Best Mystery Action & Adventure Books of 2025

Simply Lies: A Psychological Thriller by David Baldacci is a gripping novel that follows the story of Mickey Gibson, a former detective turned single mom. When she gets caught up in a murder investigation, she finds herself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a con artist. As the plot twists and turns, readers are kept on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next. Baldacci's writing is masterful, and the characters are well-developed and believable. Overall, Simply Lies is a thrilling read that mystery and action-adventure book lovers will enjoy.

I Will Find You by Harlan Coben is a heart-pumping thriller that follows David Burroughs, a man wrongly accused and convicted of murdering his son. Five years into his life sentence, he discovers his son is still alive and plans a daring escape to save him and clear his name. Coben's impeccable storytelling and breakneck pace make this a real winner in the thriller genre. The book's unique premise and twists will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Countdown: Amy Cornwall is James Patterson's latest thriller that follows Agent Amy Cornwall as she races against time to save her family and prevent a terrorist attack that could kill thousands of Americans. With a gripping plot, intense action, and well-developed characters, this book is a must-read for fans of mystery, action, and adventure. Patterson's writing style, combined with Brendan DuBois' expertise, makes for an unforgettable read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Overall, Countdown: Amy Cornwall is a fantastic addition to Patterson's collection and a thrilling adventure that readers won't want to miss.

The Secret: A Jack Reacher Novel is a thrilling read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Written by Lee Child and Andrew Child, the book follows Jack Reacher, an exceptional soldier, as he investigates a string of mysterious deaths across the United States. As he races to uncover the truth, Reacher must navigate dangerous territory and confront some of the most dangerous people he has ever encountered. This book is a must-read for fans of thriller and suspense action fiction, and the authors' writing style is engaging and captivating. Overall, The Secret is a page-turner that will leave readers wanting more.

The Olympian Affair is the latest in Jim Butcher's bestselling series of noble families, swordplay, and airships, The Cinder Spires. The book follows the fate of the Cinder Spires as they stand on the brink of war, with Spire Albion facing overwhelming might from Spire Aurora's Armada and their new secret weapon. The Spirearch, Lord Albion, dispatches privateer Captain Francis Madison Grimm and his crew to secure alliances at a trading summit at Spire Olympia. The book is filled with daring, skill, and showmanship, making it a thrilling read for fans of men's adventure fiction books.

The Collector: A Novel is a thrilling book by #1 New York Times bestselling author, Daniel Silva. The story follows Gabriel Allon, an art restorer and spy, as he teams up with a master-thief to find the world's most valuable missing painting. However, their mission takes an unexpected turn when they find themselves racing against time to prevent a catastrophic conflict between Russia and the West. Silva's exceptional writing skills and vivid imagination make for an action-packed and captivating read, perfect for fans of suspense and espionage. Overall, The Collector is a must-read for anyone looking for an enthralling and unique thriller.

No Country for Old Men is a novel set in the Texas-Mexico border, where drug-runners have replaced rustlers, and small towns have become free-fire zones. The story follows Llewellyn Moss, who finds a pickup truck surrounded by a bodyguard of dead men, containing a load of heroin and two million dollars in cash. When Moss takes the money, he sets off a chain reaction of catastrophic violence that not even the law can contain. McCarthy's writing is gorgeously rendered and his narrative rips along like hell on wheels. No Country for Old Men is a triumph, and McCarthy is nothing less than our greatest living writer.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of Timeline, Sphere, and Congo, this is the classic thriller of science run amok that took the world by storm.Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read“[Michael] Crichton’s dinosaurs are genuinely frightening.”—Chicago Sun-TimesAn astonishing technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has been discovered. Now humankind’s most thrilling fantasies have come true. Creatures extinct for eons roam Jurassic Park with their awesome presence and profound mystery, and all the world can visit them—for a price. Until something goes wrong. . . . In Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton taps all his mesmerizing talent and scientific brilliance to create his most electrifying technothriller.Praise for Jurassic Park “Wonderful . . . powerful.”—The Washington Post Book World“Frighteningly real . . . compelling . . . It’ll keep you riveted.”—The Detroit News “Full of suspense.”—The New York Times Book Review

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.