Book Nook's Top 10 Crime Books of 2025: Perfect for Cosy Evenings or Summer Escapes! 🔍
- Book Nook Retreats
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
Hey bookworms! Wherever you are in the world, whether you’re snuggled up with a hot cuppa on a crisp evening or lounging under the summer sun on a beach or park bench, there’s nothing quite like a gripping crime novel to keep you hooked. We’ve rounded up the top 10 crime thrillers of 2025 that are guaranteed to make your next reading session unforgettable.
Bonus: Several of these gems are available on Kindle Unlimited, so if you’re a subscriber, you can dive in without spending a penny extra! We’ve included handy links to help you find your next page-turner in a flash.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
1. Never Flinch by Stephen King
Suspense: ★★★★☆
Plot Complexity: ★★★★☆
Character Depth: ★★★★★
King’s back with a detective story that’s equal parts gritty and heart-wrenching. Follow Holly Gibney as she wades through a small town’s darkest secrets — trust us, the tension will have you biting your nails. King’s characters feel so real, you might find yourself rooting for them like old friends. Perfect for those nights when you want a slow build-up with a seriously satisfying payoff.
Kindle Unlimited: No
2. Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
Suspense: ★★★★☆
Plot Complexity: ★★★☆☆
Character Depth: ★★★★☆
Imagine you’re on a remote Scottish island, fog rolling in, and you bump into someone who looks exactly like your missing wife... Creepy, right? Feeney’s psychological thriller is dripping with atmosphere — think moody landscapes, tangled emotions, and twists that’ll leave you gasping. It’s the perfect book to dive into when you want mystery with a dash of eerie.
Kindle Unlimited: No
3. There Will Be Bodies by Lindsey Davis
Suspense: ★★★☆☆
Plot Complexity: ★★★★☆
Character Depth: ★★★★☆
Step back in time to ancient Rome with Flavia Albia, a sharp-witted detective solving a murder that’s anything but straightforward. If you love historical crime with clever plotting and a heroine who’s as witty as she is brave, this one’s for you. Plus, it’s like a mini-vacation to the past — no sandals required!
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
4. Presumed Guilty by Scott Turow
Suspense: ★★★★☆
Plot Complexity: ★★★★★
Character Depth: ★★★★☆
Turow knows how to spin a legal thriller, and this one’s no exception. Follow Rusty Sabich as he juggles justice and personal demons in a case that tests everything he believes in. If you like your crime with courtroom drama and complex moral dilemmas, this will keep you hooked late into the night.
Kindle Unlimited: No
5. Exit Strategy by Lee Child & Andrew Child
Suspense: ★★★★☆
Plot Complexity: ★★★☆☆
Character Depth: ★★★☆☆
Jack Reacher fans, rejoice! When a mysterious note lands in his hands, Reacher’s off on a whirlwind chase packed with action and sharp one-liners. It’s the kind of fast-paced thriller you can’t put down — perfect for beach days, train rides, or when you just need a bit of escapism.
Kindle Unlimited: No
6. The First Gentleman by Bill Clinton & James Patterson
Suspense: ★★★★☆
Plot Complexity: ★★★★☆
Character Depth: ★★★☆☆
Politics, power, and murder — this novel serves it all up with a side of White House drama. When the First Lady’s husband is accused of murder, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If you love thrillers with a political twist and plenty of twists (pun intended), this one will keep your pages turning.
Kindle Unlimited: No
7. Dirty Money by Charlotte Philby
Suspense: ★★★★☆
Plot Complexity: ★★★★☆
Character Depth: ★★★★☆
Meet detectives Madeleine and Ramona, a dynamic duo chasing down corruption in London’s gritty underworld. This one’s a perfect blend of smart plotting and real heart, ideal for readers who love their crime thrillers with a strong female lead and a dose of social commentary.
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
8. The Big Empty by Robert Crais
Suspense: ★★★★☆
Plot Complexity: ★★★☆☆
Character Depth: ★★★★☆
Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are back in action, and the stakes are as high as ever. This gripping thriller will have you racing through twists and turns alongside the duo as they hunt for a missing woman. It’s fast-paced, smart, and packed with just the right amount of grit.
Kindle Unlimited: No
9. Making a Killing by Cara Hunter
Suspense: ★★★★☆
Plot Complexity: ★★★★☆
Character Depth: ★★★★☆
Written in letters and documents, this modern take on crime fiction explores the ripple effects of a deadly crime on a community. If you’re into clever storytelling and emotional depth, this one’s a page-turner you’ll want to savour in one go.
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
10. The Last Truths We Told by Holly Watt
Suspense: ★★★★☆
Plot Complexity: ★★★★☆
Character Depth: ★★★★☆
If you loved The Secret History, this is a must-read. Watt spins a dark academic mystery full of secrets, lies, and complicated friendships. It’s atmospheric, thought-provoking, and just the right kind of twisted for those who like their crime with layers.
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
So, whether you’re cosying up with a blanket and a cuppa or soaking up some sunshine with your Kindle, these crime novels from 2025 are sure to satisfy your craving for suspense, mystery, and unforgettable characters.
We’d love to hear which one you’re picking up first! At Book Nook Retreats, we’re always here to help you find that perfect story to match your mood and your nook.
Happy reading — whatever the season! 📚☕☀️
— Your pals at Book Nook Retreats
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