Thrillers & mysteries are my go-to books. When I am in a reading slump, I always pick up a thriller to ward away my funk. Because I have read so many over my lifetime, I am pretty critical about what an average vs. fantastic thriller. And these are the cream of the crop.
All of these books, except for When Justice Sleeps, are 2023 releases. (The follow up to When Justice Sleeps, Rogue Justice, is a 2023 release, though.) Other than the fact that these are all written by women, I want to point out that 3 out of the 5 are written by BIPOC authors. I am so happy to specifically have found 2 more outstanding thrillers about Indigenous women. Not only did I learn a lot about Native women’s experience in the U.S. by reading these novels, I have a lot of fun doing it.
Scroll down to read some quick thoughts for each of my 2023 favorites (in no particular order).
Drowning
T.J. Newman
If someone asked me for a book that epitomizes a thriller, I would hand them this book. Drowning is an intense read packed full of excitement and action. Drowning surprised me for what it offered beyond suspense and adrenaline. Reading this book was a rollercoaster of emotion.
Blood Sisters
Vanessa Lillie
Not only was Blood Sister’s plot complex, twisty, and full of surprises, the story is one of the best written mysteries or thrillers I have read. In addition, I loved the strength and determination of the main characters and reveled in reading about unassailable women fighting for their communities and justice. Blood Sisters’ themes of sisterhood, community, and connection to the land spoke to me. Lillie succeeds in crafting an enjoyable, engrossing mystery with depth while also discussing important issues facing Indigenous Americans.
Warrior Girl Unearthed
Angeline Boulley
After loving Boulley’s debut novel, Firekeeper’s Daughter, I had high expectations for this sophomore book. While this story felt a little more YA than the previous, it still has depth and nuance despite the more reckless and impulsive actions the characters take. I adored the characters in this book. I especially loved Perry as the strong female protagonist who is rebellious, blunt, and still a passionate advocate for her people. Warrior Girl Unearthed is a well-realized, enjoyable novel that honors the Ojibwe community, history, and practices.
The Drift
C.J. Tudor
The Drift is not a book I finished and automatically knew it would be one of my favorites. Instead, it grew on me the more I digested it.
The Drift is a clever, suspenseful horror novel that borders on speculative, dystopian, or apocalyptic fiction. Tudor’s writing was easy to become absorbed in. She managed to write a book that will keep you at the edge of your seat for its entirety. In addition, Tudor expertly wove the 3 storylines together and did so in a way I do not think any reader will predict. I really enjoyed the references and quips to current issues and people. It added sly humor to a dark book and prevented it from becoming bleak. I also found the book sprinkled with bits of wisdom.
While Justice Sleeps
Stacey Abrams
After I finished this smart, fast-paced legal thriller, I was left wondering if there is anything Stacey Abrams cannot do. Because she can write, plot, and develop characters while keeping readers guessing. While Justice Sleeps is a gripping thriller with a complex plot and a young hero I look forward to rooting for in subsequent books.
Full Review | Amazon | Bookshop.org
