“We had our breakfasts – whatever happens in a house, robbery or murder, it doesn’t matter, you must have your breakfast.”
There’s something timeless about a great thriller. These stories have the power to grip readers, hooking them into webs of suspense, intrigue and danger that remain just as compelling decades – sometimes even centuries – after they were first penned. Classic thrillers don’t just entertain; they set the standard for the whole genre, influencing countless modern novels and leaving an enduring imprint on the literary world. Whether you’re a seasoned thriller enthusiast or new to the genre, diving into these iconic books is a must. Which is why we here at What We Reading thought we would delve into some of the most unforgettable plots, enigmatic characters and sequences of suspense from the best classic thrillers that everyone should read at least once. Whether you’re solving crimes with Hercule Poirot or unravelling psychological puzzles, these books promise a thrilling journey you’re unlikely to forget!
And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie
First up on our list of the best classic thrillers is Agatha Christie’s timeless novel, And Then There Were None. The story begins when ten strangers are invited to a secluded island under different pretexts – some for a vacation, others for work. Upon their arrival, they discover that their enigmatic host is absent, and they have been left to fend for themselves.
Soon, a chilling gramophone recording accuses each of the guests of a sinister crime from their pasts. Before they are able to make sense of the situation, the strangers begin to die one by one, with their deaths eerily mirroring a sinister nursery rhyme. With no way off the island and distrust mounting around the group, the survivors are forced to confront their secrets and identify the unseen orchestrator before it proves too late.
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The Moonstone – Wilkie Collins
Long considered one of the first detective novels and a classic within English literature, Wilkie Collins’ The Moonstone revolves around the disappearance of a priceless diamond known as the Moonstone. The gem has a sacred and troubled history and is deeply linked to an ancient Indian curse.
The diamond is passed to Rachel Verinder on her birthday but soon vanishes that very night, plunging her family into scandal and suspicion. A cast of intriguing and unreliable narrators takes the readers through the puzzle, offering their own perspectives on the events and characters in play. From the sharp-witted detective Sergeant Cuff to the eccentric but endearing household members, The Moonstone is one of the best classic thriller novels where each voice adds depth to the unravelling mystery.
Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier
One of the most timeless thriller books that still hold up for anyone looking for a haunting gothic read, Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca delves into themes of memory, identity and obsession. The story follows an unnamed young woman who, after a whirlwind passionate romance, marries the wealthy widow Maxim de Winter and moves into his sweeping estate, Manderley.
Upon her arrival, she finds herself overshadowed by the enduring presence of Rebecca, Maxime’s first wife, whose beauty and charisma appear to haunt every nook and corner of the house. As the new Mrs. de Winter struggles to adjust to her new life, she is confronted by Manderley’s housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, who remains staunchly devoted to Rebecca’s memory.
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The 39 Steps (Richard Hannay #1) – John Buchan
John Buchan’s The 39 Steps is one of the essential fast-paced espionage thrillers that follows Richard Hannay, a Scottish man caught in a deadly web of intrigue. Whilst visiting London, Hannay becomes unwittingly involved in a plot to steal British military secrets after encountering a strange man who warns him of an impending assassination conspiracy.
After the man is murdered in Hannay’s own apartment, he finds himself framed for the crime and suddenly on the run. Desperate to clear his name, Hannay is forced to evade both the police and a group of foreign spies hellbent on sabotaging Britain’s wartime efforts. With only a cryptic clue – the mysterious ‘39 steps – to guide him, Hannay embarks on a perilous journey across the British countryside in a race against time to avert catastrophe.
Strangers On A Train – Patricia Highsmith
Strangers on a Train opens with Guy Haines, an ambitious architect, meeting the charming albeit unsettling Charles Bruno during a train journey. Their conversation takes a sinister turn when Bruno proposes an unthinkable concept: they each commit a murder to solve the other’s problem, ensuring that no motive can be traced back to either of them.
While Guy dismisses the suggestion as a morbid joke, Bruno takes the plan seriously and sets a horrifying chain of events into motion. As Bruno’s obsessive nature spirals out of control, Guy finds himself caught in a web of guilt, blackmail and escalating. With its taut pacing, complex characters and themes of the dark possibilities from chance encounters, Strangers on a Train is remains a must-read thriller.
The Day Of The Jackal – Frederick Forsyth
Set during the early 1960s, Frederick Forsyth’s The Day of the Jackal begins with the fictional extremist group OAS, angered by the policies of President Charles de Gaulle, hiring a cold, calculated killer dubbed ‘The Jackal’. With exceptional precision and ingenuity, the Jackal meticulously plans every detail of his missions, from acquiring false identities to customising his sniper rifle.
Meanwhile, French law enforcement, headed by the tireless Inspector Lebel, races to uncover and thwart the plot before it reaches its deadly climax. As the hunt intensifies, the story evolves into a gripping cat-and-mouse game, with each move and counter-move only raising the stakes and tension higher.
The Big Sleep (Philip Marlowe #1) – Raymond Chandler
One of the most essential noir thrillers of all time, The Big Sleep introduces the world to Philip Marlowe, a tough, wisecracking private detective. The story begins with Marlowe being hired by the wealthy General Sternwood to investigate a blackmail scheme involving one of his two daughters.
As Marlowe immerses himself in the case, he soon finds himself ensnared in a deep web of corruption, deceit and murder. The Sternwood sisters, the reckless Carmen and the enigmatic Vivian complicate matters with their dangerous connections and secrets. What begins as a humble blackmail investigation soon descends into a labyrinth of crime, gambling and power struggles set against a backdrop of 1930s Los Angeles.
The Silence Of The Lambs (Hannibal Lecter #2) – Thomas Harris
Thomas Harris’ The Silence of the Lambs is a chilling psychological thriller that follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she is tasked with interviewing the imprisoned Dr Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer to gain insights into the mind of another murderer: the elusive ‘Buffalo Bill’.
As Clarice engages in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Lecter, he offers up cryptic clues that could lead to Buffalo Bill – however, he only does so when he is afforded glimpses into her own troubled past. Elsewhere, the clock is ticking down as Buffalo Bill abducts his next victim, and the FBI rushes around to save them before it is too late. With its tense pacing, fascinating characters and unsettling exploration of the human psyche, The Silence of the Lambs remains one of the best classic thrillers everyone has to read.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
