Hi Friends,
I’m sharing my predictions for which books will earn a nomination in the Mystery & Thriller category for the 2025 Goodreads Choice Awards. I don’t feel as confident in my picks this year since I haven’t read many mystery and thriller books. Still, I have a hunch these ten titles will make the list. As a reminder, I believe a book needs a 3.5 or higher average rating to qualify for the Goodreads Choice Awards.
The Tenant by Freida McFadden
Usually, there are two Freida McFadden books nominated, because she publishes many books each year. But I will just be highlighting the one I think could win. Although her book The Crash, released in January, is being talked about more, it’s rated the lowest compared to her other 2025 releases. This is her second most popular release of 2025. So, I think this book is more likely to be nominated.
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The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose
This is the sequel to The Perfect Marriage, which, to my surprise, didn’t receive a Goodreads Choice Award nomination the year it came out. However, I think this series has grown in popularity. Especially since they announced they are making a film adaptation of The Perfect Marriage. Honestly, that is the only reason I feel like this book will snag a nomination.
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Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
Although I haven’t heard a great deal of discussion about this particular book, it does seem as though Lisa Jewell is a consistent presence in the Goodreads Choice Awards. Because she’s a popular mystery author, with a huge following, I can see her getting nominated.
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Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson
Given the considerable hype surrounding this book, and the fact that it is Holly Jackson’s first venture into the adult mystery thriller genre, I expect it will receive a nomination. Considering her young adult nominations, she’s likely to be nominated in the adult category.
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Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister
Although few people are raving about this book, many readers have added it to their TBRs this year, and it has a decent rating. Goodreads tends to nominate authors who are reader favorites. Plus, they often include books that are getting a lot of attention in the book community.
Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham
While there is a possibility that this book will not be nominated, considering Stacy Willingham’s past nominations, I believe it has a chance of being included in the awards. Especially considering that readers rated this book higher than her 2024 release.
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark
I recently discovered this book, and given that it was a Book of the Month pick and has a high average rating, it’s likely to be nominated. I’m just going by those two factors, so we’ll have to wait and see if it gets nominated.
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto
In this category, Goodreads often includes a few cozy mysteries. Since the first book in this series earned a nomination, I can see this one getting nominated as well. The series has also been well-received, and has a solid average rating.
Count My Lies by Sophie Stava
This is probably an underdog choice. This book is getting a lot of attention from mystery & thriller readers. It’s also becoming a movie. Even though its Goodreads rating isn’t great, I think it’s on par with other books in the genre that came out this year.
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
This is book number five in the Thursday Murder Club series. Although Goodreads rarely nominates past the third book in a series, I think they might make an exception for beloved authors. I can definitely see this book making the list, and maybe even breaking into the top 10.
I’m really anxious about these predictions, especially after doing so well with my mystery and thriller picks for the 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards. I can’t wait to see which books earn a nomination! I’ll probably read some of the finalists. A few of these books are available on Everand, an audiobook subscription service I adore. If you want to try Everand, use my link [here] to get a 30-day free trial. Subscribe to my mailing list so you don’t miss my reviews of the 2025 Goodreads Choice Awards Mystery & Thriller nominees.
Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny
All book synopses are sourced from Amazon or Goodreads.
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