If you’re active in any bookish social media networks (especially Twitter or Instagram), I’m sure you’ve seen something for Sadie by Courtney Summers in the last month. This is probably one of the most anticipated YA thrillers for this fall, and for good reason; it’s a brilliantly done novel, complete (now) with it’s own podcast (if you need more convincing, check out my review and my write up on The Radical Notion!).
While you’re waiting for Sadie to be released on September 4th, check out these other YA thrillers to tide you over and get you in the mood for fall.
1. Little Monsters by Kara Thomas
Kara Thomas, in my mind, is probably one of the queens of YA thrillers. All of the books I’ve read from her are definitely page turners, and Little Monsters is one of my favorites. I listened to this on audio last fall when I was in the mood for something creepy and it definitely delivered. And you won’t see that ending coming.
2. One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
One of Us Is Lying is another one that I listened to on audio (also last fall). McManus is great at creating a twisty mystery that you won’t want to put down; having multiple narrators also throws the reader off track. Who is the most reliable? Who should you really be listening to? Is anyone leading you astray? An excellent tactic in creating an exciting mystery.
3. Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart
E. Lockhart is the queen of plot twists. I mean, have you read We Were Liars? In lots of ways, E. Lockhart reminds of Gillian Flynn; her main characters aren’t very likable, the narrators aren’t always reliable, and the book never ends where you think it’s going to. The same can be said of Genuine Fraud; it’s even told backwards!
4. Thornhill by Pam Smy
Technically, this book can be found in the children’s section rather than the young adult section, but it’s still creepy enough to make it on the list nonetheless. Thornhill flips between two different narratives; one is illustrated and one is told only in text. Complete with its own abandoned orphanage, this book will give you all the Halloween vibes.
5. The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
If we’re once again looking for main characters that maybe do some less than savory things, Mindy McGinnis is your gal. The Female of the Species is all about the idea of justice and the lengths that people are willing to go in order to get it. A definite feminist must-read.