Best Organized Crime Thrillers Books of 2025

The Exchange is a legal thriller and the sequel to the bestselling book, The Firm, by John Grisham. The story follows the lives of Mitch and Abby McDeere, who are now living in Manhattan fifteen years after exposing the crimes of a Memphis law firm. Mitch, now a partner at the world's largest law firm, finds himself at the center of a sinister plot with worldwide implications. Grisham's engaging writing style and intricate plot twists keep the reader hooked until the very end. Overall, The Exchange is a thrilling read that will keep fans of Grisham's work satisfied.

City of Dreams is the second novel in an epic crime trilogy from Don Winslow, the bestselling author of the Cartel trilogy. Following the events of City on Fire, Danny Ryan is now on the run with his family and the remains of his loyal crew of soldiers. When the Feds track him down, they offer him a dangerous favor that could either make him rich or kill him. Meanwhile, Hollywood starts shooting a film based on his former life, and Danny demands a piece of the action. As their worlds collide, Danny must fight for his life in a city where dreams are born or where they go to die. Winslow's writing is sharp, funny, and brilliant in this sweeping saga of family, love, revenge, survival, and the fierce reality behind the dream.

The Sacrifice is a dark standalone romance novel by the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Shantel Tessier. The story follows the life of a Lady who is forced to marry a Lord, only to be handed over to an even more ruthless one for his revenge. The book is filled with secrets, jealousy, and possessiveness, making it an interesting read. The Sacrifice is a complete standalone novel told in dual POVs, and it is a good addition to the coming of age fiction books. Overall, it is an engaging and unique read that will keep readers hooked until the very end.

The Ritual: A Dark College Romance by Shantel Tessier is a gripping standalone romance novel that revolves around the Lords, a secret society at Barrington University. The society demands blood as payment and is made up of the most powerful men in the world. The protagonist gets sucked into the dark world of the Lords and becomes Ryat’s chosen one. The novel is a 150K word standalone romance that contains dark themes that may be triggering to some. The book is an Amazon Top 100 Bestseller and a unique read for those who enjoy romantic suspense books.

Close Her Eyes is a heart-racing crime thriller and mystery novel featuring Detective Josie Quinn. When a young woman is found dead with no clues and no apparent enemies, Josie is called to investigate. As the case takes a sinister turn, another body is found with a tell-tale horseshoe mark on her hip. Josie must race against time to solve the puzzle before the killer strikes again. This gripping page-turner is perfect for fans of police procedural books and is sure to keep readers up all night. Lisa Regan delivers another unputdownable novel that is both heart-breaking and thrilling.

City on Fire by Don Winslow is a thrilling saga that explores loyalty, betrayal, and honor set in the criminal underworld of New England. The story follows two rival crime families, the Irish and the Italians, as they ignite a war that will leave only one standing. Danny Ryan becomes a leader in this treacherous game to save the family he has sworn to protect. Winslow's fluid narrative and highly visual scene-setting make this novel a contemporary masterpiece in the tradition of The Godfather, Casino, and Goodfellas. Overall, City on Fire is a masterwork of mob fiction that is sure to captivate readers.

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.

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 Maddest Obsession (Made) by Daniella Starre is a captivating organized crime thriller that follows the story of Gianna and Christian. Gianna is a woman who hides her panic attacks behind a sparkly disguise while Christian is a special agent in the New York underworld. Despite their differences, their lives intertwine, and Gianna becomes Christian's obsession. The book is a standalone novel that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end. Daniella Starre's writing style is engaging, and the characters are well-developed. Overall, The Maddest Obsession is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling crime novel with a touch of romance.

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts is an exceptional thriller and suspense fiction novel that takes the reader on a journey through the vibrant streets of Bombay, India. The story follows Lin, an escaped convict, as he navigates the city's hidden society of beggars, gangsters, and holy men while searching for love and meaning. Roberts' writing is a work of extraordinary art, with his vivid descriptions of the city and its inhabitants. The novel is a must-read for anyone who loves a gripping story with a unique cultural backdrop.