Top Mysteries & Thrillers of 2023 (so far)

Disappearances, the mafia, sociopaths, good vs evil, arm chair travel & more,

Hi friends,

I’ve had this post idea percolating in my head all week and yesterday I finally decided to scroll through my 2023 reads on The Storygraph (where I keep track of each book I read and dnf) and find out exactly how many mysteries and thrillers (my favorite genre) I’ve read in 2023 so far. Despite knowing that I love this genre, I still surprised myself with my number….out of the 77 books I’ve read so far this year, 43 of them would fall within the mystery/thriller genre- so about 55% of my reading so far this year

Shifts in My Reading & Disappointments

So, while I’ve felt that I’ve been reading more literary fiction (which I have), looking through my reads I can see that I continue to gravitate toward the mysterious and thrilling! Mysteries and thrillers have been my reading comfort place since I was a kid. There is something so satisfying about getting lost in a great mystery, trying to solve a puzzle, or being taken on a propulsive literary thrill ride. What I have noticed is that my reading tastes within the genre have shifted this year and popcorn thrillers (winners in the past) have typically been a miss for me, as well as new thrillers by trusted authors. In fact, two of my biggest disappointments so far this year have been the much anticipated (by me) release of this book and this book (too implausible plot). I love both of these authors and would recommend most of their backlist, but their new releases just didn’t work for me.

What Has Been Working for Me With Mysteries and Thrillers?

Looking at my list, which was pretty easy to make, I think books that had a literary style of writing with the addition of a mystery, as well as straight up fast paced thrillers with compelling main characters have risen to the top. Plus, these are the types of mysteries/thrillers that are proving to have staying power in my mind. A couple even managed make me cry which will always lead to me remembering them. While the initial choosing of the 12 books was easy, when I challenged myself to rank them, that is where it got a bit harder. But I did it! I’ve given all of these books at least a 4 ⭐️ or above rating, so they all are books I’ve loved and recommend.

I would love for you to share the mysteries and thrillers You’ve been loving so far this year! Drop them in the comments and let’s increase our TBR’s

MY TOP 12 MYSTERIES & THRILLERS OF 2023 (so far)