In an effort to provide more genre-specific insights into what titles perform well with BookBub subscribers, we recently launched a new series highlighting popular books in each BookBub category. After examining some stand-out Mysteries in our first BookBub Bestsellers post, our focus this month turns to Thrillers!
Nesbø’s acclaimed novel has sold over 18 million copies worldwide, so it’s no surprise that it struck a chord with BookBub subscribers. In addition to generating sales and rave reviews in its own right, The Bat stands out as a crucial installment in a popular series, illustrating the power of creating a franchise that readers can’t seem to put down.
2) Final Argument by Clifford Irving
As one critical review says, “Two cliffhanger trials, a moral crisis, violence, love … it’s all here” (The Mail on Sunday). In other words, this courtroom drama is packed with about everything you’d want in a can’t-miss thriller.
3) Black Irish by Stephan Talty
Not only does this book have an atmospheric and haunting cover, but it also comes from an author who boasts a half dozen New York Times bestselling titles to his name (and as we’ve said in the past, accolades like this can help sell books in a big way).
4) Nothing Personal by Eileen Dreyer
We’ve seen forensic thrillers perform well with our subscribers in the past, so it makes sense that a story combining that classic sub-genre with a sinister medical plot would work. Mix in a relatable female nurse turned sleuth and a dash of romance, and you have a BookBub winner.
5) Hush by Anne Frasier
This book’s cover is… creepy, in the best of ways. While edgy content doesn’t always appeal to BookBub subscribers, it often seems to hit a sweet spot on our Thrillers list. Frasier’s title delivers it in spades.
6) The 7th Victim by Alan Jacobson
A strong female protagonist and a storyline that mixes gripping suspense with the hunt for personal redemption makes this a particularly intriguing psychological thriller. And like a number of other books on this list, The 7th Victim is the first in a popular series.
7) Think of a Number by John Verdon
Verdon’s literary thriller stands out as much for its dark, intriguing plot as it does for its deft prose. If that didn’t seal the deal with our readers, renowned author David Baldacci calls it “remarkable,” “haunting,” and “a ride of chilling suspense” in a particularly effusive review of the book.
8) The Ritual Bath by Faye Kellerman
Originally published in 1986, Kellerman’s debut novel appeals to a broad mix of readers, with a plot that focuses as much on suspenseful police procedure as it does on Judaic rituals and interpersonal relationships. And like The Bat, it is part of a (very) well-received series, with millions of copies in print.
As with the Mysteries we featured in January, the titles above represent only a small selection of the hundreds of books that have performed above average on our Thrillers list. However, this sampling can help us identify a few trends and themes that consistently win over our readers. For example, books that feature female protagonists or those that are part of a series often do well in all our categories, while readers on our Thrillers list seem to respond particularly well to darker and edgier content.
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