By Olivia Miller 
If you’re a fan of a gripping thriller or a chilling horror story, you’ve probably wondered:
Are the best-selling books on Amazon the same ones topping the New York Times list?
In 2025, the answer is… not always.
Here at Suspenser Reader, we decided to investigate.
We dove into the latest bestseller charts from both platforms to see what’s trending online (Amazon) and what’s gaining traction with more traditional audiences (NYT).
The result? A fascinating look at how different readers consume the same genre in very different ways.
Let’s break it down:
📦 Amazon: Where Viral and Addictive Reads Reign
Amazon’s bestseller list is driven by fast-moving trends, what’s going viral on TikTok, reviewed on YouTube, or highly rated on Goodreads.
Top thrillers and horror titles on Amazon in 2025:
- The Housemaid Is Watching – Freida McFadden
The direct sequel to The Housemaid became a runaway success. Fast-paced, twisty, and dangerously bingeable readers couldn’t get enough. - The Teacher – Freida McFadden
Another hit from Freida, this one set in a school with dark secrets and an unreliable narrator. It dominated Kindle sales for weeks. - First Lie Wins – Ashley Elston
A thriller packed with multiple identities, high-stakes tension, and a jaw-dropping twist. BookTok couldn’t stop talking about it. - Verity (special edition re-release) – Colleen Hoover
Originally released years ago, Verity made a huge comeback with a new cover and renewed hype. Dark, dramatic, and disturbingly addictive.
📌 The vibe? Quick reads, short chapters, and high-tension stories made to be devoured in a single sitting.
📰 New York Times: Literary Appeal Meets Suspense
The NYT list tends to reflect more critically acclaimed titles, books with staying power, often featured in book clubs or praised by literary reviewers.
Top thriller/horror picks on the NYT list in 2025:
- The Fury – Alex Michaelides
Set on a secluded Greek island, this novel blends suspense, complex characters, and subtle social commentary. A twisty, smart read with literary flair. - None of This Is True – Lisa Jewell
A mature psychological thriller exploring privacy, obsession, and hidden lives. Well-written, unsettling, and introspective. - Murder Road – Simone St. James
A supernatural-tinged thriller with dark secrets, eerie settings, and a 1970s vibe. Both readers and critics loved it. - Middle of the Night – Riley Sager
A suburban nightmare involving missing children, creepy neighbors, and unreliable memories. Sager delivers another haunting success.
📌 The vibe? Deeper themes, layered characters, and strong narratives that spark discussion.
🧠 What Does This Tell Us?
It shows that suspense and horror thrive across different reading styles.
Amazon reflects the impulsive, emotionally charged, scroll-and-buy crowd.
The NYT highlights stories with more nuance, often with higher literary value.
And the coolest part? Many readers enjoy both worlds.
They’ll binge-read The Housemaid one weekend, then take their time with The Fury the next.
That balance is what makes the genre so alive and constantly evolving.
So, Which List Do You Follow?
Are you the “I couldn’t stop reading and stayed up all night” kind of reader? Or do you prefer a more reflective suspense that lingers in your mind for days?
Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to share this post with that book-loving friend who’s always looking for their next thriller fix.
Because in the world of suspense, there’s always another twist waiting. 📚🔪