3.
The Silent Patient
"The Silent Patient" is a psychological thriller novel by Alex Michaelides. The story follows Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who suddenly stops speaking after being accused of murdering her husband. She is sent to a psychiatric facility where she remains silent for years, refusing to defend herself or explain her actions. The narrative is told through the perspective of Theo Faber, a psychotherapist who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Alicia's silence. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's past, he unravels shocking secrets that lead to a gripping and unexpected conclusion.
Pros
- Gripping plot
- unexpected twist
- unique narrative style.
Cons
- Slow pacing
- lack of character development.
4.
The Woman in the Window
"The Woman in the Window" is a psychological thriller novel by A.J. Finn. The story follows Anna Fox, a woman with agoraphobia who spends her days inside her New York City home, observing her neighbors through the window. When she witnesses a disturbing event in the house across the street, she becomes embroiled in a web of secrets and lies. As Anna's grip on reality begins to unravel, she must confront her own demons and uncover the truth behind what she saw. The novel is a gripping and suspenseful tale of paranoia, deception, and the complexities of the human mind.
Pros
- Gripping plot
- suspenseful
- well-developed characters.
Cons
- Slow pacing
- predictable at times
- reliance on cliches.
5.
Behind Closed Doors
"Behind Closed Doors" is a gripping psychological thriller by B.A. Paris that delves into the dark complexities of an apparently perfect marriage. The story revolves around Grace, who seems to have everything: a beautiful home, a successful husband, and a glamorous life. However, behind closed doors, her reality is far more sinister. As the narrative unfolds, readers witness the chilling dynamics of control and manipulation, revealing the lengths to which one will go to maintain a façade. This tautly woven tale explores themes of love, trust, and the harrowing secrets that can lurk beneath a seemingly idyllic surface.
Pros
- Engaging plot
- emotional depth
- strong characters.
Cons
- Predictable twists
- dark themes may disturb some readers.
6.
The Reversal
"The Reversal" is a legal thriller by Michael Connelly featuring defense attorney Mickey Haller. In this gripping narrative, Haller is recruited to prosecute a high-profile case involving a convicted child molester seeking to overturn his conviction. As Haller delves into the complexities of the case, he confronts moral dilemmas, courtroom drama, and the intricacies of the justice system. The novel combines suspense with character development, showcasing Haller's struggles as he navigates the challenges of his new role and the impact of past decisions on his present. Connelly's masterful storytelling keeps readers engaged until the final page.
Pros
- Engaging plot
- strong characters
- unexpected twists.
Cons
- Pacing issues
- some may find resolution unsatisfying.
7.
The Wife Between Us
"The Wife Between Us" by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen is a psychological thriller that intricately weaves the lives of two women—Vanessa, the ex-wife of a wealthy man, and Nellie, his new fiancée. Through a series of twists and unreliable narratives, the story explores themes of obsession, betrayal, and the complexities of relationships. As secrets unravel, the reader is taken on a suspenseful journey that challenges perceptions of love and loyalty. With unexpected revelations, the novel keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Pros
- Engaging plot twists
- strong character development.
Cons
- Some may find pacing slow
- predictable elements for seasoned thriller readers.
8.
Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies is a gripping drama series that revolves around the lives of three mothers living in the affluent community of Monterey, California. The story explores their seemingly perfect lives, which are eventually unraveled to reveal secrets, lies, and betrayals. As the women navigate the complexities of motherhood, relationships, and personal struggles, they become entangled in a web of deception and mystery that leads to a shocking murder. The series delves into themes of domestic abuse, friendship, and the facade of perfection, while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with its compelling storytelling and stellar performances.
Pros
- Strong female characters
- compelling storytelling
- tackling important social issues.
Cons
- Some may find the subject matter too heavy
- slow pacing at times.
9.
The Chain
"The Chain" is a gripping psychological thriller by Adrian McKinty that explores the dark depths of parental love and desperation. The story follows Rachel, a mother whose daughter is kidnapped as part of a chilling chain of abductions, where the only way to secure her child's release is for Rachel to abduct another child herself. As she navigates this harrowing moral dilemma, Rachel confronts her own fears, the limits of her resilience, and the lengths she will go to save her daughter. The novel delves into themes of survival, trust, and the complexities of human relationships.
Pros
- Engaging plot
- suspenseful twists
- strong themes of survival
Cons
- find it implausible
- pacing issues in parts
10.
The Guest List
"The Guest List" is a gripping psychological thriller by Lucy Foley, set on a remote Irish island during a lavish wedding celebration. As guests gather to witness the nuptials of the glamorous couple, tensions rise and secrets unravel among the attendees. When a murder occurs, the idyllic event spirals into chaos, revealing the complex relationships and hidden motives of those involved. The narrative alternates between multiple perspectives, weaving a suspenseful tale of betrayal, jealousy, and revenge, ultimately leading to a shocking conclusion that leaves readers questioning the true nature of friendship and loyalty.
Pros
- Engaging plot
- strong characters
- suspenseful twists.
Cons
- Predictable elements
- pacing issues
- some character development lacking.