Best Psychic Mysteries Books of 2026

The Butcher and the Wren by Michaela Urquhart is a thrilling police procedural novel that follows a forensic pathologist, Dr. Wren Muller, as she tries to solve a series of murders in the Louisiana bayou. The killer is methodical and taunts the authorities with his medical experimentation on his victims. The novel is told from the perspectives of both the killer and Dr. Wren Muller, providing a gripping cat-and-mouse chase that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The book's straight-from-the-morgue details and sharp connections between the pathologist and the killer make it a standout in the genre. Overall, The Butcher and the Wren is a must-read for fans of police procedurals and true crime.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn is a psychological thriller that follows the story of reporter Camille Preaker as she returns to her hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls. Installed in her old bedroom in her family's Victorian mansion, Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims a bit too strongly. She must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story and survive this homecoming. Flynn's dark and disturbing novel is skillfully written, with astonishing twists and turns that keep readers on edge. It's a book that goes deeper than your average thriller and offers a psychological complexity that makes it a standout in the genre.

"Mr. Mercedes" by Stephen King is a gripping police procedural novel that follows retired cop Bill Hodges as he tries to stop a lone killer from blowing up thousands. The novel is a war between good and evil, with a chilling insight into the mind of the obsessed, insane killer. King's exceptional writing skills and ability to create realistic characters make this book a must-read for fans of the genre. The book is a part of "The Bill Hodges Trilogy" and has won the Edgar Award for Best Novel. Overall, "Mr. Mercedes" is a thrilling and well-crafted novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats till the very end.

Ask for Andrea is a psychological thriller that tells the story of James Carson, a serial killer who preys on women he meets online. His past is about to catch up with him as his three victims, Brecia, Meghan, and Skye, have found each other and are seeking revenge. The book is a gripping and suspenseful read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The author does a great job of building tension and creating a sense of dread throughout the story. Overall, Ask for Andrea is a unique and thrilling addition to the psychological thriller genre.

Shutter by Melissa Larsen is a gripping crime thriller, supernatural horror, and a poignant portrayal of coming of age on the Navajo Nation. The book follows Rita Todacheene, a forensic photographer who has a secret ability to see ghosts of crime victims. When she is sent to photograph the scene of a supposed suicide, Rita is forced on a quest for revenge against the victim's killers. Larsen's writing is explosive, and the first-person storytelling is gorgeously expressive and propulsive. Shutter is an unusual and multilayered paranormal police procedural that stands out as a powerful debut from one of crime fiction's most promising new voices.

Stephen King's "Later" is a haunting and thrilling exploration of the cost of unearthing buried secrets. The protagonist, Jamie Conklin, has an unnatural ability that his struggling single mother urges him to keep secret. But when an NYPD detective draws him into a pursuit of a killer who threatens to strike from beyond the grave, Jamie must use his ability, which comes with a high cost. The book delivers signature twists and turns, making it an eerie and enthralling tale. King's writing is as clean, direct, and evocative as ever, making "Later" a must-read for fans of ghost mysteries books.

The Change: A Novel tells the story of three women in their midlife crisis who discover new powers that put them on a collision course with the evil lurking in their wealthy beach town. The book has received rave reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist, with the latter calling it a "potent thriller." The book's feminist revenge fantasy theme is a fresh take on the women's friendship fiction genre, making it a must-read for fans of Big Little Lies and The Witches of Eastwick. Overall, The Change is a suspenseful and engaging novel that delivers a powerful message against misogyny.

The Little Woods is a spine-tingling occult thriller that takes readers on a terrifying journey through the woods where unimaginable evil lurks. The story follows Ian Cockerton, who is drawn back to the woods of his childhood when the terrors of his past begin to haunt his present. With the help of a charismatic spiritualist, Ian must face the greatest fight of his life to protect his loved ones from an evil of inconceivable proportion. The book is a perfect treat for fans of demonic possession, supernatural horror, and coming-of-age stories like Stranger Things. Overall, The Little Woods is a must-read for anyone who loves a good scare.

Blaze: A Novel is a gripping crime story written by the master storyteller Stephen King under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. The novel follows the story of Clayton Blaisdell, Jr., a small-time delinquent who embarks on a kidnapping plot with George Rackley, a seasoned pro. However, the deal goes wrong, and George is dead. Or is he? The novel is a taut and riveting psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats till the very end. Overall, Blaze is a must-read for any Stephen King or crime novel fan, and its unique storyline sets it apart from other psychological thrillers.

Finders Keepers: A Novel (2) (The Bill Hodges Trilogy) by Stephen King is a thrilling police procedural novel that explores the dark side of literary obsession. The story revolves around a deranged fan, Morris Bellamy, who kills his favorite author and steals his unpublished work. Thirty-five years later, Morris is released from prison and sets out to find the stolen treasure. The only thing standing in his way is former police detective Bill Hodges and his team. King's masterful storytelling and suspenseful plot make Finders Keepers a must-read for fans of the genre.