“I’ve said in many interviews that I like my fiction to be unpredictable. I like there to be considerable suspense.”
– George R.R. Martin
Just like the acclaimed author, George R.R. Martin, we like our novels to have a good dose of suspense. We all are attracted to books that have the potential to keep us awake all night. A well-crafted novel should have enough twists and turns that can keep us hooked till the end.
Thriller novels have been gracing our shelves ever since the 1800s. Even after centuries, they have not lost their appeal. For us bibliophiles, suspense novels offer an escape that very few genres can. Still, it is important that we read books where the thrill is sustained till the very end.
Every year, scores of suspense novels are published. With the limited time that we have on our hands due to our busy schedules, we have to make sure to pick up a book that truly tantalizes us. With so many new suspense novels out there in the market, it might be a tad difficult to make your choice.
Hence, here we are with some of the best new suspense novels that can keep you awake for entire nights.
Table of Contents
Book: A Colossal Injustice: A Griffin Knight Corporate Murder Mystery
Author: Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr.
A Colossal Injustice: A Griffin Knight Corporate Murder Mystery by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr won 2023’s BREW Book Excellence Award in the Suspense Category. The second book of The Griffin Knight Series follows New York Detective Griffin Knight on his quest to solve the murder mystery of Dylan Walker, the CFO and COO of a megacorp named Colossus. Walker puts his life in danger when he uncovers the deadly secret of financial embezzlement rampant in his company. When he is mysteriously murdered, his finance, Skylar, also known as Kalyx in the hacking world, enlists the help of Detective Griffin Knight who flies over to Seattle to solve the mystery. In this corporate mystery, Hernandez expertly showcases the high level of fraud, deceit, and corruption in a renowned company. Full of action and drama, A Colossal Injustice: A Griffin Knight Corporate Murder Mystery is bound to keep you on the edge of your seats till the very end.
Book: Do Nothing: A Griffin Knight Corporate Murder Mystery
Author: Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr.
Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr’s Do Nothing: A Griffin Knight Murder Mystery is the first book in The Griffin Knight Series. The book opens with the brutal murder of District Attorney Natalie Rosalie Costa. Detective Griffin Knight is assigned to solve the case. However, it seems that the case is unsolvable as the only lead is a serial killer who last struck ten years ago. It is up to Detective Griffin Knight to solve the unsolvable and bring a gruesome murder to justice. It will be hard to believe that Do Nothing: A Griffin Knight Murder Mystery is Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr’s debut book as it is so well-written. Hernandez not only weaves a spectacular mystery but also gives us detailed insights into the minds of the victim, murderer as well as the detective. Do Nothing: A Griffin Knight Murder Mystery by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr has rightfully won 2023s BREW Book Excellence Award in the Novella Category.
Book: Praesidium
Author: McKinley Aspen
Praesidium is a gripping novel penned by McKinley Aspen. The book revolves around Kathryn Bek, a young graduate who gets an astounding job opportunity in New York City. Under the guise of a marketing job, she gets embroiled in a world full of mystery, murder, and magic. Surprisingly, the key to protecting the world lies in Kathryn’s obscure past. Soon, Kathryn and her team find themselves traipsing around the world trying to save the future. McKinley Aspen’s Praesidium is a highly original novel that is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers. It has rightfully won 2023’s BREW Book Excellence Award in the Thriller Category.
Book: Pacifica
Author: Richard C. Deason
Richard C. Deason’s Pacifica is a thrilling science fiction novel set in the future where America is divided into independent nation-states and commonwealths. The book follows David Ryan, a visionary who fled the Republic of Texas to form a brand new nation called Pacifica, comprising Acapulco and an archipelago in the South Pacific. Pacifica’s thriving growth does not unnoticed for long. The United States Defense Council decides to take it over and destroy it. Pacifica is a dystopian novel that gives equal importance to philosophy and action. It is a must-read for fans of dystopian thrillers with a message.
Book: Forbidden Zone 1940
Author: Anne Angelo
Forbidden Zone 1940 is a heartwarming memoir penned by Anne Angelo. Set during the Second World War, it is the second book in Angelo’s duology. When the Nazis occupied France, Anne found herself stuck in the forbidden zone. She was unable to leave Lille and flee to Great Britain despite her many tries. Anne finds herself involved with the French Resistance. Her attempts to help the escape of British soldiers do not go unnoticed by the Nazis. They do their best to catch her red-handed. By 1941, she had been arrested multiple times. When faced with the prospect of a firing squad or imprisonment in a concentration camp, Anne takes her chances and runs back home. In Scotland, she continues with her war efforts. She also meets the love of her life, Gerald. Anne Angelo’s Forbidden Zone 1940 is an enthralling memoir that teleports us to the thick of things during WWII. This book is highly recommended to fans of memoirs and historical books.
Conclusion
Like Sydney Pollack said, “Every story needs an element of suspense – or it’s lousy.” It is true that every novel should have a thrilling element in it, irrespective of genre. Building suspense through intense writing and engrossing sequences are coveted qualities by any author. It is these qualities that keep the reader hooked after all.
Do comment and let us know which of the listed novels here are worthy of being added to your reading lists.
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Suspense and thrillers are my utmost favorite genres. I’ll definitely add “Praesidium” and ” Forbidden Zone 1940″ to my TBR list.
That’s fantastic! “Praesidium” and “Forbidden Zone 1940” are excellent choices for fans of suspense and thrillers. Both promise gripping narratives that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I hope you enjoy diving into these thrilling worlds and experiencing the twists and turns they have to offer. Happy reading!
Writing truly great suspense stories is almost a lost art anymore. TV and movies don’t do it well at all nowadays, relying almost exclusively on setting to create any sense of suspense.
I agree! That’s why I used to prefer old stories (no time to read fiction nowadays).
In terms of television and films, there are a handful of good ones. Even the comedies are too exaggerated. I prefer witty and without the need for vulgarity, innuendo, and profanity!
Absolutely. The vulgarity seems to get worse and worse, and half the time the innuendo is as subtle as a freight train. I remember when good innuendo was subtle, and rarely used so as not to lessen it’s effect when it was used.
Indeed, the subtlety of innuendo in storytelling seems to have diminished over time, overshadowed by more explicit and overt forms of humor and dialogue. There’s a certain artistry to employing innuendo sparingly, allowing it to land with greater impact when used judiciously. It’s a delicate balance, and when executed well, it adds depth and nuance to the narrative. Here’s hoping for a resurgence of that artistry in storytelling, where less is more, and subtlety reigns supreme.
It’s understandable to appreciate the timeless quality of older stories, which often offer a richness and depth that can be hard to find in today’s fast-paced world. As for television and films, you’re right that there are still some gems out there, though they may be fewer in number. Finding entertainment that aligns with your preferences for wit and subtlety without relying on excessive vulgarity or profanity can indeed be a challenge, but when you do find those rare pieces, they can be truly satisfying. It’s all about seeking out the content that resonates with your values and tastes.
Indeed, they are few and far between.
Very well said! ☺️☺️☺️
Thank you! Indeed, those exceptional pieces are like rare treasures waiting to be discovered. Here’s to finding more gems along the way!
I understand your sentiment. Crafting exceptional suspense stories requires skillful storytelling that engages the audience’s imagination and keeps them on the edge of their seats. While it’s true that some contemporary TV shows and movies may rely heavily on setting and visual effects, there are still many writers and filmmakers dedicated to honing the art of suspense and delivering captivating narratives. With the right blend of tension, pacing, and unexpected twists, great suspense stories can still captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact.