Into the Water by Paula Hawkins (Riverhead, $28).
I love reading mysteries written by women, so of course I'm a big Paula Hawkins fan. The Girl on the Train was a real roller-coaster ride, and I was truly impressed that Into the Water is so different. Set in northern England in a small town experiencing a spate of suspicious deaths, it's a fast-paced and compelling whodunit — with a large cast of characters that pop. Hawkins has such a talent for creating dark, complex women, and in this damn fun read, she kept me guessing until the very end.
In the Woods by Tana French (Penguin, $17).
Tana French is a master of the mystery genre. This story of a detective with a hidden past was the first of her books I read, and ever since I've been obsessed. In the Woods is mysterious and thrilling while also managing to be a cathartic and heartbreaking character study.
The Good Girl by Mary Kubica (Mira, $15).
I found this book on Instagram — which to me is one of the best places to find new books — and I read the sample on Amazon. From that moment, I couldn't shake it and simply had to get my hands on it. I read it in 48 hours. Kubica's writing sucks you right in and won't let you go until you're finished.
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (Broadway, $16).
Everything Gillian Flynn writes is thrilling and disturbing in its own way. If I got stuck on a desert island and could only bring one of her books with me, this tale of haunted journalist Camille Preaker would be it. It had a profound influence on me as a reader and writer.
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware (Gallery/Scout, $16).
I was obsessed with this heart-stopping page-turner. I recommend diving in without reading too much beforehand on what it's about. That way, you get the full experience. It's jam-packed with twists.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (Pamela Dorman, $26).
This is my favorite book of the year. Though not a true thriller, it's filled with unexpected turns and reveals that keep you reading. Eleanor is an amazingly original main character, and you root for her on every page.
— Krysten Ritter is the star of the Netflix series Jessica Jones. In Bonfire, Ritter's debut novel, a Chicago lawyer returns to her hometown to investigate a chemical firm and try to figure out why her best friend's disappearance remains unsolved.
