From Cult Fiction to Serial Killers: Starter Thrillers You’ll Love

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This episode was originally published on March 11, 2023

If your idea of a cozy night includes a glass of wine and a fictional murder—this episode’s for you.

In this Thriller Starter Pack episode, I chat with Chelsea and Olivia from Thrillers by the Bookclub to help new readers dip their toes into the dark, twisty world of thrillers. From cults to cold cases, we share the best gateway thrillers—whether you love fast-paced mysteries, eerie slow burns, or a touch of romantic suspense. If you’ve been living on romance novels and want something that’ll make your heart race for a different reason, this is your essential starter guide.

📚 Books Mentioned

I’ll Be You by Janelle Brown — Buy on Amazon | Psychological Thriller | Audio ✅

This Might Hurt by Stephanie Wrobel — Buy on Amazon | Cult Thriller | Audio ✅

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell — Buy on Amazon | Domestic Suspense | Audio ✅

The Last Housewife by Ashley Winstead — Buy on Amazon | Dark Academia / Cult Thriller | Audio ✅

Nothing Important Happened Today by Will Carver — Buy on Amazon | Literary Thriller / Cult | Audio ✅

The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf — Buy on Amazon | Psychological Thriller | Audio ✅

Hello, Transcriber by Hannah Morrissey — Buy on Amazon | Romantic Suspense / Police Procedural | Audio ✅

Beneath the Stairs by Jennifer Fawcett — Buy on Amazon | Paranormal Suspense | Audio ✅

Catch Her When She Falls by Allison Buccola — Buy on Amazon | Mystery / Legal Thriller | Audio ✅

Dead End Girl by L.T. Vargus & Tim McBain — Buy on Amazon | FBI Procedural / Crime Thriller | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

⏱️Timestamps:

[00:00] Meet Chelsea & Olivia

[00:08] Why Thrillers by the Bookclub Exists

[00:12] Laura’s Confession: New to Thrillers

[00:13] Chelsea’s Cult-Themed Thriller Recs

[00:21] Olivia’s Starter Thrillers for Every Reader

[00:31] Final Thoughts & Where to Find Them

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