Shows like True Detective owe a lot to earlier thrillers such as The Silence of the Lambs. While those classic films and books paved the way, True Detective really took the genre to a new level during the rise of high-quality television. In fact, the show’s creator, Nic Pizzolatto, initially envisioned it as a novel, and the books explored here were crucial in shaping the thriller genre for both reading and watching.
Before True Detective, the majority of popular thrillers, crime shows, and suspenseful stories were originally written as books and then made into movies or TV shows.
If you want a truly gripping and exciting book, these novels are the best place to start.
“The Day of the Jackal”
Written By Frederick Forsyth; Published In 1971
Like the films in the Bourne series and the show True Detective, The Day of the Jackal is a classic thriller about a worldwide hunt for a highly skilled assassin. What makes it truly stand out is how it expertly combines heart-pounding action with the meticulous, step-by-step police work that drives the plot forward.
Jackal is a carefully paced novel that remains consistently engaging, never feeling slow. It’s a gripping and immersive story that influenced the development of its genre. The book’s many surprising turns are best discovered by reading it yourself, as even the best movie or TV adaptations can’t fully capture them.
“Marathon Man”
Written By William Goldman; Published In 1974
I still think about Marathon Man as one of the most intensely gripping stories from the 70s. The tension is just incredible, and that ‘Is it safe?’ scene… it’s legendary! What really struck me is how powerfully the scene plays out even just reading the book – it’s just as unsettling. The movie definitely adds to it, visually, but the book really dives into the character’s sheer terror.
As a total film buff, I think Marathon Man is one of those stories that just completely grips you. It’s the kind of book you absolutely have to finish ‘just one more chapter’ before you can even think about sleep, and each chapter leaves you desperate to know what happens next. It’s a true classic, and I honestly think more people should give it a read – it really holds up!
“The Boys From Brazil”
Written By Ira Levin; Published In 1976
Both The Boys From Brazil and Marathon Man explore the lingering effects of the Holocaust and Nazi Germany. However, The Boys From Brazil takes a very different approach. The novel centers around a bizarre and imaginative plot: surviving Nazis are trying to create new Hitlers by cloning him.
The Boys From Brazil is a classic thriller that blends into science fiction and the supernatural. It’s a fast-paced read, and even if you’re familiar with the story, Ira Levin’s skillful writing makes it a compelling experience. That quality alone makes the book worth reading.
“Presumed Innocent”
Written By Scott Turow; Published In 1987
Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent is famous for its narrator, Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor who becomes the prime suspect in his colleague’s murder – and with whom he was having an affair. The novel cleverly keeps you guessing about his guilt or innocence throughout the story, even as he appears to be investigating the crime himself, until a surprising reveal at the very end.
The ending of Presumed Innocent features a twist that film and TV versions have echoed, but haven’t been able to capture the same surprise for those experiencing it for the first time. If you don’t know how the book ends, read it now – the shock is well worth it, especially after getting to know Rusty’s perspective throughout the story.
“Silence of the Lambs”
Written By Thomas Harris; Published In 1988
While Silence of the Lambs is considered one of the best films ever made, its excellent source novel often gets overlooked. Silence is a truly gripping thriller that might even make you check your locks after reading it late at night!
This novel fully embraces the exciting, fast-paced style of classic paperback thrillers. Silence of the Lambs understands its strengths and delivers a truly shocking and captivating experience. Just as the movie Silence of the Lambs influenced shows like True Detective, the book itself set the bar for all thrillers that followed.
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2026-02-05 15:59