Triple Crown: Thrillers for Every Type of Reader (Part I)

In the book industry in this day and age, thrillers reign supreme. It seems that even those who don’t identify as ‘readers’ still love a good, twisty read (see: the mass popularity of both Gone Girl & Girl on the Train).

While thrillers are easier than ever to come by, truly good thrillers are few and far between. Luckily for you, I happened to read three thrillers recently—each of which is suited to a different taste, so you’re essentially guaranteed to find one you’ll like.

First up, my favorite of the trio. Embarrassingly enough, I intended to post about Based on a True Story two months ago. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy, and planned to publish my post prior to the April 6 U.S. release date. However, a number of things (leaving one job, a trip to California, a road trip back across the country, and then starting a new job) got in the way…but let me assure you, this one was worth the wait. Based on a True Story is the best psychological thriller I have ever read.

Based on a True Story, which takes place in Paris [and yes, descriptions of the impossibly chic city abound], follows the author of a smash-hit novel struggling to conjure something similarly spectacular for a follow-up. One day, she meets L, an chic and enigmatic young woman with whom she instantly connects. The book follows their friendship—which Delphine [the novel is based on a true story, and the protagonist shares the same name as the author] soon realizes is becoming toxic…and she’s in too deep to do anything about it.

I’ve read and reviewed a few French books in translation, and I love them because I find the writing effortless in a way that our action-packed U.S. thrillers simply are not. While what happens in Based on a True Story is not quite as dramatic as something you might read in a Gillian Flynn novel, De Vigan focuses on the character development and crafts not just the protagonist, but also the villain, as someone you might encounter in real life. So, while the events aren’t as dramatic [although a certain scene towards the end did have me gasping on a crowded Megabus], the book feels eerier because it hits much closer to home. By far my favorite read of 2017.