The best genres to read if you love thrillers
There’s nothing quite like the rush of a great thriller – that compulsive need to turn just one more page, the heart-pounding tension, and the satisfaction of a perfectly executed plot twist. If you’re someone who loves thrillers, you’ve likely wondered what to read next when you’ve exhausted your favourite authors. The good news is that several genres share DNA with thrillers, offering that same addictive quality whilst bringing fresh perspectives to your reading list.
Crime Fiction: The Natural Companion
If you love thrillers, crime fiction is the most obvious next step. While thrillers focus on tension and forward momentum, crime novels often take a more methodical approach to storytelling. You’ll find yourself absorbed in police procedurals, cosy mysteries, and noir fiction that delivers the same puzzle-solving satisfaction. The key difference lies in pacing – crime fiction may take its time revealing clues, but the payoff is equally rewarding. Authors like Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, and Tana French have mastered the art of keeping readers guessing whilst building rich, atmospheric worlds.
Historical Fiction with an Edge
Many thriller enthusiasts discover a passion for historical fiction, particularly when it incorporates elements of intrigue, espionage, or mystery. Stories set against the backdrop of war, political upheaval, or social transformation often carry natural tension that rivals any contemporary thriller. If you’re curious about real events that read like fiction, exploring History & Biography titles can provide that same gripping quality whilst expanding your knowledge of fascinating periods and personalities.
Psychological Fiction: Getting Inside the Mind
Psychological thrillers have exploded in popularity over the past decade, but the broader category of psychological fiction offers even more to explore. These books delve deep into human behaviour, motivation, and the darker corners of the mind. Literary fiction with psychological depth can satisfy thriller lovers who enjoy unreliable narrators, morally complex characters, and the slow unravelling of secrets. The tension here is internal rather than external, but no less compelling for it.
True Crime and Investigative Non-Fiction
Sometimes the most gripping stories are the ones that actually happened. True crime has enjoyed a renaissance, and for good reason – real-life mysteries, cold cases, and criminal investigations offer the same hooks as fictional thrillers. Beyond pure true crime, investigative journalism and narrative non-fiction can scratch that itch for tension and revelation. You might also find that books in the Health & Wellbeing category occasionally touch on fascinating psychological and behavioural topics that appeal to fans of darker fiction.
Action and Adventure: Pure Adrenaline
For readers who particularly enjoy the action-driven side of thrillers – car chases, narrow escapes, and globe-trotting adventures – the action-adventure genre delivers in spades. These books prioritise momentum and excitement, often featuring larger-than-life protagonists facing impossible odds. While they may not always offer the same intricate plotting as a psychological thriller, they provide pure entertainment and that same inability to put the book down.
The beauty of being a thriller lover is that your tastes naturally translate to many other genres. Whether you prefer the methodical satisfaction of crime fiction, the rich backdrop of historical intrigue, or the intensity of psychological drama, there’s a wealth of reading waiting for you. The Calibre Books catalogue offers an excellent starting point for discovering new titles across these genres, with instant downloads that mean you can start your next gripping read within minutes. Happy reading – and may your next book keep you up well past your bedtime.
Browse related titles in our catalogue: History & Biography and Health & Wellbeing — all available as instant downloads at Calibre Books.