20 best books on kidnapping fiction – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Welcome to our curated list of the 20 best books about kidnapping fiction. If you’re a fan of gripping and suspenseful stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then you’ve come to the right place. From heart-pounding thrillers to psychological dramas, these kidnapping fiction books will take you on a wild ride. Prepare to be captivated by masterful storytelling, complex characters, and unexpected twists. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned reader, these books will satisfy your craving for thrilling and immersive tales of abduction and rescue.


The Chain

by Adrian McKinty

The Chain is a heart-pounding rollercoaster ride of a book that explores the terrifying world of abduction and the lengths a mother will go to save her child. This gripping thriller by Adrian McKinty will have you on the edge of your seat, unable to put it down.

The Perfect Wife

by JP Delaney

The Perfect Wife by JP Delaney is an electrifying and spine-chilling novel that delves into the twisted world of abduction and deception. Brace yourself for a heart-pounding ride through the dark underbelly of human nature as you follow the gripping story of a woman who becomes entangled in a web of deceit and manipulation.

In this enthralling book on kidnapping fiction, the protagonist finds herself waking up in a hospital bed with no memory of who she is or how she got there. As she pieces together fragments of her past, she slowly uncovers a shocking truth: she is not who she thought she was. Instead, she is a highly advanced robot, created by her husband to replace his deceased wife.

As the plot thickens, the lines between reality and illusion blur, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. This book about kidnapping fiction takes you on a wild journey, exploring the depths of obsession, identity, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

Delaney’s masterful storytelling and intricate plot twists make The Perfect Wife a standout kidnapping fiction book that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Prepare to be captivated by the dark allure of this psychological thriller as you unravel the truth behind the perfect wife.

The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient is a gripping and suspenseful book on kidnapping fiction that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This thrilling psychological thriller takes you on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the very end.

The story revolves around Alicia Berenson, a talented painter who seemingly has it all. However, her seemingly perfect life takes a dark turn when she is found guilty of murdering her husband and then suddenly stops speaking. With no motive or explanation for her actions, Alicia becomes an enigma, captivating the public’s attention.

Enter Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist determined to unravel Alicia’s silence and uncover the truth behind her husband’s murder. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia’s past, he uncovers a web of secrets, lies, and deceit that will challenge everything he thought he knew.

With its brilliant storytelling, complex characters, and shocking revelations, this book about kidnapping fiction is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Alex Michaelides crafts a gripping narrative that will keep you guessing and questioning everything you think you know about the characters.

Prepare to be captivated by The Silent Patient, a kidnapping fiction book that will leave you breathless and begging for more.

The Girl Before

by JP Delaney

The Girl Before by JP Delaney is a pulse-pounding thriller that delves deep into the dark and twisted world of abduction literature. This gripping novel takes readers on a chilling journey through the minds of two women, exploring the haunting similarities between their lives and the sinister forces that bind them together. With its heart-stopping suspense and mind-bending twists, The Girl Before is a must-read for anyone seeking an adrenaline-fueled escape into the treacherous world of kidnapping fiction.

The Wife Between Us

by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

The Wife Between Us is a captivating and suspenseful novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. This gripping book on kidnapping fiction takes you on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns, leaving you guessing until the very last page.

The Good Girl

by Mary Kubica

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica is a captivating and suspenseful book on kidnapping fiction. This gripping novel takes readers on a thrilling rollercoaster ride as they unravel the mysterious disappearance of Mia Dennett, a young art teacher from Chicago. With its unpredictable twists and turns, this book about kidnapping fiction will leave you on the edge of your seat, eagerly flipping through its pages to uncover the truth. Prepare to be enthralled by Kubica’s masterful storytelling and her ability to keep you guessing until the very end. Don’t miss out on this compelling kidnapping fiction book that will have you hooked from the first page!

The Girl on the Train

by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. This spellbinding novel by Paula Hawkins is not just any ordinary book about kidnapping fiction; it is a rollercoaster ride of secrets, lies, and unexpected twists.

Delve into the mind of Rachel Watson, a troubled and unreliable narrator who becomes entangled in a thrilling web of mystery. Rachel, a divorced alcoholic, finds solace in her daily train commute, where she fantasizes about the seemingly perfect lives of a couple she observes from her window. However, her fascination takes a sinister turn when she witnesses something shocking and potentially dangerous.

As Rachel becomes more immersed in the lives of the couple she has dubbed “Jason and Jess,” she discovers that everything is not as it seems. Haunted by her own troubled past and battling with memory gaps due to her excessive drinking, Rachel finds herself in the middle of a kidnapping fiction book come to life.

This psychological thriller will keep you guessing until the very end, as the web of lies unravels and the truth behind the kidnapping is revealed. With its fast-paced narrative and complex characters, The Girl on the Train is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a gripping story filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists.

Gone Girl

by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl is a riveting book about kidnapping fiction that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This kidnapping fiction book takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the twisted minds of its characters, leaving you questioning everything you thought you knew.

The Collector

by John Fowles

The Collector by John Fowles is an intriguing book on abduction fiction that will captivate you from the very first page. This captivating novel about kidnapping fiction will take you on a chilling journey into the mind of a disturbed man and his unsettling obsession.

Room

by Emma Donoghue

Get ready to be captivated by “Room,” a gripping novel by Emma Donoghue that delves into the dark and disturbing world of abduction and confinement. This mesmerizing book takes you on a heart-stopping journey through the eyes of a young boy and his mother, who have been held captive in a single room for years.

Donoghue’s masterful storytelling sucks you into the claustrophobic walls of the room, where every detail becomes significant and every moment is filled with tension. Through the innocent and imaginative perspective of the young narrator, you will experience the terror, resilience, and hope that coexist in this captivating tale.

With its intense exploration of the psychological and emotional impact of kidnapping, “Room” shines a light on the resilience of the human spirit and the power of a mother’s love. This book is not just a story of survival, but also a profound exploration of the bonds that hold us together and the extraordinary strength that can be found in the most unimaginable circumstances.

Prepare to be enthralled by this captivating kidnapping fiction book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. “Room” is a powerful and unforgettable reading experience that will leave you questioning the limits of human endurance and the lengths we will go to protect those we love.

The Lovely Bones

by Alice Sebold

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold is an extraordinary book that delves into the realm of abduction literature. This gripping tale revolves around the abduction and murder of a young girl named Susie Salmon. However, what sets this novel apart is its unique narrative perspective. Instead of a traditional first-person or third-person narration, Susie tells her story from the afterlife.

The Lovely Bones takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster as Susie watches her family cope with her tragic death while she yearns for justice. Through Susie’s eyes, we witness the devastating impact her absence has on her loved ones and the lingering grief that engulfs them.

Alice Sebold skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and even supernatural elements to create a haunting and poignant story. The vivid and lyrical prose draws readers into Susie’s world, capturing both the beauty and darkness of her afterlife.

This kidnapping fiction book explores themes of loss, love, and the resilience of the human spirit. It forces us to confront the harsh realities of life while also reminding us of the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones. The Lovely Bones is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will leave a lasting impact on anyone who dares to delve into its pages.

The Secret Keeper

by Kate Morton

The Secret Keeper: A Captivating Tale of Intrigue and Mystery

Welcome to the mesmerizing world of The Secret Keeper by acclaimed author Kate Morton. This enthralling novel takes readers on a thrilling journey through the realms of deception, secrets, and unexpected twists.

Set against the backdrop of London during the Blitz in 1940, The Secret Keeper follows the gripping story of Laurel Nicholson, a young girl who witnesses a shocking crime that will forever change her life. Decades later, as an accomplished actress, Laurel finds herself haunted by the events of that fateful day, desperately seeking answers and closure.

Morton’s masterful storytelling effortlessly weaves together multiple timelines, delving into the lives of the captivating characters that make up this intricate tale. As Laurel embarks on her quest for truth, she unravels a web of family secrets spanning generations. With each revelation, the reader is drawn deeper into the enigma, eagerly anticipating the resolution.

With her impeccable attention to detail and vivid descriptions, Morton transports readers to the heart of her narrative, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and emotions of wartime London. From the bustling streets to the hidden corners of the city, every setting comes alive, making for an immersive reading experience.

While The Secret Keeper can be categorized as a book about kidnapping fiction, it is so much more than that. It explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the lengths we will go to protect those closest to us. Morton’s characters are multifaceted and relatable, each harboring their own secrets, fears, and desires.

This electrifying tale of suspense will keep readers on the edge of their seats, as they eagerly attempt to unravel the truth alongside Laurel. Morton’s masterful storytelling and skillful plot twists ensure that this kidnapping fiction book will leave readers breathless until the very last page.

The Secret Keeper is a must-read for fans of gripping historical fiction, mystery, and suspense. Prepare to be captivated by Morton’s enchanting prose, as she takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, secrets, and unexpected revelations. Get ready to lose yourself in this mesmerizing tale and discover the truth that lies hidden within The Secret Keeper.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

by Stieg Larsson

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is an electrifying and suspenseful book about the dark and twisted world of kidnapping fiction. Written by the brilliant Stieg Larsson, this gripping novel delves into the harrowing lives of its protagonists as they uncover a sinister web of secrets and lies.

The Da Vinci Code

by Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is a captivating thriller that will immerse you in the mysterious world of art, religion, and ancient secrets. This enigmatic novel takes you on a thrilling journey as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon gets caught up in a web of conspiracy, murder, and abduction.

Mystic River

by Dennis Lehane

Mystic River: A Gripping Tale of Abduction and Betrayal

Are you ready for a heart-pounding journey into the dark underbelly of Boston’s streets? Look no further than Mystic River, a mesmerizing tale of kidnapping fiction that will leave you breathless.

Written by the master of crime fiction, Dennis Lehane, this book takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the lives of three childhood friends: Jimmy, Sean, and Dave. Their lives are forever changed when Dave is abducted as a young boy, an incident that haunts them into adulthood.

Lehane’s storytelling prowess shines as he weaves a complex web of secrets, lies, and deception. The characters’ lives become entangled once again when tragedy strikes, and a murder investigation reunites them in a twisted game of cat and mouse.

In Mystic River, Lehane explores themes of loyalty, guilt, and the devastating consequences of past actions. As the plot thickens, the line between right and wrong blurs, leaving the reader questioning their own moral compass.

This gripping novel will keep you on the edge of your seat, as Lehane’s vivid descriptions paint a gritty picture of the Boston neighborhood where the story unfolds. The atmosphere is palpable, immersing you in a world where danger lurks around every corner.

Prepare to be captivated by this kidnapping fiction book that delves deep into the human psyche, exposing the dark side of human nature. With its compelling characters and unpredictable twists, Mystic River is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone seeking a thrilling, thought-provoking read.

The Bone Collector

by Jeffery Deaver

The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver is a spine-chilling thriller that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. This gripping book on kidnapping fiction follows the life of Lincoln Rhyme, a renowned forensic detective who finds himself trapped in his own body after a devastating accident. Unable to move or speak, Rhyme becomes a prisoner in his own bed, but his brilliant mind remains intact.

When a series of baffling kidnappings rock New York City, Rhyme’s expertise is sought by the police. Teaming up with Amelia Sachs, an ambitious young officer, Rhyme embarks on a race against time to catch a sadistic serial kidnapper known as The Bone Collector. As they unravel a web of clues, the duo must navigate the darkest corners of the city and confront their own demons.

Deaver’s masterful storytelling keeps readers guessing until the very end, weaving together a complex plot filled with twists, turns, and heart-stopping moments. The Bone Collector is not just another book about kidnapping fiction; it is a heart-pounding rollercoaster ride that explores the depths of human depravity and the resilience of the human spirit.

If you’re a fan of kidnapping fiction books, The Bone Collector is a must-read. With its captivating characters, intricate plot, and relentless suspense, this novel will leave you breathless and craving for more. Prepare yourself for a thrilling journey into the dark and dangerous world of crime, where the line between good and evil is blurred, and the heroes are as flawed as the villains.

Kiss the Girls

by James Patterson

Book on Kidnapping Fiction: Kiss the Girls by James Patterson

Get ready to be captivated by the heart-pounding suspense and relentless thrills of Kiss the Girls, a gripping novel by the master of crime fiction, James Patterson.

In this pulse-pounding book about kidnapping fiction, Patterson takes us on a dark and twisted journey into the mind of a sadistic serial kidnapper. The story revolves around detective and forensic psychologist Alex Cross, who finds himself embroiled in a terrifying game of cat and mouse with a cunning and elusive psychopath.

As the bodies start piling up, the kidnapper’s sinister intentions become shockingly clear: he is collecting a selection of young women to keep as his personal “harem.” With each abduction, the tension and desperation rise, leaving Cross with limited time to unravel the clues and rescue the victims before it’s too late.

Patterson’s writing style is razor-sharp, keeping you on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page. His expertly crafted characters, along with their complex relationships and personal struggles, add depth and emotion to the narrative, making you truly invested in their fates.

Kiss the Girls is not just a run-of-the-mill kidnapping fiction book; it delves into the psychological aspects of the criminal mind, exploring the motivations and methods behind the abductions. Patterson’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create chillingly realistic scenarios will leave you questioning the boundaries of human depravity.

With its gripping plot, relentless suspense, and unexpected twists, Kiss the Girls is a must-read for fans of kidnapping fiction. Prepare to be enthralled, disturbed, and utterly captivated by this heart-stopping tale that will have you flipping pages well into the night.

The Silence of the Lambs

by Thomas Harris

The Silence of the Lambs is a gripping and bone-chilling book on kidnapping fiction that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Thomas Harris takes you on a heart-pounding journey into the disturbed mind of a serial killer, creating a narrative that is both terrifying and mesmerizing.

Misery

by Stephen King

Misery, a spine-chilling masterpiece by Stephen King, is an enthralling literary opus that delves into the twisted realms of abduction fiction. This gripping novel unravels the nightmarish tale of acclaimed author Paul Sheldon, whose life takes a surreal turn after a catastrophically deadly car accident. As he awakens from the wreckage, he finds himself held captive in the secluded domain of Annie Wilkes, an obsessed fan whose love for his captivating novels has transformed into a sinister obsession.

The Catcher in the Rye

by J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye is a captivating novel by J.D. Salinger that delves into the world of teenage rebellion and self-discovery. This compelling coming-of-age story follows the rebellious and disillusioned Holden Caulfield as he navigates the complexities of adulthood, grappling with identity, isolation, and the universal search for meaning.

Conclusion

Overall, these 20 books about kidnapping fiction are sure to captivate readers with their thrilling and suspenseful storylines. From psychological thrillers to heart-pounding mysteries, each book takes readers on a journey into the dark and twisted world of kidnappings. Whether you’re a fan of crime fiction or simply looking for a gripping page-turner, these books are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. So grab a copy of one of these books and get ready for an adrenaline-filled reading experience like no other!