If you love a good page-turner, British mystery, thriller, and suspense books should definitely be on your radar. Let’s dive into some must-reads you should have on your TBR this year!
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Why Read British Mystery, Thriller and Suspense Books?
British authors are masters at creating atmospheric stories with complex and clever plots that keep you guessing. British crime fiction doesn’t just give you an obvious villain and call it a day. These books thrive on intricate plots, red herrings, and unexpected twists.
There’s nothing like the satisfaction of solving a mystery (or at least trying to!). Whether it’s a slow-burning psychological thriller or a fast-paced detective hunt, British crime novels keep you on the edge of your seat, heart-pounding, flipping pages way past bedtime.
Here are 9 mystery, thriller and suspense books you need to read in 2025:
1. 1979 by Val McDermid
Val McDermid’s 1979 is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that throws readers into the gritty world of investigative journalism in late-1970s Scotland. As the first book in the Allie Burns series, it introduces us to a determined female journalist fighting against the male-dominated newsroom culture while chasing down dangerous stories that put her life on the line.
McDermid masterfully captures the era’s political unrest, social struggles, and Glasgow’s stark realities.
2. A Cotswold Killing by Rebecca Tope
A Cotswold Killing by Rebecca Tope is a perfect read for fans of cozy British mysteries with a charming yet suspenseful edge. Set in the picturesque Cotswolds, this book introduces us to Thea Osborne.
What starts as a quiet escape turns into a twisting whodunit when Thea stumbles upon a body in the local brook. The discovery of a second suspicious death in the same spot raises even more questions, and soon Thea, along with her lovable spaniel Hepzibah, is piecing together clues in a village where secrets run deep.
3. A Fatal Obsession by Faith Martin
A Fatal Obsession by Faith Martin is a classic British mystery with an intriguing detective duo set against the backdrop of 1960s Oxford. This is the first book in the Ryder and Loveday series, introducing readers to a compelling partnership.
When Trudy is assigned to assist Ryder on what seems like a routine cold case, she sees it as an exciting opportunity. With the rest of the police force distracted, it’s up to this unlikely duo to connect the dots before the killer strikes again.
4. A Haunting in the Arctic by C J Cooke
A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke is a gripping blend of gothic horror, historical mystery, and supernatural suspense. Perfect for fans of ghost stories, atmospheric thrillers, and Arctic horror, this novel weaves together two timelines, in both 1901 and in the present day.
In 1901 Nicky finds herself trapped aboard the Ormen, a doomed whaling ship sailing through the frigid Arctic waters.
In the present day, the wreck of the Ormen washes up on Iceland’s desolate shores. Explorer Dominique is drawn to its eerie remains, despite the chilling fate of those who have investigated it before. As she steps aboard, she realizes she’s not alone.
5. A Heart Full of Headstones by Ian Rankin
TA Heart Full of Headstones by Ian Rankin is a gripping addition to the legendary Inspector Rebus series, offering a tense and emotional story that might be Rebus’s most personal case yet.
John Rebus, once a celebrated detective, now finds himself on the other side of the law. Accused of a crime that could see him locked away for good, he is forced to confront the choices that have shaped his life and career. What would push a good man to break the law, and can he ever come back from it?
Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke is investigating a high-profile case involving police corruption. A notorious officer has disappeared, threatening to expose a web of misconduct stretching back decades.
6. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker is a powerful blend of mystery, thriller, and deeply emotional storytelling. Set in 1975 America, a time of social and political upheaval, the novel captures both the intensity of a missing persons case and the raw, human emotions that come with love, loss, and fate.
In the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, young girls are vanishing without a trace. The community is on edge, and fear spreads with each disappearance. When the daughter of a wealthy family becomes the next target, Patch, an unlikely hero, steps in to save her. His actions change the course of multiple lives, but not without consequences. As the town searches for answers, the fine line between heroism and tragedy becomes painfully clear.
7. All the Hidden Truths by Claire Askew
All the Hidden Truths by Claire Askew is a gripping and thought-provoking crime novel that delves into the aftermath of a devastating college shooting in Edinburgh. The story is told through the perspectives of three women, each struggling to make sense of an unthinkable tragedy.
With no clear motive behind the attack, the city becomes consumed by a search for blame, and the truth becomes more elusive. As the investigation unfolds, the novel examines themes of grief, guilt, justice, and the relentless judgement of the public eye.
8. Anatomy of a Heretic by David Mark
Anatomy of a Heretic by David Mark is a gripping historical thriller set in the 17th century, where two deadly assassins cross paths on the high seas in a battle of wits, deception, and survival.
The novel introduces Nicolaes de Pelgrom, a ruthless killer loyal to the powerful George Villiers, who is sent on a treacherous voyage to the Indies to carry out a widow’s revenge. His mission is clear: track down and eliminate his target.
Jeronimus Cornelisz, an ambitious and ruthless apothecary from Amsterdam, is also on board and tasked with escorting precious cargo for a criminal mastermind.
When their paths collide, the stakes become even higher. Only one can complete their mission, and failure means certain death.
9. Blood & Sugar by Laura Shepherd-Robinson
Blood & Sugar by Laura Shepherd-Robinson is a gripping historical thriller that is set in June of 1781. A mutilated body is discovered hanging from a hook at Deptford Dock, its flesh branded with a slaver’s mark. Days later, war hero Captain Harry Corsham, now building a career in Parliament, receives a desperate visit from the sister of his old friend, Tad Archer.
Harry reluctantly takes up the investigation, uncovering a web of corruption, greed, and deadly secrets buried deep within the British establishment. But his search for justice endangers his career, his family, and even his own life. As he gets closer to the truth, Harry must confront his past
Explore More British Authors
If you love these recommendations, check out more books by some amazing British authors. You can explore by author or by book and browse by filtering location, genre, or gender of the author to find your next read!
Happy reading!