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In a super squeaker of a vote that came down to within 5 votes, the winning tag for next month is:

thriller

Please share your reading plans and recommendations below.

Remember, for the regular monthly reads, the book can be shelved as "thriller" on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, or be a book that is not yet shelved that way but you feel should be.

One way to find books to read for this tag is to please visit:

/shelf/show/...

We encourage people to link to additional lists below if they find them.

Happy Reading!!!

Wow, has a vote ever been this close?

Which one came in second?

Oh poo!

Never mind - it’s super-flexible 🤣

That's cool! And given how much crime fiction I am reading these days, it will be so easy for me. I might get more than one book read for monthly tag!

A book I recommend highly - up for an Edgar this year - is My Favorite Scar. Read and reviewed it in the last couple of weeks - excellent translation of a work by Argentina's leading neo noir writer. A narrator that moves into your heart and stays, giving you a coming of age story in a thriller plot. Set in Argentina - I read it for The Compass challenge.

I have a feeling the other options split the vote. Well, no problem as I read a lot of mysteries. But we have had Historical Mystery, Crime, and Mystery/Suspense or something like that, in the last year - again fine for me but I'm surprised so many voted for it.

I had hoped for something else, but I am perfectly happy with this, because my list seems unending.

I will try to read some of this year's Edgar Nominated Books.

Also, Theresa and I had talked about doing a buddy read of Chris Bohjalian's The Lioness.

Here are just a few recommendations. I've added recent reads and some thrillers which I consider to be classic:

Recommendations
Familia
Falling
Nightwoods
The River
The Mountain Between Us
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
The Silence of the Lambs
The Bourne Identity
Tracy Clark's Harriet Foster series-
Hide, Fall and Echo
The Hunt for Red October
A Time to Kill
The Dry
Razorblade Tears
The Bone Collector
Firekeeper’s Daughter
No Country for Old Men
Blood Meridian, or, the Evening Redness in the West
Eye of the Needle
The Shining
Doctor Sleep
The Alienist
Mystic River

I agree with just about all on BnB's list. And, we will read The Lioness in March - historical set in Tanzania.

You all probably know this was my least favorite of the three, so I am going to need help.

Can someone recommend a "thriller light" for me?

I really do not want to read graphic violence (especially murder), sex, rape, serial killers, torture, and the list goes on.

I'm sure I can find something - probably a classic of some sort but nothing is jumping immediately to mind.

I love thrillers, but have to admit we've done so many variations on this, I was hoping for something else. Ah, well. I can and will always enjoy me a thriller!

Joy D wrote: "You all probably know this was my least favorite of the three, so I am going to need help.

Can someone recommend a "thriller light" for me?

I really do not want to read graphic violence (especi..."

I don't know if you have read any of the older thrillers, but I'm thinking of The Bourne Identity, The Hunt for Red October, Blood Meridian, or, the Evening Redness in the West, Eye of the Needle, or maybe The Secret History.

Joy D wrote: "You all probably know this was my least favorite of the three, so I am going to need help.

Can someone recommend a "thriller light" for me?
I really do not want to read graphic violence (especi..."

I’m considering all these. They have thriller tags and might appeal to you too ( some I’m sure you’ve read)
Wild Dark Shore aud
James aud
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
Miracle CreekMiracle creek
The Frozen River

The Mountain in the Sea- you liked - there might be other books like this for you. The books about great explorers might have thriller tags

How about the Thursday next books, Mrs Pollifax, and Murderbot series. They have thriller tags but aren’t too evil imo.
Also John Scalzi books. I liked lock in and plan to read Head on next.
The CJBox books might fit too.

I’m also considering
We Begin at the End. Hoopla
Wrong Place Wrong Time aud
Prophet Song aud
Wolf by Wolf aud
The Book Censor's Library aud
All the Water in the World

Thanks for the suggestions, Fran and Nancy! I will check them out.

Joy D wrote: "Thanks for the suggestions, Fran and Nancy! I will check them out."

Let me add a vote for The Hunt for Red October - definitely thriller, really geeky with all kinds of science on radar and submarines. This is Cold War thriller - politics not violence. I could see you enjoying this, Joy.

Another Clancy I thought a first rate thriller was Red Storm Rising - essentially a WWIII fantasy thriller. It's a chubby paperback I read on a vacation in France and remember in Nice feeling as if I would see tanks rolling down the steet if I looked out the hotel window. Of course that was October 1987 the week the stock market crashed and I was traveling with American dollars in travellers checks and had limited funds. Watching the dollar plummet for a couple days before the French Government froze the exchange rate to pre-crash value likely caused a wee concern of the world ending that was fed by my reading choice.😅

@Olivermagnus and @Sue - think we can each find a k-9 thriller or two to read?

Joy D wrote: "Thanks for the suggesThe Hunt for Red Octobertions, Fran and Nancy! I will check them out."

I think you would like The Hunt for Red October

I'm a terrible person to ask about recommendations because my reading tastes are so much different from most of the group. I really enjoyed both Red Storm Rising and The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy.

I think that there are a lot of British thrillers that have a less violence than American thrillers. I can recommend In Pale Battalions - Robert Goddard or really any book by Goddard.

There are some interesting true crime books tagged thriller. I read
Fatal Vision - Joe McGinniss years ago and I don't think it was too violent.

Definitely look at the clasic British authors like Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh.

If you haven'tread classics like Strangers on a Train - Patricia Highsmith or Anatomy of a Murder - Robert Traver they are great options.

You probably have books on your TBR that are tagged thriller. I think it's a tag that is way overused by almost anyone tagging a book mystery. I've read lots of cozy mysteries that were also tagged thriller. Good Luck!

I'm also considering The Briar Club

I am sure Joy already read them, but for others that are looking for non-murdery thrillers, both The Martian and Project Hail Mary have a lot of thriller tags.

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! Lots of great options. I've read many and will investigate the rest.

You all are right - I loved The Hunt for Red October, The Martian, and Project Hail Mary!

OM, Strangers on a Train is one I know is on my TBR. Maybe this is the month to read it.

@OM - I echo all those you mentioned! I've even been thinking about re-reading Anatomy of a Murder at some point - though might just watch Jimmy Stewart's wonderful performance in the movie.

Classic detective stories - so many familiar from movie adaptations - would also be thrillers without a lot of violence - they were more cerebral - The Postman Always Rings Twice and other James Cain novels, for example.

NancyJ wrote: "Wow, has a vote ever been this close?

Which one came in second?"

Australia was so so close!

A couple of things, this page my be helpful for those looking for a book:
/genres/thri...

I was wondering what the difference between suspense and thriller and google AI said:

"While both genres aim to keep readers on the edge of their seats, the key difference between a suspense novel and a thriller is that suspense focuses on building tension and uncertainty through psychological elements, creating a sense of "what might happen," while a thriller emphasizes fast-paced action, clear conflict between protagonist and antagonist, and often high-stakes situations with a more defined plot to keep the reader engaged with the immediate danger"

From the looks of the list it is whatever the reader wants it to be.

Booknblues wrote: "A couple of things, this page my be helpful for those looking for a book:
/genres/thri...

I was wondering what the difference between suspense and thriller and google AI ..."

Since GR readers are notoriously unscientific in their tagging, just about any mystery/suspense/action/adventure book is probably tagged thriller by somebody.

Robin P wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "A couple of things, this page my be helpful for those looking for a book:
/genres/thri...

I was wondering what the difference between suspense and thri..."

Yep!

Booknblues wrote: "A couple of things, this page my be helpful for those looking for a book:
/genres/thri...

I was wondering what the difference between suspense and thriller and google AI ..."

This genre page was the first place i looked for ideas. I like to see the newer books people are reading now.

For me, the main difference between thrillers and suspense is movement. I prefer the fast ride (whether it’s action or fast thinking) to just waiting for the monster to pounce. My stomach doesn’t like the tension of suspense. I hope to read at least one spy thriller this month, even if it’s on the cozy side (Mrs Pollifax).

Anita wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Wow, has a vote ever been this close?

Which one came in second?"

Australia was so so close!"
The Jane Harper books are all tagged Thriller as well as Australia and they are really quick reads so anyone feeling sad Australia missed out has options.

The biggest issue I have with the March tag will be choosing from all the options I have and focusing on 1. The same problem as for February. Not a bad problem to have really except for keeping some self-discipline and not starting 20 without finishing any. Definitely a me problem.

Jen wrote: "The biggest issue I have with the March tag will be choosing from all the options I have and focusing one 1. The same problem as for February. Not a bad problem to have really except for keeping so..."

I did the same thing this month. I bit off more than I could chew. Though we still have one week to finish some more!

NancyJ wrote: "Jen wrote: "The biggest issue I have with the March tag will be choosing from all the options I have and focusing one 1. The same problem as for February. Not a bad problem to have really except fo..."

I've finished one excellent one but sadly will have to do some work tomorrow. I have a presentation to prepare for training the state's y12 psych teachers which has to be submitted for approval before the department let me loose. Fair enough too since this is the first time they've ever trusted me with such a thing.

Perhaps I'll get the work finished early and fit in another one before the working week starts.

The last best Thriller I read was Moscow X and before that was The Constant Gardener. Both are wonderful books and read more like literary novels than pure thrillers in my opinion.

I am still trying to decide but have it narrowed down to four:

Savage Son
The Seventh Floor
The Oligarch's Daughter
The Bullet Garden

Depending on how the month goes, maybe I'll be able to read two. Happy reading to all!

Love this one! I noticed The Hunt for Red October at the top of our family’s Audible account, asked on our family chat, and discovered my youngest has begun the series. They are fantastic on audio and take a bite out of the drudgery of chores. I think I’m going to go with that classic.

I would like to give a shout out to a family friend here. Marc Cameron is no slouch with a hundred reviews, I promise. I saw a couple mentions that people don’t care for thrillers due to excessive violence. Although it isn’t something “marketed� about him (not exactly the image of a hard-edged, gritty thriller persona), Marc is an active member of the Mormon Church. While he does still need to give that readership what they are looking for, he always avoids anything gratuitous. If inference will do, he sticks with that over detailed, stomach-turning prose.

Marc, a New York Times bestselling thriller writer with a couple of his own series, went on to be one of several writers officially asked to write numerous Clancy syndicated novels after Tom Clancy passed away. We all thought he was punking us when he first told us. Marc was lauded by many reviewers as being the most successful at adhering to Clancy’s style and keeping any original characters true to Clancy’s characterizations. Marc no longer writes for the Clancy series as he wanted to get back to his own characters and their exploits.

Marc began writing during his thirty year career as a U.S. Marshal to fill all the long flights and boring evenings in hotel rooms. Initially, he wrote westerns, traditionally published by Kensington, before switching to high octane thrillers, encouraged by his agent and editor who thought his profession would give him plenty of material. He has two series, the first being centered around Jericho Quinn and starting with the book, National Security. If you have an Audible membership, this is available to listen for free as part of the Plus Catalogue.

Like many authors, Marc often inserts his friends and family into his books. I make a very brief appearance in one of the Jericho Quinn books as Care (the name most people call me by), an environmental activist. Marc never warns us, so it was pretty hilarious when my son, who read the book first, texted me about it.

If you like Clancy, I highly recommend Marc’s books for you. He also is friends with, and writes along the lines of, Brad Thor, a writer he got me reading and all of whose work I recommend.

In addition, I love the thrillers by Steve Berry. His series that centers around Cotton Malone is awesome and the audiobooks exceptionally well done. As a historian, these are right up my alley, as they are all rooted in past events and mysteries. The first Cotton Malone book is The Templar Legacy. If some historical events appeal to you more than others, you don’t necessarily need to read these in order, but I do recommend reading the first one because it gives you background about Cotton and several other characters that is needed for later books.

Booknblues wrote: "A couple of things, this page my be helpful for those looking for a book:
/genres/thri...

I was wondering what the difference between suspense and thriller and google AI ..."

This is what DuckDuckGo AI said, and of the two, I think this one nails it succinctly :)

Suspense novels focus on creating anxiety and anticipation, often revealing information to the reader that the protagonist does not know, leading to heightened tension. In contrast, thriller novels emphasize fast-paced action and danger, typically involving a clear threat or villain that the protagonist must confront directly.

Charlie wrote: "The last best Thriller I read was Moscow X and before that was The Constant Gardener. Both are wonderful books and read more like literary novels than pure thrillers in..."

My absolute favorite book in the Terminal List series was Savage Son. I listened to the audio and could hardly wait to get back to it every time I had to put it down.

Olivermagnus wrote: "Charlie wrote: "The last best Thriller I read was Moscow X and before that..."

Thanks for the recommendation, Savage Son it is!!!

Olivermagnus wrote: "I'm a terrible person to ask about recommendations because my reading tastes are so much different from most of the group. I really enjoyed both Red Storm Rising and The Hunt fo..."

Hunt for October is one of my husband’s all time favorite movies, so I’ve seen it many times. I think my favorite was Clear and Present Danger, though I might find it too violent now.

Thanks for the reminder about Patricia Highsmith. My new play harder list includes a Noir book, so I’m going to read one of her books, probably Eleven.

I will likely read something by either Linwood Barclay or Harlan Coben. I have a few ebooks by both that I haven't yet read.

Joy D wrote: "Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! Lots of great options. I've read many and will investigate the rest.

You all are right - I loved The Hunt for Red October, The Martian, and Project Hail ..."

Booknblues wrote: "Joy D wrote: "You all probably know this was my least favorite of the three, so I am going to need help.

Can someone recommend a "thriller light" for me?

I really do not want to read graphic vi..."

Ken Follett has at least one rape scene in almost every one of his books, which is why I quit reading him. I can't remember about Eye of the Needle since I read it before I pictured the violence thanks to milder TV and faker violence there.

I might also aim for a Ruth Ware book, but we'll see.

This was not my first pick, but I found a book I think I will like. I am going to read The Paris Apartment. Looking forward to March.

I picked two books out of my TBR pile:
- Swing: A Mystery by Rupert Holmes (better known for his hit song Escape aka the Pina Colada Song)
- The Uninvited Guests by Sadie Jones

Joy D wrote: "Can someone recommend a "thriller light" for me?"

If I am remembering correctly, I think any Ruth Ware would be lighter... anyone correct me if I am wrong! If there is rape / murder I think it's off the page.

Thanks, Meli!

Cora wrote: "I am sure Joy already read them, but for others that are looking for non-murdery thrillers, both The Martian and Project Hail Mary have a lot of thriller tags."

I loved Project Hail Mary and I have The Martian on my TBR. I would definitely recommend Hail Mary - it was a great, non-violent read.

There are so many horror titles I have on my tbr that are tagged "thriller"!

I am thrilled about this tag 🥰

Lights Out by Navessa Allen is my thriller pick for March. It's been on my TBR for a bit so it will be nice to tackle that pesky TBR as well.

Joy D wrote: "Thanks, Meli!"

I agree with Meli - Ruth Ware are thrillers but lean more gothic than violent. MC usually finds herself in a dangerous situation but in those I've read, not extremely violent. '

Ruth Ware is one of my favorite authors - excellent writer.

I have read a couple of her books, but not recently.

I agree with a lot of you, Ruth Ware does it so well!

I read One by One last year and there was definitely the feel of danger towards the end but there wasn't a violent confrontation. It was enough action to keep reading but there was never too much danger to where it was so heavy I had a hard time.

This one I highly recommend, I'll probably find more of hers to read for this month!

Here's a suspense thriller that does NOT include any murder, rape or explicit gore:
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King

It IS very suspenseful, however.
You can read my review HERE.

Book Concierge wrote: "Here's a suspense thriller that does NOT include any murder, rape or explicit gore:
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King..."

Oh, good suggestion! Been a long time since I read it, but good thinking.