A Brash guide to unputdownable books
As someone who lives and breathes books (and occasionally gets lost in the fictional worlds they create), I’m always on the hunt for that elusive, can’t-put-it-down read. You know the one—the book that keeps you up way past your bedtime, whispering promises of “just one more chapter” that quickly turn into ten? Yep, that one.
So, grab a pen and paper, snuggle into your favorite reading spot, and get ready—I’m about to add some unputdownable books to your TBR.
1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
A psychological thriller that redefined the genre. Twists, turns, and a narrative so twisted, you’ll need a compass to find your way back. Flynn’s writing grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go until long after the last. I loved both the book and the movie version of this title. If you haven’t seen it, go watch it. Ben Affleck… Mmmm.
2. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
A psychological mystery with a protagonist who refuses to speak? Yes, please! The tension is palpable, the suspense deliciously torturous, and the ending—well, let’s just say it’s worth the sleepless night. I’ll admit, this book was a bit of a slow burn for me in the beginning, but by the time it picked up, I didn’t want to put it down.
3. Credence by Penelope Douglas
Lordy if my Mama could see me now! Forget washing my mouth out with soap. She’d be trying to scrub these delicious images from my brain! Credence is not your typical romance novel—it’s darker, edgier, utterly unputdownable and definitely for an audience above 18 years old. Penelope Douglas crafts a story that’s as intense as it is provocative, exploring themes of love, loss, and desire in a remote mountain setting. This book is definitely one that will have you blushing under the covers and one you won’t forget anytime soon.
4. The Torment Series by Dylan Page
Listen Linda, I’m not going to define my life choices to you here, so you better buckle up, because Dylan Page’s Torment Series is a rollercoaster of emotions. Again, this is for the 18 and above crowd. This series is intense, dark, and addictive, with characters that are flawed, complex, and completely captivating. The twisted plotlines will keep you guessing, and the raw, gritty writing style makes for a series that’s impossible to put down. This was my first MC book. I went in having no idea what to expect and for me, it delivered on all fronts.
5. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Switching gears a bit—probably a good idea after the spice of the last two. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey is like sitting down for a chat with your coolest, most introspective friend. His memoir is filled with life lessons, personal anecdotes, and just enough of that classic McConaughey charm to keep you turning pages. It’s inspiring, funny, and surprisingly profound—a must-read for anyone looking to catch a few ‘greenlights’ in life. What makes this book even better? McConaughey reads the book himself on the Audible version.
6. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
I know, I know… I just won’t quit yacking my face about this book, but that’s just because this story is just that good. Colleen Hoover’s, It Ends With Us is a heart-wrenching story that tackles really tough subjects with grace and sensitivity. This book is emotional, powerful, and will leave you thinking long after the final page. It’s one of those reads that’s as beautiful as it is heartbreaking, and trust me, you won’t be able to put it down… Fine… One bathroom break, but that’s all you get.
7. Twisted Games by Ana Huang
Here we are ramping things back up again with a little spice. For those who love a good forbidden romance with a royal twist, Twisted Games by Ana Huang is your next read. The chemistry between the characters is off the charts, and the plot is filled with enough drama and tension to keep you glued to the pages. This one’s perfect for fans of contemporary romance with a bit of edge.
8. Honeymoon by James Patterson
As far as unputdownable books go, I can’t think of one that fits the bill more than this one. This here is what I like to call an oldie but a goodie. In all of the James Patterson novels I have read over the years, and I would be willing to bet that number is somewhere in the hundreds. This is the one that jumps out at me every time. James Patterson knows how to craft a thriller, and Honeymoon is no exception. This fast-paced novel is full of suspense, unexpected twists, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. If you’re in the mood for a book that’s equal parts mystery and thriller, this is the one to pick up.
9. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
I won’t waste my time or yours going too deep into the details of this book. They may not have read it, but everyone knows the Da Vinci Code. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Brown’s fast-paced thriller is the epitome of a page-turner. With historical intrigue, secret societies, and puzzles galore, this book was impossible for me to put down.
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10. True Betrayals by Nora Roberts
Nora Roberts never disappoints, and True Betrayals is a prime example of her storytelling prowess. This novel combines romance, suspense, and family drama in a way that’s utterly compelling. The characters are well-drawn, the plot is intricate, and the pacing is spot on—go on, pick it up. I bet you won’t be able to put it down!
11. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich is an absolute blast. The humor, the quirky characters, and the fast-paced plot make this book a joy to read. It’s the perfect mix of mystery and comedy, with a heroine you can’t help but root for. If you haven’t read this one yet, do yourself a favor and dive in. They made this one into a movie starring Katherine Heigl as Stephanie Plum. She was absolutely perfect for the role. I recommend watching that too.
12. By a Thread by Lucy Score
Lucy Score delivers a delightful blend of humor, romance, and tension in, By a Thread. The chemistry between the characters is electric, and the witty banter had me grinning like a fool—seriously, had I been in a public setting it could have been a bit embarrassing. I mean, who sits around reading a book grinning like a lunatic? Oh… right… that’s me when I read pretty much anything by Lucy Score.
13. The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
After I read this book, I literally could not stop recommending it to people. I all but begged them to read it, promising it would be the best book of their life. If you’re a fan of suspense with a side of psychological thrills, The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager will reel you in and refuse to let go. This one’s got all the eerie vibes, mysterious disappearances, and twists that left me second-guessing everything. The isolated setting adds a layer of tension that will make you want to read with the lights on and the doors locked!
14. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Whether you’re a fan of dystopian fiction or not—and I’ll be honest with you, I’m not— there’s absolutely no denying the gripping nature of Katniss Everdeen’s story. I loved the book.. I loved the movie. And the next book.. the next movie… I think you get the picture. Dystopian or not, Collins’ world-building and relentless pacing make this a book that’s hard to stop reading.
15. You by Caroline Kepnes
Holy psychotic amazeballs! A psychological thriller from the perspective of a stalker? Yes, please, and it’s as disturbing and addictive as it sounds. Kepnes’ novel is a wild ride that I couldn’t get off of—even if I wanted to. The Netflix Series? I’ll never look at Gossip Girl the same again! Fantastic!
16. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
A hauntingly beautiful novel about life, death, and the spaces in between. Sebold’s writing is so evocative and powerful that I couldn’t put this book down, even when it broke my heart and boy did it break my heart. I didn’t just ugly cry during this one, I flat ugly sobbed.
17. The Shining by Stephen King
A horror classic that needs no introduction. King’s novel is not just terrifying, but also incredibly well-written. It’s a book that pulls you in and doesn’t let go—even when you’re too scared to keep reading. I had seen the movie first, which totally gave me nightmares—*insert gigantic eyeroll at myself here. And even though the movie is a bit different from the book, I honestly don’t have a preference on this one. They were both absolutely fantastic in my opinion.
18. Dr. Sleep by Stephen King
And last but definitely not least, Dr. Sleep. In case you don’t know, this is the sequel to The Shining, although it only follows it loosely. This novel is a masterclass in horror and suspense, blending the supernatural with deeply human struggles. Following Danny Torrance into adulthood, Dr. Sleep will have you glued to the page, unable to look away, even when things get downright terrifying.
These books made me laugh, cry, and just about everything in between. Whether you’re into thrillers, romance, or memoirs, there’s something on this list for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Get on down to your local library and grab one of these unputdownable books and prepare to lose yourself in the best way possible.
If your library card isn’t handy, you can get any of these great reads here on Amazon. Or get one for free when you sign up for a free trial from Audible.
Until next time, keep it brash, keep it bookish, and keep true to you!
