Jeffery Deaver is the New York Times bestselling author of nineteen suspense novels, including The Blue Nowhere and The Bone Collector. He has been nominated for three Edgar Awards from the Mystery Writers of America and is a two-time recipient of the Ellery Queen Readers Award for Best Short Story of the Year. Mr. Deaver lives in California and Virginia.
Opening Shots Volume 2 (2001) More Great Mystery and Crime Writers Share their First Published Stories (Opening Shots, book 2) edited by Lawrence Block
The Hungry Dark (2024) Jen Williams "I, for one, just love tales of crime laced with a hint of the occult and I can think of no better offering in this category of fiction than The Hungry Dark. Nonstop plotting, richly drawn characters and a masterful touch in blending crime procedure with otherworldly gothic makes this novel a one-sitting read. Fantastic - in every sense of the word!"
Every Move You Make (2024) C L Taylor "Spine-chilling at every turn! Every Move You Make will grab you in the first few pages and not give you a moment's rest until the very end! Brilliant characters, a devilish premise and an evocative voice make this one of the best thrillers of the year."
Anna O (2024) Matthew Blake "Anna O sits at the pinnacle of psychological suspense! It;s a nonstop thrill ride through the darker sides of the human mind, filled with plot twists galore and populated by characters who are utterly real and undeniably appealing. This novel is written in the voice of a natural-born storyteller."
The Taken Ones (2023) (Steinbeck and Reed, book 1) Jess Lourey "Setting the standard for top-notch thrillers, The Taken Ones is smart, compelling, and filled with utterly real characters. Lourey brings her formidable storytelling talent to the game and, on top of that, wows us with a deft stylistic touch. This is a one-sitting read!"
Hard Country (2023) (Tucker Snow Thrillers, book 1) Reavis Z Wortham "A stunning success! Hard Country checks all the boxes: a nonstop thriller plot, characters who are so real we're sure we've crossed paths in real life, and a breathtaking portrait--both searing and sympathetic--of a small town, from an author whose compelling voice and keenly observant eye transport us there. Wortham is known for his protagonists and Tucker Snow is one of his all-time best: sharp, uncompromising, wry, thoroughly human, and the one thing we don't see enough of nowadays: a dyed-in-the-wool hero. I was going to set aside a weekend to read the book. My problem? What to do with the rest of Saturday afternoon and Sunday-yes, Hard Country is the definition of a one-sitting read. Bravo!"
The Devil's Playground (2023) Craig Russell "Superb! The Devil's Playground is imagination on steroids! This breathtaking tale--set against America's favorite backdrop, Hollywood--seamlessly blends noir, gothic and mystery in a way that's unique to crime fiction. Populated with a truly memorable cast, Playground is a guaranteed one-sitting read...and how can you resist a novel about the scariest movie of all time? Bravo!"
Central Park West (2023) (Nora Carleton, book 1) James Comey "A nonstop thrill ride! Central Park West is a masterful blend of legal thriller, police procedural and psychological drama. And it's populated with some of the best heroes and most evil villains to come along in years. Bravo!"
Symphony of Secrets (2023) Brendan Slocumb "Absolutely brilliant! Once again, Slocum's consummate skills are on vivid display as he gives us a fascinating page-turner that slips back and forth in time and seamlessly blends a heart-pounding thriller, a heartfelt look at family and quiet heroism, and a searing expose of issues stretching from deep in our country's past to the very present. The 'secret' of his title is apt indeed. And as for the cast: nobody creates rich, fully formed characters like Brendan Slocumb. Some books we finish and move on. This one will stay with you long after you turn the final page."
Death Under a Little Sky (2023) (Jake Jackson, book 1) Stig Abell "Superb! Death Under a Little Sky is a pitch-perfect blend of psychological thriller and classic detective fiction, rich with smart plotting and characters so real we feel we know them. And with the keen eye of the journalist that he is, Author Abell gives us a compelling portrayal of life-and death-in the countryside. As for our hero, Jake Jackson, what can I say except I expect him back soon. No, I demand his return!"
The Institution (2023) (Connie Woolwine, book 2) Helen Fields "Brilliant! The Institution is a harrowing, nonstop story that will grab you from the first page and not let go. Helen Fields is a master of suspense. You'll consume it in one sitting."
Bombay Monsoon (2022) James W Ziskin "A stunning novel! Bombay Monsoon, captivating from the very first pages, draws us into an exotic world of intrigue and passion, offering up a whipsawing plot and a truly memorable cast. There's more than a little Graham Greene here, along with a dash of le Carre, though this story is pure Ziskin, told in his unique and resonant voice."
Double or Nothing (2022) (Double O, book 1) Kim Sherwood "I spy... a brilliant thriller! Double or Nothing is a clever and utterly compelling addition to the Bond canon. Filled with characters so real we feel we know them, the novel races through its surprising plot twists like an Aston Martin in high gear. Get this book and clear your calendar-though it won't be for long; I read it in one sitting."
Dark Objects (2022) (Laughton Rees, book 1) Simon Toyne "A stunning novel! Part wily procedural, part relentless psychological thriller, Dark Objects will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish."
The Recruit (2022) Alan Drew "Extraordinary! The Recruit is as smart and stylish as it is compelling. The plot speeds like a race car on a breathtaking course filled with twists and turns, and the novel brims with rich psychological insights into the many fully drawn characters. I can think of no other thriller that portrays its vital themes--all relevant to our times--in such a riveting and up-close and personal way. Bravo!"
First Victim (2022) Debbie Babitt "Setting the standard for top-notch thrillers, First Victim is smart, compelling and filled with utterly real characters. Author Babitt brings formidable storytelling talent to the game, and is quite the stylist. Once you start this novel, you won't put it down!"
This Train (2022) James Grady "Brilliant! A novel of soaring imagination, This Train delivers a kaleidoscope of riveting characters and roller coasters of hurtling plots. The book's nonstop pages redefine crime fiction, and author Grady captivates us further by telling the story in a voice that is so rich, resonant and poetic that it veritably sings. Bravo!"
A Flicker in the Dark (2022) Stacy Willingham "Haunting, lyrical and utterly compelling! These are just a few of the words of praise one could use to describe A Flicker in the Dark. Author Willingham takes us on an unstoppable journey through the psychology of evil, and of courage (in many senses), all told in a pitch-perfect literary style. Once you start reading, you will not put it down."
Survive the Night (2021) Riley Sager "Noir at its best! This one-sitting-read of a thriller will grab you in the opening pages and simply not let go until the very (and very shocking) end. Author Sager is a master of creating both psychological suspense and richly drawn characters, both good, bad and somewhere in the middle. Bravo!"
The Damage (2021) Caitlin Wahrer "Damage sets the standard for psychological suspense! With a consummate authorial hand, Wahrer weaves a brilliantly layered story of a horrific crime and how it forces each member of a loving family to confront the harrowing question of what kind of person they truly are. The style of this novel is as elegant as the characters are breathtakingly real and the plot undeniably compelling."
Body Zoo (2021) (Sin City Investigation, book 3) J D Allen "That wonderful and rare combination of high-speed suspense and complez, richly drawn characters will keep you on the edge of your seat."
Red Widow (2021) (Red Widow, book 1) Alma Katsu "Superb! Part savvy geopolitical spy thriller in the tradition of John le Carré, part whip-sawing investigative procedural, part gripping psychological suspense, Red Widow grabs you in the harrowing opening scene and never lets go--and I don't mean at the last page; this novel stays with you long after you've finished it. Author Katsu brings an incisive and resonant voice to her tale and has populated it with truly distinctive, fully formed characters, including one of the sharpest and most appealing protagonists in recent fiction: Lyndsey Duncan. Did I say superb? Well, consider it said once more."
The Measure of Time (2021) (Guido Guerrieri, book 6) Gianrico Carofiglio "Carofiglio raises the standard for crime fiction. His insights into human nature are breathtaking."
The Cipher (2020) (Nina Guerrera, book 1) Isabella Maldonado "A heart-pounding novel from page one, The Cipher checks all the boxes for a top-notch thriller: sharp plotting, big stakes, and characters—good and bad and everywhere in between—that are so richly drawn you’ll swear you’ve met them. I read this in one sitting and I guarantee you will too. Oh, another promise: You’ll absolutely love the Warrior Girl!"
Payback (2020) (Tank Rizzo, book 2) Lorenzo Carcaterra "Set aside a day for this book, because you’re not going to be doing anything but reading—or should I say, speeding—from first page to last, in the company of some of the most memorable characters we’ve ever met in crime fiction. By turns wry, moving, and gut-punching, Payback is a novel you won’t forget. And as always, Carcaterra’s keen eye and deft style bring New York City to stunning life. A brilliant thriller by one of the all-time greats."
A Desperate Place (2020) (McKenna and Riggs, book 1) Jennifer Greer "A nonstop thrill ride! Turn the first page and you're hooked. And Greer has given us one of the most memorable heroes in recent crime fiction, Whit McKenna--love her!"
The Other Passenger (2020) Louise Candlish "A stunning masterwork of style and suspense. The Other Passenger is one of those novels that grabs us from the start, then keeps us up all night by brilliantly peeling back the layers of the story until we arrive—shockingly—at the truth. I can’t think of another novel in which the characters are so perfectly drawn."
Die Next (2020) Jonathan Stone "Die Next is the model of a brilliant and stylish thriller! Rich with character development and it's-like-I'm-there settings, the novel is an adrenaline rush between covers. Bravo!"
Providence (2020) Max Barry "An astonishing novel! PROVIDENCE is Philip K. Dick and William Gibson fueled by pure adrenaline (with a bit of Spielberg and Ridley Scott thrown in). The brilliant, unstoppable imagination of Max Barry glows on every page of this action-filled, yet emotionally resonant, tale. It will keep you riveted from first page till last. I read in one sitting and I guarantee you'll do the same."
A Conspiracy of Bones (2020) (Temperance Brennan, book 19) Kathy Reichs "One of the absolute best thrillers of the year! Both Temperance Brennan and Kathy Reichs are at the top of their games in this brilliant rollercoaster of a tale. I can't recall when this many twists have been so masterfully woven into a novel. But, of course, it's not all about plot. The characters, too--good, bad and in between--come breathtakingly alive with heart-gripping effect. A great series has just gotten greater."
The Assistant (2019) S K Tremayne "The definition of suspense! A brilliant and original concept, expertly executed, this novel will grab you on the first page and not let go until the last."
The Hidden Things (2019) Jamie Mason "The Hidden Things is a model for superb thriller writing. It checks all the boxes: Grabbing us on the opening page, sending us on a roller coaster of plotting, taking us deep into a world (fine arts) that most of us only glimpse from the outside, and offering up a cast of brilliantly drawn characters, noble and evil and everything in between. Mason also proves to be an ace wordsmith, whose sharply drawn prose elevates the novel to an even higher peak."
Proof of Life (2019) (Beyond the Veil Mystery, book 2) Sheila Lowe "Joins the ranks of those rare thrillers that expertly blend nonstop plotting with keen perceptions of the characters- Good and bad- Who populates this wonderful tale."
Ambush (2019) (Sydney Rose Parnell, book 3) Barbara Nickless "One of the best characters in thriller fiction."
Killer Thriller (2019) (Ian Ludlow, book 2) Lee Goldberg "Grabs you from page one with brilliant wit, sharply honed suspense, and huge helping of pure originality."
The Paris Diversion (2019) (Expats, book 2) Chris Pavone "Thriller writing at its absolute best. With echoes of Graham Greene and John le Carré, Pavone’s novel accomplishes that rare feat of being both a nonstop adventure ride and a smart, stylish and compelling meditation on family, courage, responsibilities, and the relationships we create, for good and bad, throughout our lives. The Paris Diversion does far more than divert; it grips us from the very beginning and doesn’t let go."
The Nowhere Child (2019) Christian White "The Nowhere Child is the personification of a high-concept thriller, brilliantly executed. White raises the bar on psychological suspense, telling Kim Leamy's tale in a stylish voice and with a heart-pounding pace. Read page one, and you won't stop. Guaranteed."
It All Falls Down (2018) (Nora Watts, book 2) Sheena Kamal "Utterly compelling, rich with voice and psychological insight, populated with heartbreakingly real characters, Eyes Like Mine will stay with you for a long, long time. Perhaps forever."
Hangman (2018) (Timothy Blake, book 1) Jack Heath "Let’s cut to the chase: Hangman is a great read! Jack Heath’s boundless imagination and singular voice have produced a truly unique thriller. By turns, psychologically insightful, wonderfully disturbed and even darkly comedic, Hangman will keep you coursing through the pages at a lightning pace. Brilliant! (Probably best read with lights on and doors locked. I’m just saying.)"
After She Wrote Him (2017) Sulari Gentill "A tour de force! Crossing the Lines is a brilliant blend of mystery, gut-wrenching psychological suspense and literary storytelling. The novel stands as a shining (and refreshing) example of meta-fiction at its best--witty and wry, stylish and a joy to read."
City of Masks (2017) (Somershill Manor Mystery, book 3) S D Sykes "A gripping medieval historical crime thriller, from 'the medieval CJ Sansom'. Off the charts imaginative and breathtaking."
The Therapy House (2017) Julie Parsons "She is one of those rare authors who can successfully combine psychological insight, literary style and heart stopping suspense."
Deadly Alibi (2016) (Geraldine Steel, book 9) Leigh Russell "A brilliant talent in the thriller field."
Nothing Short of Dying (2016) (Clyde Barr, book 1) Erik Storey "A singular new talent! Storey's Nothing Short of Dying is nothing short of brilliant. It grabs you from page one and simply doesn't let go. This man is a born storyteller!"
The Second Girl (2016) (Frank Marr, book 1) David Swinson "Once you're drawn into Frankie Marr's world (in, oh, the first few pages of this fine novel), you won't want to leave. Marr is one of the most compelling and complex protagonists to come along in years. And, not content with just creating a memorable hero, author Swinson also offers up a breakneck plot, which he recounts in muscular prose and with a commanding knowledge of cops, bad guys and the streets of Washington, D.C. Reminiscent of The Wire and the writing of George Pelecanos and Dennis Lehane, The Second Girl is a winner."
Where It Hurts (2016) (Gus Murphy, book 1) Reed Farrel Coleman "Modern noir at its absolute best! Reading Where It Hurts is to bask in the joy of the heyday of private eye fiction - Chandler, Hammett, Cain and the whole crew. Everything's a delight, from the speedy and clever plot, to the firecracker snap of the dialog, to the heart-wrenching portrayal of the characters - good and bad. And Gus Murphy, what a protagonist! Coleman's truly delivered, and then some."
Seized (2015) (Profiler, book 3) Elizabeth Heiter "Gripping from the first page, Vanished will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way to its searing conclusion...a roller coaster of a thriller."
The Lost Codex (2015) (OPSIG Team Black, book 3) Alan Jacobson "Nonstop action, living-breathing characters, rich detail and sharp-as-a-knife prose. A brilliant job!."
Wonderland (2015) Jennifer Hillier "Top of the line thriller writing…You better call in sick, because you’re not going anywhere until you finish reading it. Oh, and you might want to lock the door, too. Just to be safe."
The Killing Lessons (2015) (Valerie Hart, book 1) Saul Black (Glen Duncan) "This novel breaks brilliant. It's hard to tell what's the best part of The Killing Lessons: the sweaty-palm plot that races along like a squadcar on a high-speed pursuit, the breathtaking depictions of the characters, good and bad, or author Black's inimitable style. My vote? All three."
Before He Finds Her (2015) Michael Kardos "Brilliant. Before He Finds Her is one of the most innovative and compelling thrillers to come along in recent years. Read the first page and kiss the next 24 hours goodbye. Bravo!"
(Kick Lannigan, book 1) Chelsea Cain "Author Cain has done it again. One Kick is superb! From its breathtaking opening sequence, through scenes of wrenching evil and heart-clutching emotion to its roller coaster finale, this novel will stay with you for a long time. And what a heroine . . . Here's hoping for more Kick Lannigan soon!"
Eeny Meeny (2014) (D.I. Helen Grace, book 1) M J Arlidge "What a great premise! . . . 'Eeny Meeny' is a fresh and brilliant departure from the stock serial killer tale. And Detective Inspector Helen Grace is one of the greatest heroes to come along in years."
The Farm (2014) Tom Rob Smith "On rare occasions, an author pulls off the high-wire act of writing a crime-oriented novel that easily transcends the genre. THE FARM is one of these."
Rosarito Beach (2013) (Kay Hamilton, book 1) M A Lawson "Grabs you by the throat… the writing’s lyrical, the plot is breathtaking, and the characters, the good ones and bad, are utterly compelling."
Everyone Lies (2013) (DI Kate Simms, book 1) A D Garrett "A throat-clutcher from page one. Everyone Lies is a pulse pounding thriller, which weaves expertly between evil on the streets and the dark side of police department politics. A. D. Garrett has done for Manchester what The Wire did for Baltimore. And our central characters, Simms and Fennimore, are complex, compelling and just plain marvellous."
The Trust (2012) (Grove O'Rourke, book 2) Norb Vonnegut "If anybody can turn international finance into a riveting thriller, it's Norb Vonnegut."
The Yard (2012) (Scotland Yard's Murder Squad, book 1) Alex Grecian "Lusciously rich with detail, atmosphere, and history, and yet as fast paced as a locomotive, The Yard will keep you riveted from page one. It’s truly a one—or two—sitting read."
Hunted (2011) (Danny Shanklin, book 1) Emlyn Rees "Hunted gives new meaning to the phrase "fast-paced." Filled with clever twists, stylishly written and populated with characters who are as real as our friends and family (and enemies!), this thriller moves at breakneck pace from first page to last. Bravo!"
Dominance (2011) Will Lavender "A brilliant concept, brilliantly executed. Dominanve moves to the top of the thriiler genre.... Oh, and that last page...."
Amerikan Eagle (2011) Alan Glenn (Brendan DuBois) "Rich in history and filled with breathtakingly true characters and nonstop plotting."
The Perfect Prey (2011) (John Stallings, book 2) James Andrus "One of the best cop novels to come along in years."
Sister (2010) Rosamund Lupton "As compelling as it is stylish. Sister exists in that rare place where crime fiction and literature coincide."
Borrowed Time (2009) C J Lyons "A compelling new voice in thriller writing... I love how the characters come alive on every page."
Even (2009) (David Trevellyan Thriller, book 1) Andrew Grant "Modern noir at its best... brilliantly plotted and smart, and delivers the bone-jarring kick of a .45."
Six Seconds (2008) Rick Mofina "Six Seconds is a great read. Echoing Ludlum and Forsythe, author Mofina has penned a big, solid international thriller that grabs your gut—and your heart—in the opening scenes and never lets go."
The Walk-In (2008) Gary Berntsen and Ralph Pezzullo "What thrillers aspire to be... Tom Clancy for our era."
I Kill (2008) Giorgio Faletti "In my neck of the woods people like Faletti are called larger than life, living legends."
A Hard Day's Death (2008) (Spike Berenger Rock 'n' Roll Hit, book 1) Raymond Benson "A sizzling story full of classic thriller twists, humor, and a dead-on look at the music business, A Hard Day's Death is number one with a bullet."
The Cleaner (2006) (Jonathan Quinn Thriller, book 1) Brett Battles "This book is a pure delight. Protagonist Jonathan Quinn is a unique and welcome addition to the world of crime fiction. Author Battles' THE CLEANER is a brilliant and heart-pounding thriller; I'm on the edge of my seat, awaiting future installment of Quinn's adventures."
Immoral (2005) (Jonathan Stride, book 1) Brian Freeman "Breathtakingly real and utterly compelling... some of the most literate and stylish writing you'll find anywhere today."
Prince of Thieves (2004) Chuck Hogan "What a compelling read! Hogan's Prince of Thieves is smart, speedy, and stylish - a literary pulp fiction."
Cry Last Heard (2004) (Tally Nowata, book 2) Hannah Nyala "Hannah Nyala soars above the genre and gives us poetry."
Mission Canyon (2003) (Evan Delaney, book 2) Meg Gardiner "It seems that the most enjoyable thrillers bring together the past and the present in unexpected yet suspenseful ways. So it is with Mission Canyon."
The Angel of Montague Street (2003) Norman Green "Like Richard Price, Norm Green brings an uncanny bare-knuckle vivacity to his portrayal of life on the streets."
The Last Witness (2003) (Lou Mason, book 2) Joel Goldman "Fast, furious and thoroughly enjoyable, The Last Witness is classic, and classy-filled with great characters and sharp, stylish writing."
Eighteen (2002) Jan Burke "Astonishing... wry... these stories are sure to delight."
Void Moon (1999) Michael Connelly "Void Moon is a high-stakes win! Author Connelly has dealt us lucky readers a rare hand - a lightning-paced thriller with a soul, a novel that takes us straight into the glitz and underbelly of Las Vegas and yet is populated with some of the most complex and captivating characters in suspense fiction."
Comes the Dark (1999) Michael Prescott "Michael Prescott delivers a harrowing thriller of the first order. His characters are flesh-and-blood real, the atmosphere's intense, and the plot races along unceasingly."
Shadows (1997) (James Whistler, book 2) Jonathan Nasaw "Throat-gripping. Breathes new life into the classic tales of the undead."
Killing Floor (1997) (Jack Reacher, book 1) Lee Child "Some novelists can write top-notch action and some can create compelling mysteries, yet it's rare to find both of those skills displayed in a single book. Lee Child's Killing Floor is one of them. But not content with writing a rip-roaring thriller, Child also gives us one of the truly memorable tough-guy heroes in recent fiction: Jack Reacher."
(b.1950)
