New Dark and Twisty Novels from Horror to Thriller

Those with a serious book-reading habit can tell you: Sometimes, you’re in a dark and moody place and you just want a dark and moody story.
 
There’s probably a psychological reason why we do this. But often it’s best to just find a good mystery-thriller or horror story, then roll with it. It’s surprisingly cathartic. To that end, we’ve collected here a sampling of 27 dark and moody reads that have published recently—from the beginning of the year through about mid-April. The key word here is mood; the intrepid Goodreads editorial staff has courageously sifted through the stacks to select for mood instead of author or subject or genre.
 
As it happens, there’s plenty to choose from. It’s going to be a scary year, evidently. Perhaps you’re in the mood for some 19th-century Sri Lankan folklore with classic gothic tropes and a feminist throughline. May we suggest Island Witch, from author Amanda Jayatissa. Maybe you prefer a more traditional horror-tinged mystery, with dark secrets and ghostly hitchhikers. Then you’ll want to consider Murder Road from Simone St. James, author of The Sun Down Motel and The Book of Cold Cases.
 
Click around below and you’ll find lots of other leads: space horror, psychological thrillers, highly anticipated sequel novels, or even just books with evocative titles and cover art.
 
Add anything interesting to your Want to Read shelf, and feel free to swap recommendations with your fellow Goodreaders in the comments section. Happy reading! Maybe check to see if that closet door is clicked shut.

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