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

If you’re a fan of spine-tingling suspense and chilling tales of deceit, then look no further than these 20 best books about murderers fiction. From twisted minds to shocking twists, each page invites you to delve into the darkness and immerse yourself in the world of crime and mystery. Whether you’re seeking psychological thrillers that will keep you up until the early hours or classic whodunits that will leave you guessing until the very end, these murderers fiction books are sure to send shivers down your spine.


The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient: A Gripping Tale of Deception and Murder

Step into the twisted world of “The Silent Patient,” where nothing is as it seems and the line between truth and lies is blurred.

This captivating novel by Alex Michaelides takes readers on a thrilling journey through the mind of a murderer, weaving a complex web of secrets and deceit that will leave you guessing until the very end.

Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, is accused of killing her husband Gabriel in a fit of rage. The shocking twist? Alicia hasn’t spoken a word since the murder, locking herself away in a psychiatric facility where she is deemed mentally unstable.

Enter Theo Faber, a forensic psychotherapist who becomes obsessed with Alicia’s case. Determined to unravel the truth behind her silence, Theo delves deep into Alicia’s past, uncovering a series of dark secrets that will send shockwaves through their lives.

As Theo peels back the layers of Alicia’s troubled mind, he finds himself entangled in a web of manipulation and deception. The more he learns, the more he questions his own sanity, blurring the line between observer and participant in this chilling tale.

With each turn of the page, “The Silent Patient” will keep you on the edge of your seat, craving answers to the tantalizing mysteries presented. Can Theo break through Alicia’s silence and uncover the truth? Or will he become another victim of her twisted games?

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers and enjoy delving into the dark and twisted minds of murderers, this book is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be captivated from the very first page as Alex Michaelides delivers a masterful tale of murder, deception, and the power of silence.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

by Stieg Larsson

Welcome to the dark and thrilling world of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo! This gripping novel by Stieg Larsson will take you on a heart-pounding journey through the twisted minds of murderers.

Set in the chilling backdrop of Sweden, this book on murderers fiction introduces us to the enigmatic Lisbeth Salander, a tattooed and pierced computer hacker with a troubled past. Blending suspense, mystery, and a touch of psychological horror, Larsson weaves a tale that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Prepare yourself for a relentless exploration of human darkness as you delve into this captivating book about murderers fiction. Larsson’s writing is masterful, drawing you into the sinister underbelly of society and exposing the secrets that lie within.

With its intricate plot and complex characters, this murderers fiction book will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth. As you follow Lisbeth Salander and journalist Mikael Blomkvist in their quest to solve a decades-old mystery, you’ll find yourself engrossed in a world of deception, danger, and unexpected alliances.

So, if you’re ready to immerse yourself in a chilling tale that will leave you breathless, pick up The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Just be warned, once you begin, you won’t be able to put it down.

The Secret History

by Donna Tartt

The Secret History by Donna Tartt is a captivating book about murderers fiction that will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. This thrilling novel takes you on a dark and twisted journey into the lives of a group of college students who become entangled in a murder.

Tartt’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions bring the characters and their sinister world to life, making this murderers fiction book a must-read for fans of dark and thrilling tales. The author’s ability to create complex and morally ambiguous characters will leave you questioning your own perceptions of right and wrong.

The Secret History is not just a book on murderers fiction, but a thought-provoking exploration of guilt, obsession, and the consequences of our actions. Tartt’s writing is both lyrical and mesmerizing, drawing you into the story and making it impossible to put the book down.

If you’re looking for a book about murderers fiction that will keep you guessing until the very end, The Secret History is the perfect choice. Prepare to be enthralled by Tartt’s dark and captivating tale of secrets, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their own.

The Talented Mr. Ripley

by Patricia Highsmith

The Talented Mr. Ripley: A Sinister Journey into the World of Deceit

Prepare yourself for a gripping rollercoaster ride through the dark depths of deception and murder in Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley. This chilling tale delves into the twisted mind of Tom Ripley, a master manipulator with a penchant for impersonation and a talent for getting away with murder.

Set in the 1950s, this mesmerizing work of psychological suspense takes readers on a journey from New York City to the sun-soaked shores of Italy. As Tom Ripley becomes entangled in a web of lies and deceit, he lures readers into his twisted world, where morality becomes a blurred line and trust is a dangerous game.

In this spellbinding murderers fiction book, Highsmith skillfully crafts a protagonist who is both captivating and repulsive. As readers follow Tom’s calculated steps, they are left questioning their own empathy and morality, caught between fascination and horror as he skillfully evades capture.

With each turn of the page, Highsmith masterfully weaves a complex tapestry of suspense, exploring the depths of human nature and the lengths one can go to protect their dark secrets. This book about murderers fiction will leave you on the edge of your seat, desperate to uncover the truth behind Tom Ripley’s twisted mind.

Prepare yourself for a journey into the heart of darkness, where nothing is as it seems and the line between reality and fiction becomes increasingly blurred. Are you ready to step into the mind of a murderer?

Gone Girl

by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a gripping book on murderers fiction that will leave you breathless from start to finish. This tantalizing thriller takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the twisted minds of its characters, leaving you questioning everything you thought you knew.

The Snowman

by Jo Nesbo

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo

Prepare yourself for a chilling journey into the twisted minds of murderers in this dark and gripping thriller, The Snowman by Jo Nesbo. Set in the chilling backdrop of Oslo, Norway, this book delves deep into the world of serial killers, unleashing a spine-tingling tale of suspense and psychological warfare.

Step into the shoes of detective Harry Hole as he races against time to solve a series of gruesome murders. The killer’s signature? A sinister snowman left at the scene of each crime. As the bodies pile up and the snow falls, Harry must unravel the twisted clues left by the murderer before he strikes again.

Nesbo’s masterful storytelling pulls you into a web of intrigue and deception, keeping you on the edge of your seat with each turn of the page. His vivid descriptions bring the icy landscape to life, making you feel the bone-chilling cold and the creeping fear that lurks in the shadows.

With a cast of complex and flawed characters, The Snowman explores the darkest depths of human nature, delving into the minds of both the killer and those who hunt him. As the plot thickens and secrets are revealed, you’ll find yourself questioning the motives and intentions of everyone involved.

This book about murderers fiction will leave you breathless, filled with a sense of unease long after you’ve turned the final page. Nesbo’s ability to blend suspense, mystery, and psychological thriller elements creates a truly captivating read. So, grab a warm blanket, prepare to be immersed in a world of darkness, and uncover the chilling secrets hidden within The Snowman.

The Alienist

by Caleb Carr

The Alienist: A Gripping Tale of Murder and Mystery

Welcome to the dark underbelly of 19th-century New York City, where a serial killer lurks in the shadows, and the hunt for truth becomes a matter of life and death. In Caleb Carr’s mesmerizing The Alienist, prepare to be transported to a world of intrigue, suspense, and chilling discoveries.

This enthralling book on murderers fiction takes us back to 1896, a time when the term “serial killer” had yet to be coined, and the concept of understanding the criminal mind was a radical notion. Enter Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a brilliant and eccentric psychologist, known as an “alienist” in those days. With his unconventional methods, he seeks to delve into the disturbed minds of criminals, attempting to understand their motives and patterns.

When a series of brutal murders target young boy prostitutes, the city is thrown into a frenzy. With the police force unable to solve the case, Kreizler assembles an unlikely team of experts to aid in the investigation. Among them are John Moore, a New York Times reporter, and Sara Howard, an ambitious young woman who dreams of becoming the city’s first female police detective.

Together, the trio embarks on a perilous journey through the treacherous streets of New York, uncovering a web of secrets and lies. As they navigate through opium dens, brothels, and corrupt institutions, they inch closer to the truth, only to find themselves entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Carr’s masterful storytelling combined with his meticulous attention to historical detail creates an immersive experience that transports readers to the heart of a city teeming with danger and despair. With each page, the tension rises, and the stakes become higher, leaving you breathless and eager to unravel the twisted secrets that lie hidden in the minds of these killers.

The Alienist is not just a book about murderers fiction; it is a chilling exploration of the depths of human darkness and the relentless pursuit of justice. Carr’s skillful blend of history, psychology, and suspense makes this murderers fiction book a must-read for anyone yearning for a hauntingly captivating tale that

The Cuckoo’s Calling

by Robert Galbraith

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith is a captivating book on murderers fiction that will leave you guessing until the very end.

The Devotion of Suspect X

by Keigo Higashino

The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino is a captivating book on murderers fiction that will keep you guessing till the very end.

In this thrilling book about murderers fiction, the story revolves around a murder that seems like an open-and-shut case. However, the real intrigue begins when the prime suspect’s neighbor, a brilliant mathematician, offers to help cover up the crime.

As the plot thickens, the reader is taken on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and psychological twists. The author’s masterful storytelling and intricate character development make this murderers fiction book a truly engrossing read.

With each turn of the page, you’ll find yourself immersed in the cat-and-mouse game between the detective and the mathematician. The author skillfully delves into the minds of both characters, providing a fascinating exploration of human nature and the lengths people will go to protect the ones they love.

The Devotion of Suspect X is not your typical book on murderers fiction. It transcends the genre by offering a thought-provoking and emotionally charged narrative that will leave you questioning your own moral compass.

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or simply enjoy a well-crafted story that keeps you guessing, this murderers fiction book is a must-read. Prepare to be captivated by the intricate web of lies, secrets, and devotion that unfolds within the pages of Keigo Higashino’s masterpiece.

The Kind Worth Killing

by Peter Swanson

The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson is a chilling and captivating book on murderers fiction that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This book about murderers fiction delves into the twisted minds of its characters, taking you on a dark and thrilling journey that you won’t be able to put down.

The Dinner

by Herman Koch

The Dinner is a gripping and thought-provoking novel by Herman Koch that delves into the dark and twisted realm of a dysfunctional family. This book on murderers fiction takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the minds of its characters, exploring the depths of their secrets and the lengths they are willing to go to protect their own. Set against the backdrop of a lavish restaurant, the story revolves around two brothers and their respective wives, who gather together for an evening that will change their lives forever.

The Secret Place

by Tana French

The Secret Place: A Gripping Tale of Crime and Intrigue

Step into the thrilling world of Tana French’s “The Secret Place,” a captivating book on murderers fiction that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. In this riveting tale of crime and mystery, French weaves a web of deceit and secrets that will leave you guessing until the very end.

Set in an exclusive boarding school in Dublin, “The Secret Place” follows a group of teenage girls who are drawn into a deadly investigation when a boy from a neighboring school is found murdered on their campus. As the police struggle to solve the case, the girls take matters into their own hands, determined to uncover the truth behind the shocking crime.

This book about murderers fiction delves deep into the psyche of its characters, exploring the dark and twisted motivations that drive them. With each page, French expertly peels back the layers of the story, revealing shocking secrets and unexpected twists that will keep you hooked until the very last word.

French’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions bring the world of “The Secret Place” to life, immersing readers in the atmospheric setting of the boarding school. As you navigate the intricate plot and unravel the mysteries within, you’ll find yourself captivated by the richly drawn characters and their complex relationships.

If you’re a fan of murderers fiction books that keep you guessing and leave you breathless, then “The Secret Place” is a must-read. Prepare to be enthralled by French’s masterful storytelling as you dive deep into a world of crime, intrigue, and the darkness that lies within.

The Surgeon

by Tess Gerritsen

The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen is a chilling and gripping book about murderers fiction that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This heart-pounding thriller takes you into the dark and twisted mind of a killer, as you follow the intense cat and mouse game between a determined detective and a ruthless murderer.

Gerritsen expertly weaves together a complex and suspenseful plot, filled with unexpected twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end. The author’s meticulous attention to detail and vivid descriptions create a palpable sense of fear and tension, making it impossible to put this book on murderers fiction down.

With her sharp and insightful prose, Gerritsen delves into the psychology of both the killer and the detective, exploring the depths of human darkness and the relentless pursuit of justice. The Surgeon is a murderers fiction book that not only entertains, but also challenges your assumptions about the nature of evil and the lengths people will go to protect themselves.

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers and enjoy being immersed in a world of suspense and danger, then The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen is a must-read. Prepare yourself for a gripping and unforgettable journey into the mind of a killer, where nothing is as it seems and the truth is more terrifying than fiction.

The Thirst

by Jo Nesbo

The Thirst by Jo Nesbo is a chilling and captivating book about murderers fiction that will send shivers down your spine. In this thrilling masterpiece, Nesbo takes us on a dark and twisted journey into the mind of a serial killer.

As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a cunning and diabolical murderer who leaves a trail of blood and fear in his wake. The killer’s methods are both gruesome and intricate, showcasing Nesbo’s incredible attention to detail. Each murder is like a puzzle waiting to be solved, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

What sets The Thirst apart from other books on murderers fiction is Nesbo’s ability to delve deep into the psyche of his characters. We get a glimpse into the twisted mind of the killer, as well as the brilliant and tormented detective, Harry Hole, who is determined to bring him to justice.

Nesbo’s writing is unparalleled, with his vivid descriptions and suspenseful prose keeping readers hooked from beginning to end. The Thirst is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with heart-stopping moments of tension and heart-wrenching revelations.

If you’re a fan of murderers fiction books, The Thirst is a must-read. Nesbo’s storytelling skills are unmatched, and he delivers a gripping and chilling tale that will leave you breathless. Prepare to be captivated by this dark and twisted masterpiece.

The Alienist at Armageddon

by Caleb Carr

The Alienist at Armageddon is a spine-chilling book about the dark and twisted world of serial killers. Set in the late 19th century, this captivating book on murderers fiction takes readers on a thrilling journey through the sinister streets of New York City. Written by Caleb Carr, a master storyteller, this book about murderers fiction will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

Immerse yourself in the gripping narrative as the brilliant Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, an esteemed alienist (a term for a psychologist in that era), teams up with an unlikely group of investigators to hunt down a deranged killer. The vivid and haunting descriptions transport you to a time when forensic science was in its infancy, and the methods used to catch criminals were as macabre as the crimes themselves.

Prepare to be captivated by Carr’s meticulously researched historical backdrop, where the grim underbelly of society is brought to light. With a compelling blend of mystery, suspense, and psychological depth, this murderers fiction book delves into the darkest recesses of the human mind.

Step into the shoes of the characters as they navigate through the labyrinthine streets, filled with danger and secrets at every turn. Carr’s writing is atmospheric and evocative, transporting you to a time when evil lurked around every corner. The tension builds steadily, leaving you unable to put the book down as you anxiously unravel the clues alongside the investigators.

The Alienist at Armageddon is not just a book about murderers fiction; it is a testament to the power of the human spirit, the pursuit of justice, and the triumph of good over evil. With its intricate plot, rich historical detail, and unforgettable characters, this gripping novel will leave you breathless and craving for more. So, buckle up and prepare for a heart-pounding journey into the depths of darkness!

The Hypnotist

by Lars Kepler

Welcome to the thrilling world of crime fiction with The Hypnotist by Lars Kepler! This heart-pounding novel takes you deep into the twisted minds of killers and leaves you guessing until the very last page.

The Killing Lessons

by Saul Black

The Killing Lessons by Saul Black is a heart-stopping and spine-chilling thriller that will leave you breathless. This gripping book about killers and their twisted minds will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Brace yourself for a journey into the dark and disturbing world of murderers fiction, as Black weaves a tale that is both haunting and unforgettable.

The Whisper Man

by Alex North

The Whisper Man: A Haunting Tale of Murder and Secrets

Step into the chilling world of The Whisper Man, a captivating and spine-tingling book that delves into the dark realms of murderers fiction. Written by Alex North, this gripping thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

In a small and seemingly peaceful town, a series of gruesome murders has shaken its residents to the core. The killer, known as the Whisper Man, preys on young boys, abducting them without a trace and leaving behind a trail of unspeakable horror.

As panic spreads through the community, Tom Kennedy, a grieving widower, moves to the town with his young son, Jake. Trying to escape their traumatic past, they hope for a fresh start. Little do they know that the Whisper Man has already set his sights on their new home.

Tom soon discovers that the town has a dark history and that the Whisper Man is not just a figment of imagination. Determined to protect his son, Tom teams up with Pete Willis, the lead investigator from the original Whisper Man case, who is haunted by his own demons.

Together, they delve into the twisted mind of the Whisper Man, uncovering a web of secrets, lies, and a connection to Tom’s own past that he never could have imagined.

With its masterful storytelling, atmospheric setting, and heart-pounding suspense, The Whisper Man takes readers on a thrilling journey into the depths of darkness. This book about murderers fiction will have you questioning every shadow and doubting every whisper.

Dive into this bone-chilling tale and prepare to be haunted by the secrets that lurk in the shadows. The Whisper Man will leave you breathless and craving more of Alex North’s captivating storytelling.

The Child Finder

by Rene Denfeld

The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld is an utterly captivating and hauntingly beautiful book about murderers fiction. Set in the snowy wilderness of Oregon, this gripping tale follows Naomi, a private investigator known as the Child Finder, who specializes in locating missing children. With her unique ability to sense and understand the thoughts and emotions of both victims and abductors, Naomi embarks on a relentless search for a young girl named Madison.

The Fourth Monkey

by J.D. Barker

The Fourth Monkey is a bone-chilling book on murderers fiction that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. This gripping thriller by J.D. Barker takes readers into the dark and twisted mind of a serial killer, delivering a heart-pounding tale of suspense and mystery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of thrilling and chilling tales that delve into the dark and twisted minds of murderers, these 20 best books about murderers fiction are a must-read. From classic whodunits to psychological thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat, these books will satisfy your craving for suspense and mystery. So, grab a cup of coffee, find a cozy spot, and prepare to be captivated by these gripping tales of crime and deception.