Best Heist Thrillers Books of 2025

The Maid's Diary by Loreth Anne White is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The story follows Kit Darling, a maid with a penchant for snooping, who stumbles upon a dark secret that puts her life in danger. When homicide cop Mallory Van Alst investigates the disappearance of Kit, she discovers evidence of a violent attack and a devious collision course that will change everyone's lives forever. White's writing is cunning, twisty, and unsettling, making this novel a must-read for fans of the genre.

The Last Flight by Julie Clark is a gripping psychological fiction novel that tells the story of two women, Claire and Eva, who switch tickets at the airport, hoping to escape their troubled lives. But when the plane to Puerto Rico crashes, Claire realizes that she has assumed Eva's identity and must live with the secrets that Eva fought so hard to keep hidden. With unexpected twists and turns, this book is a page-turner that will keep readers hooked until the very end. Overall, The Last Flight is a well-crafted and engaging read that will leave readers satisfied with its bittersweet but satisfying resolution.

Heat 2: A Novel is an explosive return to the universe and characters of Michael Mann's classic crime film Heat, with an all-new story unfolding in the years before and after the iconic movie. Mann teams up with Edgar Award-winning author Meg Gardiner to bring this novel to life, taking readers on a wild ride through the inner sanctums of rival crime syndicates and transnational criminal enterprises. The book is a must-read for fans of the original movie and those who enjoy suspenseful crime novels.

The Investigator by John Sandford is a thrilling procedural action novel that follows Letty Davenport, the adopted daughter of Lucas Davenport, as she investigates a theft of crude oil in Texas. Partnered with a DHS investigator, Letty uncovers a dangerous and explosive plan orchestrated by a militia group. Sandford's writing style and Letty's capabilities make this book a must-read for fans of the genre. The Investigator is a unique addition to terrorism thriller books that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Counterfeit by Grace Chen is a Reese's Book Club Pick and an instant New York Times Bestseller. The book tells the story of two Asian American women who team up to build a counterfeit handbag scheme into a global enterprise. This is an entertaining and glittering blend of fashion, crime, and friendship. Chen's writing is innovative and subversive, deconstructing the American dream and the myth of the model minority. This book is recommended by major publications including The New York Times Book Review, Washington Post, and Entertainment Weekly. It is a must-read for fans of Hustlers and How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia.

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Lee Satish Tang is a coming of age novel about Ray McMillian, a gifted Black violinist determined to become a world-class professional musician. When he discovers that his family fiddle is a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams seem within reach. However, on the eve of the renowned Tchaikovsky Competition, the violin is stolen. Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin but prove to himself and the world that there has always been a truly great musician within him. This book is a page-turner, full of suspense and surprises, and a must-read for music lovers and fans of coming-of-age stories.

The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz is a gripping novel about a struggling writer who steals a story idea from his student, only to find out that the student died before he could finish the book. The stolen idea becomes a bestselling novel, bringing fame and fortune to the writer, but his success is threatened by an anonymous accuser who claims he is a thief. As the writer tries to uncover the truth about the stolen idea, he discovers dark secrets about his late student. This New York Times bestseller is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery and a well-crafted plot.

Harlem Shuffle: A Novel by Colson Whitehead is a fast-paced crime novel that explores race, power, and the history of Harlem. The story follows Ray Carney, an upstanding furniture salesman with a double life as a crook. When his cousin involves him in a heist gone wrong, Ray finds himself dealing with shady cops, gangsters, and other lowlifes of Harlem. Whitehead's ingenious story is set in the beautifully recreated New York City of the early 1960s, making it a family saga masquerading as a crime novel. Overall, Harlem Shuffle is a must-read for literary fiction fans who enjoy a thrilling and humorous ride through the streets of Harlem.

Portrait of an Unknown Woman: A Novel (Gabriel Allon, 22) by Daniel Silva is an exceptional addition to the espionage thriller genre. The book follows ex-spy and art restorer Gabriel Allon as he investigates a multibillion-dollar fraud in the art world. The plot is ingeniously crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Silva's writing is stylish and sophisticated, painting a vivid picture of the dark side of the art world. Overall, Portrait of an Unknown Woman is a thrilling journey that showcases Silva's mastery of the genre.

Traitors Gate is the new 2023 rollercoaster thriller from Jeffrey Archer, the author of the Clifton Chronicles and Kane & Abel. The book tells the story of a master criminal who sets his sights on pulling off the most outrageous theft in history during the State Opening of Parliament. With a man on the inside, the odds are in his favor. Unless the team can stop him before it’s too late… Archer is a master storyteller and this book is no exception. It is an unputdownable thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.