30 Fictional Serial Killer Books to Read Now

Readers craving a clever modern whodunit will be thrilled with this campy, thriller.

In a world of swiping right or left, Gwen's dates start turning up dead, pulling her into a living nightmare where every romantic encounter becomes a murder scene.

With twisty, laugh-out-loud chapters and a Scream-like vibe, this novel keeps you guessing—and utterly hooked—until the last page.

Tune into the Book Gang podcast with L.M. Chilton, who shares his surprising dating history, which helped inspire this plot.

Patrons can dive into the Swiped ending, where the author discusses his favorite red herrings and savvy killer reveal.

I have my pre-order in for this cozy murder mystery, which explores San Francisco with Capri, a clever tour guide who uncovers the dark secrets of her alleged serial killer grandfather.

Using the city's rich, iconic landmarks as a backdrop, we follow along as she races against time to protect her family and solve a mystery that spans generations.

Release Date- 24 September 2024

A serial killer makes a surprise cameo in one of my favorite summer books, but to tell you more would ruin an incredible discovery.

This action-packed thriller features a world-famous assassin who has joined a support group to leave behind his peppered past. 

But many people out for revenge in this story force Mark (AKA Pale Horse) to find inventive new ways to pursue his redemption story.

Release Date- 11 June 2024

Related- The MomAdvice 2024 Summer Reading Guide

This novel came on my radar after seeing this review from the Bookwild podcast, and I can't wait to read it. 

In this chilling debut, Anna Koray, a decorated sheriff's lieutenant with a dark past, faces a nightmare when her suppressed memories begin resurfacing.

As she reckons with the realization that she is the daughter of a notorious serial killer, a copycat emerges, threatening her constructed world. 

Now, Anna must navigate the shadows of her past and confront the darkness within herself before it consumes her.

Related- Non-Thriller Books Thriller Readers Will Love Podcast (my picks shared on Bookwild)

The night after her father's funeral, Claire meets Luca in a bar. Unbeknownst to Luca, this encounter is no coincidence.

His thoughtless, mistyped email has made him a target of a woman who channels her impatience with murder.

Now coping with her grief, she joins a support group. However, when a fellow member becomes overly fixated on her, Claire must find ways to safeguard her secret life.

This book is for readers who appreciate a twisted sense of humor in serial killers like the beloved Dexter.

While this is a darkly funny story, Claire's grief is a core part of this novel's narrative.

Related- Books on Grief and Loss

This novel is my favorite Jessica Knoll book, which fictionally explores the Ted Bundy crimes, skillfully narrated through the perspectives of two women deeply affected by his reign of terror.

Knoll's narrative humanizes the victims, steering away from some of the more graphic details to focus on their aspirations, relationships, and the profound impact of their loss. 

While the pacing may falter at times, the multi-cast audiobook narration added depth to these intertwining storylines, ultimately leading to a satisfying conclusion.

Related- Meet The Author in this Jessica Knoll Interview

S.A. Cosby's novels are dark and challenging, and this novel is no exception.  

This latest novel plunges readers into the heart of a small town terrorized by a serial killer's gruesome acts. 

As Titus Crowne, the town's first Black sheriff, investigates a school shooting, he uncovers a chilling trail of deep-seated secrets and a lurking serial killer.

With religious zealots and racial tensions heightening the suspense, Cosby's narrative grips with relentless intensity, offering a dark and unforgettable exploration of the horrors that lurk beneath the surface of rural America.

This atmospheric thriller delves deep into the psyche of a serial killer facing his final hours on death row. 

Ansel Packer's intricate character is unveiled through the viewpoints of the women in his life: his mother, sister, and a homicide detective.

This revelation exposes the sinister origins of his violence and explores the unsettling aspects of human nature.

I promise, Kukafka's masterful storytelling captivates readers, prompting reflection on the nature of good and evil. This novel is PERFECT for book clubs!

Related- The Best Book Club Books to Discuss Now

As a seasoned thriller reader, it's rare to find a book that catches me off guard, but Samantha Downing's debut did just that when I read it.  

This chilling story reveals a picture-perfect couple who take up a new hobby: seducing and murdering together for a bit of excitement in their marriage.

The genuine suspense lies not in the killings but in the devastating ripple effects on their unsuspecting children and their increasingly fragile web of lies. 

Related- Best Psychological Thriller Books

Any child of the '80s remembers the stranger danger era and the missing kids on milk cartons. 

This intelligent and chilling thriller, inspired by the real-life case of three vanished paperboys, is a page-turner you won't be able to put down. 

Readers are offered multiple POVS from a dedicated officer, the sister of a fellow paperboy, and a haunted 12-year-old boy. 

The author's extensive research and interviews, tucked into the back of this novel, strengthen the story's authenticity.

It's meticulously crafted and gripping from start to finish.

I'm not sure why female serial killers are more memorable than their counterparts, but this guilty pleasure novel was unforgettable.

The book opens with Detective Archie Sheridan's torture by a serial killer he had been tracking for ten years. He knows everything about her and anticipates what she will do to him before she even does it.

But, unexpectedly, she turns herself in and lets him go. 

Gretchen, the cunningly beautiful and twisted serial killer, is now in prison, serving time for the deaths that she has caused, and Archie is unsuccessfully trying to rebuild his life. 

Yet, when another killer begins to snatch teenage girls in the city of Portland, he has to pull himself together to lead a new task force to investigate.

But this time, a newspaper reporter is documenting his every move, anxious to share the real scoop on his chilling time with the infamous Gretchen Lowell.

FYI- this is the first in a six book series with Archie Sheridan & Gretchen Lowell!

I loved discovering this year that Jeff Lindsay isn't just an author with staying power but also a phenomenal audiobook narrator. 

In this darkly humorous novel, Dexter is a blood-splatter expert who leads a double life as a serial killer. 

For sensitive readers, the meticulous and methodical ritual of Dexter's killings is described as sculpting projects, separating readers from the horrors at times. 

This novel was my first introduction to Hillier's writing, and I've been hooked on her dark storytelling ever since.  

When she was just sixteen, Angela Wong disappeared from her town without a trace.

But the truth is that she has known where Angela has been buried all along because the love of her high school life is now known as a serial killer. 

This book goes to some dark places and is one of those stories that keeps you up until the wee hours of the night. Hillier builds a story worthy of a Jar of Hearts sequel.

Will Patton was an Audie Award Finalist for Fiction and Solo Narration for his performance on this audiobook.

Retired detective Bill Hodges finds himself drawn back into the world of crime-solving when a chilling letter from a killer known as "Mr. Mercedes" reignites an unsolved case. 

With a deadly cat-and-mouse game unfolding, Hodges must stop the deranged killer before he strikes again. 

Stephen King's gripping police procedural was a departure from his horror writing at the time and explores a fun, high-stakes battle of wits between Hodges and his elusive adversary.

This is the first novel in The Bill Hodges Trilogy and readers can continue these adventures with Finders & Keepers & End of Watch.

Did you know that Caroline Kepnes worked for Tiger Beat? This writer's background is why Joe's obsession with pop culture is well-developed in this debut thriller.

You can read more in our exclusive Caroline Kepnes interview that I was so excited to snag before the series really took off.

A chilling narrative unfolds through the obsessive lens of Joe, our protagonist, as he spirals into a twisted love affair ignited by cyber-stalking a girl who patronizes his bookshop.

Joe's descent into madness exposes the stark disparity between his romantic fantasies and the harsh realities of love, leading to a gripping exploration in obsession.

Woven with dark humor, you'll love the audiobook experience in the You series with assured narration from Santino Fontana.

After you finish, dive into the Netflix TV series starring Penn Badgley.

I've forever cataloged this book as an excellent recommendation for my fellow Flowers in the Attic fans.

I see you, I am you.

In this twisted story, a troubled reporter confronts her demons while investigating the brutal murders of two young girls in her hometown.

Flynn's writing is raw and graphic, creating an uncomfortable tension.

As we uncover the roots of this family dysfunction and small-town secrets, the story delivers a shocking twist that left me reeling.

After you finish, you can watch the HBO Sharp Objects adaptation starring Amy Adams.

Slaughter's chilling story is as cinematic as a horror film and is not for sensitive readers. 

In 1991, Julia Carroll vanished without a trace, leaving her family shattered. 

Over two decades later, another girl's disappearance and murder draw her sisters, Claire and Lydia, back together.

Slaughter perfectly crafts each page skillfully so that I can recall many scenes years later.

Dark, psychologically twisted, evil, and graphic, the story kept me on the absolute edge of my seat from the opening page. 

Related- 19 Thrillers to Keep You Up All Night

If you love sinking your teeth into a new series, this time travel novel introduces FBI agent Kendra Donovan. I read this for my local library's read-along! 

Kendra's botched case leads her to seek revenge at a castle party, where she is transported to the 1800s.

Her modern sleuthing skills become crucial when a serial killer strikes.

However, solving the case without contemporary tools and respect as a low-level employee in a different era proves challenging.

Related- The Best Time Travel Books

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This impactful 240-page novel packed a punch that made it a memorable selection for our book club.

Korede is tired of cleaning up after her beautiful, sociopathic sister Ayoola, who turns every date into a murder scene. 

But, the tension skyrockets when Ayoola targets Korede's secret crush, putting the doctor's life—and her heart—at risk. 

This dark satire explores the complex dynamics of sibling relationships rather than focusing solely on the gruesome details of serial killings. 

Despite its slim profile, Braithwaite's storytelling is sharp and effective, creating a compelling backstory for Ayoola.

Related- 2019 Book Club Books

This YA historical mystery is perfect for K-Drama enthusiasts and a book that I'm screening for our book club this summer.

Baek-Hyeon, a determined young nurse, is determined to uncover the mystery behind a series of gruesome killings that have rocked the royal household.

Teaming up with Inspector Seo Eojin, they explore the dark secrets of the past, following the twisted trail of clues to unmask thekiller before more lives hang in the balance.

Take advantage of the author's enlightening afterword, which offers fascinating insights into the historical context behind the story.

Amber, a fiery 24-year-old college student with a checkered past, wakes up to a nightmare: bound and gagged in the clutches of a serial killer. 

Narrowly saved by a mysterious masked woman, Amber's life takes a surprising turn. But, instead of succumbing to fear, she's fueled by rage.

Now with the FBI on her trail and a need for a fresh start, she heads to the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas, where danger lurks around every corner.

Determined not to become another statistic, Amber teams up with some unlikely allies in this quirky thriller. 

Scarlett is a college professor with a deadly agenda: she eliminates men she deems deserving of punishment for their mistreatment of women. 

But when her latest act of vengeance spirals out of control, scrutiny intensifies, threatening to expose her deadly deeds.

Carly, a freshman at the same university, experiences a dark twist in her friendship with her outgoing roommate, Allison, after Allison is assaulted.

Fargo's narrative weaves these stories together in a propulsive story you won't be able to put down. 

The riveting hook for this legal thriller is "The serial killer isn't on trial: HE'S ON THE JURY!"

Eddie Flynn is a reformed conman turned criminal defense attorney whose latest case puts him in the spotlight like never before. 

When a reality TV star is accused of a gruesome murder, Eddie is faced with his most formidable challenge yet. 

But little does he know that lurking in the shadows is a cold-blooded killer who will stop at nothing to ensure Bobby's conviction—even if it means manipulating the very system designed to dispense justice. 

Thirteen months ago, former NYPD detective Shana Merchant barely survived being abducted by a serial killer.

Now haunted by her past trauma, Shana confronts her demons as she investigates a young man who has gone missing on a wealthy family's secluded island.

This novel offers readers a riveting locked-room mystery filled with unexpected twists and curently offers six novels in the Shana Merchant series!

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Travel back to the 1980s, when the FBI took an innovative research approach, recruiting teenagers to join their Behavioral Science Unit tasked with interviewing juvenile serial killers. 

As these teens navigate the murky waters of interviewing, their past traumas begin to resurface.

This backlist novel is over 600 pages, but it is worth the commitment for many readers, including my co-host!

In this gripping tale, Pilgrim is a former intelligence operative drawn back into the world of espionage to hunt down a deadly adversary known as the Saracen. 

This thrilling investigation sends him to Turkey, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, and even Saudi Arabia as he races against time to prevent a catastrophic terrorist attack. 

This novel is the first in the Major Crimes series, but readers should know Sam Holland delivers incredibly dark police procedural mysteries.

Detectives Cara Elliott and Noah Deakin face the challenge of solving a series of brutal murders. Each crime mimics the methods of famous serial killers, leaving the detectives puzzled and the public in fear.

As they race against time to uncover the truth, tensions rise, and each character's flaws are vividly displayed.

Prepare for adventure in this 1990s serial killer book set in the Bay Area.

Detective Caitlin Hendrix is caught in a terrifying game of cat and mouse with a notorious serial killer known as The Prophet. 

As much as her superiors, boyfriend, and even her father caution her not to lose herself in the Prophet's hellish mission, her carefully constructed barrier begins to crumble in this adrenaline-fueled book ride.

Gina Royal's life is turned upside down when she discovers her husband is a notorious serial killer, forcing her to flee with her children and adopt new identities.

But when bodies start turning up in her new hometown, bearing eerie similarities to her husband's past crimes, Gina must confront her worst fears and fight to protect her family at all costs.

This successful series now offers six novels to explore.

This impressive debut introduces us to the gritty world of Detective William Oliver Layton-Fawkes, better known as Wolf, a controversial figure haunted by his past triumphs and failures.

When a twisted killer resurfaces, leaving behind a grotesque display of dismembered victims, Wolf returns to the spotlight. 

As he races against time to unravel the mystery, he battles a cunning adversary and his own inner demons. 

This novel is the first in the Fawkes and Baxter Series, and readers can continue these wild adventures in Hangman & Endgame.