Read This Next: with Emily Darlow
There’s nothing quite like a good mystery novel in summer. Long afternoons, warm nights and a bit of downtime make the perfect backdrop for a story that keeps you guessing. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, escaping the heat inside with the fan on, or sneaking in a few pages before bed, these new mysteries promise plenty of twists, tension and that delicious “just one more chapter” feeling.
Here are the standout thrillers to add to your summer reading stack.
The Redline – Adrian Hyland
If you love mysteries steeped in Australian landscape and spirit, Adrian Hyland always delivers and The Redline is no exception. This gripping outback thriller follows a young constable whose quiet posting takes a sharp turn when a missing-persons case collides with local secrets and rising tension in a remote community. The heat, dust and isolation are as much a part of the story as the people who inhabit it, creating a slow-burn mystery that crackles with atmosphere. Hyland writes with deep affection for the bush, and the result is a thriller that feels both authentic and utterly compelling.
Buy it HERE
When the Deep, Dark Bush Swallows You Whole – Geoff Parkes
Set in 1980s rural New Zealand, this haunting debut sinks its teeth into the mystery of a missing Finnish backpacker and the small town that seems determined to keep its secrets. When the woman’s sister arrives to find answers, she soon discovers a community where the bush holds more than shadows and the truth is buried as deeply as the roots beneath it. Told through multiple viewpoints and infused with the eerie quiet of the wilderness, this is a tense, atmospheric read perfect for those humid summer evenings when the air feels still and charged. A standout for fans of rural noir.
Buy it HERE
The Invisible Woman – James Patterson
If you prefer your thrillers fast, slick and full of action, The Invisible Woman will keep your pulse up from page one. Patterson pairs high stakes with a cat-and-mouse chase that spans dangerous territory, both literal and emotional. Our heroine finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, survival and betrayal, and Patterson’s trademark short chapters make it impossible to stop reading. It’s the perfect holiday thriller: punchy, pacy and incredibly addictive.
Buy it HERE
Nobody’s Fool – Harlan Coben
Harlan Coben never misses when it comes to twist-heavy mysteries, and Nobody’s Fool is a clever, layered thriller that explores identity, deception and the lengths people will go to protect what’s theirs. With his signature blend of sharp dialogue, unexpected reveals and emotional depth, Coben delivers a summer read that’s light enough to breeze through but satisfying enough to stay with you afterwards. If you love a good “I did not see that coming” ending, this one belongs on your bedside table.
Buy it HERE
Eden – Mark Brandi
If you’re in the mood for something grittier and character-driven, Eden offers a darker, more personal kind of mystery. Fresh out of prison after a nine-year sentence, Tom Blackburn is trying to rebuild his life but with limited options, he finds himself working as a gravedigger at an old cemetery in Melbourne. What begins as a lifeline soon unravels into a tangled web of secrets, moral dilemmas and hidden danger. As Tom navigates a world that seems bent on keeping him down, the novel builds a sense of unease that will linger long after you’ve closed the book. A slow-burn thriller with emotional weight, Eden is perfect for those summer nights when you want something more contemplative, a mystery that digs beneath the surface and doesn’t give all its answers at once.
Buy it HERE
Whether you gravitate toward rural noir, psychological suspense or break-neck thrillers, this list has a mystery for every mood. These books pair perfectly with an icy drink, a shady spot and the long, lazy days ahead.
Happy reading and happy sleuthing.
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