8 Must-Read Thrillers About Toxic Friendships and Deadly Secrets
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Friendships can be uplifting, supportive, and life-changing—but in thrillers, they often take a darker turn. If you love stories where secrets bubble to the surface, betrayals lead to shocking consequences, and toxic friendships unravel in thrilling ways, this list is for you. These books explore the complexities of friendships—some deep and lifelong, others manipulative and deadly.
From locked-room mysteries to psychological thrillers with jaw-dropping twists, these books will keep you on edge. If you’re a fan of suspense, dark secrets, and shocking revelations, read on for the best thrillers about friendships.
The Best Thrillers About Friendships
Friends Like These by Kimberly McCreight
A group of six college friends reunites for a weekend in the Catskills, but by the time Sunday morning arrives, one is dead, another is missing, and their carefully kept secrets are on the verge of unraveling. Detective Julia Scutt is determined to uncover the truth behind this tangled web of betrayals—before the real killer walks free.
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The Playgroup by Leah Mercer
Florence’s mother thought The Nest playgroup was a safe space—until her daughter is critically injured, and no one can explain what really happened. As suspicions mount, friendships fracture, and Florence’s mother must dig deep into dangerous truths to protect her family. If you love domestic thrillers full of secrets and betrayal, this is for you.
We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz
Emily and her best friend, Kristen, have a dark past, but when Emily finds a dead man in their hotel room—eerily similar to an incident from a previous trip—she begins to question everything. As paranoia sets in, Emily must decide whether Kristen is a victim or something far more dangerous. A tense, twisty thriller perfect for fans of Gone Girl.
The Yacht by Sarah Goodwin
Hannah and her friends rent a luxury yacht for New Year’s Eve, but the celebration turns into a nightmare when they wake up adrift, with no fuel and no way to call for help. As paranoia rises and one of them goes missing, the group realizes that someone onboard is keeping deadly secrets. The White Lotus meets And Then There Were None in this locked-room thriller on the open sea.
The It Girl by Ruth Ware
A decade after her charismatic Oxford roommate, April, was murdered, Hannah Jones believes the case is closed—until new evidence suggests the convicted killer was innocent. As Hannah revisits the past, she begins to question everything about her former friend group. Dark secrets and betrayals come to light in this gripping psychological thriller.
Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman
Bess and Joni were involved in a tragedy a decade ago while spending a summer in Greece. Though never convicted, the media scrutiny changed their lives forever. Now, Joni is back, needing an alibi, forcing Bess to revisit their past and uncover the truth they tried to bury. A suspenseful novel about guilt, loyalty, and the power of public perception.
One of the Girls by Lucy Clarke
A bachelorette getaway to a stunning Greek island should be the perfect escape—until secrets start to unravel. Six women, each hiding something, must navigate a weekend of tension, betrayals, and hidden agendas. Someone doesn’t want the wedding to happen, and one of them won’t make it home. A sun-drenched thriller packed with suspense.
You May Now Kill the Bride by Kate Weston
Five childhood friends reunite for a wellness retreat to celebrate Tansy’s upcoming wedding. But when Tansy drops dead from a poisoned drink, suspicion falls on each of the bridesmaids—especially since they share a long-buried secret from twenty years ago. A darkly comedic, fast-paced thriller perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Liane Moriarty.
More Thrillers You’ll Love
If you love books that explore twisted friendships, you won’t want to miss these related posts:
Best New Thrillers for 2025 – Discover the most anticipated thrillers of the year.
Books Like First Lie Wins – If you love deception, unreliable narrators, and shocking twists, check out these recommendations.
Author Interview: Rachel Koller Croft – Discussing toxic friendships and why We Love a Nightlife should be on your TBR (especially if you love vampire thrillers).
Let’s Talk Thrillers!
Which of these toxic friendship thrillers intrigues you the most? Have you read a book that explores the dark side of friendships in a gripping way?
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