22 Thriller and Mystery Books Coming Out in April 2025 You Won’t Want to Miss

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I’ve been reading a lot of thrillers this year, and if you’re a fan of thrillers, you’ll want to see the best ones from 2025.

And, I’ve been keeping track of all the exciting releases from January to March, and the books I’ve included here are just as thrilling.

From small-town mysteries to big surprises, I’ve picked stories that I think you’ll enjoy as much as I do.

If you love suspense and twists, this list is perfect for you.

1. Hard Town by Adam Plantinga (April 8th)

Retired cop Kurt Argento just wants a quiet life after the loss of his wife, but when a woman asks for help finding her missing husband in the small desert town of Fenton, Arizona, he gets caught up in a dangerous conspiracy.

With secrets around every corner, Kurt will have to dig deep to uncover the truth, even if it costs him more than he bargained for.

2. Ruth Run by Elizabeth Kaufman (April 15th)

Ruth is a tech genius turned bank robber, using her skills to siphon millions.

But when her crimes are discovered, she’s on the run, being chased by government agents.

With her wit and a reluctant dog by her side, Ruth stays one step ahead in this thrilling, fast-paced chase.

3. The Payback Girls by Alex Travis (April 1st)

Three teens, caught up in a love triangle, are thrown into a murder mystery after their ex-boyfriend, Nate, is found injured.

With the suspicion falling on them, they team up to uncover what happened that night.

But as they dig deeper, each of them starts to question their own role in the events.

4. Murder Between Friends by Liz Lawson (April 22nd)

Grace, Henry, and Ally were once best friends, but after Grace’s testimony sent Henry’s brother to prison for murder, their friendship shattered.

Now, after a mistrial, Jake is free, and Grace is questioning what she saw that night.

With the clock ticking until his new trial, the trio must face their past and decide if they can trust each other again.

5. The Museum Detective by Maha Khan Philips (April 1st)

Dr. Gul Delani, an archaeologist, is on a mission to solve the mystery of a mummy discovered during a drug bust.

But as she uncovers shocking secrets, her investigation intersects with her own search for her missing niece, and thos leads her into dangerous territory.

6. The Last Session by Julia Bartz (April 1st)

Social worker Thea follows a trail of clues to a wellness retreat in the desert after a patient from her past goes missing.

As she digs deeper, she uncovers chilling secrets about the retreat and her own past.

Time is running out as she unravels the mystery.

7. Strangers in Time by David Baldacci (April 15th)

During World War II, Charlie and Molly, two teenagers deeply affected by the war, form an unlikely friendship with Ignatius, a grieving bookshop owner.

As they bond over their shared losses, a deadly secret begins to surface that might change everything.

This book is a mix of heart and suspense, perfect for those who love stories about survival, family, and finding hope in the darkest times.

8. Cold Burn by A.J. Landau (April 29th)

Agent Michael Walker is called in when a frozen woolly mammoth is found at Glacier Bay, and things quickly spiral into a global disaster.

With a rogue billionaire and dangerous microbes on the loose, Walker must race against time to stop a catastrophe.

9. The Gatsby Gambit by Claire Anderson-Wheeler (April 1st)

Greta Gatsby, the sister of the famous Jay Gatsby, is ready to take on the summer of her life.

But when a murder occurs at one of Jay’s extravagant parties, Greta takes matters into her own hands, to unravel secrets about her family in this clever, thrilling mystery.

10. This Is Not a Game by Kelly Mullen (April 8th)

Mimi and her granddaughter Addie are snowed in at a mansion during a charity auction when the host is murdered.

With Addie’s video game skills and Mimi’s love of crosswords, they work together to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

11. Make Sure You Die Screaming by Zee Carlstrom (April 8th)

In this wild road trip thriller, a nonbinary corporate burnout sets out to find their conspiracy-theorist father after he goes missing.

Along the way, they unpack their past and uncover shocking truths about themselves and the world around them.

12. Fair Play by Louise Hegarty (April 8th)

A group of friends gathers for a New Year’s Eve party, but the next morning, Benjamin is found dead.

Abigail, his sister, tries to make sense of his death while a detective investigates.

In this modern murder mystery, Abigail must deal with her grief and the mystery of who killed her brother.

13. Deadstream by Romasco Moore (April 1st)

Teresa just wants to be left alone in her room after a tragic car accident that took her best friend’s life.

But when she witnesses a live-streamed murder, things get way more intense.

A paranormal figure seems to be hunting streamers, and Teresa might be next in this April 2025 thriller book release.

14. The Snares by Rav Grewal-Kök (April 1st)

Neel Chima, a Punjabi American lawyer, is recruited by a powerful intelligence agency.

As he becomes involved in morally questionable operations, he struggles with his loyalty to his family and his job.

He must now decide how far he’s willing to go in a world full of secrets and violence.

15. Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto (April 1st)

Vera Wong is back, and she’s just as meddling as ever.

After solving a murder in her teahouse, she’s enjoying life, but when a young woman asks her to find her missing friend, Vera is pulled into a new mystery.

This time, it’s about a social media influencer found dead, and Vera won’t rest until she solves it.

If you love cozy, quirky mysteries with a fun and lovable protagonist, Vera Wong’s Guide will definitely brighten your day.

16. Boys with Sharp Teeth by Jennifer Howell (April 8th)

Marin James infiltrates the prestigious Huntsworth Academy to seek justice for her cousin’s death.

As she delves into the mystery, she becomes entangled with two boys at the academy and uncovers dangerous secrets that challenge her understanding of right and wrong.

17. The French Honeymoon by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau (April 15th)

Taylor Quinn arrives in Paris for her honeymoon, only to find herself alone with stolen money.

She becomes obsessed with a newlywed couple, Cassie and Olivier, whose seemingly perfect marriage hides dark secrets.

Taylor’s involvement in their life leads to a dangerous situation that no one will walk away from unscathed.

18. How To Have a Killer Time in DC by Sam Lumley (April 29th)

Oliver Popp, a shy, autistic travel writer, never imagined his job would involve solving a murder.

When his acquaintance Elise is killed in a mysterious car accident, Oliver and his photographer Ricky get tangled up in a fast-paced mystery.

How To Have a Killer Time in DC is a quirky and fun read with a lot of heart and I already know I will love it.

19. Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery by Rachel Ekstrom Courage (April 15th)

The Golden Girls are back, and this time, they’re solving a murder.

Dorothy’s date is found dead in a hotel freezer, ruining not just the cheesecake but a wedding.

The Girls team up to uncover the truth and save the day. With plenty of humor, friendship, and, of course, cheesecake, this cozy mystery will make you smile while keeping you guessing.