The best complex and thought-provoking thrillers

This book made me fall in love with John le Carre’s writing. The deliciously complex and layered plot held my full attention to the end. He is now one of my favorite authors. 

I’m a fan of stories that focus on both plot and character. George Smiley is a substantial character, unusual for an espionage thriller. He is complex, deep, honorable, persistent, and very human. He feels very real to me.  

John le Carre doesn’t write high-action novels, and that’s just the way I like it. I enjoy slow-burn stories and tales that unfold gently while keeping me intrigued. With so many subtle clues sprinkled liberally throughout the novel, I’ve even enjoyed re-reading this book—something I rarely do. I’ve also enjoyed the movie more than once. The portrayal of the political environment, the prevailing intrigues, and the world of international espionage during the Cold War made me reflect on today’s political climate. Very thought-provoking.

Provocative questions about redemption and second chances are at the heart of this story, and they made me dive deeper into my own ideas about these issues. The book shows that truth is never straightforward, and the burden of guilt and shame can complicate the lives of everyone involved.

I loved Macmillan’s story-telling style. Despite the novel unfolding gently—it’s a slow burn—I read it in 3 days. That’s a record for me. It’s a testament to how attached I became to the character’s plight and the suspense and tension created by the writer. It’s a profound and engrossing story.

It’s both plot and character-focused, and I was hooked from the beginning. It starts with a simple premise, then turns it on its head and introduces doubt and mystery. The author kept me guessing; just when I thought I knew what was happening, the ground shifted under my feet. There was so much more to this story than I expected. 

I binge-watched the series on an overseas flight and got no sleep. I finished the entire series in one sitting. International flights from Australia are long hauls. At home, I grabbed the book from my bookcase. It had been waiting patiently in my to-be-read stash. Why did I wait so long? The book offers the added bonus of the author’s deeper story.

Moriarty reveals the plot from multiple viewpoints, highlighting how none of us can know what someone else is thinking or going through, what they're capable of, and what secrets they're keeping. I didn’t know what to believe, and I had to finish the book to find out. I loved digging into the character’s secrets and lies to root out the truth and piece the story together. It kept me guessing. 

The portrayal of real life, domestic issues, and the secrets people conceal is a minefield. One I thought about long after I had finished the book. Be aware there are serious themes in the book: domestic violence, bullying, and more, all of which make it very true to life.

This gripping historical thriller has World War II intrigue and Norwegian spies, so it can be described as a wartime murder mystery interwoven with a gripping espionage thriller. It’s a layered story that resonates with that era's tensions, conflicts, and mistrust. I felt like I was there; it was so rich in historical details.

The plot captures the real tensions between Nazi-occupied Norway and neutral Sweden. I learned so much and gained insights into the murky motivations of the time. For someone who pays attention to politics, the complex interplay of different interest groups and their political maneuvering had interesting parallels to the present.

The story has it all: layers of family drama, shared history, divided loyalties, and deep-seated hatred, with storylines weaving in political ideology, the true nature of war, and distorted notions of patriotism, ambition, and revenge. There is so much to think about and apply to today's world. It is an intelligent, poignant, and atmospheric book and an enjoyable slow-burn thriller.

I was enthralled by this dark, terrifying historical thriller, and its being based on a true story made it more unsettling. The gothic horror vibe of Scandinavian dark winters and the island setting heightened my dread as I read. The rising tension had me on the edge of my seat.

Gustawsson has created an atmospheric mystery story that connects past and present murders—9 years apart. I didn’t know who to believe or trust, and I didn’t figure out the motive until the end. Multiple viewpoints and numerous twists and turns kept me guessing. Just when I thought I knew what was happening, another piece of information took me in a different direction, only to be thwarted yet again. I couldn’t have predicted the ending. It’s masterful storytelling.

There are great, believable, but also sinister characters, making it a complex read. The plot is rooted in Viking rites and sinister secrets and taps into the strength of belief systems and how they can warp perceptions. A thought-provoking contemporary issue.