Thrillers are a popular genre of literature that have been around for centuries. They are known for their suspenseful plots and thrilling endings that keep readers on the edge of their seats. But what about audiobooks? Can they deliver the same level of excitement as a physical book? The answer is a resounding yes.
Audiobooks have become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason. They offer a convenient way to consume literature while doing other activities, such as driving or exercising. They also provide a unique listening experience that can enhance the story in ways that a physical book cannot.
When it comes to thrillers, audiobooks can be particularly effective. The use of sound effects, music, and talented voice actors can create a truly immersive experience that transports the listener into the story. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start.
When choosing the best audiobooks thrillers, it’s important to pay attention to the narrator’s performance. A good narrator can make or break the listening experience, so it’s worth doing some research to find a voice actor who is well-suited to the genre. Additionally, the plot should be engaging and suspenseful, with enough twists and turns to keep the listener guessing until the very end.
We spent hours researching and testing various audiobooks to identify the best thrillers available. After careful consideration, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten audiobooks that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Best Audiobooks Thrillers
We know that sometimes you just need a good thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best audiobook thrillers that will have you hooked from beginning to end. These audiobooks are perfect for long car rides, flights, or just when you need a break from reality. So sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the most thrilling audiobooks out there.
The Secret: A Jack Reacher Novel
We highly recommend purchasing The Secret: A Jack Reacher Novel if you’re a fan of action thrillers, suspense fiction, and war and military fiction. The audiobook is narrated by Scott Brick and authored by Lee Child and Andrew Child.
Pros
- Gripping plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat
- Excellent narration that brings the characters to life
- Perfect balance of action and suspense
Cons
- Some may find the violence to be too intense
- The ending may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied
- Not suitable for those who prefer a slower-paced story
The Secret: A Jack Reacher Novel is a fast-paced audiobook that will leave you breathless. The plot is well-crafted and keeps you guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and the narration is top-notch. Scott Brick does an excellent job of bringing the story to life and making you feel like you’re right there with the characters.
One of the biggest pros of this audiobook is the perfect balance of action and suspense. The story keeps you engaged from start to finish and the action scenes are well-written and intense. The authors do an excellent job of building tension and keeping you on the edge of your seat.
However, some readers may find the violence to be too intense. The story does contain some graphic descriptions of violence and may not be suitable for all listeners. Additionally, the ending may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied. While the plot is well-crafted, some may find the resolution to be too abrupt.
Overall, we highly recommend The Secret: A Jack Reacher Novel to anyone who enjoys action thrillers, suspense fiction, and war and military fiction. It’s a gripping audiobook that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
The Quarry Girls: A Thriller
If you are looking for a thrilling audiobook that will keep you on the edge of your seat, The Quarry Girls: A Thriller is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The story is inspired by true events, making it even more captivating.
- The characters are well-developed and relatable.
- The narrator, Jess Nahikian, does an excellent job of bringing the story to life.
Cons
- Some parts of the story may be predictable for avid thriller readers.
- The ending may be a bit anticlimactic for some listeners.
- The story may not be suitable for those who are sensitive to topics such as sexual assault and violence.
We were immediately drawn into the story of The Quarry Girls, which is based on true events. The characters are well-developed and easy to relate to, making it easy to become invested in their lives and the outcome of the story. Jess Nahikian does an excellent job of narrating the audiobook, bringing the story to life and keeping us engaged throughout.
While some parts of the story may be predictable for avid thriller readers, we still found ourselves on the edge of our seats, wondering what would happen next. The ending may be a bit anticlimactic for some listeners, but we still found it satisfying and true to the story.
It’s worth noting that the story does touch on sensitive topics such as sexual assault and violence, so it may not be suitable for all listeners. However, if you are a fan of thrillers and are looking for an engaging audiobook to keep you entertained, The Quarry Girls: A Thriller is definitely worth considering.
The Perfect Wife: A Jessie Hunt Psychological Suspense Thriller, Book One
If you’re looking for a gripping psychological thriller, The Perfect Wife is a must-read.
Pros
- The plot is full of twists and turns that keep you hooked until the end.
- The characters are well-developed and realistic.
- The narration by Laura Bannister is excellent and adds to the suspense.
Cons
- Some of the plot twists may seem unrealistic.
- The beginning of the book is slow-paced.
- The book is relatively short at only 8 hours and 15 minutes.
The Perfect Wife is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Jessie Hunt, a young woman who is trying to make a name for herself as a detective. When a wealthy socialite goes missing, Jessie is called in to investigate. As she delves deeper into the case, she realizes that nothing is as it seems, and she must navigate a web of lies and deceit to uncover the truth.
The plot of The Perfect Wife is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and realistic, and you’ll find yourself rooting for Jessie as she tries to solve the case. The narration by Laura Bannister is excellent and adds to the suspense, making this audiobook a true pleasure to listen to.
However, some of the plot twists may seem unrealistic, and the beginning of the book is slow-paced. Additionally, at only 8 hours and 15 minutes, the book is relatively short compared to other audiobooks in the genre.
Overall, if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, The Perfect Wife is a must-read. With its gripping plot and well-developed characters, it’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
The Exchange: After The Firm
If you’re a fan of legal thrillers, The Exchange: After The Firm is a must-read audiobook.
Pros
- Gripping storyline that keeps you engaged till the end.
- Excellent narration by Edoardo Ballerini that brings the characters to life.
- A perfect sequel to The Firm that doesn’t disappoint.
Cons
- Some of the plot twists are predictable.
- The ending may leave you wanting more closure.
- Not suitable for listeners who haven’t read The Firm.
The Exchange: After The Firm picks up 15 years after the events of The Firm. Mitch and Abby McDeere are now living in New York with their family. Mitch is at a new law firm, Scully & Pershing, and Abby is running her own charity. But when a mysterious new client comes to Mitch with an offer he can’t refuse, he finds himself caught up in a dangerous web of deceit and corruption.
The audiobook is narrated by Edoardo Ballerini, who does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. His voice is smooth and engaging, and he captures the tension and suspense of the story perfectly.
The Exchange: After The Firm is a perfect sequel to The Firm. John Grisham has done an excellent job of continuing the story of Mitch and Abby McDeere without making it feel forced or contrived. The plot is gripping, and the characters are well-developed.
Overall, if you’re a fan of John Grisham or legal thrillers, The Exchange: After The Firm is a must-read audiobook. It’s engaging, suspenseful, and well-narrated, making it a great addition to any audiobook collection.
I Am Watching You
We highly recommend purchasing I Am Watching You if you are looking for a gripping psychological thriller with a surprise ending.
Pros
- The story is suspenseful and keeps you guessing until the end.
- The characters are well-developed and relatable.
- The narration by Elizabeth Knowelden is fantastic.
Cons
- The book can be difficult to follow at times due to the non-linear timeline.
- Some readers may find the ending to be too predictable.
- The story may be too dark and intense for some readers.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers, I Am Watching You is a must-read. The story follows the disappearance of a teenage girl and the impact it has on those around her. The non-linear timeline adds to the suspense and keeps you guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their stories.
One of the standout features of this audiobook is the narration by Elizabeth Knowelden. She does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and adding to the overall atmosphere of the story.
While the non-linear timeline adds to the suspense, it can also make the story difficult to follow at times. Additionally, some readers may find the ending to be too predictable. The story is also quite dark and intense, so it may not be suitable for all readers.
Overall, we highly recommend I Am Watching You to anyone looking for a gripping psychological thriller.
Special Circumstances: Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez Legal Thriller, Book 1
If you’re a fan of legal thrillers, you should definitely consider purchasing Special Circumstances: Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez Legal Thriller, Book 1.
Pros
- The dialog is realistic and well-written.
- The story has a fast pace that makes it hard to put down.
- The characters are well-developed and interesting.
Cons
- The story can be tedious at times.
- Some readers may find the ending predictable.
- There are a few editing errors.
We found this book to be a thrilling read from start to finish. The story follows Mike Daley, a former prosecutor, and his ex-wife Rosie Fernandez, a criminal defense attorney, as they team up to defend a young man accused of murder. The characters are well-developed and interesting, and the dialog is realistic and well-written. The story has a fast pace that makes it hard to put down, and the plot twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end.
That being said, some readers may find the story to be a bit tedious at times. Additionally, while the ending is satisfying, it may be predictable for some readers. Finally, there are a few editing errors that can be a bit distracting.
Overall, we highly recommend Special Circumstances: Mike Daley/Rosie Fernandez Legal Thriller, Book 1 to anyone who enjoys legal thrillers. It’s a well-written and engaging story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Missing Molly
If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end, Missing Molly is a great choice.
Pros
- Gripping plot that keeps you engaged throughout
- Well-developed characters that feel real and relatable
- Narration by Lucy Price-Lewis that adds to the suspense and tension of the story
Cons
- Some readers may find the ending a bit predictable
- A few plot points feel contrived or unrealistic
- Some of the characters’ actions and motivations may be hard to understand or sympathize with
From the very first chapter, Missing Molly draws you in with its intriguing premise and well-drawn characters. As the story unfolds, you’ll find yourself becoming more and more invested in the fate of Rachel, the protagonist, and her search for her missing friend Molly.
One of the things that makes Missing Molly so compelling is its intricate plot, which is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s going on, the story takes a new direction, throwing you off balance and keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Another strength of the book is its characters, who are complex, flawed, and fully realized. From Rachel, who is struggling to balance work, motherhood, and her own personal demons, to Molly, whose disappearance sets the story in motion, each character feels like a real person with their own unique motivations and desires.
Finally, the narration by Lucy Price-Lewis is top-notch, adding to the tension and suspense of the story and bringing each character to life in a way that feels natural and authentic.
Overall, if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers and looking for a book that will keep you engaged from start to finish, Missing Molly is definitely worth checking out.
Her Last Breath: A Chilling Psychological Thriller (Wolf Lake Thriller, Book 1)
If you’re looking for a gripping psychological thriller, Her Last Breath is a solid choice that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Pros
- The author’s portrayal of Thomas, the main character with Asperger’s, is unique and refreshing.
- The characters are well-developed and the story has a nice resolution.
- The book is short enough to be a quick and enjoyable read.
Cons
- The story is predictable and slow-paced at times.
- The murder mystery takes a backseat to the personal side stories of some minor characters.
- The love interest of the main character lacks depth and character development.
We recently read Her Last Breath and found it to be a decent psychological thriller. The book follows Thomas, a deputy with Asperger’s, as he investigates a murder in his small town. The author does a great job of portraying Thomas as a unique and refreshing character, and we enjoyed following his journey throughout the book.
However, the murder mystery itself takes a backseat to the personal side stories of some minor characters, which can make the story feel slow-paced at times. Additionally, the love interest of the main character lacks depth and character development, which is a shame since it could have added more emotional weight to the story.
Overall, Her Last Breath is a solid thriller that is short enough to be a quick and enjoyable read. While the story is predictable at times, the characters are well-developed and the book has a nice resolution. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, this book is definitely worth checking out.
The Housemaid
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, The Housemaid is a must-listen audiobook.
Pros
- Engaging storyline that keeps you hooked
- Well-developed characters
- Narration by Lauryn Allman is excellent
Cons
- Predictable twist towards the end
- Some characters can be annoying
- The ending leaves some questions unanswered
From the very beginning, we were drawn into the story of Millie, a young woman who takes a job as a housemaid for a wealthy family. As she settles into her new role, strange things begin to happen, and Millie finds herself drawn into a web of lies and deceit.
The Housemaid is a fast-paced thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Author Freida McFadden weaves a complex web of characters and relationships that keeps you guessing until the very end. The narration by Lauryn Allman is excellent and adds to the overall suspense of the story.
While the twist towards the end of the book is somewhat predictable, it doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. Some of the characters can be annoying at times, but they add to the complexity of the plot.
Overall, we highly recommend The Housemaid audiobook to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers. It’s a gripping story with well-developed characters and excellent narration.
Resurrection Walk
If you’re a fan of legal and crime thrillers, then Resurrection Walk is a must-listen audiobook for you.
Pros
- The audiobook is narrated by three talented voice actors, Peter Giles, Titus Welliver, and Christine Lakin, who bring the characters to life and keep the listeners engaged throughout the story.
- The plot of the audiobook is gripping and full of twists and turns, making it hard to predict what will happen next.
- The audiobook is well-paced and doesn’t drag on, keeping the listeners hooked until the very end.
Cons
- The audiobook may not be suitable for those who are sensitive to violent or graphic content.
- The plot of the audiobook may be too complex for some listeners to follow.
- The audiobook is only available in English, which may limit its audience.
In Resurrection Walk, Michael Connelly weaves a thrilling tale of a lawyer who is tasked with defending a man who has been accused of murdering a police officer. As the lawyer delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that threatens to tear apart the justice system.
The voice actors do an excellent job of bringing the characters to life, with each actor adding their own unique touch to the audiobook. The plot of the audiobook is well-crafted and keeps the listeners guessing until the very end.
However, the audiobook does contain some violent and graphic content, which may not be suitable for all listeners. Additionally, the plot of the audiobook is complex and may be difficult for some listeners to follow.
Overall, if you’re a fan of legal and crime thrillers, then Resurrection Walk is definitely worth a listen. The talented voice actors and gripping plot make it a must-listen for anyone who enjoys this genre.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best audiobook thriller, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your listening experience. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your next audiobook:
Genre
First and foremost, consider the genre. Thrillers can range from psychological to action-packed, and it’s important to choose a book that fits your preferences. Some popular sub-genres of thrillers include:
- Psychological thrillers
- Crime thrillers
- Legal thrillers
- Political thrillers
- Spy thrillers
Narrator
The narrator can make or break an audiobook experience, so it’s important to choose a narrator whose voice and style you enjoy. Look for audiobooks narrated by professionals with experience in the industry.
Length
Consider the length of the audiobook, especially if you have a busy schedule. Some audiobooks can be over 20 hours long, while others can be completed in just a few hours.
Reviews
Reading reviews from other listeners can give you a good idea of what to expect from an audiobook. Look for reviews from people who have similar tastes in books to your own.
Price
Lastly, consider the price. Audiobooks can range from a few dollars to over $50, so it’s important to find a book that fits your budget.
By considering these factors, you can find the best audiobook thriller for your preferences and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some highly rated thriller audiobooks?
There are many highly rated thriller audiobooks available, but some of the most popular ones include “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins, “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn, “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris, and “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown.
Who are some popular thriller authors?
There are many popular thriller authors, including Stephen King, James Patterson, Gillian Flynn, Paula Hawkins, and Dan Brown.
Where can I find the best new thriller audiobooks?
You can find the best new thriller audiobooks at your local bookstore, online retailers like Amazon and Audible, or through your local library’s digital audiobook collection.
What are some free thriller audiobooks to listen to?
Many libraries offer free digital audiobooks through apps like Overdrive and Libby, and there are also several websites that offer free audiobooks, such as Project Gutenberg and Loyal Books. Some popular free thriller audiobooks include “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Arthur Conan Doyle and “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London.
What makes a good psychological thriller audiobook?
A good psychological thriller audiobook should have a well-developed plot, complex characters, and a sense of suspense that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. It should also have a strong sense of atmosphere and use psychological themes to create tension and intrigue.
What are some popular thriller series audiobooks?
Some popular thriller series audiobooks include the “Jack Reacher” series by Lee Child, the “Harry Bosch” series by Michael Connelly, and the “Alex Cross” series by James Patterson.