The Bookmark: Thrilling reads can be a bit tricky
By SUSAN CRUTCHFIELD, Newnan Carnegie Library
One of the things I love about books is the variety of genres and categories to suit each reader’s taste. There truly is a book for everyone. Lately, I have been really enjoying the thriller genre.
Thrillers can be a tricky thing! You have to keep the reader interested in a fast-paced story plus throw in a twist or two. My favorite is when suddenly the last page of the book has an extra twist. It is so delightful. Some thrillers I can sit down and read in one sitting because they are so suspenseful I can’t put them down.
Here are some thrillers I have been enjoying lately!
Always the First to Die by R.J. Jacobs: This book has multiple timelines that go back and forth between the past and the present. The present is set during a hurricane in Florida which really adds a spooky and ominous backdrop. The part set in the past covers our protagonist as a young adult filming a horror movie. I listened to this as an audiobook and couldn’t turn it off. It kept me on the edge of my seat. It was really good and I loved the narrator.
The Couple at the Table by Sophie Hannah: This is a detective/murder mystery thriller. A group of people are eating dinner at a fabulous vacation house when one of them is murdered. It is told from multiple points of view and boy do these characters keep you guessing! This book was more of a slow burn that built up to a classic “everyone in the room for the reveal” conclusion which I loved! This book kept me on my toes.
You’re Invited by Amanda Jayatissa: This is a book about a woman who decides to attend her ex-boyfriend’s wedding to her ex best friend with disastrous consequences. If you are someone who does not like your main characters to be unlikable then this book isn’t for you. I found Amaya to be so obnoxious and she made some really questionable choices. But this was a terrific book and I couldn’t put it down. It was so suspenseful. I did not guess the ending, which made me happy.
The Couple at Number 9 by Claire Douglas: This book was so creepy! But in a good way. It is about a couple who is renovating their isolated house and bones are found buried in the backyard. I spent most of this book on the edge of my seat. I did actually guess the twist in this one but it really didn’t take away from my enjoyment because it was so good!
Stay Awake by Megan Goldin: This book features a protagonist who wakes up and has no idea why she has woken up in a taxi or how she got here. She looks down and on her hands is written “stay awake.” What ensues is a multiple point of view, multiple timeline narrative. I was enthralled with this book. It was so excellent.
Those are only a few thrillers I have read recently. Other authors I recommend are Tana French, Alex Finlay, Darby Kane, Megan Miranda, Ruth Ware, and Mary Kubica. Head to the Carnegie Library today to pick up one of these fantastic authors!
Susan Crutchfield is the director of the Carnegie Library in Historic Downtown Newnan. She also is a professional photographer and enjoys volunteering with the Newnan ArtRez and the Newnan Theatre Company.
