24 Books That Will Keep You Up All Night And Chances Are You Haven't Heard Of Them

"If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book." – J.K. Rowling

Ever picked up a book "just for a few pages" and suddenly found yourself staring at the clock at 3 AM, completely unable to put it down? You tell yourself, Just one more chapter, but deep down, you know you're in too deep. The story has you in a chokehold, and sleep is no longer an option. Well, get ready to lose even more sleep because I’ve rounded up 24 books that will mess with your mind, keep you hooked till the last page, and, in some cases, haunt you long after you’ve finished reading.

What makes this list special? These aren’t just your usual bestsellers that everyone has already read and raved about. Sure, a few might have gained some recognition, but chances are you haven’t heard of most of them—or at least haven’t had them shoved in your face like Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train. But trust me, these books deserve the hype. Some are terrifying, some are thrilling, and others will make you question reality itself. There's horror, sci-fi, psychological drama, true crime, and even some mind-bending non-fiction that will leave you thinking, Wait… did that actually happen?!

So, whether you’re looking for a book that will make you triple-check your locked doors (Into the Darkest Corner), question everything you know about time (Dark Matter), or rethink reality itself (House of Leaves), I’ve got you covered. Just be warned—once you start reading, there’s no going back. Sleep? Who needs it when you’ve got stories this good?

Now, let’s dive into the list.

1. Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice : Moon of the Crusted Snow is a 2018 post-apocalyptic thriller novel by Waubgeshig Rice. Set in a rural Anishinaabe community in northern Canada, it follows a group of community members after they are cut off from the rest of the world amidst a societal collapse. At first they thought it's nothing but an outage but as the days past their suspicion starts to clear as something much worse than their imagination is going on. Without the modern technology to sustain they fall back to the traditional survival skills. However, the danger outside isn't the one that's causing the humanity to fall but it's our own species (to understand this you have to read the book).

Review: A reviewer online writes "A must-Anishinaabe-Canadian read which refreshingly brings to life northern-remote life. A chilling consideration if there was ever a mass-communication and internet collapse! Feels so good to see such wonderful talent from the hometown!"

2. The Passage Trilogy by Justin Cronin: The Passage is a novel series by Justin Cronin. There are three published books in the series. The Passage, Twelve, and City of mirrors.  Story begins with the top-secret U.S. government experiment meant to create super-soldiers but, it unleashes a deadly virus that turns people into powerful, vampire-like creatures called "Virals.". But where darkness starts to absorbs everything in sight, brightness finds a reason to shine bright. The story is a blend of horror, adventure, and sci-fi. 

Review: A reviewer online writes "A feast of multiple genres, especially satisfying for fans of well written science fiction, post-apocalyptic struggle, and horror of the vampire variety. Full of surprises and memorable characters."

3. The Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson: Millennium is a series of crime novels originally conceptualized by Swedish author Stieg Larsson. Larsson completed three books before his death. Seven books in the series have been published. Larsson planned the series as having 10 installments, but completed only three before his sudden death in 2004. This is a gripping and dark mystery series about a journalist, Mikael Blomkvist, and a genius but troubled computer hacker, Lisbeth Salander. It all starts when Mikael is tasked with cracking a 40-year-old case of a missing girl. He discovers that the girl's wealthy and influential family is keeping deadly secrets as he investigates further. 

Review: "Definitely books are much better and unraveling of the mystery makes you read faster in certain parts. But as such the book is a slow read and detailed for a thriller genre. In the movie, there wasn't much time to focus and build other characters. For me, books are always better in that sense. Having said that, the movie is also thrilling and mostly a decent adaptation."

4. Dark Matter By Blake Crouch: Dark Matter is a thriller science fiction novel by American writer Blake Crouch. The story is about Jason Dessen who is a normal guy living a good life—until one evening, he gets kidnapped and finds himself in a world that is not his own. His wife is not his wife, his son never existed, and he is a renowned scientist rather than a family man. The worst part? Someone else is living his life in his old world. Jason finds himself quickly ensnared in a realm of infinite possibility where every decision yields an alternate universe. Now he must battle back to home ground before time runs out. It is a pacey, blow-out sci-fi thriller that makes you doubt all about life, decision, and reality.

Review: A reviewer writes "There are a million things to say but still I m trembling what to write in this review, just confused how to describe how much i loved this book, what words should i use to let you guys know this book is a masterpiece which is written once in a decade. At least i loved it that much."

5. Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll: Bright Young Women is a serial killer thriller written by Jessica Knoll. Most crime novels center around the murderer, but Bright Young Women reverses that. It's a novel about the intelligent, empowered women who were victims of a vicious serial killer's acts. It tracks the life of Pamela, a college girl whose sorority house was targeted, and Ruth, a woman who had her best friend murdered in the same manner. Instead of celebrating the killer, this book chronicles the lives of the survivors—their agony, their bravery, and their struggle for justice. It's a very emotional and haunting read that sets you thinking in a completely new perspective about crime stories.

Review: An online reader writes "Excellent. Best part though was every poke, every jab by Pamela to all the men who think they are so smart, so clever, was so well done. I will never NOT think of this "charismatic" psychopath as the booger-picking simpleton that he really was. Thank you for flipping the script and making the story about the victims instead of the predator."

6.  Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir: Project Hail Mary is a 2021 science fiction novel by American writer Andy Weir. It centers around a man awakens on a spaceship alone, having no idea who he is or why he's there. As his memories slowly return, he learns he's Earth's only hope. His task? To prevent a catastrophe that will destroy the world. The catch? His entire crew is dead, and he's all alone—until he finds someone he least expected. This book is a thrilling combination of science, adventure, and humor. It's all about problem-solving, collaboration, and survival, with a dash of humor. If you enjoyed The Martian, you will enjoy this one as well. 

Review: An online reader writes "Choosing to read this book first after taking a long break from fiction is arguably the best decision I've made in the 17 years I've been alive. I just can't find any flaw in this book!! Every page presents you with yet another reason to keep reading. Provided I wasn't burdened with assignments and studying, I could have gone hours without a break just reading Project Hail Mary."

7. A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn: A People's History of the United States is a 1980 nonfiction book by American historian and political scientist Howard Zinn. This book is the history of the United States, but not conventionally. It does not focus on presidents and wars as most books would. Rather, it narrates history from the point of view of ordinary people, workers, women, Native people, and others who don't often have their voices represented in history books. It addresses large events such as slavery, the civil rights movement, and labor struggles, demonstrating how everyday people struggled for justice and change. It's an eye-opening book that gets you to think about history in a completely different way.

Review: An online reader writes "A must read for anyone looking for another viewpoint of history besides traditional public US education. I always knew our history was worse than we were told, but, the author really puts it all into full, necessary detail. He also writes so well. It never got boring or overly scholarly. Just thoroughly enjoyable!"

8. I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman: I Who Have Never Known Men, originally published in French as Moi qui n'ai pas connu les hommes, is a 1995 science fiction novel by Belgian author Jacqueline Harpman. 8. I Who Have Never Known Men (by Jacqueline Harpman). This is a haunting and emotional story about a girl who grows up in a small underground bunker with 39 other women. They don’t know why they’re locked up, who put them there, or what’s happening outside. Armed guards watch them, but never speak. One day, something strange happens—the guards disappear, leaving the door unlocked. The women finally escape, only to find a completely empty world. There are no people, no cities, nothing. The main character, who has never known life outside the bunker, is now free—but what does freedom even mean when there’s nothing left? This book is mysterious, sad, and thought-provoking. It makes you think about loneliness, survival, and what it really means to be human.

Review: An online reader writes "This book is written so beautifully by the middle of it I started crying. It's very thought provoking. It creates a roller-coaster of emotions and ideas. I really do recommend this book. It will forever live in my mind rent free and bring me to tears thinking about it, in the best way."

9. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline: Ready Player One is a 2011 science fiction novel, and the debut novel of American author Ernest Cline. In the real future, the real world is literally breaking down, and humans resort to living a gigantic virtual reality game called the OASIS. In the game, characters can be anybody and do whatever they wish. However, there is a twist—there's a hidden treasure in the game, left behind by the maker, and the person who is the first to discover it wins billions of dollars and control over the entire OASIS. 

Review: An online reader writes "This is easily one of my favorite books of all time, with an awesome cyberpunk vibe and oodles of atmosphere the entire way through. Its pop culture references always feel justified, parts of the book that one would figure to be boring are surprisingly engaging and almost fun, and it is all-around well written and funny. While the movie is good, it doesn't do the book nearly enough justice. Pick it up and have a good time in a dark future."

10.  If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio: If We Were Villains is the debut novel of American author M. L. Rio, was published in 2017. This novel is like The Secret History but with Shakespeare and more drama. It takes place at the best arts school in the country and follows a group of top students of theater. They eat, sleep, and breathe Shakespeare, performing his plays so frequently that reality and fiction begin to become confused. Something horrific occurs one of them is found dead. The other students are suspects, and their friendships begin to crumble as betrayals and secrets are revealed. The novel is narrated in flashbacks, with one of the students telling the truth after ten years in prison.

Review: An online reader writes "This book is written so well, I cannot not begin to describe it. the plots are thriving.  it it feels like it is part of me now. M.L Rio wrote a masterpiece part of Dark Academia. i have never came across a book that was any better." 

11. All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood: All the Ugly and Wonderful Things is a novel of American Author Bryn Greenwood. This novel recounts the tragic tale of  a young girl brought up in a toxic household. Her parents are addicts, and she is forced to look after herself and her younger brother. The only person in her life who treats her with kindness is Kellen. Who works for her criminal father. As time passes, their connection grows stronger, and things start to get more complicated between them. The book doesn't hold back on difficult subjects it examines love, trauma, and ethics in a manner that leaves you uncomfortable but cannot help but stare.

Review: An online reader writes "5 stars from me. Because I definitely viewed sex with minors as 100% black and white. It’s just wrong. And I think this offered the possibility of gray. I guess she wrote this based on her personal experience. I read that book about 4 years ago and still think about it once in awhile. Not so much about the sexual relationship but about kids who grow up in such extreme dysfunction."

12. Missing Time by Budd Hopkins: Missing Time by Budd Hopkins is a novel of American Author Budd Hopkins. This book explores the accounts of those who say they've been captured by aliens but there's a twist. They don't remember it ever happening. Instead, they experience odd gaps in their memories, nightmares, and inexplicable phobias. The author, Budd Hopkins, was among the first researchers to investigate the cases at close hand. Most people reported similar cases bright lights, missing time, unusual entities, and even experiments. Whether one is a believer in extraterrestrial life or not, this book is eerie, mind-bending, and makes one wonder what we actually know about the unknown.

Review: An online reader writes "I was searching for this book for a very long time. I’ve experienced missing time and needed to get an explanation. Vivid, honest and real."

13. We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer: We Used to Live Here is a 2024 horror novel, the debut novel by Marcus Kliewer. The story revolves around a couple who gets visitors in their new home claiming they used to live there and wanted to look around. Initially, the visitors appear normal just nostalgic individuals who want to view their former home. But things begin to get strange as the strangers won't leave. They behave as if they still own the house. They find out things about the house they shouldn't know. And the more the couple tries to ostracize them, the weirder things get. This novel is straight psychological horror. It taps into basic fears and takes something as basic as opening your door and makes it a terror. It's creepy, nauseating, and ideal for people who enjoy slow-burning horrors that play havoc with your brain.

Review: An online reader writes "I started reading this and couldn't put it down. I loved the twists and turns but I found myself wanting more from the ending. It just didn't feel finished. I need to know what Thomas was/is and if Eve was just one of many "sisters" over the years to take the place and fate of the previous."

14. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara: I'll Be Gone in the Dark is One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer in a true crime book by the American writer Michelle McNamara about the investigation of the Golden State Killer. This is a true crime narrative about one of America's most frightening serial killers the Golden State Killer. He raped and terrorized dozens of victims and was never caught. But true crime writer Michelle McNamara was determined to catch him. If you enjoy true crime, you'll stay up all night reading this book not because it's excellent, but because it's truly frightening to realize that it actually happened. 

Review: An online reader writes "I liked how she expressed the victim's view. The story really touched me and kind of angered me in what the victims were forced to endure. It's truly a tragedy she died before the killer was captured. Why she took the drugs that led to her death is beyond me as I don't suffer from anxiety or depression. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in forensic science. It's a real eye opener in respect to the sharing of information between agencies."

15. I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes: I Am Pilgrim is the debut novel by former journalist and screenwriter Terry Hayes. It is the story of Pilgrim, an ex-secret agent who had long retired from such a life until he gets dragged into a mission to prevent a lethal biological assault. The antagonist is a shadowy terrorist called "The Saracen," a guy so intelligent and perilous that even the strongest spy agencies are unable to follow his trail. While Pilgrim navigates through leads in various countries, he becomes aware that he's dealing with someone who may be his peer. This novel is packed with surprises, tension, and hair-raising episodes. It's one of those page-turning thrillers that you find yourself reading late into the night.

Review: An online reader writes "I hope my review reaches you Terry Hayes. I was totally captivated by how well written your book is. So many different events which were all tied into each other and then perfectly revealed. There was no time for any boredom. There was no filler dialogue (eg. Over describing minute details). I wish I had an ounce of your talent. Thank you."

16. The Troop by Nick Cutter: The Troop is a 2014 horror novel written by Canadian author Craig Davidson under the pen name Nick Cutter. This book's story revolves around a group of Boy Scouts and their scoutmaster who goes out on a camping trip to a remote island. Everything seems normal at first until a strange, sickly man stumbles into their camp, looking like he’s starving to death. It turns out, he’s infected with something horrifying something that spreads fast and turns people into monsters. The boys change, one by one, and they're stuck on the island with no escape. This book is dark, gory, and full of body horror. If you're not squeamish, it may not be for you but if you enjoy books that crawl under your skin, this book will do the job.

Review: An online reader writes "This book is honestly amazing. The author Nick Cutter writes really well and uses very good vocabulary. If you like books that use a lot of imagery and help the reader see what the author is trying to convey this book is definitely for you. It kept me reading the book chapter after chapter and I was very disappointed when it ended simply because I wanted more. I highly recommend this book."

17. Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan: Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness is a 2012 New York Times best-selling autobiography by New York Post writer Susannah Cahalan. The story revolves around a young journalist who's sane one moment but struggles to keep up in the next. Either gets zoned out, hallucinates or just doesn't remember huge parts of her life. Doctors were baffled. Some thought she had a mental illness. Others thought it was stress. But the reality was even more frightening her own immune system was turning on her brain. Had they not discovered it in time, she could have lost herself forever. This is a chilling true-life medical thriller that reads like a horror novel. It is surprising, moving, and makes you understand how vulnerable the human mind is.

Review: An online reader writes "As a mother of a teenage son that experienced this disease ...the performance is spot on. The only difference between this book/movie and reality is the time it takes to find doctors willing to test and diagnosis. Our mental health system has become a pill pushing giant that does not care about true medical/physical diagnosis... only selling big pharmacy products :-("

18. The Appeal by Janice Hallett: The Appeal is a 2021's book published by Janice Hallett. This is no ordinary mystery book. Rather than a linear narrative, it's presented entirely in the form of emails, text messages, and letters. You, the reader, must deduce the clues and determine what actually transpired. 

The book is about a small theater troupe in which a murder occurs. But there's a catch before you even know someone has been killed, you're already aware something is a miss. There is gossip, lies, and secrets buried in the texts and emails. As you read, you begin to get the feeling that not everyone appears as they truly are, and that someone keeps a deadly secret.

Review: An online reader writes "5 stars! I absolutely loved this book. So much fun to read. You learn the story reading emails and other documentation. Clues were hidden within but I didn't guess what was actually going on."

19. Falling by T.J. Newman: Falling is a 2021 thriller novel by T. J. Newman. The pilot, Bill, is on a standard commercial flight when he receives a call: his wife and children have been taken hostage. If he doesn't crash the plane, they die. But if he crashes it, hundreds of innocent people are killed. No winning is possible. The novel is non-stop suspense from beginning to end. It's written by a flight attendant who used to be on the job, so everything that happens inside the plane reads extremely authentic. If you enjoy high-stakes thrillers, this one will have you on edge the entire time.

Review: An online reader writes "This is an awesome book!! Bought this book on suggestion of an airport bookseller in Honolulu to read on the way to Denver. Ended up not reading the book till I got home, thank heavens. I don't like flying anyway and it would have put me into a panic attack I think. I just finished it and it is 4:30 in the morning couldn't put it down. Grabbed me right off felt like I was right there on the plane. Will be looking for this author in the future. Thank you T.J. Newman for this story and it may be a while before I fly again and will avoid all flights with the #416 on the ticket."

 

20. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski: House of Leaves is the debut novel by American author Mark Z. Danielewski, published in March 2000 by Pantheon Books. This book is not only a tale it's an experience. It's about a young family that relocates to a new home, only to find something frightening the interior of the house is larger than the exterior. Halls materialize out of thin air, doors open into bottomless darkness, and the house itself seems to be changing. If you enjoy psychological horror that tickles your brain, this book is a must-read 

Review: An online reader writes "What an amazing book.. I have never read a book like it, and never had a book disorient me so much. Which is a compliment, btw. I definitely see the influence it has on the Silent Hill games."

21. The Paleontologist by Luke Dumas: The Paleontologist is a 2023's book written by Luke Dumas. This novel tells the story of Dr. Simon Nealy, a paleontologist who moves back to his hometown to take a job in a strange museum of dinosaurs. But something does not feel quite right. Terrible things occur, people behave strangely, and rumors circulate about something nasty lurking within the museum. As Simon gets deeper, he learns that the museum's secrets are much more horrifying than he ever thought. The past will not rest, and he finds himself ensnared in a fatal mystery soon.

Review: An online reader writes "Loved it!! This is the book for you if you're into seeing what it would be like to work as a Paleontologist in a museum but also be haunted by the ghost of your missing sister. So many great plot lines that all come to a climax when they all intersect. Great thriller! Well read all of authors books now."

22. Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes: Into the Darkest Corner is a 2011's book written by Elizabeth Haynes. This is one of those mind games that crawls under your skin. The plot oscillates between two timelines: the past, where Cathy becomes infatuated with a suave, good-looking guy named Lee, and the present, where she lives in perpetual terror, grappling with extreme OCD and trauma. Lee is the ideal boyfriend at first. But then he becomes controlling, abusive, and frightening. Cathy realizes she must get out—but Lee is not the sort of man who gives up. The book is gripping, unnerving, and so beautifully written that you feel the fear that Cathy feels. It's a chilling glimpse into abusive relationships, trauma, and the long process of healing.

Review: An online reader writes "Amazing book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The ending does not disappoint! Definitely one of my favorites."

23. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: The Silent Patient is a 2019 psychological thriller novel written by British Cypriot author Alex Michaelides. licia Berenson appears to have it all—until the day she shoots her husband in the face five times and never says another word. She's committed to a psychiatric ward, where everyone is unable to get a word out of her. Enter Theo, a psychotherapist driven mad by her case. He's so driven to learn why she did what she did, what secrets she's keeping, and if he can ever get her to talk again. But the more he investigates, the more he twists. This is one of those books that has a giant twist at the end that you will not, in a million years, even imagine. It's dark, psychological, and utterly impossible to put down.

Review: An online reader writes "Alex Michaelides' "The Silent Patient" is the type of thriller to seize a reader from the very first page and not relent. One will meet it as a psychological riddle wrapped in an intense narrative that, to some extent, keeps one turning pages to the very end."

24. None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell: None of This is True is a 2023 thriller written by British author Lisa Jewell. A What if you sat down with a person who seemed totally ordinary and then found that they had some terrible secret to hide? This is what takes place in this book. Alix and Josie run into each other on their birthdays by accident. Josie is quiet, shy, and somewhat peculiar, but nothing more. She persuades Alix, an amateur crime podcast host, to share her life story. This novel is creepy, suspenseful, and packed with twists that will leave you stunned.

Review: An online reader writes "I was looking for a book to keep me busy during my December holiday, but then I finished it in a day. What a page turner! Lisa Jewell had me hooked on this twisted mystery novel since page one. When you start reading this book it might feel like the story is going nowhere at first, but in hindsight everything is part of the mystery."

Conclusion: And so, here they are 24 books that will have you stuck to the pages far beyond midnight. Horror, thriller, sci-fi, or true crime whatever your pleasure, each of these books has something that will keep you reading far into the night. Some will leave you gasping in shock at the twist, others will insinuate themselves into your brain and stay there, and a few will even have you sleeping with the lights on. The best news? Most of them aren't the big, hyped bestsellers that everybody is talking about, so there's a good chance that you've just found your next favorite book. If you're in the mood for something new, something powerful, and something completely unputdownable, you can't lose with any of these.