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Bone-chilling Thrillers to Send Shivers Down Your Spine

By: Hidden Gems on February 6, 2024

Hidden Gems Books ARC service.

By: Hidden Gems on February 6, 2024

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As winter’s cold winds howl outside, there’s no better time to cozy up inside with a few bone-chilling thrillers that send shivers down your spine. Hidden Gems ARC readers were able to fully immerse themselves into a variety of highly rated thrillers over the past few months, and this is a round-up of some of the most popular and well-reviewed page-turners.


The Art of Killing

The Art of Killing by C.R. Clarke

In Gloucester’s provincial streets, a wave of media fascination surrounds the anonymous graffiti artist known as Tick-Tock for two years. However, the once-intriguing art takes a dark turn, each piece growing more perverse and contentious. DI Gutteridge is the lone detective who sees a disturbing pattern, hinting at a sinister force on the horizon. As the art transforms, a looming storm of shocking events threatens the city’s reputation. The clock is ticking, and only time will reveal the chilling truth.

“The book immediately seized my attention from the beginning. It drew me in right away, and I found myself unable to stop reading,” wrote Nathalie in their 5-star review. “This suspenseful novel kept me in suspense throughout. The characters were well-crafted, and the narrative unfolded with excellent timing. The book maintains a pleasant equilibrium. In summary, it was a fantastic reading experience.”

“The premise alone is enough to pique anyone’s interest, but what sets this novel apart is the seamless blend of suspense, psychological depth, and an exploration of the gritty urban subculture,” wrote Nigel in their 5-star review. “C.R. Clark masterfully weaves a tale that not only keeps you guessing at every turn but also delves into the psyche of the protagonist, offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the motives behind the madness.”

The Wrong Patient

The Wrong Patient by Rachel Hargrove

Dr. Selene Marks’s world unravels after a failed medical procedure leaves a young patient permanently disfigured. As a malpractice suit looms and her personal life crumbles, Selene seeks solace from the chaos. However, when she mysteriously goes missing, colleagues and internet sleuths focus on a former patient, Ava, suspecting she holds crucial information. Ava’s obsessive history and a tendency to blur reality raise doubts, but Dr. Marks, skilled in navigating the line between reality and illusion, hides secrets that may unveil the unsettling truth.

“This is my first Rachel Hargrove novel and it won’t be my last. She brings her characters to life. Halfway through I was pretty sure I knew who was guilty,” wrote Jan in their 5-star review. “Then the last chapter came and bang, I was wrong.”

“When a famous doctor disappears, the apparently obvious abductor may not be guilty after all. Suspicions grow as secrets are uncovered,” wrote Patti in their 5-star review. “Was it the patient who had been stalking the doctor? Was it her sister? Did she choose to disappear? It all comes together at once – it does it?”

Red Screen

Red Screen by Daniel Burke

The Metaverse’s virtual realms are a haven for millions of hardcore gamers known as Meta Junkies. Shea Britton, a top player immersed in the fantasy simulation game “Land of Might and Magic,” guides her character Darshana on a quest to vanquish The Gray Warrior, an evil player wreaking havoc. Unbeknownst to Shea, this isn’t just a game for The Gray Warrior; he’s turning deadly in the real world. As danger looms, FBI profiler Parker Reid must intervene to stop the killer before he reaches Shea, unraveling a thrilling tale where virtual and real worlds collide.

“Equal parts taut psychological thriller, Dungeons and Dragons fantasy and Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing game, Red Screen by Daniel Burke manages to spin an immersive tale that had me reading way past my bedtime,” wrote Anonymous in their 5-star review. “What I found most satisfying were the emotional beats of the novel. The impact of loss, trauma and grief on the protagonists’ motivations are given as much narrative weight as the descriptions of the Land of Might and Magic.”

“This story concept was so cool! Some twists I saw coming but most I didn’t and I love how Daniel Burke was able to put it all together in the end! The descriptions of the Metaverse were so cool I could really picture it clearly,” wrote Savannah in their 5-star review. “Definitely a great thriller, mystery read!”

No Escape

No Escape by Bill Runner

As dawn illuminates Bison Creek, a tranquil Wyoming town, a scene of chaos unfolds. Two lifeless bodies inside the police station, one of them a cop, and a man covered in blood on the steps. The evidence seems clear: Ex-Marine Staff Sergeant Logan Davis, driven by acute PTSD, is the perpetrator. Seeking the truth, Logan reaches out to Axel Blaze, the only man he trusts. As the story unfolds, secrets unravel, and a battle between justice and deception ensues.

“I’ve been hooked to the Blaze series ever since I read the first novel. This sixth one in the series continues the trend, not letting up on the fast-paced narrative and intense action that Bill Runner’s books always deliver,” wrote Rachel in their 5-star review. “With its relentless pacing and gripping narrative, this book is a must-read for fans of high-octane thrillers.”

“Danger, extreme action, obvious protagonists. We are given a battle of wits as well as strength. The underlying friendship and camaraderie add a strong desire to see things put right for the wrongly accused,” wrote Anonymous in their 5-star review.

Beautiful Little Furies

Beautiful Little Furies by Laurel Osterkamp

In 2004 Minneapolis, Hazel Ford, an English teacher at a diverse urban high school, finds joy in discussing The Great Gatsby with her Advanced Placement students. Her life takes a tragic turn after a horrific car accident erases Hazel’s memory, including the supposed breakup with Vance, her fiancé.

As Hazel grapples with amnesia, her brilliant yet troubled student, Febe, unveils dark secrets about Vance. In a journey of self-discovery, Hazel navigates twists and turns, risking everything, including her safety, to protect her loved ones.

Beautiful Little Furies is a TRUE treasure of a read! WOW, I fell fast into this vivid and skillfully written story. These pages are SO full of mystery and intrigue!” wrote Elizabeth in their 5-star review. “Laurel Osterkamp had me HOOKED! I flew through pages as fast as I could. I was completely captivated and completely fascinated with this riveting read.”

Beautiful Little Furies is a suspenseful tale that will leave you guessing,” wrote Anonymous in their 5-star review. “The plot twists will keep you turning pages and the main character, a teacher worth rooting for, will have you believing in the power of redemption. Highly recommended.”


Hidden Gems readers get to read these bone-chilling thrillers first, so if you want more stories that will stay with you, sign up today! Subscribers to Hidden Gems receive invitations to read books like these – plus other titles from any of up to 15 other genres – for free. Authors send these out in the hopes that the readers will write an honest review on Amazon once they’re done.

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