Best Women's Adventure Fiction 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.

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 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.

Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars is a thrilling adventure set between Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. The story follows Cal Kestis and the Stinger Mantis crew as they pursue a potentially invaluable tool for their fight against the Empire, but in doing so, they cross paths with the dangerous Inquisitor known as the Fifth Brother. Author Sam Maggs delivers a gripping tale full of action and suspense that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars is a must-read for fans of the franchise and those who love science fiction adventures.

El Alquimista by Paulo Coelho is a modern classic that sold millions of copies worldwide and transformed the lives of countless readers of all ages. The book tells the mystical story of Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd who dreams of traveling in search of a worldly treasure. Santiago's journey teaches us the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, recognizing opportunities, and learning to read the omens scattered throughout life, and, most importantly, following our dreams. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and self-discovery.

The Summer House by James Patterson is a gripping thriller that follows Major Jeremiah Cook and his team as they investigate a mass murder in a small town. Eyewitnesses point to four Army Rangers as the culprits, but as Cook and his team dig deeper, they discover forces working to keep damning secrets hidden. The novel is a page-turner that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Patterson's skillful writing and DuBois' contribution to the story make The Summer House a must-read for fans of action-packed fiction.

Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin is a haunting coming-of-age story that revolves around the disappearance of a college-age girl. The book explores the aftermath of the tragedy, the impact it has on the family, and the obsessive pursuit of truth by the younger sister, Claire. The novel has been praised for its intelligent and distinctive characters and its unflinching portrayal of grief and obsession. The book has been included in several lists of the best books of 2020 and is now a Hulu Original Series. Overall, Saint X is a brilliant and captivating debut that will keep readers hooked until the very end.

A MODERN CLASSIC AND INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER WINNER OF THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE After the sinking of a cargo ship, a solitary lifeboat remains bobbing on the wild blue Pacific. The only survivors from the wreck are a sixteen-year-old boy named Pi, a hyena, a wounded zebra, an orangutan—and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger.Soon the tiger has dispatched all but Pi Patel, whose fear, knowledge, and cunning allow him to coexist with the tiger, Richard Parker, for 227 days while lost at sea. When they finally reach the coast of Mexico, Richard Parker flees to the jungle, never to be seen again. The Japanese authorities who interrogate Pi refuse to believe his story and press him to tell them "the truth." After hours of coercion, Pi tells a second story, a story much less fantastical, much more conventional—but is it more true?"A story to make you believe in the soul-sustaining power of fiction."—Los Angeles Times Book Review

Desert Star by Michael Connelly is a thrilling police procedural novel that follows LAPD detective Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch as they team up to catch a brutal killer responsible for the murder of an entire family. The story takes the reader on a journey through deep dives into the past, great action scenes, and displays Connelly's encyclopedic knowledge of the latest forensics. The book is a gripping and profoundly moving read that showcases why Connelly has been dubbed “one of the greatest crime writers of all time”. Overall, Desert Star is a must-read for fans of police procedural novels.

Victory City, written by Salman Rushdie, is a New York Times bestseller that tells the epic tale of Pampa Kampana, a woman who becomes a vessel for a goddess that grants her powers beyond comprehension. Over the next 250 years, Pampa Kampana's life becomes deeply interwoven with the rise and fall of a great city called Bisnaga - "victory city" - as she attempts to give women equal agency in a patriarchal world. Brilliantly styled as a translation of an ancient epic, Victory City is a saga of love, adventure, and myth that is in itself a testament to the power of storytelling.