In a world where diversity thrives, there's a captivating genre that delves into the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ characters, weaving tales of suspense, intrigue, and thrilling escapades. These narratives, known as LGBTQ+ thrillers, not only entertain readers with pulse-pounding plots but also shed light on the unique challenges and triumphs faced by individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. As we dive into the realm of these heart-stopping stories, let's unravel the captivating world of LGBTQ+ thrillers, where love, identity, and justice intertwine in a gripping dance of suspense.
Bleeding Earth is a novel by writer Lea K. about the devastating effects of a mysterious phenomenon that causes the earth to start bleeding and growing hair and bones.
The story follows the protagoni...
Are you ready to be a part of the family? Caz Finlay's Bad Blood series is back with Part of the Family, the sixth installment in the addictive Liverpool-set gangland thriller. This time, the Carters ...
Look Closer" and be prepared to be surprised.
A suspenseful and thrilling novel from the award-winning author, Look Closer is a story of greed, revenge, obsession, and possibly the perfect murder. Wh...
Gray Paree: An LGBT Historical Thriller (Tales of the Bohemian Resistance Book 1) is a captivating story of love, loss, and resistance set in Nazi-occupied Paris.
American expat Oliver Carmichael is...
A Ladder to the Sky: A Novel is a thrilling and captivating read that will leave readers questioning morality and art. Written by acclaimed author John Boyne, this book is a satire of writerly ambitio...
Unnatural History: An Alex Delaware Novel is the latest thrilling installment of the #1 New York Times bestselling series. Written by master of suspense Jonathan Kellerman, this novel follows the belo...
The Quaker is the first book in the D.I. McCormack Mysteries series, a Washington Post Best Book of the Year. Set in Glasgow in 1969, the city is in the grip of a serial killer known as The Quaker. DI...
The Quaker is the first book in the D.I. McCormack Mysteries series, a Washington Post Best Book of the Year. Set in Glasgow in 1969, the city is in the grip of a serial killer known as The Quaker. DI...
Triple Threat: 3 Marshall James Thrillers is a collection of three thrilling stories that will take you on a wild ride with Marshall James. In Murder at the Paisley Parrot, Marshall is pulled into a w...
From the Ashes: Manhattan Sloane Thriller Series, Book 2 is an action-packed thriller following San Francisco police detective Manhattan Sloane and DEA Agent Finn Harper as they try to bring justice t...
Beautiful Corpse: A Marshall James Thriller is the second book in the Marshall James Thrillers series. Set in 1984, this thrilling novel follows Marshall James as he navigates a dark and twisted world...
Final Audition: A Marshall James Thriller is the third installment of the Marshall James Thrillers series. In this thrilling adventure, Marshall must take one last journey into his past, in search of ...
Original Sin, the thrilling conclusion to the Joanna Mitchell Thrillers trilogy, is an edge-of-your-seat mystery with plenty of twists and turns. Joanna is finally about to meet a central figure from ...
Killer Instinct: A Lesbian Thriller" to find out how Joanna navigates the dangerous waters of love, betrayal, and justice.
Barbara Winkes' "Killer Instinct: A Lesbian Thriller (Joanna Mitchell Thrill...
Survivor's Guilt (An Erin McCabe Legal Thriller Book 2) is a groundbreaking legal thriller that takes on the complexities of gender, power, public perception, and human trafficking. Written by LGBTQ+ ...
By Way of Sorrow is an emotionally resonant debut legal thriller by Robyn Gigl. In this riveting novel, we meet Erin McCabe, a criminal defense attorney in New Jersey who is presented with the biggest...
Bath Haus: A Thriller is a scintillating and thrilling novel that will have readers on the edge of their seat. Nominated for a 34th annual Lambda Literary Award, this novel follows Oliver Park, a reco...
The LGBT Superheroes! Book I: A Genteel Exercise of Vigilante Justice is an action-packed, heartwarming adventure that follows four fearless friends as they join forces to save their city from the cor...
Secrets: A Lesbian Thriller is a suspenseful and gripping story about Marsha Taylor and Jessie, two women who find themselves in a small town called Diamond Lake. After picking up a hitchhiker along t...
Thriller literature has always been a favorite among readers. The genre has evolved over time to include various sub-genres, including LGBTQ+ thrillers. These books encompass themes of crime, suspense, and eroticism, making them an exciting and engaging read for those interested in the genre.
Understanding LGBTQ+ Thriller literature
LGBTQ+ thriller literature can be divided into two sub-genres – those that feature LGBTQ+ protagonists and those that have LGBTQ+ themes. The former sub-genre features novels about queer characters and their lives, while the latter involves crime or suspense plots with LGBTQ+ themes minus any queer characters.
When choosing to read a queer thriller book, it's essential to evaluate the category based on the extent of LGBTQ+ representation in the story. Otherwise, you may end up reading a book that barely touches on LGBTQ+ themes or one that uses queer characters as props without authentically portraying them.
Where to find queer thriller books
With the increasing demand for LGBTQ+ literature, the availability of these books in popular retail stores has grown. However, some online retailers, including Amazon and Barnes&Noble, provide a wider range of titles with competitive pricing.
If you're looking for specialized LGBTQ+ bookstores that offer better assistance or those that let you preview a chapter before purchase, check out stores like The LGBT Community Centre, Bluestockings, and Greenlight Bookstore.
Factors to consider when choosing LGBTQ+ thriller books
Some of the factors to consider when selecting an LGBTQ+ thriller book include:
1. Author credibility
Before purchasing a book, it's essential to research the author’s background and expertise to ensure that they can depict queer stories accurately. Reputable authors in the LGBTQ+ literature space include Sarah Waters, Michael Nava, and Val McDermid.
2. Genre
When selecting an LGBTQ+ thriller book, consider the sub-genre that you prefer, including psychological-thrillers, crime, mystery, or horror. Select a book that suits your interests.
3. Representation
When reading a queer thriller, it's important that LGBTQ+ characters are portrayed realistically and accurately in the story plot. Avoid books that use queer characters only for their 'shock value.
4. Range of LGBTQ+ characters
As much as also possible, select books that include a diverse range of LGBTQ+ characters to display the breadth of queer fiction. This could include characters of various gender identities, sexual orientations, and ethnic backgrounds.
5. Reviews
It is important to read reviews from various readers about a book before making a purchase. Reviews provide valuable insights into the book and may reveal issues such as poor representation or off-putting plotlines.
Some popular LGBTQ+ thriller books to consider
The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde
This classic tale follows Dorian Gray, a beautiful man living in Victorian society. Dorian sells his soul for eternal youth, leading him down a path of hedonism, excess, and destruction.
The Price of Salt, by Patricia Highsmith
This classic tells the story of Therese Belivet, a struggling artist who falls in love with Carol Aird, a housewife. Set in 1950s America, the book brings to light the complexity of intimate same-sex relationships during this time.
The Talented Mr. Ripley, by Patricia Highsmith
Tom Ripley is a sociopathic man living in 1950s New York. When he's sent to Italy to bring home the son of a wealthy family, Ripley becomes obsessed with the luxurious lifestyle of his intended victim.
Death in Venice, by Thomas Mann
Set in Venice during a cholera outbreak, this book follows Gustav von Aschenbach, an aging writer. Gustav becomes enamored with a beautiful young boy, leading to a haunting and unforgettable tale of obsession.
In the Blood, by Hailey Turner
This book is the first in the "Metahuman Files" series, featuring supernatural creatures and queer romance. It follows inquisitive and strong-willed criminal investigator Jamie Callahan and telekinetic Special Forces operator Kyle Brannigan as they work to stop a dangerous threat to Metahuman Affairs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, LGBTQ+ thriller literature offers an exciting and diverse collection of novels. When selecting a book, be sure to consider the author's credibility, genre, representation, character range, and reviews. Some popular books in the LGBTQ+ thriller category include The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Price of Salt, In the Blood, and The Talented Mr. Ripley.
Related Topics You Might Like
