We are excited to present to you the top-selling thriller novels, meticulously curated based on the preferences of our valued Shulph Ink customers. All the books listed were freshly published in September 2023. Get ready to embark on an exhilarating reading journey as you delve into this explosive collection of thrilling reads that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Holly by Stephen King
In Stephen King's latest novel, "Holly," the beloved title character Holly Gibney returns, marking a triumphant comeback from her earlier appearances in the "Mr. Mercedes" trilogy and "The Outsider." Holly has evolved from a timid yet principled recluse to a capable private detective.
In this new story, Holly faces unprecedented challenges as she takes on a case involving the disappearance of Bonnie Dahl. Despite being on leave and dealing with personal issues, Holly is compelled to help when Penny Dahl reaches out in desperation. The Dahl residence, just blocks away from where Bonnie vanished, is inhabited by seemingly respectable academics, Professors Rodney and Emily Harris. However, beneath their facade lies a sinister secret that Holly must uncover.
As Holly delves into this gripping narrative, she encounters two cunning adversaries who blur the line between good and evil. The pursuit of justice becomes a high-stakes, relentless endeavor in this thrilling novel.
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett
Renowned true-crime author Amanda Bailey is well-versed in the enigmatic Alperton Angels cult. Over the past couple of decades, numerous books and films have explored the chilling story of the Angels, tracing back to that fateful night when they embarked on a horrifying mission: an attempt to sacrifice an infant they believed to be the Antichrist.
Today, the cultists have all met their demise, save for their charismatic leader. At first glance, it might seem that there's little more to unearth about the Alperton Angels. However, a remarkable opportunity has emerged as the Alperton baby, now reaching the age of eighteen, becomes accessible for interviews. If Amanda can successfully locate this individual, it promises to be the journalistic scoop of the year.
Yet, lurking in the shadows is Amanda's formidable rival, the astute author Oliver Menzies. With superior connections and an equally determined pursuit of the baby's whereabouts, Amanda and Oliver find themselves reluctantly drawn into a collaboration. Along the way, they come to the startling realization that the commonly held beliefs about the Angels are far from accurate. The truth that awaits them is a tale far more sinister and surreal than anyone could have imagined.
The Institution by Helen Fields
Dr. Connie Woolwine faces a critical five-day deadline in her mission to apprehend a dangerous criminal.
In the confines of a highly secure prison hospital ward, a piercing scream pierces the silence of the night. The following morning brings a grim discovery: the lifeless body of a nurse, and her daughter has been abducted. Time is of the essence, with a ransom demand in play, and every second counts.
Dr. Connie Woolwine is a distinguished forensic profiler, celebrated for her extraordinary talent in delving into the psyche of murderers. Now, she finds herself tasked with an extraordinary challenge - immersing herself deeply undercover within the ranks of the most unstable and perilous individuals on the planet. Her objective: to leverage her exceptional expertise to locate the missing girl before it's too late.
Yet, as the pressure mounts and the walls seem to tighten around her, Connie must race against time to capture the killer before she becomes the next target of "The Institution.”
The Only Suspect by Louise Candlish
Alex enjoys a comfortable life alongside his wife, Beth, in the serene neighborhood of Silver Vale. While he may not be the most outgoing person in the neighborhood, he values his privacy. He's known for being a devoted husband and a laid-back neighbor.
However, everything changes when Beth reveals her plan to create a nature trail on a long-abandoned local site. Suddenly, Alex undergoes a transformation. He becomes vigilant, constantly asking questions, and struggling to conceal his unease.
As the skilled landscapers commence their work, an old secret from Alex's past, dating back to his twenties, resurfaces. It involves his entanglement with a captivating young woman named Marina, a connection that threw their lives into disarray.
This relationship also triggered a police investigation, one that revolved around a murder suspect whose identity was shrouded in mystery. And even now, the truth remains elusive.
The question that lingers is whether anyone else could have been responsible for these events.
Rouge by Mona Awad
The captivating novel "Rouge" unfolds as a mesmerizing gothic fairy tale, inviting readers into the enchanting world of a solitary dress shop clerk. As she grapples with the sudden and heart-wrenching loss of her beloved mother, an unforeseen turn of events propels her onto a perilous journey, driven by an unwavering desire to grasp onto the elusive notions of youth and beauty.
Within the pages of this evocative narrative, we are transported into the depths of her soul, where the haunting shadows of her mother's fate loom large. Yet, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerges as our protagonist embarks on an odyssey to unearth the profound meaning of her existence, seeking a connection that transcends mere superficiality and delves into the profound depths of the human experience.
Will she break free from the inexorable destiny that seems to bind her to her mother's tragic end? As we accompany her on this extraordinary quest, "Rouge" beckons us to contemplate the enduring themes of mortality, identity, and the timeless pursuit of inner beauty, reminding us that the answers we seek may lie not just in the reflection we see in the mirror, but in the uncharted territories of the heart.
All the Dead Shall Weep by Charlaine Harris
After the harrowing events of "The Serpent of Heaven," Lizbeth Rose finds herself eagerly anticipating the arrival of her beloved sister, Felicia, and her husband's younger brother, Eli, in the vibrant Texoma region. The journey to Texoma has been necessitated by a series of troubling events that unfolded in the seat of the Holy Russian Empire in San Diego. Specifically, Felicia's burgeoning wizardly powers in the realm of death magic have unwittingly thrust her into a perilous situation. Her remarkable abilities have made her the target of kidnapping and assassination attempts, orchestrated by none other than her own mother's formidable family of high-powered wizards residing in Mexico.
However, the unfolding of this tale takes an unexpected turn, as a shadow of bad news looms over the joyful reunion. Eli receives a summons beckoning him back to the turbulent grounds of San Diego, and he has little choice but to heed the call, taking Lizbeth's husband, Peter, along with him. This sudden separation not only tugs at the bonds of their familial ties but also serves as a grim reminder of the relentless pursuit by their vengeful adversaries, whose malevolent schemes now appear to be inching ever closer to realization. The once hopeful prospects of their Texoma haven now stand tinged with uncertainty, as Lizbeth, Felicia, and their loved ones must confront a host of challenges that threaten to engulf them in a storm of peril and intrigue.
Payback in Death by J.D. Robb
When a retired police officer is discovered deceased in his residence, Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her dedicated team receive the summons to conduct a thorough investigation. The individual in question is none other than Martin Greenleaf, a former Captain of Internal Affairs. Although initial observations suggest a possible suicide, Lt. Dallas harbors suspicions that the circumstances surrounding this incident may be far more complex than they initially appear.
Captain Greenleaf had a lengthy and impactful career spanning forty-seven years within the Internal Affairs division, where he played a pivotal role in apprehending numerous law enforcement officers. Now, the question arises: Did the immense burden of his profession ultimately become too overwhelming for him to bear? Alternatively, could this enigmatic turn of events be indicative of a sinister motive, concealing the possibility of retribution in death? Our team remains committed to unraveling the truth in this perplexing case.
The Last Orphan by Gregg Hurwitz
This captivating thriller is about an unusual invitation for Orphan X, a former government operative, to meet with the President. It involves a heavily-armed counter-assault team, a convoy of tactical vehicles, and various security measures, including a sedative, restraints, a hood, and a mouthguard. Orphan X is the last survivor of a covert program that trained him for government missions, but he escaped.
The President seeks Orphan X's help and offers him a choice: either assassinate a dangerous individual or face execution. Evan Smoak, Orphan X's real name, must grapple with the decision, as he has been trying to distance himself from his past life. The President quickly realizes that trying to manipulate Evan is a risky endeavor, as he becomes more dangerous when pushed into a corner.
The Safe House by Cameron Ward
Jess agrees to be a caretaker for a luxurious property in the Australian outback, seeking solitude. However, her isolation is disrupted as bushfires approach, forcing strangers to seek refuge. Tensions rise among the group, and when communication and exits are cut off, panic ensues. Jess discovers that one of the guests is not who they claim to be when someone goes missing.
The Golden Spoon by Jesse Maxwell
In the TV show "Bake Week," six amateur bakers fulfill their dream of competing, while for the host, Betsy Martin, it's a personal legacy. Held at her ancestral home, Grafton Manor, contestants arrive to vie for the coveted Golden Spoon. However, tensions rise as strange nighttime noises unsettle contestants, a new co-host threatens Betsy's position, and sabotage begins with minor incidents. The situation escalates when a body is found, making everyone a potential suspect.
