Mystery andthrillerbooks make for great escapist reads, and a number of exciting new releases are joining the genre in February 2025. Winter is an ideal time tosnuggle up with any type of book, but thrillers are unique in their ability to keep readers turning the pages. With so many twisty new additions to the genre hitting shelves in February, there are plenty of options for those looking to immerse themselves in a gripping story.
From chilling survival thrillers to more traditional murder mysteries,February 2025 has offerings for every thriller preference. Recognizable authors like Kate Alice Marshall and Gillian McAllister are returning with new stories this month, and the most exciting books cover a variety of settings and setups. There are even a few wintry thrillers in the mix, which will make for ideal February reads.2025 is a great year for thriller books, and February’s releases alone are proving as much.
10A Killing Cold By Kate Alice Marshall
Release Date: June 02, 2025
Kate Alice Marshall wowed readers withWhat Lies in the WoodsandNo One Can Know,andshe’s back withA Killing Coldin February 2025. With a title, cover, and premise that fit the wintry vibes of February, Marshall’s latest is the perfect new release to pick up this month. The novel follows Theodora Scott as she accompanies her wealthy boyfriend to his family’s remote retreat, despite receiving warnings to stay away. She soon realizes she’s in danger, and her journey promises to expose everyone’s secrets — all while a blizzard rages on, making Theodora’s predicament even scarier.
9The Meadowbrook Murders By Jessica Goodman
They Wish They Were Usauthor Jessica Goodman is releasingThe Meadowbrook Murdersthis February— and its boarding school setting sounds like the ideal atmospheric backdrop for a winter thriller. The book kicks off with Amy and her best friend, Sarah, excited to start their senior year at Middlebrook Academy. However, Sarah’s is cut tragically short when she and her boyfriend are killed in their dorm. Given that Amy is her only roommate, she’s suspect number one.
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Amy sets out to solve the mystery behind Sarah’s murder, as does Liz, the school’s newspaper editor. The secrets unearthed are harrowing, and they shine a light on the wealth and privilege that a place like Middlebrook Academy breeds.The Meadowbrook Murderssounds like a compelling addition to the young adult thriller category, so it’s one to watch out for in February.
8Needy Little Things By Channelle Desamours
Another exciting young adult thriller hitting shelves in February 2025 isNeedy Little Thingsby Channelle Desamours. A blend of the fantasy and thriller categories,Needy Little Thingscenters on a teenage girl with “premonition-like powers.“Sariyah isn’t certain if her ability is more helpful or harmful, but she spendsNeedy Little Thingssearching for her friend who has disappeared. With the synopsis citing her motivation to “not to let her become yet another forgotten Black girl,” it sounds as thoughNeedy Little Thingswill explore the impact race has on such investigations, making it an intriguing and important February read.
7You Are Fatally Invited By Ande Pliego
Release Date: June 04, 2025
Retreat settings seem to be a theme among February’s thrillers, and Ande Pliego’sYou Are Fatally Invitedwill take readers on a trip to a writer’s retreat alongside Mila del Angél. Mila is hosting the event on behalf of a renowned author, and the attendees are all experts at crafting thrillers and mysteries. This makes them the ideal group to create a real-life murder mystery, and when a person is found dead, that’s exactly what Mila finds herself wrapped up in.You Are Fatally Invitedsounds like an entertaining homage to the genre, and it’s perfect for fans of locked-room thrillers.
6A Girl Like Us By Anna Sophia McLoughlin
Another locked-room thriller joining February 2025’s lineup,A Girl Like Usis pitched as “Succession meets Saltburn”— a description intriguing enough to draw readers all on its own. Following reality TV star Maya Miller as she marries the wealthy and famous Colin Sterling,A Girl Like Ussees Maya becoming the primary suspect after Colin’s cousin is killed. The Sterling family retreats to their estate, and Maya is left to uncover their secrets and how they tie into Arianna’s death.A Girl Like Uspromises to explore the intersection of wealth and power, all while taking readers on a wild ride.
5Blood Ties By Jo Nesbø
Blood Ties,the second installment in Jo Nesbø’sKongeriketseries, will make its debut on February 11, reuniting readers with Carl and Roy Opgard. Judging by the synopsis, the two killers will continue doing what they do best, increasing their body counts, even as the sheriff of their small town closes in on them. While the details are sparse beyond that, the sequel toThe Kingdomis poised to be even more thrilling and action-packed than the first book. Its 4.07 averageGoodreadsrating is a positive sign, suggesting an even wilder story this time around.
4Beartooth By Callan Wink
Beartoothby Callan Wink is also getting positive reviews ahead of its February 2025 release, boasting a 4.15Goodreadsrating already. The Western thriller, which follows two brothers residing near Yellowstone, will explore how far people are willing to go when motivated by debt and desperation. For Thad and Hazen, the notion of committing a federal crime and embarking on a dangerous heist isn’t too big an ask. Their journey promises to be an adrenaline-fueled ride and one of the most unique thrillers of the month.
3Whiteout By R.S. Burnett
R.S. Burnett’s survival thriller,Whiteout, has all the ingredients of awintry read that’s perfect for the snowy season. Set in Antarctica,Whiteoutfinds researcher Rachael Beckett trapped and isolated at her field station after all communications go down. Thanks to a radio message, Rachael knows the reason behind her circumstances: nuclear war. However, this leaves her worried about her family and the state of the outside world as she struggles to stay alive — and wonders if there’s any reason to. Chilling and harrowing,Whiteoutis yet another unique addition to February’s lineup.
2Famous Last Words By Gillian McAllister
Release Date: August 11, 2025
Gillian McAllister is known for thrillers likeWrong Place Wrong TimeandJust Another Missing Person, but with its 4.18 Goodreads rating,Famous Last Wordsmight just be her best release yet. Continuing McAllister’s habit of delivering creative premises,Famous Last Wordsfollows a new mom named Camilla as she learns that her husband is the gunman in an ongoing hostage situation. All she has to clue her into his motives is a mysterious note left at her bedside.Famous Last Wordspromises an emotional roller coaster as Camilla’s situation develops, and knowing McAllister, readers will revel in every gut punch.
1Close Your Eyes And Count To 10 By Lisa Unger
Lisa Unger’s February 2025thriller,Close Your Eyes and Count to 10,promises “the ultimate game of hide-and-seek” as a group of people gather on a remote island for a game that proves more dangerous than expected. The competition is initially intended for social media, but the combination of a storm and sinister intentions leaves the book’s lead wondering if she’ll make it home. Adele is determined to do so, but she’ll have to be careful as she navigates the island. A survival story that puts a fun spin on a classic game, Unger’s latest sounds both immersive and gripping.
