
Mystery and thriller novels offer the perfect escape, especially with the exciting new titles set to release in February 2025. As winter blankets the landscape, there’s no better time to cozy up with a book that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. The thrill of unexpected twists and turns makes thrillers unique, and readers have an abundance of fresh choices to delve into this season.
This month features a diverse array of thrillers, ranging from nail-biting survival stories to classic murder mysteries. Readers can anticipate works from renowned authors such as Kate Alice Marshall and Gillian McAllister, whose latest releases cover a wide spectrum of themes, settings, and subgenres.
1. A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall
Release Date: February 4, 2025

Kate Alice Marshall, celebrated for her previous works like What Lies in the Woods, returns with A Killing Cold, aptly timed for February. This novel follows Theodora Scott as she attends her wealthy boyfriend’s family’s remote retreat, despite ominous warnings. As blizzard conditions engulf them, Theodora quickly discovers she has placed herself in peril, unraveling secrets that could alter everything.
2. The Meadowbrook Murders by Jessica Goodman
Release Date: February 4, 2025

From the author of They Wish They Were Us, Jessica Goodman invites readers into the dark world of The Meadowbrook Murders. Set in an elite boarding school, the tale begins with Amy, whose life changes irrevocably when her best friend Sarah is murdered alongside her boyfriend. As Amy becomes the prime suspect, she teams up with the school’s newspaper editor, Liz, to uncover the sinister secrets hidden within the academy’s walls, shining a light on privilege and ambition in the process.
3. Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours
Release Date: February 4, 2025

Channelle Desamours weaves elements of fantasy and thriller together in Needy Little Things, where the protagonist, Sariyah, navigates the uncertainties of her ‘premonition-like’ powers while searching for her missing friend. The narrative, described as a poignant examination of racial issues in missing persons cases, promises to resonate with readers and bring to light some uncomfortable truths.
4. You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego
Release Date: February 11, 2025

Continuing the retreat theme, Ande Pliego’s You Are Fatally Invited unfolds at a writer’s retreat led by Mila del Angél. This thrilling premise unravels when an actual murder disrupts the gathering, forcing Mila and her fellow authors, well-versed in the genre, into a real-life mystery filled with suspense and intrigue.
5. A Girl Like Us by Anna Sophia McLoughlin
Release Date: February 11, 2025

A Girl Like Us, marketed as “Succession meets Saltburn, ” follows reality TV star Maya Miller during a tumultuous phase following her marriage to wealthy Colin Sterling. When a family member is found dead, all evidence points to Maya as the main suspect, leading her on a dangerous quest to unveil dark family secrets and establish her innocence.
6. Blood Ties by Jo Nesbø
Release Date: February 11, 2025

The highly anticipated sequel in Jo Nesbø’s Kongeriket series, Blood Ties, promises another gripping installment as Carl and Roy Opgard continue their deadly path. Fans can expect intense cat-and-mouse dynamics, with high-stakes thrills as the duo faces growing scrutiny from local law enforcement.
7. Beartooth by Callan Wink
Release Date: February 11, 2025

Set against the backdrop of Yellowstone, Beartooth follows two brothers driven to desperation by financial turmoil. As they contemplate committing a federal crime, their story delves into themes of morality and survival set in a strikingly unique Western thriller.
8. Whiteout by R. S.Burnett

Set in the unforgiving landscape of Antarctica, Whiteout introduces Rachael Beckett, a researcher stranded at her station during a communication blackout amid the chaos of nuclear war. As she grapples with her isolation and the dire state of the world outside, the chill of survival quickly turns into a harrowing thriller.
9. Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister
Release Date: February 25, 2025

With a Goodreads rating of 4.18, Famous Last Words could be Gillian McAllister’s most compelling narrative yet. This psychological thriller centers on new mother Camilla, who discovers her husband’s involvement in a hostage situation. The tension escalates as she struggles to piece together his motives, underlined by a single note left behind.
10. Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 by Lisa Unger
Release Date: February 25, 2025

In her latest gripping thriller, Close Your Eyes and Count to 10, Lisa Unger brings a deadly twist to a seemingly innocent game of hide-and-seek. Set on a remote island, the game spirals into chaos as participants find themselves in life-threatening circumstances during a storm, raising the stakes for protagonist Adele, who must navigate her way back to safety.
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