here’s nothing like that feeling — heart racing, eyes wide, telling yourself “just one more chapter” at 2 AM. But not every thriller delivers on that promise. Some fizzle out, some are predictable, and some just don’t hook you. So here’s a handpicked list of 5 thrillers that actually keep you up — with smart plots, real tension, and twists you won’t see coming.

1. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Psychological thrillers are everywhere, but this one stands out. A woman kills her husband and never speaks again. A psychotherapist becomes obsessed with unlocking her silence. Sounds simple? It’s not. The final twist is chef’s kiss — the kind that makes you flip back through pages in disbelief.

2. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
From the outside, Grace and Jack Angel seem like the perfect couple. Inside their beautiful home, though, lies something chilling. This book messes with your head — fast-paced, short chapters, and a creeping dread that builds to a seriously intense finish.

3. The Guest List by Lucy Foley
A glamorous wedding on a remote island. A murder. And everyone’s a suspect. Told from multiple POVs, this one feels like a modern Agatha Christie with secrets hiding in every chapter. The stormy setting only adds to the tension — it’s a true “locked room” thriller with style.

4. Verity by Colleen Hoover
This one is unhinged — in the best way. A struggling writer is hired to finish the manuscripts of a bestselling author in a creepy, quiet house. What she finds hidden in the office changes everything. It’s dark, disturbing, and one of the most talked-about thrillers online right now.

5. The Chain by Adrian McKinty
Imagine this: your child is kidnapped. The only way to get them back is to kidnap another child. You become part of a terrifying chain. It’s morally twisted, incredibly addictive, and feels like a nightmare you can’t stop reading. Buckle up.