8 Thrilling Novels Featuring Relatable Heroines You'll Enjoy Rooting For

The intrigue in The Last Thing He Told Me unfolds quickly as Hannah Hall receives a cryptic note from her husband before his sudden disappearance: “Protect her.” Hannah’s stepdaughter, Bailey, is the “her” in question, and together, they embark on a suspenseful journey to uncover the truth behind Owen Michaels' vanishing act. This novel, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, offers a roller-coaster of emotions and revelations, with unexpected family ties unraveling as readers are drawn deeper into this heart-pounding narrative.

Real Easy by Marie Rutkoski is a gritty thriller set in 1999 at the Lovely Lady strip club. Samantha, a seasoned dancer, finds herself entangled in a murder investigation while trying to protect a naive newcomer. With characters that come alive—from dancers to detectives—this novel transports readers into a world where the lives of women intersect with danger and mystery, posing the eternal question of how to navigate a world fraught with threats.

In Alias Emma, readers are thrust into a high-stakes chase across London. Emma Makepeace is tasked with protecting a man targeted by the Russian government. As the city’s surveillance network turns against her, Emma, with resourcefulness and skill reminiscent of a contemporary Bond, must navigate an intricate web of espionage to keep her target alive until sunrise. This gripping narrative promises relentless tension wrapped in smooth, cinematic storytelling.

Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan Is Killing It breathes humor into the thriller genre. Finlay, an overwhelmed single mom and novelist, inadvertently becomes embroiled in a real-life murder plot. Her misadventures and attempts to juggle motherhood with crime-solving antics are both entertaining and endearing, offering a refreshingly lighthearted take on the suspense thriller mold.

Shutter, set in New Mexico’s Navajo Nation, blends crime thriller with supernatural elements in a haunting debut. Forensic photographer Rita Todacheene is burdened by her ability to see ghosts, who guide her to solve their murders. But this skill places her life in constant jeopardy from both spectral and human threats. This chilling tale weaves a compelling narrative about the intersection of the living and the dead.

In The Newcomer, Letty Carnahan discovers her sister’s murder and sets off on a tense journey to protect her niece. pursued by dangers from her sister’s past, she arrives at The Murmuring Surf Motel in Florida. This vivid portrayal of refuge and resilience explores the themes of loss and redemption against a backdrop of beachside suspense.

Northern Spy delves into the dilemmas of loyalty and family. Tessa, a BBC producer, confronts her world flipping upside down when her sister is suspected of working with the IRA. As Tessa grapples with her decisions amidst personal and political chaos, this novel expertly intertwines a tale of espionage and familial conflict, set against the stunning yet tumultuous backdrop of Northern Ireland.

Exploring the beguiling yet perilous expatriate life, The Expats confronts the theme of identity and secrecy as protagonist Kate Moore seeks to maintain her façade of a peaceful family life abroad, all while shadowed by her mysterious past. A gripping narrative that questions whether we can ever truly escape our secrets, this novel entangles readers in a suspenseful web of deceit.