Ah, December. That time of year when the air is filled with the delightful aroma of peppermint and hot cocoa, and people are spreading joy and gifts like confetti at a parade... Yawn. Personally, I lean more towards Krampus than Santa Claus. But hey, let's not kid ourselves; it's the ideal time to kick back with a good book, especially if you're into mysteries, thrillers, and the paranormal. So, instead of the cheesy romance that accompanies the season, Here are some books that are so gripping, they’ll have you flipping pages faster than Santa can say "Ho, ho, ho!", or whatever it is that he says these days. Here’s my Top 5 List of Mystery, Thriller, and Paranormal books I recommend for December 2024.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that this list may include books with straight or LGBTQ+ romance themes. These titles feature romantic relationships between men and may contain content that focuses on LGBTQ+ experiences. If this is something you're comfortable with or interested in, feel free to explore!
5. Freak Camp (Book 1: Monster and Other Stories) by M. L. McKnight:
Oh, so you’re the type of person who loves a good story? Well, Freak Camp is basically made for you. Picture this: a camp full of people with bizarre abilities (great start), and then—shockingly—as the title implies, they’re stuck dealing with monsters and all sorts of creepy mysteries. If you like a good thrill, characters who are more complicated than they first seem, then this is definitely a story you don’t want to miss.
Freak Camp is good choice If you’re into stories that keep you guessing, throw in unexpected monsters, and offer a whole lot of thrilling surprises. It’s perfect for anyone who loves characters with depth and a plot that’s anything but predictable.
4. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
The Silent Patient is a psychological thriller centered around Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who shoots her husband and then falls silent, refusing to speak another word (very smart woman). Theo Faber, a forensic psychologist, becomes captivated by her case and is determined to uncover the truth behind Alicia’s silence (So many red flags already). As Theo digs deeper (I'm already screaming at Theo as we speak, don't worry) into her past and her art, he begins to unravel a complex web of secrets and twists.
The Silent Patient is an intense, page-turning mystery with enough twists to give you whip-lash. I know people say toss this phrase around way too often, but what's one more? This book will keep you on the edge of your seat (insert cringe). The intricate plot and characters make it a interesting read for fans of psychological thriller.
3. Theoretically Straight by Alexander C. Eberhart and Amy Bailey
Alright, Theo is your typical "rule follower"—good student, son, and a devout Christian—who thinks he's got his life all figured out. But then he meets Caleb, the out-and-proud romantic with a past full of awkward dating experiences, and suddenly, everything changes. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and things start to get complicated. It’s funny, relatable, and offers a refreshing look at identity and self-discovery. Plus, there’s the added twist of a haunted church, which might just be the spark that sets Theo’s world on fire. Is it a ghost, or is it this sick twisted conspiracy we call love? Well, you’ll have to read to find out, but one thing’s for sure. This book is all about finding yourself when you least expect it.
2. White Rabbit by Caleb Roehrig
Here's another YA thriller that's become a cross breed of suspense, romance, and the nuisances of family drama. Rufus Holt’s life goes from awkward to downright dangerous when his ex-boyfriend, Sebastian, shows up just as Rufus is trying to move on. Then, things get even crazier when Rufus’s sister calls for help, and they find her standing next to the dead body of her boyfriend with a bloody knife in hand (Talk about getting caught red-handed). April insists she didn’t kill him, but let's be real. Who would admit to something as serious as 3rd degree murder? Well, Rufus isn’t sure if he can fully trust her—or anyone—anymore.
This book is a fast-paced and Roehrig keeps you guessing until the very end. The relationship between Rufus and Sebastian adds a lot of heart and complexity to the story, giving it more than just a typical whodunit vibe.
1. We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
This debut novel follows Charlie and Eve, house flippers, who stumble upon an incredible deal on an old home—until their seemingly perfect purchase takes a terrifying turn. When the previous owners show up unannounced and start acting strange, things go from unsettling to downright horrifying. Ghostly presences, a missing child, and Charlie’s sudden disappearance leave Eve spiraling into confusion and fear, wondering if it’s the house or her own mind playing tricks on her. The tension, the eerie atmosphere, and the feeling of slowly losing control make this book impossible to put down. It’s the kind of story that burrows into your brain and sticks with you long after you’ve finished reading. We Used to Live Here will have you hooked—and probably sleeping with the lights on.
These five books are guaranteed to bring suspense, chills, and excitement to your December reading. Whether you’re unraveling complex mysteries, facing thrilling twists, or exploring supernatural worlds, these picks will make your reading experience unforgettable. Either that or you'll forever hang it on your TBR/DNR and flag my site... Happy reading!
Comments