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Serial killers are always such a fascinating topic to discuss. Why do they do what they do? What drives them to their actions? The fact that it’s so twisted makes it that much more intriguing. I mean, many of us are naturally curious by the unknown, so give us serial killers and our meddling nature rears its ugly head. And that is probably why the phrase ‘curiosity killed the cat’ came about; people think they should go investigate which is usually not the best idea. Especially when alone.
Recently, it feels like there has been an increase in documentaries, movies and series about serial killers including on Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer. They gave people a look into their minds which can be an incredibly disturbing, yet fascinating experience. The thing is, serial killers are not very common. According to the FBI’s report, less than one percent of murders are carried out by serial killers. Maybe that’s why it attracts much publicity; since it’s such an uncommon occurrence.
Anyway, you’re not here to read about why we’re so fascinated with serial killers. I’m here to give you tell you about some of the best fiction books about serial killers. One story even features a similar story to that of Harley Quinn and the Joker. Has your curiosity been piqued yet? Well, buckle up and get ready for some deranged minds.
The Best Thriller Novel Where Two Is Not Better Than One
The Last Move by Mary Burton
What do you do when you have a copycat killer on your hands along with a homicidal maniac who has it out for you? Well, hopefully you’ll never be in that situation, so no need to dwell on what-ifs. However, if you really want to know how FBI agent Kate Hayden handles it, you may have found your book match.
Kate is one of the best profilers and is called down to San Antonio to inspect a string of murders that fit the profile of a serial killer known as the Samaritan. The thing is, the man who Kate believes is behind these murders is behind bars which suggests two possibilities: either the perp is a copycat killer or was an unknown partner of the Samaritan’s. Which do you think our perp fits in?
Paired with homicide detective Theo Mazur, Kate realizes just how close-to-home the killer is and just how quickly a situation can escalate. If you enjoy books with badass heroines who have a complicated and dark past and heroes who are actually stand-up guys, then this will keep you up way past midnight. Add in a little romance and you have yourself a recipe for a nail-biting read.
If you like thriller books that hook you in, then The Last Move is one of the best thriller novels for you!
The Best Thriller Novel That Will Make You Wary of Going Camping
A Dark Lure by Loreth Anne White
White managed to make me never want to go camping during the off season.
Sara Baker escaped a nightmarish abduction that left her scarred, but not shattered beyond repair. Her personal life, however, crumbled which ended with her becoming Olivia West and moving to a remote ranch where she could heal and leave the past behind her. Of course, that all changes a few years later when a string of murders that resemble the Watt Lake Killer’s MO resurface.
Main Gist: a whodunit mystery/thriller with a hero (Cole) that finds his new muse, a heroine who suffers from PTSD and is unsure of how to separate the hallucinations from reality, a cop Gage) who is seamlessly intertwined with Olivia’s story and a sadistic killer who has an obsession with the one victim who survived. Trust me, you will not be bored. Plus, if you’re the type of person who likes some romance mixed in, then this is a sure match for you.
If you like the whodunit mystery plot, then A Dark Lure is one of the best romantic suspense novels for you!
A Cat-and-Mouse Game That Will Make You Go “Whaaa?”
Born, Darkly by Trisha Wolfe
Have you ever wanted to see a psychologist fall for a serial killer/vigilante? No? Well, if you read this, that’s exactly what you’ll be served.
London is a criminal psychologist who tries to rehabilitate those who seem too far gone to be saved. Grayson is a murderer who believes himself to be jury, judge and executioner on those who commit heinous crimes; similar to Dexter. London has her hands full with criminals and is resistant on taking on another one until the warden forces her hand. That, my friend, is when London’s life takes a nosedive for the worst.
If you’re in the mood for an (incredibly) unconventional “love” story where the psychologist falls for a serial killer then this is the perfect fit. Also, it helps if you love all things sick and twisted that tend to decimate ethical boundaries. It’s a messed up ride. I hope you have a shocking ol’ time.
The Best Thriller Novel That Will Keep You Guessing Till The End
The Drowned Girls by Loreth Anne White
When a grizzly string of sex crimes occur, Detective Angie Pallorino can’t help but notice the eerie similarities to the unsolved rapes from two years prior. With a distinctive MO, a cross etched into the victim’s forehead, Pallorino is sure he’s back. Partnered with Detective James Maddocks, an awkward first meeting leads to a rather tense relationship (at first). From there, the story basically progresses into a gruesome episode of Criminal Minds where you are continuously put into the killer’s mind; an incredibly disturbing place to be.
The Best Thriller Series That Will Hold You Hostage Until The Finale
The Risk by S.T. Abby
Are you ready for a complete mindfuck? This is probably my all-time favorite serial killer book right now. We all know how common male serial killers are in fiction, so when a book comes out with a female serial killer, it can be a nice change to things. I read it a few years ago and I’ll probably read it again when summer vacation rolls around.
Logan Bennet is the FBI criminal profiler assigned to the case involving a very bloody string of murders. He is the all-around good guy and a natural-born hero. Then we have Lana Myers, his literal polar opposite. A girl who no longer believes good exists after one brutal night left her at deaths’ gates and sent her brother behind them. After years of being off the grid, she’s ready to hand out her own form of justice to those who she feels need to be punished. Of course, you have Logan complicating matters when he falls for the one girl who he is trying to put behind bars. Not the typical match made in heaven.
The Best Thriller Novel That Will Bring You On A Wild Goose Chase
It Ends With Her by Brianna Labuskes
FBI special agent Clarke Sinclair did not start the game, but she will end it. For the past few years, she’s been tracking Simon Cross; a serial killer who’s been leaving breadcrumbs across the country specifically meant for Clarke. When he suddenly switches up his MO, Clarke knows it’s only a matter of time before she figures out the truth which will only drag her deeper into Simon’s inescapable web.
If you want a book with characters who have a backstory and psychological layers, then this is your book soulmate. With twists that you won’t see coming and an ending that will that will shock your socks off, you will not be bored.
The Best Thriller Novel That Will Actually Have You Check That Your Windows Are Locked Before Lying Awake In Bed
The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
When I say you will be checking your windows, I’m not joking around. It’s seriously scary how easily someone can break into your home when you’re at your most vulnerable.
If you have a weak stomach when it comes to organs, blood and sadistic surgeries, then this may not be the right book for you. It was definitely difficult to read about the killers MO and how he would keep his victim awake and aware throughout the entire surgery. That alone would break the strongest person. How someone can be so twisted is beyond me.