20 best books on action – 2023 reading list & recommendations

If you’re a fan of heart-pounding thrillers, explosive adventures, and adrenaline-fueled escapades, then you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best books about action that will leave you on the edge of your seat and craving for more. From gripping espionage tales to high-octane heists, these action-packed reads are sure to satisfy your thirst for excitement and keep you turning the pages late into the night. So, grab a book on action and get ready to embark on an unforgettable literary journey!


The Reckoning

by John Grisham

The Reckoning by John Grisham is an electrifying book about action that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set in the deep South during the tumultuous years of World War II, this gripping novel follows the story of Pete Banning, a decorated war hero, who inexplicably murders the town’s beloved pastor. The book unravels a complex web of secrets, lies, and revenge as Pete refuses to offer any explanation for his crime, leading the reader on a thrilling journey through the darkest corners of his past. Grisham’s masterful storytelling and knack for building tension make this action-packed book a must-read for anyone craving a captivating and suspenseful tale.

The President Is Missing

by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

The President Is Missing is an electrifying collaboration between former President Bill Clinton and renowned author James Patterson. This high-octane political thriller takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through the corridors of power, where the fate of the nation hangs in the balance. With its gripping plot, explosive action, and pulse-pounding suspense, this book is a must-read for anyone craving an adrenaline-fueled adventure. Delve into the treacherous world of politics, where secrets lurk behind every door and danger lurks around every corner. Brace yourself for an action-packed rollercoaster ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Get ready for a book about action like no other.

The Outsider

by Stephen King

The Outsider by Stephen King is an electrifying action-packed thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This gripping novel follows the investigation of a gruesome murder, where all evidence points to a beloved local teacher. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that something much more sinister is at play.

King masterfully weaves together elements of horror, mystery, and suspense, creating a heart-pounding experience that will keep you guessing until the very end. With its clever plot twists, vivid characters, and relentless action, The Outsider is a rollercoaster ride you won’t want to miss. So buckle up and prepare for a thrilling adventure as you delve into this mesmerizing book about action!

The Escape Artist

by Brad Meltzer

‘The Escape Artist’ by Brad Meltzer is a heart-pounding action book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This thrilling tale follows the story of Nola Brown, a talented army artist who mysteriously vanishes during a plane crash. As the military searches for answers, they uncover a web of secrets and deception that will test their limits. With its clever twists and turns, this book about action will leave you breathless as you race to discover the truth behind Nola’s disappearance. Prepare yourself for a heart-pounding adventure filled with suspense, danger, and unexpected revelations. Get ready to dive into ‘The Escape Artist’ and experience a rollercoaster ride of thrills!

The Woman in the Window

by A.J. Finn

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn is a thrilling book on action, suspense, and deception. Dr. Anna Fox, an agoraphobic psychologist, spends her days in the confines of her New York City home, observing her neighbors through her camera lens. Her seemingly mundane existence takes a dark turn when she witnesses a shocking act of violence in the house across the street. As she tries to unravel the truth, Anna becomes entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and danger. With its gripping plot and unpredictable twists, this action-packed book will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the chilling truth.

The Rooster Bar

by John Grisham

The Rooster Bar by John Grisham is a heart-pounding book on action that will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This gripping thriller takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the lives of four law school friends who, disillusioned with the legal industry, decide to take matters into their own hands.

The Midnight Line

by Lee Child

The Midnight Line by Lee Child is a thrilling book about action that will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Jack Reacher, the iconic protagonist, stumbles upon a West Point class ring in a pawn shop and becomes determined to find its rightful owner. Little does he know, this seemingly innocent search will lead him down a dangerous path filled with intrigue, violence, and a web of criminal activity. With his signature blend of suspense, adrenaline-pumping moments, and sharp wit, Lee Child delivers another action-packed masterpiece in The Midnight Line. Prepare yourself for a heart-pounding adventure that will keep you hooked until the very last page.

The Fix

by David Baldacci

The Fix by David Baldacci is an electrifying action-packed thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This gripping novel follows Amos Decker, a former football star turned detective with a rare condition called hyperthymesia, which gives him the ability to remember everything he has ever seen or heard.

When Decker witnesses a horrifying murder outside FBI headquarters, he is drawn into a tense web of conspiracy and corruption that reaches the highest levels of government. As he races against time to uncover the truth, Decker must navigate a dangerous world of intrigue and deceit, where every step could be his last. With its pulse-pounding plot and explosive action sequences, The Fix is a must-read for fans of suspenseful thrillers and anyone craving an adrenaline rush.

The Whistler

by John Grisham

The Whistler is an electrifying book on action that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. John Grisham, the master of legal thrillers, delivers yet another gripping story that will leave you breathless. Set in the sun-soaked state of Florida, the novel revolves around the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct, a seemingly unremarkable agency with a dark secret. Lacy Stoltz, an investigator for the board, stumbles upon a corruption scandal that could bring down some of the most powerful people in the state. As Lacy digs deeper, she realizes she has become a target for those who will stop at nothing to protect their illicit activities. This book about action is filled with suspense, intrigue, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Get ready for a heart-pounding ride!

The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye

by David Lagercrantz

The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye by David Lagercrantz is an electrifying book about action and revenge. In this thrilling continuation of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series, we are reintroduced to the fierce and enigmatic Lisbeth Salander. With her trademark intelligence and unyielding determination, Salander finds herself entangled in a web of corruption, deceit, and injustice. As she uncovers the truth behind a dangerous experiment taking place inside a high-security prison, Salander takes matters into her own hands, exacting her own brand of justice. Packed with heart-pounding suspense and unexpected twists, this action-packed novel will leave readers on the edge of their seats, eager for more.

The Chemist

by Stephenie Meyer

The Chemist is an electrifying action-packed thriller by Stephenie Meyer, renowned author of the Twilight saga. This gripping novel takes readers on a pulse-pounding journey into the dangerous world of a former government agent known as “The Chemist”. Forced into hiding, she uses her unique skills in chemistry to create deadly poisons and elude capture. When she is offered a chance to clear her name, she must embark on a heart-stopping mission that will test her intelligence, strength, and resourcefulness. With non-stop adrenaline, heart-pounding suspense, and a touch of romance, this book on action will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride of thrilling twists and turns in this captivating action book!

The Wrong Side of Goodbye

by Michael Connelly

The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly is an electrifying book about action that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. In this thrilling novel, Connelly takes readers on a wild ride as Detective Harry Bosch navigates two separate cases simultaneously.

On one hand, Bosch is hired to find a possible heir to a wealthy family fortune, delving into the dark secrets of the past. On the other hand, he is also tasked with solving a serial rapist case that has haunted him for decades. With time running out and the pressure mounting, Bosch must use all his skills to bring justice to those in need.

Packed with suspense, twists, and heart-pounding moments, The Wrong Side of Goodbye is a book on action that will leave readers breathless and wanting more. Get ready for a rollercoaster of a ride as Connelly delivers yet another gripping and addictive installment in the Harry Bosch series.

The Last Mile

by David Baldacci

The Last Mile by David Baldacci is a heart-pounding, thrill-inducing, action-packed book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This gripping novel is a true masterpiece, filled with suspense, danger, and adrenaline-pumping moments that will leave you breathless.

The Girl on the Train

by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is a gripping book on action that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. With a fast-paced plot and a rollercoaster of emotions, this book about action follows the story of Rachel Watson, a troubled woman who finds herself entangled in a thrilling mystery. As Rachel becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she sees from the train every day, she soon becomes a witness to a shocking event. With twists and turns at every corner, this action-packed novel will leave you guessing until the very last page. Prepare yourself for an adrenaline-filled ride that you won’t be able to put down.

The Crossing

by Michael Connelly

The Crossing by Michael Connelly is a thrilling book on action that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This gripping novel follows the story of Harry Bosch, a relentless and determined detective who finds himself caught up in a dangerous and high-stakes case.

Set in Los Angeles, Bosch is tasked with investigating the murder of a wealthy and influential businessman. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that reaches far beyond what he initially imagined.

With each twist and turn, Connelly expertly weaves together a book about action that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The tension is palpable, and the pages practically turn themselves as you race to discover the truth alongside Bosch.

Connelly’s writing is sharp and fast-paced, immersing you in the gritty world of crime and justice. He effortlessly captures the nuances of police work, bringing authenticity to every scene. The characters are complex and their motivations are explored in depth, making you invested in their fates.

If you’re a fan of action books that keep you hooked from the first page, then The Crossing is a must-read. Michael Connelly delivers yet another thrilling and suspenseful novel that will leave you wanting more. Get ready for a heart-pounding ride through the dark underbelly of Los Angeles.

The Guilty

by David Baldacci

The Guilty by David Baldacci is an electrifying book on action that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This heart-pounding thriller follows Will Robie, a highly skilled government assassin who suddenly finds himself on the run. As he tries to uncover the truth behind a devastating crime that hits close to home, Robie becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. With each page turn, the suspense builds, and the action escalates to heart-stopping levels. Baldacci’s masterful storytelling and gripping plot will keep readers hooked from start to finish. If you’re looking for an action-packed ride filled with twists and turns, then The Guilty is the perfect book about action for you.

The Girl in the Spider’s Web

by David Lagercrantz

The Girl in the Spider’s Web by David Lagercrantz is a heart-pounding book about action that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This electrifying novel takes readers on a thrilling ride from start to finish, filled with suspense, danger, and unexpected twists.

In this action-packed story, the infamous hacker and computer genius, Lisbeth Salander, finds herself embroiled in a high-stakes conspiracy that threatens to expose dark secrets from her past. As she becomes entangled in a web of deception and danger, Lisbeth must use her unparalleled skills to outwit her enemies and protect those she holds dear. With the help of journalist Mikael Blomkvist and a team of unlikely allies, Lisbeth races against time to uncover the truth and bring justice to those who deserve it.

With its fast-paced narrative and intricate plot, this action book will keep you hooked from the very first page. Lagercrantz masterfully continues Stieg Larsson’s popular Millennium series, seamlessly blending the beloved characters with his own unique storytelling style. The Girl in the Spider’s Web is a must-read for anyone craving a book about action that will keep them guessing until the final thrilling conclusion.

The Burning Room

by Michael Connelly

The Burning Room by Michael Connelly is an electrifying book on action that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This exhilarating novel follows the legendary detective Harry Bosch as he investigates a cold case that suddenly becomes red-hot.

As Bosch and his new partner, Lucia Soto, dig deeper into the murder of a young girl, they uncover a web of corruption, deceit, and danger. With each clue they uncover, the tension rises, and the stakes become higher than ever.

Connelly masterfully weaves together a thrilling narrative filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. The Burning Room is a gripping book about action that showcases Connelly’s talent for crafting compelling characters and unputdownable stories. Prepare yourself for a heart-pounding ride through the dark underbelly of crime.

The Target

by David Baldacci

The Target by David Baldacci is an electrifying book about action that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. In this heart-pounding thriller, Baldacci introduces us to Robie and Reel, two highly skilled government assassins who find themselves on a mission to save the world from a deadly threat. As they chase down their target, they encounter a web of conspiracy, danger, and betrayal. With non-stop action, unexpected twists, and a race against time, this action-packed novel will leave you breathless. Baldacci’s vivid storytelling and nail-biting suspense make The Target a must-read for any fan of action books. Get ready for a wild ride!

The Cuckoo’s Calling

by Robert Galbraith

The Cuckoo’s Calling is a thrilling detective novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Written by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling), this book is a must-read for fans of action-packed mysteries. Set in the gritty streets of London, the story follows private investigator Cormoran Strike as he delves into the mysterious death of a supermodel. With its intricate plot, unexpected twists, and vivid descriptions, this action-packed page-turner will have you guessing until the very end. Galbraith’s masterful storytelling and attention to detail make this book about action a true standout in the genre. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride of suspense, as you join Strike on his quest for justice in this pulse-pounding thriller.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 best books about action are sure to satisfy any reader’s thirst for excitement and adventure. From heart-pounding thrillers to epic fantasy battles, there is something for everyone in this list. Whether you prefer high-octane car chases or intense hand-to-hand combat, these books will transport you to thrilling worlds and keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. So grab a copy of one of these action-packed novels and get ready for an adrenaline-fueled reading experience!