15 Must-Read January 2025 Mystery & Thriller Book Releases
New year, new chills! January 2025 is kicking off with some truly gripping mysteries and thrillers. Whether you’re a cozy mystery fan craving a light-hearted whodunit or a thriller enthusiast ready for mind-twisting suspense, this list has something for every mystery lover.
From serial killers turned suburban parents to heart-stopping romantic suspense, these are the most anticipated January 2025 mystery and thriller book releases you won’t want to miss.
This post contains affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.
Cozy Mystery Releases for January 2025
If you love lighthearted crime-solving with quirky characters, these cozy mysteries are perfect for you.
A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay
Hazel and Fox used to be more than your average suburban couple—they were serial killers. But after becoming parents, they traded body disposals for baby wipes and five-star kills for playdates. Hazel’s struggling with the mundane routine, craving the thrill of her past life, while Fox is thriving as a meticulous dad. When Hazel secretly relapses into her old ways and a murder investigation hits too close to home, their carefully curated new life is on the brink of collapse.
Key themes: Married killers, suburban secrets, dark humor
Grab this book on Amazon: A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage
Murder in the Dressing Room by Holly Stars
Joe may be a quiet hotel accountant by day, but by night they transform into Misty Divine, a star of London’s drag scene. When Misty’s drag mother, Lady Lady, is found dead in her dressing room with a poisoned box of chocolates, Misty becomes a prime suspect. Determined to clear her name and find the killer among the glitz and glam, Misty dives deep into a world where drama isn’t just on stage—it’s deadly.
Key themes: Drag scene, revenge, theatrical setting
Grab this book on Amazon: Murder in the Dressing Room
She Doesn’t Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke
Bestselling mystery author Kate Valentine wasn’t exactly thrilled to attend her ex’s destination wedding on a secluded island, but free champagne and the promise of finishing her latest novel were convincing. Things take a dark turn when the bride is poisoned, and Kate stumbles upon a body, mirroring the plot of her current work in progress. Now trapped with a colorful wedding party full of secrets—and a storm closing in—Kate must solve the mystery with the help of her biggest romantic regret before the killer strikes again.
Key themes: Destination wedding, second chance romance, amateur sleuth
Grab this book on Amazon: She Doesn’t Have a Clue
Related: The Best 2025 Mystery Romance Books You Should Read
January 2025 Thriller Book Releases
For edge-of-your-seat suspense and mind-bending twists, these thrillers are must-reads this month.
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
Grady Green’s life spirals when his wife, Abby, disappears after a mysterious phone call. A year later, haunted by grief, Grady retreats to a remote Scottish island where he spots a woman who looks just like Abby. With dark secrets about marriage, loss, and revenge unraveling, he must confront the impossible.
Key themes: Missing wife, grief, obsession
Grab this book on Amazon: Beautiful Ugly
Track Her Down by Melinda Leigh
When a teenager finds her parents executed in their home, Sheriff Bree Taggert must solve a case filled with lies and secrets. Partnering with investigator Matt Flynn, they uncover a chilling web of deception where the sole survivor, Claire Mason, becomes the next target.
Key Themes: Family secrets, protective hero, suspenseful investigation
Grab this book on Amazon: Track Her Down
Cross My Heart by Megan Collins
Rosie Lachlan, a heart transplant recipient, becomes romantically obsessed with her donor’s husband, Morgan Thorne. As she gets closer to him, disturbing rumors about his late wife’s death surface. Can Rosie trust the man she’s falling for, or is she the next target?
Key themes: Heart transplant, romantic obsession, secrets
Grab this book on Amazon: Cross My Heart
Death in the Downline by Maria Abrams
Journalist Drew reconnects with her old friend Steph, now involved in a glamorous MLM scheme. When a distributor is found dead, Drew must uncover the deadly secrets within the LuminUS pyramid before her best friend becomes the next victim.
Key themes: MLM schemes, friendship, murder
Grab this book on Amazon: Death in the Downline
The Last Room on the Left by Leah Konen
Kerry takes a caretaker job at a remote Catskills motel to finish her overdue book, but a blizzard and a body buried in the snow leave her trapped in a deadly game of survival. Is the danger real, or all in her mind?
Key themes: Isolated setting, unreliable narrator, survival
Grab this book on Amazon: The Last Room on the Left
When She’s Gone by Rea Frey
Cora Valentine, once a young gymnast, barely escaped a kidnapping. Years later, when her own daughter vanishes, she must confront her traumatic past. To save her daughter, Cora is forced to take another child—unraveling a sinister connection between her past and present.
Key Themes: Kidnapping, past trauma, psychological tension
Grab this book on Amazon: When She’s Gone
Paranormal Mystery Releases for January 2025
Mysteries with a supernatural twist to keep you guessing.
A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young
James Golden shared a supernatural connection with her twin brother Johnny until his tragic death. When James arrives in the secluded town of Six Rivers to settle his affairs, she’s drawn into the secrets he left behind. As her psychic bond with Johnny lingers, James must confront the chilling truths about his life—and death.
Key themes: Psychic twins, family secrets, haunting small town
Grab this book on Amazon: A Sea of Unspoken Things
Horror Releases for January 2025
Chilling tales for those who like their mysteries served with a side of fear.
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
At a secretive home for unwed mothers in 1970, Fern discovers a book of witchcraft that empowers the girls in dangerous ways. But power demands a price—paid in blood. As supernatural chaos unfurls, the girls must face the dark forces they’ve unleashed.
Key Themes: Occult power, sisterhood, consequences of magic
Grab this book on Amazon: Witchcraft for Wayward Girls
Historical Mystery Releases for January 2025
Explore mysteries from the past filled with intrigue and forgotten secrets.
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
Anthropology student Charlotte Cross uncovers ancient secrets when she investigates a missing Egyptian artifact connected to a legendary curse. Spanning from glamorous 1978 New York to Egypt in 1936, Charlotte must confront past trauma and danger to solve the mystery.
Key themes: Ancient artifacts, dual timelines, curses
Grab this book on Amazon: The Stolen Queen
Queen of Diamonds by Beezy Marsh
Set in 1920s London, Alice Diamond forms a notorious all-female gang, the Forty Thieves, in a gripping story of crime, loyalty, and empowerment. Inspired by real events, this fast-paced historical mystery blends grit with glamour.
Key Themes: Female-led crime syndicate, 1920s London, power struggles
Grab this book on Amazon: Queen of Diamonds
Romantic Thriller Releases for January 2025
When romance meets danger, sparks fly in these thrilling love stories.
Bad Seed by Sharon Sala
When pastry chef Brendan Pope meets private investigator Harley Banks, sparks fly—but danger follows. With a hitman targeting Harley, Brendan will stop at nothing to keep her safe as the FBI closes in on the criminals from her last case.
Key themes: Protective romance, hitmen, FBI
Grab this book on Amazon: Bad Seed
Shattering Dawn by Jayne Ann Krentz
Amelia Rivers hires private investigator Gideon Sweetwater to catch her stalker, suspecting a link to a shadowy organization tied to her past amnesia. As their chemistry heats up, so does the danger, forcing the pair to trust each other while racing to uncover a conspiracy involving psychic enhancements.
Key themes: Paranormal abilities, romantic tension, danger
Grab this book on Amazon: Shattering Dawn
Which January 2025 Mystery & Thriller Will You Pick Up?
This month’s lineup is packed with pulse-pounding suspense and cozy sleuthing. Let us know which book caught your eye in the comments! Don’t forget to subscribe to Mysterylandia for all the updates on new releases, thrilling reads, and exclusive bookish content!
You may also like:
Don’t miss a thing! Join our Susbtack and you’ll be the first to know when there’s new bookish content and recommendations posted across all our book platforms!
Pin it for later
