Thriller & Mystery Books

What are mystery and thriller books?

Mystery and thriller books blend two much-loved genres into one irresistible read, combining clever whodunits with edge-of-your-seat suspense. Each story centres around a key puzzle to solve, inviting you to follow the clues and question every suspect. You'll likely follow strong protagonists as they're pushed into a dangerous challenge, with tension rising fast. Strap yourself in for fast-paced narratives with high stakes. With mystery-thrillers, you're not just reading the story – you're a part of it. Consider yourself the detective.

Best mystery and thriller books:

• The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (2020): In a quiet retirement village where life moves at a gentle pace, four residents spend their Thursday afternoons doing something a little unexpected – investigating unsolved murders. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron may be getting on, but they don't intend to be pushing up the daisies anytime soon. When a real-life killing happens right on their doorstep, The Thursday Murder Club suddenly find themselves working their very first live case. This witty and wonderfully twisty mystery was, remarkably, TV personality Richard Osman’s debut novel. Its runaway success led to him being crowned Author of the Year at the British Book Awards.
• Strange Houses by Uketsu (2021): When a writer helps a friend house‑hunt in suburban Tokyo, everything seems perfectly normal – until a floor plan reveals a mysterious dead space, hidden between two walls, with no door and no clear purpose. Blending clever storytelling with eerie illustrations, Strange Houses invites you to study the clues and fall under the spell of its deeply unsettling logic. This is the first book in a series, which means there are more mysteries to uncover. Readers worldwide have already discovered the truth behind these strange houses. Now it’s your turn.
• The Housemaid by Freida McFadden (2022): Working for the wealthy Winchester family is a fresh start for struggling Millie – a steady routine and a chance to leave her past behind. Every day, she cleans and keeps the perfect household running… while quietly noticing that something isn’t quite right. From a wife who seems to enjoy causing chaos, to a husband weighed down by secrets, cracks soon begin to show behind the polished marble – and it becomes clear that this house is far more dangerous than it looks. Dark and wildly addictive, The Housemaid is a No.1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller, and a popcorn-picking film starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Just remember – everyone has secrets… and some are deadly.

Why choose hmv for your next mystery and thriller book?

• With thousands of 'Excellent' Trustpilot reviews, our customers consistently praise our great product range and fast, friendly and informed service.
• With over 100 years of experience in home entertainment, we’ve built a standout range of music, film & TV, tech and books - Discover other addictive genres, including non-fiction and romantasy books.
• Changed your mind? No problem – we offer free 30-day returns. Organise your return quickly and easily through our online Returns Portal.

Discover your new favourite mystery and thriller author today

Step into a real-life whodunnit by browsing mystery and thriller authors today at hmv. With award-winning writers like Agatha Christie and Colleen Hoover, there's something for everyone. Drop by and peruse our collection in one of our UK stores, or order online today!

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