There was an explosion in the reading world after the publication of books like Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train, and the genre has since then taken off. And we couldn’t be more thrilled! The heart-racing experience of reading a thriller is like no other. Here we share with you the best debut thrillers by women.

Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft

Bea grew up as a sidekick to her mother in forced instruction in the art of swindling men. Now she’s ready to escape her mother’s shadow, and disappear safely into old-money domesticity—and be rich. Filthy rich. She finds her mark in the dull but wealthy Collin, knowing that it’s his family’s approval she truly needs—especially his childhood best friend, Gale. With a storyline filled with rich people behaving badly, it begs the question: who really is the villain here? What begins as an amusing cat-and-mouse game quickly develops into a dangerous pursuit of the grisly truth. Finding herself at a literal life-and-death crossroads with everything on the line, Bea must finally decide who she really wants to be.

Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

When newlyweds Mark and Erin discover a nightmare on their honeymoon their lives become upended before they even get to enjoy marriage. Faced with a life-altering choice, they need to decide if they will share their discovery or keep their secret so no one will get hurt.


The Book of M by Peng Shepherd

In a futuristic world, people’s shadows begin to disappear and new powers are gained by those afflicted, yet the consequence is complete memory loss. Ory and his wife, Max, decide to go into hiding to avoid this strange plague. But when Max’s shadow disappears and Ory fears that his wife’s memory will soon be lost, he must figure out a way to keep his wife, and her memory, intact.


Ghosted by Rosie Walsh

There is an instant love connection when Sarah and Eddie meet; it’s as if they had been waiting their whole lives to find one another. But when Eddie leaves for a previously scheduled vacation and promises to call Sarah from the airport, he fails to keep his promise. Sarah is sure there is a logical explanation, but her friends keep telling her to forget Eddie. When months go by, Sarah finally discovers the reason behind Eddie’s disappearance. Will she be able to accept the truth behind the lies?


Entangled Moon by E. C. Frey

Entangled Moon by E.C. Frey

Heather has a good life now – a handsome husband, a great job and a beautiful little girl. When an ex-employee at her job is killed, a chain of events falls into action that could ruin everything Heather has worked so hard for, and she will do whatever she can to not be exposed. With the help of her childhood friends, who know of Heather’s past and what happened on that traumatic night, Heather will have to do what she can to keep her darkest secrets in order to maintain her new life.


The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

In this twisted mother-in-law story, Pammie isn’t exactly thrilled when she meets her son’s new love. But Adam adores Emily, and she, in turn, thinks Adam is perfect. But can Emily withstand the love that Pammie has for her son?


Not Her Daughter by Rea Frey

Five-year-old Emma is lonely and living with a mother who doesn’t even know if she wants to be a mother. When Sarah Walker kidnaps Emma, she doesn’t second-guess her decision. She can give Emma the life she deserves. With a nationwide search going on, Emma and Sarah stay hidden and create a bond that is unshakeable. But should Emma be returned to her mother, and does her mother even want her back?


Tangerine by Christine Mangan

When Alice Shipley and her husband arrive in Tangier, she’s surprised to see her estranged friend and former roommate, Lucy. After not speaking for over a year, Lucy is back in Alice’s life helping her to adjust to the ways of living in Morocco. When Alice’s husband disappears and Lucy’s controlling ways begin to resurface, Alice begins to question her own mind and if going to Tangier was a smart move after all.

(Feature image courtesy of @sim.quinn)