Best Romantic Mysteries & Thrillers Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin is a contemporary teen romance novel that explores the complexities of love, regret, and the impact of relationships. Autumn and Finn were once inseparable, but now they try their best to ignore each other. However, the nagging thought that maybe they should be together doesn't stop Autumn from feeling something every time they cross paths. As they approach the end of high school, Autumn is forced to confront the possibility that life could have been different if they had never parted ways. This emotional and captivating book is perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Jenny Han.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is a gripping young adult mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows high school senior Pip as she investigates the murder of Andie Bell, a popular student who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, Sal Singh. Pip's investigation leads her to discover a trail of dark secrets that could prove Sal's innocence, but someone in their town doesn't want her digging around. The book is full of twists and turns, and the ending is unexpected. Jackson brilliantly plays off our collective true crime obsession, making this book a must-read for fans of the genre.

As Good as Dead: The Finale to A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is a gripping and thrilling conclusion to the bestselling mystery series. The protagonist, Pip, is a young woman who has gained popularity for her true-crime podcast. However, she soon finds herself in danger when an anonymous person starts stalking her in real life. The plot escalates when Pip discovers connections between her stalker and a local serial killer. With the police refusing to take action, she takes matters into her own hands. The book is a perfect read for fans of YA thrillers and true crime. Overall, it is a well-written and skillfully constructed novel of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Hawthorne Legacy (The Inheritance Games, 2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a thrilling sequel to the beloved bestselling The Inheritance Games. In this book, heiress Avery Grambs has to find the man who might hold the answers to all of her questions—including why Tobias Hawthorne left his entire fortune to Avery, a virtual stranger, rather than to his own daughters or grandsons. Barnes is a master of puzzles and plot twists, and this book will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Overall, The Hawthorne Legacy is a must-read for fans of mysteries and detective stories.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a New York Times bestseller that tells the story of Avery Grambs, a high school student who unexpectedly inherits a fortune from a billionaire she never met. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into the Hawthorne House, a mansion filled with puzzles, riddles, and secrets. The catch? The Hawthorne family believes Avery is a con artist and will stop at nothing to take her down. The novel is filled with thrilling twists, high-stakes treasure hunts, and family secrets. Overall, The Inheritance Games is a gripping and entertaining read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The Final Gambit is the latest installment in The Inheritance Games series, which has sold over one million copies. The book follows Avery Kylie Grambs as she tries to survive and inherit billions by living in Hawthorne House. However, a visitor's arrival changes everything, and Avery and the Hawthorne brothers find themselves in a dangerous game against an unknown and powerful player. The book is filled with secrets, puzzles, and plot twists that keep the reader engaged until the very end. Overall, The Final Gambit is an entertaining and thrilling read that is perfect for fans of romantic mysteries and thrillers.

The Inheritance Games Collection is a thrilling and suspenseful trilogy that follows Avery Grambs, a high school student who unexpectedly inherits billionaire Tobias Hawthorne's fortune. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into the Hawthorne House, where every room is filled with puzzles, riddles, and codes. However, the Hawthorne family is not happy about Avery's inheritance and believes she is a conwoman. With twists, secrets, and dangerous stakes, this series is perfect for fans of One of Us Is Lying and Knives Out. Overall, the Inheritance Games Collection is a captivating and unique mystery series that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a thrilling addition to the Inheritance Games trilogy. It follows the story of Grayson and Jameson Hawthorne, two brothers with different personalities and goals. Grayson is tasked to take care of his half-sisters' trouble, while Jameson is challenged to infiltrate an exclusive underground gambling club in London. The brothers, along with their siblings and a girl who inherited their grandfather's fortune, find themselves playing twisted games on opposite sides of the world. Barnes expertly weaves together family secrets, high stakes, and a touch of romance to create an engaging and captivating novel. Fans of Barnes's previous works will not be disappointed.

An instant #1 National Bestseller, Lightlark by Alex Aster is the first book in The Lightlark Saga series. The book is a thrilling YA fantasy novel that takes readers on a journey to the Centennial, a deadly game that only the rulers of six realms are invited to play. With unique curses and rulers with something to hide, the Centennial offers the chance to break the curses that have plagued their realms for centuries. Filled with deception, romance, and twists, Lightlark is a must-read for fans of Marie Lu, Marissa Meyer, and Leigh Bardugo. Overall, a gorgeously lush and cinematic fantasy that readers won't want to put down.

Bloodmarked (2) (The Legendborn Cycle) is a captivating contemporary fantasy book for teens and young adults. Tracy Deonn's sequel to Legendborn is a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and magic, making it ideal for fans of Cassandra Clare and Margaret Rogerson. Bree is now a Medium, Bloodcrafter, and Scion with newfound power, but she is also in danger as the ancient war between demons and the Order intensifies. Bree's fight to save Nick and her friends is filled with unpredictable powers and enemies, making the book a page-turner. Tracy Deonn's writing is refreshing and engaging. Overall, Bloodmarked (2) (The Legendborn Cycle) is a must-read for all fantasy lovers.