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Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spooky spirit than by delving into a thrilling book?
While there’s a time for horror and gore, sometimes you want a good clean read without too much blood, swearing, or sex.
If you’re looking for a heart-pounding read without the explicit content, you’re in luck. Here are 10 clean thrillers to sink your teeth into this Halloween.
Disclaimer: I haven’t read all these books personally (only a few) and can’t vouch for their content and message. I based my picks on Amazon reviews, Goodreads upvotes, friend recommendations, and awesome authors I met on Instagram.
1. With Sugar on Roundtop: A Newfound Lake Cozy Mystery by Virginia K Bennett
“With Sugar on Roundtop: A Newfound Lake Cozy Mystery” by Virginia K Bennett is a delightful Halloween-themed cozy mystery. This clean read combines mystery, romance, and small-town charm, making it an engaging and intriguing choice for the season.
The protagonist’s love for mystery novels and a Halloween event called The Haunted Hike add a unique twist to the story, and feels very relatable (where are my true-crime people at!).
If you’re looking for a cozy Halloween read with a touch of nostalgia and an absorbing mystery, this book is a great pick. Enjoy unexpected twists, a hint of romance, and the enchanting setting of Roundtop Mountain as you dive into this captivating mystery.
2. Criss Cross by C. C. Warrens
Holly’s transient life is disrupted by a sinister pursuer from her past. Mysterious threats and deadly incidents unravel long-buried memories, drawing her into a gripping mystery. With the help of a persistent detective and her unwavering faith, Holly must outsmart a relentless killer.
“Criss Cross” is a suspenseful Christian Halloween read that keeps you engaged. The character of Holly is relatable and resilient, and the book skillfully balances tension and faith. Readers have lauded the gripping nature of the story, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a thrilling, clean read with a spiritual touch.
3. The Metcalfes by Ronie Kendig
In “Stone,” Metcalfe, a man with a prestigious legacy and a tarnished reputation, seeks solitude in his mountain lodge after a career-ending mistake. However, his world is upended when he receives a call from an old Army buddy, bringing him face to face with his past in the form of supermodel Brighton Buchanan, a victim of human trafficking. Stone is torn between protecting her and guarding his own heart.
This clean thriller masterfully weaves together elements of suspense, redemption, and love. The characters’ complex emotions and pasts add depth to the story, making it a gripping and emotionally charged read.
If you love this first installment of The Metcalfes, be sure to check out the other thrillers in this series. Readers looking for a thrilling and emotionally resonant story will find this book a compelling and thought-provoking choice.
4. These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
Kimi Cunningham Grant’s “These Silent Woods” is a riveting Halloween thriller set in the desolate Appalachian mountains. Yes, I may be a little biased about this book living around the Appalachian mountains myself.
Cooper and his daughter, Finch, live in isolation, hiding from their pasts. When their only connection to the outside world, Jake, goes missing, their secluded life unravels. The story’s eerie and atmospheric setting sets the stage for an intense narrative filled with secrets, tension, and a mysterious hermit named Scotland.
As Halloween approaches, this gripping tale of survival, sacrifice, and dark secrets is the perfect choice for readers who enjoy a chilling and suspenseful read. Grant’s storytelling captures the essence of the holiday, making “These Silent Woods” a haunting and captivating choice for the season.
5. Secrets Come Home by Samantha Price
Are you looking for a little bit of a lighter Halloween mystery? Samantha Price’s Ettie Smith Amish Mysteries might be just the pace for you!
This series is a charming Halloween mystery read filled with intrigue, humor, and warmth. In this first book, Ettie inherits her friend Agatha’s home and stumbles upon a body hidden beneath the floorboards. Ettie, convinced of her friend’s innocence, embarks on a quest for the truth, revealing hidden secrets and unexpected connections to the past.
The series offers cozy mysteries with quirky characters and captivating puzzles. It combines the spirit of friendship and faith, creating a heartwarming world where justice prevails. Perfect for those who enjoy heartfelt moments and a good mystery, “Ettie Smith Amish Mysteries” is a seasonal favorite that promises a delightful mix of suspense and charm for Halloween and beyond.
Step into Ettie’s world and discover why this series has enchanted readers over the years.
6. The Deposit Slip by Todd M. Johnson
Erin Larson is on a desperate hunt for a vast sum of money she discovered on a mysterious deposit slip following her father’s death. However, the bank denies any knowledge of the funds, and Erin’s attempts to seek legal help result in threats and intimidation. Her last hope rests with Jared Neaton, a lawyer who left a prestigious law firm due to ethical concerns.
Jared’s own struggles have pushed him to the edge, but Erin’s case, if legitimate, could be the answer to his problems. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they unearth more than just threats, setting off a dangerous chain of events.
Todd Johnson’s debut novel is an impeccable blend of high-stakes suspense, compelling characters, and a profound moral theme. It also has a subtle love triangle for all you romance lovers like myself.
Johnson’s writing is vivid, and the book is a character-driven legal thriller, making it a captivating and well-written page-turner. Highly recommended for those seeking a suspenseful Halloween read with a moral core.
7. A Bond of Briars by Erin Phillips
Erin Phillips is a masterful storyteller (and fun Bookstagrammer, go follow her account!). She writes dark fantasy stories with Biblical themes.
“A Bond of Briars” weaves a dark and enchanting tale, combining elements of fantasy, romance, and eerie magic. Caitrin, a widow bound to a spirit that craves her blood, finds herself caring for her resentful mother-in-law, Meara. To protect her secrets and start anew, Caitrin journeys to Croìthe, a place where magic is forbidden.
Does it sound familiar? That’s because it’s a YA dark fantasy retelling of the Biblical story of Ruth, introducing fresh and intriguing twists. The tale combines elements of spooky cottagecore romance, dark magic, mysterious curses, and sacrificial love.
The story’s rich world-building, intricate characters, and its haunting, darkly magical atmosphere make it a fantastic choice for a clean, suspenseful Halloween read.
8. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
I had to throw a few classics into this list because they are just too good not to add to your spooktacular Halloween reading list.
Rebecca is a classic novel and timeless thriller featuring a young bride who goes to live with her enigmatic husband at his brooding ancestral estate. Mystery and suspense abound in this gothic tale of love and betrayal, all taking place in a stunning setting you won’t be able to resist.
9. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
This is one of my favorite classic thrillers. If you haven’t read it yet, put it on your Halloween reading list this year.
In “The Woman in White,” art teacher Walter Hartwright encounters a young, terrified woman in white on a moonlit London night. His attempt to help her plunges him into a world of secrets, murder, and madness, with a mystery to unravel that will keep you guessing up until the last page.
This 19th-century classic blends rich character development and suspenseful melodrama, captivating readers from the start.
10. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
Yes, of course, I’m going to throw in a Sherlock Holmes mystery. While there are so many to choose from, none have spooked me more than the infamous House of the Baskervilles.
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson are presented with a chilling case. They are visited by a country doctor who recounts the eerie legend of the Hound of the Baskervilles, a devil-beast said to haunt the moors near the Baskerville family’s ancestral home. The legend is dismissed as superstition until Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead, with giant hound footprints nearby. Holmes and Watson take on the case and uncover a web of deception and danger.
This iconic Sherlock Holmes story is a masterpiece of detective fiction, filled with suspense and masterful deduction, making it a must-read for fans of classic mysteries and those looking for clean thrillers this Halloween.
Stock up on the Best Clean Thrillers and Mysteries
These clean thrillers offer the perfect balance of suspense, mystery, and excitement without delving into explicit or gory content. Whether you’re reading them under the covers with a flashlight or curled up by the fire, these books will keep you entertained and captivated this Halloween.
So, grab a cozy blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and immerse yourself in these thrilling tales that will send shivers down your spine.
Happy Halloween reading!
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