Well, 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown is very popular. It has a fascinating blend of mystery, religious symbolism, and fast - paced action. People were really intrigued by the secrets and codes that are part of the story.
Another good one from such a list could be 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines mystery, suspense, and some dark elements. The main character, Lisbeth Salander, is an interesting and unique figure, and the overall mystery in the story is very engaging.
The 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is also a great one. It combines mystery, suspense, and a unique protagonist. 'Shutter Island' by Dennis Lehane is really good too. The story is set in an eerie mental institution and the mystery unfolds in a very engaging way. It makes you question what is real and what isn't.
Some popular legal thriller novels include 'The Firm' by John Grisham. It tells the story of a young lawyer who discovers disturbing secrets about the law firm he joins. Another one is 'Presumed Innocent' by Scott Turow. This novel takes readers through a complex murder trial with many twists and turns. Also, 'A Time to Kill' by John Grisham is a great legal thriller, dealing with issues of race and justice in a small town.
One of the best is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns. The characters are unreliable, which adds to the suspense. Another great one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines mystery, crime, and a unique heroine. The detailed investigation in the story keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Well - developed characters also play a big part. In 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn, the damaged main character's journey is as much a part of the suspense as the mystery she is trying to solve. Her inner demons and past experiences add layers of complexity to the story, making it a great suspense and thriller novel.
A lot of the latest suspense thriller novels are set in contemporary or relatable settings. This makes it easier for readers to engage with the story. For instance, they might be set in a normal suburban neighborhood like in 'The Woman in the Window', but then something sinister lurks beneath the seemingly ordinary facade.
One of the best is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns. The characters are well - developed, and the story keeps you guessing until the very end.
I think 'The Girl on the Train' is also a top choice. It has an unreliable narrator, which adds to the mystery. The setting and the events that unfold create a really tense atmosphere that draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Often, they have a sense of mystery. There's always something that's not quite clear at the start, like in 'Gone Girl' where the disappearance of the wife is full of questions. Another characteristic is the element of surprise. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', the revelations about the characters' pasts are unexpected. And they usually create a tense atmosphere, like in 'Silence of the Lambs' with the hunt for a serial killer.