There is a specific kind of alchemy that happens when a thriller grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. It’s not just about the twist—though we all love a good gasp-out-loud moment—it’s about the voice, the atmosphere, and the characters who feel so real you worry about them when you put the book down.
Black History Month is always a wonderful time to spotlight literary excellence, but the books on this list will haunt you, thrill you, and keep you guessing regardless of the season. If you are looking to diversify your shelf with high-octane suspense, psychological depth, and gritty noir, look no further.
From the neon-soaked underbelly of Lagos to the rural American South, here are five thrillers by Black authors that I simply couldn’t put down.
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Dorothy Koomson, Give Him to Me
Dorothy Koomson has long been hailed as the “Queen of the Big Reveal,” and in Give Him to Me, she reminds us exactly why she wears the crown. The premise hooked me instantly. Robyn witnessed her father murder her mother when she was twelve. Now in her twenties, with her father hidden away in witness protection, Robyn decides it’s time for a family reunion.
Her method? Killing people connected to his case and leaving a chilling note on the bodies: GIVE HIM TO ME.
What I love about this book is the cat-and-mouse dynamic. It’s not just a revenge thriller; it’s a psychological deep dive, especially with the return of profiler Dr. Kez Lanyon (fans of Every Smile You Fake will be thrilled, though this absolutely works as a standalone). Koomson balances a dark streak of feminist rage with a plot that is clever, complex, and utterly compulsive.
Oyinkan Braithwaite, Cursed Daughters
After My Sister, the Serial Killer, I was desperate to see what Oyinkan Braithwaite would do next, and Cursed Daughters does not disappoint. It moves away from the slasher vibes of her debut into something more gothic and atmospheric.
The story follows the Falodun women—Ebun, Eniiyi, and the late Monife—who are plagued by a generational curse that dooms them to heartbreak. When Eniiyi begins to look suspiciously like her aunt Monife, who died by suicide, the lines between reincarnation, superstition, and reality blur in the heat of Lagos.
I picked this one because of Braithwaite’s unique voice—sharp, witty, and laced with a creeping sense of discomfort. It’s a family drama wrapped in a mystery, exploring how intergenerational trauma can feel like a supernatural force.
S. A. Cosby, Razorblade Tears
This is a book that comes up time and time again on people’s “favorite thrillers” lists. S. A. Cosby has delivered a total masterpiece of Southern noir. The story centers on Ike Randolph and Buddy Lee, two ex-cons—one Black, one white—who team up to avenge their murdered sons. The catch? The sons were married to each other, and both fathers had rejected them because of it.
This book wrecked me in the best way possible. It is violent and visceral, yes, but underneath the action is a profound exploration of redemption, guilt, and the possibility of change. Watching these two hardened men confront their own prejudices while raining down vengeance is a cinematic experience I won’t soon forget.
Akwaeke Emezi, Little Rot
Akwaeke Emezi is a shapeshifter of a writer, and with Little Rot, they have pivoted to a fast and filthy story that feels like a fever dream. This book is not your typical thriller, but is so thrilling, it deserves a place on this list. Set in the elite underbelly of a Nigerian city, the story kicks off when a breakup spirals into a weekend of chaos involving a sex party, corruption, and a desperate attempt to outrun the consequences.
This isn’t a cozy mystery; it’s a dark, immersive dive into moral decay. I was glued to the pages because of the sheer intensity of the pacing. Emezi captures the texture of a tainted world where everyone is complicit, and the tension is so high it feels like the book is vibrating in your hands.
As a bonus, you should also check out Akwaeke’s EP, Stop Dying, You Were Very Expensive!. Think futuristic afrobeats—a total treat for the ears.
Leodora Darlington, The Exes
It would be remiss of me not to mention The Exes—a wickedly fun revenge fantasy that sits somewhere between Gone Girl and Such a Fun Age. Natalie wants a perfect life and a perfect family, but while everyone knows what it’s like to want to murder their partner, hers keep actually turning up dead. When she meets James, he seems like “The One,” but as secrets surface and the body count rises, you start to wonder: is Natalie a victim of bad luck, or is she the monster in her own story?
The Exes tackles the complexities of dating and race with a sharp edge and dry humor, all while keeping the twists coming at breakneck speed. It’s also a story that explores how difficult yet vital it is to break generational trauma, learn to love oneself, and find true happiness. Meaty themes with a hopeful finish!
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