The 10 Most Riveting Action Thriller Books of the Decade
Book RaiderAction thrillers can be likened to that double shot of espresso - they jolt you awake, get your heart racing, and leave you begging for more. Over the past decade, we've been treated to an intoxicating brew of adrenaline-pumping novels. From spy escapades, pulse-pounding adventures, to mind-bending mysteries, these books have seared our imagination, made our palms sweaty, and our pulses gallop.
You can say that compiling this list was something of an action thriller itself - there were plot twists, shocking reveals, unlikely heroes, and yes, there were casualties too (RIP to the books that didn't make the cut). So, grab your favourite comfort snack, sit back, and buckle up as we take you on a wild ride through our pick of the most riveting action thriller books of the decade. Resistance, as they say in those Hollywood flicks, is futile.
The New Girl
by Daniel Silva
Why The New Girl is on this list: The New Girl is one perfect embodiment of heart-racing, nail-biting thriller mixed with action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It barrels through a decade worth of action, making it a shoe-in for our list of thrilling reads.
In his twenty-third book, Silva introduces us to a world of covert operations that's so real you might have to duck from imaginary bullets. Gabriel Allon - an art restorer and spy, attempts to track down the kidnapper of a Saudi princess to unravel a far-reaching conspiracy. With intrigues spanning several continents and an elaborately chronicled backdrop of international politics, you can bet your boots that your heart rate won't come down until you're done.
What readers like: Readers can't get enough of Silva's tightly knitted plot, vivid descriptions and his ability to weave a spellbinding story with threads of suspense and action. Also, Gabriel Allon's smart, cool-headed presence throughout the unforeseen twists and turns has charmed many into reading the entire series.
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Agent Running in the Field
by John le Carré
Why Agent Running in the Field is on this list: Action, suspense, secrets, and spies - it's got all the ingredients that make an action thriller unputdownable. No surprise there, it's by John le Carré of course, the grand master of spy novels.
Our not-so-spring-chicken hero, Nat, finds himself back in his home turf of London after years working undercover in Russia. But right when he thinks it's time to hang up his spy shoes, he's back in the danger game. A fiery young man challenges him to a friendly game of badminton (yes, badminton), and suddenly Nat finds himself in the middle of a perilous operation. Irony is, the biggest threat might be closer to the homeland than he ever imagined.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the old-school spy charm and the trademark le Carré touch of complex emotions tangled with politics and duty. The characters are fleshed out, real, and likable, making it easier for readers to identify with them. The tension builds up at just the right pace, which means you won't be putting the book down until you’ve turned the last page. Plus, who doesn't enjoy a good game of badminton?
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Past Tense: A Jack Reacher Novel
by Lee Child
Why Past Tense: A Jack Reacher Novel is on this list: This book fits our list like a bullet in a chamber because it's a pulse-racing ride where danger lurks around every turn. Written by Lee Child, a master of action-packed narratives, Past Tense offers everything an action-thriller fan can ask for: chills, thrills, and spills.
Our hero, the indomitable and improbably tough Jack Reacher, stumbles into a mystery when he stops by the New England town his father was from. However, no one's even heard of his dad. Then the suspense begins to ratchets up when there's trouble at the only motel in town (spoiler alert: it involves Canadians with lots of cash). It's a nail-biting journey that fuses past and present in an explosive climax that will make you wish your seat had a safety harness.
What readers like: Readers devour this book like a bowl of popcorn at a movie theater. They appreciate the unexpected plot twists, the pulse-pounding suspense, and the crafty action sequences. The layered character of Jack Reacher keeps readers hooked, while the intricate plot draws them in and doesn't let go until the last page. So gear up, buckle up, and get ready for a cinematic roller coaster ride with this book. Just remember to breathe.
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Under Fire: A Jack Ryan Novel
by Tom Clancy
Why Under Fire: A Jack Ryan Novel is on this list: This book easily blazes its way onto this list with its gripping storyline, international espionage, and tantalizing hints of danger at every turn.
Ever wondered how it feels step into the heady world of political intrigue and shadowy double games? That's basically Clancy’s Under Fire for you. Jack Ryan is now president, and faces a global threat when Iran declares it has achieved nuclear capability. But, things aren't as they seem, and Jack Ryan must contend with internal betrayal, blind alleys and high-stakes power plays. It’s all in a day’s work for Jack Ryan, and it's packed with so much action, you’ll be reaching for the popcorn.
What readers like: Readers love the masterful blend of suspense, action and political drama in Under Fire. Ryan isn’t just a one-dimensional action hero, he's smart, cunning, and human. The book's unrelenting pace ensures you're always on the edge of your seat, and it masterfully weaves a tale that makes you question, ponder, and race to the next page. If you're a fan of the action thriller genre, this one’s got your name written all over it.
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Long Road to Mercy
by David Baldacci
Why Long Road to Mercy is on this list: Ticking the boxes for action, thrills and suspense, it's no surprise that Long Road to Mercy has clinched its spot in our list. It's got the speed of a bullet, the thrill of a roller coaster and the gripping plot that keeps you up all night. It embodies the very essence of a riveting action thriller.
Our protagonist, Atlee Pine, is an FBI agent with a troubled past, stationed in the wilderness of the Southwestern United States. When a mysterious event occurs that requires her expertise, she dives headfirst into a dangerous and thrilling mystery. The further she investigates, the more twisted—and deadly—the path becomes. Mystery, suspense and high-stakes action, this book races along like a heart-pounding chase scene.
What readers like: Readers have been hooked in by Pine's brilliantly portrayed character, proving once again why Baldacci is a master at crafting unforgettable personalities. Moreover, the action is not just physical—it's intellectual, as Pine's sharp mind is a key in navigating the intricate plot. The pacing is perfect, the twists are shocking, and the tension relentless - it's the kind of book that leaves you breathless and yet, hungry for more.
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The Chain
by Adrian McKinty
Why The Chain is on this list: Ready for a roller coaster ride of adrenaline, suspense, and intense action? This has to be one of the most diabolical premises an action thriller could offer in recent years, making The Chain an undeniable entry in our list.
Imagine this – your child has been kidnapped, and the only way to get them back is to kidnap another child. This is the chilling situation that our protagonist Rachel finds herself in. The Chain forces its victims to become perpetrators. Unless she wants to risk her daughter's life, Rachel must become a part of this relentless, horrifying cycle, or find a way to break it. But be careful, each page turn tightens the chain around your curiosity and before you know it, you're completely hooked.
What readers like: Readers have noted that the premise of The Chain is as compelling as it is terrifying. The pace never slows down and every turn of the page brings forth a new challenge for Rachel making it hard to put down. Individuals enamored with psychological thrilliness love the mind-bending ethical dilemma it presents, keeping them on their toes at all times.
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Dark Sacred Night
by Michael Connelly
Why Dark Sacred Night is on this list: Buckle up, because Dark Sacred Night is an adrenaline-fueled roller coaster ride from start finish. It epitomizes all that an action thriller should be, making it an absolute shoe-in for one of the most riveting action thrillers of the decade.
Dark Sacred Night is the stuff of which action thrillers are made. Car chases, dark alleyways, sinister criminals, the works. Set in the gritty underbelly of Los Angeles, we follow the legendary Detective Harry Bosch as he teams up with Detective Renée Ballard to solve the cold case of a runaway girl's murder. Bosch's tenacity combined with Ballard’s resilience leads to an electrifying chase as they unravel a web of intricate mysteries.
What readers like: Readers couldn't get enough of the heady mix of high-stakes drama, sharp dialogue, and the thrill of the chase. The unexpected twists and turns keep you on your toes, and the rich character development of Bosch and Ballard make you root for them harder with every page turned. If you ever wondered what it would be like to unravel a mystery with Sherlock Holmes in modern times, then this book is the perfect pick.
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Red War
by Vince Flynn
Why Red War is on this list: Red War is one of those books that has mastered the art of nail-biting suspense mixed with hair-raising action. Plus, it doesn't hurt to be part of Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp series that's known to keep readers on their toes for the sheer thrill of it.
The storyline revolves around Mitch Rapp racing to prevent Russia's gravely ill leader from starting a full-scale war with NATO. As the Russian president grows increasingly unstable, risking a catastrophic world war, Rapp is the only one who may be able to stop him in a high-stakes showdown.
What readers like: Readers absolutely adore the tension, grit, and velocity of this book. Not to mention our hero Mitch Rapp, who is the perfect blend of tough-as-nails action hero with a side of down-to-earth relatability. A thrilling narrative, genuine characters, and high-stakes geopolitics- it's like a blockbuster movie in book form.
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Back Blast: A Gray Man Novel
by Mark Greaney
Why Back Blast: A Gray Man Novel is on this list: It's one of those books where the action grabs you by the collar and doesn't let go. Espionage, highly skilled protagonists, and deadly secrets tick all the boxes on the action-thriller checklist. Plus, it was published in this decade, which also nods approvingly to our list criteria.
Five years ago, Court Gentry was the CIA's best operative. Then he became an outcast, a wanted man by his own handlers. Now, as he moves stealthily across Europe and close to uncovering a shocking secret government conspiracy, things are about to blow up. Literally. 'Back Blast' is a fast-paced, page-turner, filled with bone-crunching action, hair-raising suspense, and a good dose of espionage.
What readers like: Readers can't help but love the adrenaline rush this book offers. Court Gentry, the main character, is as slick as they come and his globe-trotting escapades keep fans glued to the pages. The story is well-balanced, with numerous plot twists that would leave any action thriller aficionado slack-jawed. Not forgetting, a sprinkle of humour, because life, especially as a spy, can't be all doom and gloom, right?
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Backlash: A Thriller
by Brad Thor
Why Backlash: A Thriller is on this list: Backlash is a heart-stopping, adrenaline-packed joyride. Placing it on the list was a no-brainer, really. Packed with intense action and suspense, it is one of those unforgettable thrillers that make this past decade remarkable.
Consider Backlash as your passport to extreme adventure minus the vaccinations and jet lag. The tale thrusts ex-Navy SEAL Scot Harvath into the throes of danger in an icy, unwelcoming terrain. Left to fend for himself after a high-stakes operation goes sideways, Harvath needs to pull every skill in his survival repertoire to stay alive and, most importantly, exact revenge on those who set him up. Yep, a setting colder than your ex's heart, and a story hotter than hot. That's Backlash for you.
What readers like: Readers rave about Thor's skill in blending riveting action and detailed geopolitics without sacrificing the pace. Also, the survival element lends an intriguing twist. They appreciate the evolving combat prowess and sheer grit of the protagonist Scot Harvath. And did we mention that readers just can't get enough of Thor's knack to spin a cliffhanger that makes for a nail-biting end? Well, there you have it!
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