Teenagers are known for not having long attention spans. That’s what has made apps like Tiktok so successful. Many parents may be left wondering how to coax their teenager to read a 300-page book when they can’t even sit through a 30 minute youtube video.
Even though I love reading, I often feel this way. When a book isn’t compelling, I am far more likely to turn to my phone to entertain myself rather than my novel. That is until I find a book that I can’t stop reading – and recently that has come in the form of thrillers. It’s not surprising that a book centred around a mystery or crime that leaves you guessing until the last page is more attention-grabbing than a sombre classic. So, if you’re for something to read, then hopefully you should devour these books in no time.
Are You Watching, Vincent Ralph Published 2020
On the topic of social media and short attention spans, this novel is particularly fitting. The story starts with the protagonist, Jessica, getting to be part of a reality tv show, where her life is streamed online 24 hours a day for everyone to see. But, Jessica hasn’t gone on the show for fame, she wanted to be part of the show to raise awareness about the Magpie Man, the murderer that killed her mother.
This book is thrilling, dark and scary with twists and turns that will keep you hooked until the very end.
The Sharp Edge of a Snowflake, Sif Sigmarsdottir, Published 2020
Thrillers are often the perfect form of escapism, so a murder mystery set in a dangerous and mysterious Iceland is even better! This novel follows the protagonist, Hannah, when she is ‘banished’ to live in Iceland with her father after being expelled from her school in England. After Hannah’s life collides with Imogen, a social media influencer accused of murdering a man, Hannah is desperate to find out the truth about what really happened.
This book was gripping and exciting and also had a lot to say about social media and abuse of power. If you’re looking for something scary and dark, but also thought-provoking then this is the book for you.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson, Published 2019
Under the guise of doing a school project, Pippa Fitz-Amobi is determined to uncover who really killed a girl called Andie Bell 5 years ago. She refuses to believe that the accused murderer, Sal Singh, was really guilty. However, when Pippa starts digging, it’s evident someone wants her to stop and Pippa is about to find out how much trying to solve a murder is going to cost her.
I know I probably shouldn’t be biased, but although I loved every book on this list, this one is definitely my favourite. The characters were loveable and relatable, the plot was unpredictable and quite frankly, I couldn’t put this book down. This book is perfect for anyone who loves a mystery and wants to be kept guessing until the very end.