Best Assassination Thrillers Books of 2025

Only the Dead: A Thriller (6) (Terminal List) by Jack Carr is a high-octane, action-packed political thriller that follows former Navy SEAL James Reece as he uncovers a global conspiracy led by a secret cabal of elites. With the world on the brink of war and the United States facing political division, inflation, and shocking assassinations, Reece is on a mission to stop the conspirators from assuming control. Carr's signature authenticity and Reece's relentless determination create an incredibly vivid, emotional, and entertaining plot that readers won't be able to put down.

Burner (Gray Man) is a thrilling addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Gray Man series. The story follows Alex Velesky, who unknowingly taps into a motherlode of corruption and finds himself being hunted by the Russian mafia and the CIA. Court Gentry and Zoya Zakharova are caught in the middle, both wanting Velesky for different reasons. With non-stop action and high-stakes tension, this book is perfect for fans of spy stories and action-packed thrillers. Overall, Burner (Gray Man) is a must-read for those who enjoy fast-paced and tightly written novels filled with drama and excitement.

Code Red: A Mitch Rapp Novel by Kyle Mills is a high-octane political thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Mitch Rapp is sent on a mission to Syria to stop the distribution of a new narcotic that is a major threat to a powerful crime lord's business. However, he soon discovers that the drug is not being produced by the Syrian government but by Russia's asymmetrical warfare unit as a weapon against the West. Rapp and his team must devise a plan that could change the course of human history. This is a gripping and timely novel that showcases the author's talent for crafting intricate plots and intense action scenes.

Music City Mayhymn is a hard-boiled mystery book that follows Nashville's top homicide detective, Max Malone, as he investigates a series of suspicious deaths. With the help of his partner, Vince Wilson, and beat cop, Helen Hanover, they try to catch a vigilante who is playing judge and jury. The book is an extraordinary debut novel by Billy Sprague, an award-winning songwriter and recording artist, who exposes the layered M.O. of a human soul. Sprague's storytelling is superb, making it a non-stop action page-turner with amazing twists and turns. Overall, the book is a must-read for mystery lovers who enjoy an immersive and thrilling ride.

Billy Summers is a thrilling crime action and adventure novel by Stephen King. The book tells the story of a hitman who is on the verge of retirement but agrees to do one last job. However, things don't go as planned, and Billy finds himself in trouble. The novel is a mix of war story, coming-of-age, and road novel, and King masterfully weaves them together to create a gripping and electrifying narrative. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of surprises. Billy Summers is a unique and unforgettable character that readers won't forget. Overall, this is an excellent book that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

In the Blood: A Thriller (5) (Terminal List) is another thrilling addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Terminal List series. The story follows former Navy SEAL James Reece as he seeks revenge for the targeted assassination of a Mossad operative with ties to two intelligence services. With a gripping and fast-paced plot, well-developed characters, and a touch of weirdness, this book is a must-read for fans of political thrillers. Overall, author Jack Carr does an excellent job of keeping readers on the edge of their seats till the very end.

Savage Son: A Thriller (Terminal List) is the third installment in the high-octane Terminal List series, where former Navy SEAL James Reece has to infiltrate the Russian mafia and turn the hunters into the hunted. In this heart-pounding thriller, Jack Carr explores the darkest instincts of humanity through Reece's eyes, who has seen both the best and the worst of it. Carr's visceral writing style and insight make this book a must-read for fans of political thrillers. The book is unique in its exploration of the complex and often dark world of international espionage.

Soho Crime's Slow Horses (Deluxe Edition) (Slough House) is a thrilling and prescient novel that follows a team of MI5 agents who have all made significant mistakes and are now relegated to a low-security facility called Slough House. The so-called "slow horses" are given a chance to redeem themselves when a young man is abducted and his kidnappers threaten to broadcast his beheading live on the Internet. This special tenth-anniversary deluxe edition of a modern classic includes a foreword by the author, discussion questions for book clubs, and an exclusive short story featuring the slow horses. Overall, the book is a gripping read that is both suspenseful and humorous, making it a standout in the traditional detective mysteries genre.

On Target by Mark Greaney is a thrilling addition to the Gray Man series. The story follows former CIA agent Court Gentry, aka the Gray Man, who is tasked with a nearly impossible kidnapping mission. The catch? He must deliver his quarry to the very CIA team that betrayed him. As Court navigates through Sudan to complete his mission, he faces multiple obstacles that threaten his life and the success of his mission. Despite the familiar elements in the book, the character Court is endearing in his perseverance, making the story action-packed and touching. Overall, On Target is a smartly written, intense, and perfectly-paced thriller that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

Forgotten War by Don Bentley is a gripping and action-packed thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Matt Drake and his partner, Frodo, who have been accused of a war crime ten years after leaving Afghanistan. Matt sets out to prove Frodo's innocence but discovers that his friend has secrets he won't share. Bentley's military background shines through in the detailed and realistic descriptions of combat and the complex relationships between soldiers. Overall, Forgotten War is a must-read for fans of the genre and a standout addition to the Matt Drake series.