Ready to explore some new narratives from the indie scene? We’ve gathered a list of mysteries and thrillers that will take you from the shores of Kenya to the hidden corridors of a mental asylum. Whether you enjoy a slow-burn psychological story or a fast-paced plot, there’s a world here waiting to be uncovered.
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This Is Not My Life: A Memoir of Sisterhood, Suspicion, and Starting Over by Laura Burkett
This raw and darkly humorous memoir confronts profound questions about life, loss, and identity. When tragedy strikes the same family twice, author Laura Burkett is left to navigate a world of grief and suspicion where the truth seems intentionally buried. The book follows her transformation from a compliant wife and sister to a fierce advocate for justice and an independent woman. It is at once a detective story, a tribute to sisterhood, and a testament to the power of resilience, exploring how our truest selves can emerge after everything we know has been stripped away.
Maa Maa Black Sheep by Seema Sandeep Tiwari
A car accident thirty years ago in Grand Marais, Minnesota, resulted in two burials: one of a sister and the other of a deeply guarded secret. This is the fragmented memory that haunts Mary Watson, a real estate tycoon suffering from a memory blackout. Her husband, a criminal defense lawyer, helps her protect this secret, but recurring nightmares and panic attacks ensure it is never truly forgotten. When the ghosts of her past return, her family is torn apart, pitting her daughter against her adopted niece and forcing Mary to make a terrible choice that could destroy everything she holds dear.
About the Author:
Seema Sandeep Tiwari is an Indian-born, Mumbai-based bilingual poet and storyteller. A former Associate Creative Director, she is now a full-time writer. Maa Maa Black Sheep is her debut novel in English. She has also written for an American audio rom-com series and published a collection of Hindi poems.
Lies at Her Door by A.A. Abbott
Lucy Freeman’s life is one of quiet dissatisfaction, spent caring for her terminally ill mother and living in the shadow of her rock star brother. Her world is violently upended when a sinkhole in her garden unearths a skeleton. The remains are identified as a former member of her brother’s band, and Lucy quickly becomes the primary suspect in the decades-old murder. Desperate for answers, she delves into her dying mother’s diaries, only to be drawn into a web of dark and complicated family secrets. This psychological thriller explores dysfunctional relationships and the journey of unearthing long-buried truths.
About the Author:
A.A. Abbott (Helen) is a British thriller writer based in cities like London and Bristol, which often serve as settings for her books. Passionate about accessibility, she publishes her thrillers in large-print, dyslexia-friendly editions, alongside standard paperback and ebook formats, to ensure her stories can be enjoyed by everyone.
I Was Never Crazy by Elizabeth Gidos
This character-driven, first-person narrative introduces Justine Hornbecker, an eighteen-year-old with dreams of becoming an illustrator in Manhattan in 1968. After an alleged suicide attempt, her sister has her committed to a state mental hospital. Inside, Justine is certain a mistake has been made, but the healing scars on her body suggest otherwise.
Forced to endure a decade of institutional life filled with electroshock treatments, isolation wards, and the constant fear of abuse from the staff, Justine finds solace in friendships with other patients. As she witnesses the grim reality of the Wicklin State Lunatic Asylum, where patients disappear into the hospital’s morgue, she holds onto hope and fights to uncover the truth about whether she was ever truly ‘crazy’.
Poppe Culture by Jaq Greenspon
Set against the iconic backdrop of Venice Beach, California, this novel follows Skids Poppe, a former motorcycle gang member who has found a new life as a respected journalist. His relatively quiet world is shattered by an early morning phone call from a friend who is on the run from the police for murder.
To clear his friend’s name, Skids must navigate the diverse neighborhoods of Southern California, from Santa Monica to Beverly Hills, and even take a trip to Las Vegas. With the help of a demolitions expert named Guantanamo Bey and the victim’s ex-girlfriend, August Everywhere, Skids finds himself in over his head, trying to solve the case before he becomes the next target.
About the Author:
Jaq Greenspon is a university professor and writer with a wide-ranging career. His work includes writing for television and collaborating with figures like David Copperfield. Currently residing in Eastern Europe, he is also a father, world traveler, and scuba diver.
Disquiet by George Reed
The first installment in a new trilogy, Disquiet is a suspenseful thriller that follows Alfie Sayers as he navigates professional success and personal tragedy. When dark secrets from his past resurface, he is forced into a desperate fight to protect his loved ones from ruthless killers. The story is a high-stakes journey of fear and resilience, questioning whether Alfie can overcome his past or risk losing everything.
About the Author:
George Reed is a London-based author who began writing at the age of eight. Inspired by cinematic storytelling and authors like J.K. Rowling and Jeff Abbott, he crafts intricate plots with compelling characters. Disquiet is his debut novel.
@delete_account_r: Not every imposter is harmless, some will get you killed by Cris Robello and L.A Motzouris
This dual-perspective thriller romance, inspired by TikTok, follows the intense connection between a soldier and a woman with a dangerous past. Sergeant Christian Ravella is a paratrooper who lives by a simple code: complete the mission at all costs. His latest assignment introduces him to Riley Morgan, a tech-savvy woman hunting digital impersonators as a form of vengeance. She is not the innocent civilian she appears to be, and Christian’s mission soon turns into a personal obsession. Their lives become further entangled when they realize they share a common enemy: the brutal Volkov Bratva, a Russian syndicate from Christian’s past.
Mombasa Rasa , My Foot by Haroun Risa
Ruth Adhiambo-Khan’s life is irrevocably changed when she discovers her sister’s body on her doorstep with a missing organ. Her decision to investigate plunges her into the shocking underworld of human trafficking and sex tourism thriving along the Indian Ocean, hidden beneath the surface of Kenya’s tourism industry. The novel exposes the haunting truths that have turned Mombasa into a hub for these illicit activities.
About the Author:
Haroun Risa is a Kenyan actor, author, scriptwriter, and producer from Nairobi. Remarkably, he wrote, formatted, and designed most of his novels on his phone, publishing seven of them before the age of 27.
Bonus Recommendation on Wattpad: The Shadow Boy by Ayeshafida9
This psychological horror-thriller opens with a haunting poem about Eden, a bullied and isolated boy who gives form to a “shadow boy” born from his pain and fear. This creation, described as being of “ink and pain,” communicates with Eden, offering a dark solution to his suffering. The story’s premise raises a chilling question: What happens when a shadow, brought to life to cope with personal demons, develops a will of its own and refuses to leave?
As a serialized story on Wattpad, The Shadow Boy offers a uniquely interactive experience. Author Ayeshafida9 adds new parts over time, giving readers the chance to engage directly with the story’s creator as the plot develops. This format is perfect for fans of psychological and paranormal thrillers who enjoy seeing a mysterious narrative build chapter by chapter and value being part of a creative community.
A Final Word
When exploring indie literature, keep in mind that some of these books may not have gone through the same extensive editing and production processes as traditionally published works. What they lack in polish, they often make up for in originality and passion. These authors are taking risks, and doing their best to tell stories that might not fit the mainstream mold. They deserve our support. The creativity, unique voices, and great narrative choices you’ll discover in the indie world are well worth the journey. Happy reading, and don’t forget to leave a kind review if a story resonates with you.
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