There’s something about summer nights that calls for a little extra thrill. Maybe it’s the hum of crickets outside an open window, the slow swirl of a ceiling fan, or the way time stretches in the heat. Whatever it is, summer is the season for staying up way too late with a book you just can’t put down. You promise yourself one more chapter, and next thing you know, it’s 2 a.m. and you’re fully convinced someone is watching you from the hallway.

Thrillers are the ultimate companions for this kind of night. And if you want to take your reading to the next level, our Thriller Mini Box adds a whole new layer of intrigue with surprise gifts tied to key pages. 

Whether you're reading poolside, curled up on the porch, or hiding under the covers with a flashlight, these five must-read thrillers will keep you hooked until the very last page.

Why Thrillers Are Perfect for Summer

Thrillers and summer go hand-in-hand for a reason. Their fast pacing, jaw-dropping twists, and addictive “just one more chapter” energy make them ideal for beach days, plane rides, and late-night reading sessions. Plus, they’re excellent for reigniting a reading habit that might have fizzled out during busier months. According to research, genre preferences shift seasonally, with thrillers seeing a spike in summer as readers crave excitement and escapism.

There’s something cathartic about diving into high-stakes stories when the real world slows down. The stakes are fictional, the adrenaline is real, and every reveal is more satisfying when paired with the sound of cicadas and a chilled drink. Ready to find your next obsession? Here are five thrillers that absolutely deliver.

5 Thrillers That Will Keep You Up All Night

The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon

Aidan Thomas is the kind of man everyone trusts—a helpful neighbor, a grieving husband, and a devoted father. But beneath his wholesome exterior lies a horrifying secret: Aidan is a serial killer who has kept Rachel, his intended ninth victim, imprisoned for five years. 

When Aidan’s wife dies, he’s forced to move and brings Rachel with him, posing her as a family friend to his 13-year-old daughter. As Rachel navigates this twisted new reality, she begins to bond with Cecilia and dreams of escape. Told from the perspectives of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily—a woman unknowingly falling for Aidan—this electrifying thriller explores trauma, survival, and female resilience.

Why it’s perfect for summer: The layered storytelling and simmering tension make this a binge-worthy read you won’t be able to stop thinking about. Ideal for fans of psychological depth with their suspense.

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

Evie Porter is everything a small Southern town could want—charming, elegant, and perfectly in love. The catch? Evie Porter doesn’t exist. Her identity is manufactured by a shadowy handler known only as Mr. Smith. This time, the job involves cozying up to Ryan Sumner. But something’s different. Evie starts to imagine a life beyond the con—just as her past starts to close in on her.

Why it’s perfect for summer: If you love a thriller with a touch of glamour, secrets, and a strong female lead who’s always one step away from danger, this one’s for you. It reads fast, hits hard, and is perfect for long afternoons by the pool.

Murder Road by Simone St. James

In 1995, newlyweds April and Eddie take a wrong turn on their honeymoon and pick up a bleeding hitchhiker on a desolate road called Atticus Line. She dies at the hospital, and suddenly April and Eddie find themselves at the center of a string of unsolved murders. 

The local police are eager for a resolution, but the couple soon realizes the real horror might not be human at all. As they dig deeper, they uncover chilling secrets that have haunted the town for decades.

Why it’s perfect for summer: With its blend of supernatural horror and small-town secrets, this ghostly thriller is tailor-made for reading on a stormy night or during a late-night road trip. Think Stranger Things meets The Sixth Sense.

You Killed Me First by John Marrs

It’s Bonfire Night, and a woman wakes up to find herself tied up inside the heart of a roaring bonfire. To understand how she got there, we rewind eleven months to three suburban women—Margot, Anna, and Liv—whose glossy lives hide ugly truths. What begins as a neighborhood friendship spirals into suspicion, manipulation, and deadly consequences.

Why it’s perfect for summer: Twisty, biting, and darkly addictive, this is the thriller you pick up for a beach day and end up reading straight through dinner. The pacing is relentless, and the finale will leave your jaw on the floor.

Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh

Two women. Two ruined lives. One dangerous idea. Amanda and Wendy meet by chance and find they share more than trauma—they share a thirst for revenge. Together, they hatch the perfect plan: kill for each other so the murders can’t be traced back to them. Meanwhile, a home invasion rocks another part of the city, and one woman is left shaken and desperate for justice. As the threads start to tangle, the story barrels toward a heart-pounding conclusion.

Why it’s perfect for summer: Inspired by Hitchcock, this is a classic “strangers on a train” tale with a modern twist. It’s perfect for readers who love morally grey characters, dual timelines, and a sense of dread that builds with every chapter.

Make It an Experience

Reading a thriller is fun. Living the story? Even better. Set the scene for your summer suspense session by dimming the lights, lighting a candle, and queuing up a moody playlist. Add snacks—popcorn or dark chocolate, perhaps—and settle in. Better yet, read with a friend and trade your theories as you go. The shock factor is even more fun when you have someone to gasp with!

Want to take it to the next level? Try one of Once Upon a Book Club’s Adult Book Subscription Boxes or browse our Ready-to-Ship Adult Boxes. These boxes include a book plus surprise gifts that are only opened at key page numbers. The story comes alive with curated items that heighten the mood and suspense. Think candlelit clue-hunting, character-inspired keepsakes, and page-triggered reveals you won’t see coming. If you're a fan of immersive reading, this is how thrillers (or really all books!) were meant to be experienced.

Ready to Stay Up All Night?

Thrillers are the perfect way to heat up your summer reading list—and keep you hooked well past bedtime. From psychological chills to eerie ghost stories and twisty revenge plots, these page-turning thrillers deliver nonstop tension with every turn. And if you want to turn your next read into a full-blown experience, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our Adult Book Subscription Box, explore Past Boxes, and let the suspense unfold.

Because nothing says “summer” like a book that makes you sleep with the lights on. Happy reading from all of us at OUABC. We’d love to hear which thrillers have been keeping you up at night!

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our blog, Page-Turner Thrillers: Books that will keep you up at night! Why not give the gift of thrill with an adult book subscription box? Check out our ultimate guide here!