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Cordelia Black has a fervent passion for three things: her chosen family, an extraordinary hairdresser, and executing justice on men who commit heinous acts. By day, she navigates her role as a pharmaceutical representative, but when night falls, she transforms into a vigilante targeting those who believe they have successfully escaped retribution. Yet, when local news outlets label her a “serial killer” and her closest friend becomes romantically involved with a man who could jeopardize Cordelia’s careful balance, she is forced to confront the precarious choices she has made — choices that could threaten both her relationship with her family and her hard-won freedom.
The motivations behind murder have been explored and dissected throughout history by various professionals, including law enforcement officials, psychologists, criminologists, and writers. Engaging with real-world incentives for horrific crimes, writers illustrate narratives filled with killers and manipulators whose actions stem from desires for personal gain, lust, a chilling fascination with violence, or often, revenge. Indeed, revenge serves as the driving force in numerous renowned crime thrillers, such as Agatha Christie’s classic Murder on the Orient Express, influencing countless narratives that followed.
It’s no surprise that authors frequently weave revenge into their tales. Characters who commit murder purely for malicious intent tend to lack relatability, whereas those pursuing vengeance can resonate more deeply with readers, particularly based on the nature of their grievances. Revenge not only allows storytellers to implant clues rooted in the past but also enables them to shock audiences with unexpected twists as the climax unfolds. Below is a selection of riveting thrillers centered around revenge, encompassing young adult fiction, fantasy, and contemporary crime narratives.
Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
This intricate thriller unfolds within the confines of a boarding school, unraveling a tale of vengeance against a secretive group that manipulates the academy from behind the curtain. As a collective, the protagonists unite to take down the group responsible for their suffering, but each harbors personal motives shaped by their own experiences of wrongdoings.
One of the Good Guys by Araminta Hall
Narrated through various viewpoints, this gripping story follows Cole, in the throes of a recent separation, and Lennie, an artist seeking inspiration by the coast. Both become embroiled in the mysterious disappearance of two young women. As the plot thickens, hidden depths within each character challenge reader assumptions about the lengths individuals will traverse for revenge or justice.
Every Smile You Fake by Dorothy Koomson
Known as the “Queen of the Big Reveal,” Koomson delivers a thrilling narrative where therapist and forensic profiler Kez’s life is upended when a newborn is abandoned in her vehicle. Believing the child belongs to a former mentee, she dives deep into uncovering a conspiracy rooted in animosity and revenge.
Catch Your Death by Ravena Guron
For fans of classic whodunits, this locked-room thriller set in a snow-encased stately home promises intrigue. Three young women find themselves trapped in a manor governed by a reclusive aristocratic family, leading to a murder that is intricately tied to a plot of revenge.
Over My Dead Body by Maz Evans
Dr. Miriam Price is deceased, yet she is determined to unravel the circumstances of her murder from an afterlife she can barely comprehend. With the assistance of her cantankerous neighbor, she embarks on an investigation that unveils more enemies than she ever expected — some of whom might have executed a vengeful act against her.
The Revenge of Rita Marsh by Nilesha Chauvet
Appearances can be deceiving, especially for care worker Rita Marsh, who leads a covert existence as a vigilante targeting predatory men online. As her past resurfaces, the line between hero and avenger blurs, raising questions about her true motivations.
The Hive by Scarlett Brade
A chilling exploration of social media’s darker aspects, The Hive follows Charlotte, who broadcasts on Instagram confessing to her first murder and announcing her intent to kill again, contingent upon her followers’ approval of her reasoning.
Black Water Sister by Zen Cho
In this contemporary fantasy, Jessamyn Teoh relocates to Malaysia, where she discovers her innate ability to commune with spirits, including her grandmother. Directed by her grandmother and a vengeful deity, Jessamyn finds herself embroiled in a quest for retribution against local wrongdoers.
Different Class by Joanne Harris
Set in the evocative fictional town of Malbry, this installment of Harris’s series delves into the lingering trauma of a historical crime. The narrative follows the newly appointed headmaster, Johnny Harrington, as his presence raises suspicions about revenge for unresolved grievances from the past.
For readers seeking further thrilling recommendations, consider exploring Back To Sleuthing: 11 New Mystery & Thrillers for September 2024. For younger enthusiasts of the genre, YA Thrillers Like A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder might provide a captivating adventure.
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