25 Suspenseful Island Thriller Books for Readers Who Love Isolation and Intrigue

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In my very humble opinion, I truly believe that the location can make or break a thriller novel and so far, I haven’t been proven wrong.

Some of the scariest thrillers, in my opinion, are the ones where the characters genuinely can’t escape. 

That’s exactly why I decided to put together this list of the best island thriller novels.

In all of these books, the characters either get invited to an island or have a reason to be there, but one thing is clear: something creepy and mysterious is going on, and there’s no way off the island. 

It’s the kind of setup that gives me chills, and I absolutely loved every single one of these reads.

Some of them I’ve read personally and adored, while others have been highly recommended and are sitting on my TBR pile, but trust me, they’re all incredible. 

I’ve made sure to mix in a few old classics with some fresh new takes that flip the usual thriller tropes on their head.

And if you love isolated settings, eerie vibes, and twists that keep you up at night, you’re going to love these. 

The Saved by Liz Webb

Nancy thought moving to a quiet Scottish island would be a fresh start with Calder, but this story proves how wrong she was. 

When Calder nearly dies and comes back different – like really different – things spiral quickly. 

He’s not the same person she fell in love with, and honestly, that freaked me out in the best way. I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

Secrets, washed-up bodies, and haunting pasts make this island anything but peaceful. 

You’ll feel Nancy’s confusion, fear, and growing strength as she uncovers dark truths. 

I was so hooked watching her piece everything together. 

If you love thrillers where nothing is what it seems and the island itself feels like a character, this one will pull you in and leave you unsettled in the best way possible.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

This is the classic that gave me chills from the first page.

Ten strangers arrive on a remote island, each hiding a guilty secret. 

One by one, they’re killed – just like in a creepy old nursery rhyme framed in each guest’s room.

I was glued to the pages, trying to figure out who was behind it all. It’s tense, clever, and super eerie. 

Christie’s writing is sharp and builds suspense so well that I kept guessing (and second-guessing) everyone. 

Honestly, this book made me fall even deeper in love with island thrillers. It’s like the blueprint for all the best ones.

If you haven’t read it yet, you’re in for a twisty, unforgettable treat. 

I’d totally recommend reading it on a rainy day for maximum spooky vibes.

The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

A group of mystery club students visits an island known for a past string of unsolved murders. 

When one of them dies, the rest quickly realize it’s not a game anymore.

I couldn’t stop reading because every character had secrets, and the tension just kept climbing. 

What I loved most was how it paid tribute to Agatha Christie while being its own unique mystery. 

It felt fresh, intense, and honestly a bit creepy in all the right ways. 

You’ll find yourself trying to solve the mystery along with them, but the ending totally caught me off guard. 

It’s perfect if you enjoy a smart, slow-burning island thriller where paranoia and suspense grow with each page.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

Set on a stormy island off the Irish coast, a picture-perfect couple throws an elegant wedding, but of course, things aren’t as perfect as they seem. 

The drama slowly builds as we learn what each guest is hiding. Everyone has a motive, and it was so much fun guessing who might snap. 

I really loved how the story switched between characters – seeing the different sides added so much depth. 

The setting was moody and mysterious, and the storm rolling in made the tension even higher. 

I had such a good time reading this; it felt like being a guest at a party I was too nosy to leave. 

Highly recommend for fans of juicy whodunits.

Ascension by Oliver Harris

This one felt different and I really liked that. 

Spy thriller meets island mystery as Elliot Kane is pulled out of a quiet life to investigate a death on Ascension Island, a super remote military spot in the Atlantic. 

At first, I wasn’t sure I’d love the espionage angle, but it got intense fast. There’s secrecy, danger, and a slow reveal that kept me guessing. 

I liked seeing Kane torn between his peaceful life and the dark world he left behind. 

The island setting was harsh and eerie, and it added so much to the story’s mood. 

If you want something with more global stakes but still love the isolated, no-escape island feel, this is a great pick. 

Winter Water by Susanne Jansson

Martin moves to a small Swedish island, but tragedy strikes when his little boy disappears near the ocean. My heart ached for him. 

When Maya, a newcomer, learns about his loss, she starts to investigate and that’s when things get creepy. 

Turns out, other kids have drowned in the same spot, all on the same day, years apart. 

The writing is so atmospheric, I felt like I was standing by the cold, whispering waves.

It’s emotional, haunting, and quietly terrifying. I loved how it mixed grief, folklore, and suspense so beautifully. 

This book is gentle, eerie read that I couldn’t put down and I loved every page of it. 

They All Fall Down by Rachel Howzell Hall

Miriam gets invited to a luxury island trip with six strangers, but it turns out to be way more sinister than a vacation.

I felt the suspense build with every chapter as people started dying and the truth unraveled. 

There’s no phone signal, the island is super isolated, and everyone has secrets (of course). 

It gave me serious Agatha Christie vibes but with a fresh, modern twist. 

I was rooting for Miriam even when I wasn’t sure if I could trust her either. 

That mix of lush setting and lurking danger made this one so addicting.

If you want a thriller that’s fast-paced and full of jaw-dropping turns, this is definitely the one to pick up.

I read it so fast and I just had to know. 

The Club by Ellery Lloyd

A super exclusive island club for celebrities, influencers, and billionaires should sound like paradise, right? 

But behind the glitz, things are messy. 

I loved how the story peeked into the lives of the rich and famous, with their secrets and how quickly things can unravel. 

The tension builds as staff and guests clash, and soon, someone turns up dead. I was completely hooked watching everything spiral. 

The writing was clever, the setting was glamorous but dangerous, and every character had something shady going on.

This is a thriller that feels like a gossip column turned murder mystery and I was so here for it. 

This Might Hurt by Stephanie Wrobel

This book is about two sisters – Kit, who vanishes into a self-help cult on a private island, and Natalie, who’s desperate to bring her back. 

But Natalie has her own secret, and the island isn’t just peaceful wellness vibes – it’s controlling, creepy, and full of twists. 

I was so drawn into their relationship and the creepy atmosphere. 

It made me think a lot about fear, family, and how far you’d go to save someone. 

I love stories about cults and secrets, and this one delivered all of that while still feeling emotional and real. 

It’s smart, sharp, and unsettling, but also full of heart. 

If you like thrillers with strong sister bonds and chilling vibes, you’ll definitely enjoy this.

How to Kill Your Best Friend by Lexie Elliott

When Lissa, the strongest swimmer in her friend group, drowns near her luxury island resort, her friends are shocked. 

But something about it doesn’t sit right. Georgie and Bronwyn return to honor her, but soon realize they may not be safe. 

I loved how this one explored the tension between old friends and the secrets we keep. 

The tropical island setting was gorgeous but gave off this eerie, dangerous vibe I couldn’t shake. 

It’s twisty, emotional, and keeps you on edge the whole time. 

If you love thrillers about messy friendships and dark secrets, this one’s perfect.

Do you think you’ll be checking out any of these island-set thriller books? 

Let me know in the comment section below – I’d love to hear your thoughts.

And don’t forget to check out this page for even more amazing thriller book recommendations.