Top Thriller Novels Captivating Readers This Year

The Doorman by Chris Pavone

Chicky Diaz has served as a doorman at an upscale Manhattan apartment building for nearly thirty years. Over the course of one harrowing day, he discovers that even his vigilance cannot shield the building from the turmoil sweeping through the city. Meanwhile, the affluent residents, acutely aware of their disparate realities, confront a range of challenges—many of which stem from their own choices. Beneath the surface of this story lies a mystery, with the ominous knowledge that not everyone will survive. However, 'The Doorman' ultimately unfolds as a vivid portrayal of New York City during a uniquely turbulent period.

The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer

At first glance, a novel centered on the illicit trade of rare bird eggs in early 20th-century England might not seem enticing. Yet this engaging and suspenseful mystery, set in 1926 Yorkshire, follows young Celie Sheppard as she daringly collects a prized red guillemot egg from a cliffside. The narrative then traces the remarkable history of the egg and the lengths to which people are willing to go—lying, stealing, and even killing—to possess it.