20 Fantastic Domestic Thrillers

 

There’s something about the cold months of January and February that makes them the perfect time to dive into a domestic thriller. As winter sets in each year, I find myself gravitating toward these kinds of reads. With so many excellent psychological and domestic thrillers out there, I’ve narrowed the list to my 20 favorites, plus some promising picks from my overflowing TBR. I've linked the title to my review when possible. 

 

1. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

 

2. The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

 

3. Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

 

4. Verity by Colleen Hoover

 

5. None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

 

6. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

 

7. The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

 

8. The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

 

9. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

 

10. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

 

11. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

 

12. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

 

13. The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth

 

14. The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

 

15. Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

 

16. The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

 

17. The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

 

18. His & Hers by Alice Feeney

 

19. Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister

 

20. Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

 

 

On the TBR:

 

1. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

2. The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

3. Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

 

 

4. The Couple Next Door by Sari Lapena

5. The Push by Ashley Audrain

6. The Water Lies by Amy Meyerson

 

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Let me know if you enjoyed any of these books as well in the comments below and be sure to share any recommendations with me, too.  

 

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Romance Revival

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.   

The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren

Pub. Date: July 14, 2026

 

 

Goodreads says, "Three years ago, Emery Finch did something completely out of character: She got married. To Luca—the impossibly charming landscaper she met on one blistering night in Vegas who made her laugh, made her dance, made her feel.

But now, Emery is consumed by her top-secret job, missing dinners, forgetting anniversaries, and promising herself Luca will understand once her cutting-edge research comes to light. Until the unthinkable happens: A tragic accident takes Luca from her.

Desperate not to lose him, Emery breaks every rule to bring him back. And Luca would probably thank her for it, if only he could remember her. Their first kiss, their Sunny Sundays at the beach, the life they built together...all of it is gone.

It may be a miracle of science, but for Emery it’s her one shot at a second chance. And this time, she won’t waste it—because true love is always worth reviving."

 

 

This summer’s new releases are already looking outstanding! Christina Lauren has a new novel on the way, and it seems like the perfect book to toss in your beach bag. Tell me in the comments if will you be reading it and if are you a Christina Lauren fan?

 

Book Review: The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage

Genre: Adult Fiction/Audiobook

Pub. Date: December 2, 2025

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Lexi Villiers is a 29-year-old Englishwoman doing her medical residency in Hobart, working too hard, worried about her bank balance, and living with friends. It's a good life, and getting even better, because as the dawn is breaking on New Year's Day, Lexi is about to kiss the man she loves for the very first time.

But by midnight, everything will change. Because Lexi is in fact not an ordinary young woman. She is Princess Alexandrina, third in line to the British throne - albeit estranged from the rest of her family and living in voluntary exile on the other side of the world. But following a terrible accident, Lexi - the black sheep of her family and, until this moment, always destined to be the spare - is now the heir apparent, first in line to the throne once her grandmother, the elderly Queen, dies. Called back to do her duty, she arrives in London to a Palace riven with power plays and media leaks, all the while guarding painful secrets of her own. Palace waters are treacherous, rumours are rife, and selling each other's secrets is a family tradition. And with the Crown just within her grasp, Lexi must choose what bonds she will keep ... and what she is willing to leave behind."

 

Lexi Villiers is a medical doctor in Australia living on an idyllic vineyard in Tasmania. She is estranged from her family due to her life choices, but is living a happy life without them in Australia; she even has a sort-of boyfriend and a promising career. Except her family isn't just any family; it's the British Royal Family. One day, a helicopter lands on the property delivering the bad news that her father (the future King), her twin brother, and his best friend have all died in a tragic skiing accident due to an avalanche. Lexi's world is turned upside down, and her grandmother, the Queen, summons her home to England. Lexi is now the heir apparent, should she choose to take the title; she has one year to decide. If she doesn't accept it and all that it brings, the title falls to her awful uncle Richard. Once Lexi is back in England, all of the reasons why she left come flooding back to her, not to mention all the difficult emotions she has to deal with regarding the loss of her brother and father. This is all triggering to her in that she lost her mother, and the circumstances surrounding her death are still issues that plague her to this day. Also, she has to deal with her grieving and angry sister-in-law, her power-hungry uncle, her grandmother, and all the tabloids that harass the Royal Family at every turn. Ultimately, the question that stresses her out is whether she will accept the title as the heir apparent or choose to pass it along to her uncle. What will happen to her perfect life in Tasmania and her almost-boyfriend, Jack? Can she have it all? Rebecca Armitage's The Heir Apparent is an absorbing audiobook that fans of the Royal Family will enjoy.
 
Lexi has to return to the very life she tried to escape to pursue a career as a doctor, and when she returns, the problems are still there. The grief around her mother's death, now her brother's and father's death, and all the family issues that made her escape to Australia bubble back up to the surface. Lexi is reminded that no matter how far you travel, you still can't escape your problems. Her former life as a doctor is still calling to her, not to mention Jack, and she wonders if she can make this all work. Or does she have to give up her previous life? Heavy is the head that wears the crown!

So many moments in The Heir Apparent felt like they were ripped straight from the tabloids about the Royal Family. It's obvious Armitage has a wealth of knowledge regarding the British Royal Family; however, at times it felt a little too similar - almost fan fiction. Nonetheless, as a Royal Family lover, I enjoyed being lost in a world full of court intrigue, family secrets, tabloids, and extreme wealth.
 
My main issue with The Heir Apparent is the length. The plot meandered too many times around the same plot point, and at times, it got tedious. 416 pages were too much, in my opinion, and due to this, the pacing was uneven despite Shakira Shute's excellent narration of the audiobook.
 
Royal family lovers will especially soak up all the family drama in The Heir Apparent and appreciate the similarities to the current British Royal Family. Have you read The Heir Apparent? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 

 

 

 

First Half of 2026: New Releases That Shouldn't Be Missed

A new year means new books to add to your TBR! 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for readers, with something for everyone. I’m focusing on releases from January through June, so bookmark this page and refer to it when you’re at the library or bookstore to see which exciting new titles are coming out and when.

 

1. Skylark by Paula McLain (1/6)

"The parallel lives of two women are explored in this grand story of resilience, hope and bravery that takes place centuries apart."

 

 

2. First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave (1/6)

"Dave delivers a raw and powerful sequel (to The Last Thing He Told Me) continuing the evocative family drama that kept us at the edge-of-our-seats."

 

3. The Storm by Rachel Hawkins (1/6) 

"Hurricane season can be murder." 

 

4. Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston (1/13)

"Lives unravel as lies resurface in this story of two women who hatch one chilling plan. Ashley Elston, author of First Lie Wins, weaves a web of deception in this suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing." 

 

 

5. My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney (1/20) 

"Imagine coming home from a run and being replaced. This is what happens to Eden ... or does it? The author of Rock Paper Scissors returns with another crafty domestic thriller."

 

6. Vigil by George Saunders (1/27) 

"Saunders returns with an imaginative new story about the pivotal moment between life and death. Jill “Doll” Blaine accompanies the dying as they transition to the afterlife—but her latest assignment forces her to reckon with the fragility of humanity."

 

7. It's Not Her by Mary Kubica (2/3)

 "A double murder at a tranquil lake resort — now that’s a thrilling mystery. Suspenseful and twisty, everyone is a potential suspect here. If you love locked room mysteries with true crime vibes, then this one will grip you from the start."

 

8. This is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman (2/10)

"A kaleidoscopic portrait of a modern American family—steadfast, complicated, begrudging, and loving—from the bestselling author of Isola."

 

9. Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson (2/10) 

"Powerful and poignant, three fates intersect across generations in this moving story of family, courage and self-discovery from the author of The House of Eve."

 

10. The Astral Library by Kate Quinn (2/17) 

"Quinn comes a gorgeously written fantastical adventure which poses the question: Have you ever wished you could live inside a book? Welcome to the Astral Library, where books are not just objects, but doors to new worlds, new lives, and new futures."

 

11. More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen (2/24)

 "This tender novel of self-exploration reminds us that it’s never too late to discover something new about yourself. After a surprising ancestry test, Polly embarks on a journey to confront her past, learn from the present and grow into her future."

 

 

12. Kin by Tayari Jones (2/24) 

"The complex relationships between mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends in the American South are examined in this sharp and entertaining story."

  

 

13. Once and Again by Rebecca Serle (3/10) 

"If you had one chance to rewind the clock, would you do it? For the Nowak family this miraculous ability is both a blessing and a curse. Returning to her hometown, Lauren confronts her memories — especially the love she lost a long time ago."

 

 

14. The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez (3/24) 

 "All Chris wants is for Larissa to be happy, but here’s the catch — Chris is not her boyfriend.  A beautiful, compelling novel that revels in laughter, friendship, and the messy choices life can throw our way."

 

 

15. The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (5/5)

"A deeply engaging story of community and survival set in 1933 Mississippi. This conversation-starting second novel from the bestselling author of The Help was fifteen years in the making — and worth the wait." 

 

 

16. Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune (5/5)

"Her wedding might be off, but the honeymoon is just beginning. Frankie sets off to paradise with her complicated best friend George, but when their bond begins to shift, friendship may no longer suffice."

 

 

17. The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout (5/5)

"With her award-winning prose, Elizabeth Strout paints a tender and insightful picture of a lonely schoolteacher who reconsiders his own life path and choices after an unexpected secret is revealed."

 

 

 18. Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey (5/5)

 "Woodson returns with a heartfelt escape to coastal Carolina."

 

 

19. Change of Plans by Sarah Dessen (5/5) 

"A romantic coming-of-age novel about an unassuming girl who learns to stand on her own while falling in love during a life-changing summer."

 

 

20. The Shippers by Katherine Center (5/19)

Center's "latest swoon-worthy novel about a destination wedding on a cruise ship."

 

 

21. Dolly All Over Again by Annabel Monaghan (5/26) 

"A hardworking single mom returns to her seaside hometown and stumbles into a fake dating situationship with a wealthy, workaholic scion, from the New York Times bestselling author of Nora Goes Off Script.

 

22. The Midnight Train by Matt Haig (5/26)

"All aboard this sweeping journey through time. If you could travel back to a moment in time, when would you go? After a near-fatal heart attack, one man is given the ultimate chance to relive both his brightest moments and his deepest regrets in this transformative novel."

 

 

23. Whistler by Ann Patchett (6/2)

"Patchett returns with a powerful novel about the choices we make and the ones that are made for us. After reuniting with a prominent figure from her past, Daphne confronts the impermanence of life and the beauty of connection."

 

 

24. Land by Maggie O'Farrell (6/2)

"O’Farrell delivers a sweeping journey through history and memory, loss and survival in a haunting story that captures post-famine Ireland through the eyes of one family." 

 

 

25. It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell (6/23) 

"Jewell brings her signature dark, atmospheric suspense and sharp acuity to this new psychological thriller about a lost dog, a missing woman, and a mysterious house."

 

 

26. The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson (6/30)

"An ambitious young woman insinuates herself into a tight-knit social set, shaking up friendships and marriages in a small seaside town."

  

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 Let me know in the comments which books you are most looking forward to for the first half of 2026. 

Book Review: Conform by Ariel Sullivan

Pages: 416 

Genre: Adult Fiction/Sci-Fi

Pub. Date: October 14, 2025 

Publisher: Ballantine

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Centuries after a catastrophic world war nearly decimated the human population, a city arose from the ashes, ruled by an elusive and technologically advanced group called the Illum.

At twenty-seven, Emeline lives in limbo, wasting away her days in a job sorting ancient human art for destruction and waiting to be selected as a Mate for a procreation contract. Where others look forward to being chosen, Emeline has never felt like she fit into a society where a person’s worth is determined by constantly monitored genes, health, and the ability to procreate. She’s struggled to keep her discomfort secret, but when she is finally chosen, her Mate is revealed to be a member of the Illum named Collin, a man who seems to be harboring secrets of his own.

It is the first time an Illum has taken a Mate in decades, leaving Emeline—and others—baffled as to why she was chosen. Soon, she is swept into the dangerous game of Courting, filled with ballgowns, lavish dinners, and watchful eyes, where one wrong move can mean elimination. While parts of this elite lifestyle are unexpectedly appealing, the more embroiled she becomes, the more she sees its dark underbelly—and a rebellion rising in secret. Collin is confusing, both cold and protective, and worse, she finds herself drawn to the very last person she should be falling for: Hal, one of the resistance leaders.

As she draws closer to both Collin and Hal, the Illum exercise their power in increasingly brutal ways, forcing Emeline to question everything—most of all whether she’ll have to give up her heart and even her life to stop them."

 

Emeline works a job on the ground, helping go through old works of art after the Last War. The Last War raged through the world, and now society is left with the main focus being on procreation, but with requirements. The Illum, the elite group of authoritarian rulers, run the show and prioritize procreation, but with people who have the best genes and traits. Emeline, a "minor defect, " is paired with Collin, the youngest Illum, which seems like an unconventional pairing and one that is unprecedented. This could be a way out of the drudgery for Emeline and a way into their world of comfort in the clouds. Except this isn't going to be easy. Emeline has met a charismatic man, Hal, while at her job. He just showed up in her office one day, as he is interested in the art she is going through. They hit it off and have a connection, but she slowly realizes that Hal is on the outskirts of society. With her recent pairing with Collin, how on earth could she actually have a genuine relationship with Hal, and even worse, what if the people in charge find out? While all this is brewing, there is an uprising occurring that makes Emeline question which path she should take. Conform, a debut novel by Ariel Sullivan, is an engaging dystopian, reminiscent of the many young adult dystopians that swept the literary world years ago.
 
I enjoyed the character of Emeline a lot in Conform. She recognizes her place in society, but isn't exactly a conformist. She has dreams and desires outside of what the Illum want for her. While Conform does have a love triangle (Collin vs. Hal), I think it is done well as each man represents a different path Emeline could take. Plus, there are some twists and turns coming down the road as she progresses with her assigned relationship with Collin.
 
My only issue with Conform was the lack of world-building. Usually, dystopian novels really flesh out the setting a bit more, and that wasn't the case here in Conform. I wish Sullivan had explained it a bit more, but other than that, I really enjoyed the novel. 

If you, like me, were really into all those dystopian novels from 10-15 years ago, this will be right up your alley. Conform ended up being one of my favorite books of the year!