XX Marks the Spot: Top Thrillers of the Last Ten Years

A Decade of Gripping Thrillers

Thriller enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to, especially with the International Thriller Writers celebrating its 20th anniversary. To mark this milestone, they’ve compiled a list of award-winning thrillers from the past decade. These stories have captivated readers with their intense plots, complex characters, and unexpected twists. Here’s a closer look at some of the most compelling titles.

2025: The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak

Frank Szatowski is shocked when his long-estranged daughter, Maggie, invites him to her wedding in New Hampshire. Determined to reconcile, Frank finds himself struggling to connect with Maggie’s fiancé, who comes from a wealthy tech family. The locals are also suspicious of Frank and his family, making it difficult for him to uncover the truth about them. As he digs deeper, Frank realizes that pushing too hard could cost him everything—especially his relationship with Maggie.

2024: All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby

Titus Crown, the first Black sheriff in Charon County, Virginia, faces a crisis when a teacher is killed by a former student. The situation escalates when Crown’s deputies kill the student, revealing hidden secrets within the community. This gripping novel explores themes of justice, race, and the weight of history as Titus navigates a town where the past refuses to stay buried.

2023: Sundial by Catriona Ward

Rob’s daughter, Callie, collects animal bones and talks to imaginary friends. Fearing that their haunted family history is resurfacing, Rob decides to return to the family ranch in the Mojave Desert. But this journey forces him to confront painful memories and face the ghosts of the past. The novel delves into the psychological toll of unresolved trauma and the struggle to protect loved ones from the unknown.

2022: Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby

Ike Randolph, a white man, and Buddy Lee, a Black man, both ex-cons, come together after losing their sons. Their shared grief leads them to seek revenge against those they believe are responsible. As they navigate their quest for justice, they must also confront their own prejudices and the challenges of healing in a world that often misunderstands them.

2021: Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby

Beauregard “Bug” Montage is trying to live a law-abiding life after his criminal past. However, financial struggles force him back into the world of crime, leading to a disastrous jewel heist. Bug must make impossible choices to save his family and himself, highlighting the harsh realities of survival and the moral dilemmas that come with it.

2020: The Chain by Adrian McKinty

Rachel Klein’s life turns upside down when her daughter is kidnapped. The ransom demand is unusual: she must abduct another child to keep the chain going or lose her daughter forever. This chilling tale explores the lengths a parent will go to protect their child and the ethical questions that arise in desperate situations.

2019: The Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier

Angela Wong disappeared when she was 16, and no one suspected her best friend, Georgina, of any involvement. However, when Angela’s remains are found, Georgina is arrested. The story raises questions about guilt, innocence, and the dark secrets that can lie beneath even the most innocent friendships.

2018: The Final Girls by Riley Sager

Quincy Carpenter survives a massacre and becomes one of the media-dubbed “Final Girls.” She tries to move on with her life, but when the first of the survivors is found dead and the second appears on her doorstep, Quincy must uncover the truth about what happened a decade ago. This novel explores the lingering effects of trauma and the dangers of unearthing the past.

2017: Before the Fall by Noah Hawley

A private plane crash leaves painter Scott Burroughs and a 4-year-old boy as the only survivors. As the investigation into the crash unfolds, Scott grapples with the notoriety of surviving and the growing bond he forms with the boy. The story weaves together themes of survival, guilt, and the search for truth in a world filled with uncertainty.

2016: The Fifth Gospel by Ian Caldwell

A curator is murdered just before a mysterious exhibit opens at the Vatican. The same night, the curator’s research partner, Father Alex, is targeted. When the papal police fail to solve the crimes, Father Alex begins his own investigation, navigating a dangerous web of secrets and conspiracies.

2017: The Fever by Megan Abbott

Deenie Nash lives a quiet life in a close-knit town until a classmate suffers a seizure, sparking rumors of an outbreak. As fear spreads, so do the secrets that threaten to tear apart friendships, families, and the town’s fragile sense of security. This novel captures the tension between community and chaos, and the power of fear to unravel even the strongest bonds.