Deck the Halls with Danger: Why Thrillers Make the Best Holiday Reads & Our Top Picks

The holidays are meant to be peaceful, right? Cosy nights by the fire, festive gatherings, and endless cups of eggnog. But let’s be honest—sometimes it’s all a bit too much. The holiday hustle, chaotic shopping, and awkward family dinners can leave even the jolliest of us craving an escape. Enter crime thrillers: the ultimate antidote to holiday madness.

But what if your holidays are spent under the blazing sun instead of around a crackling fire? In Australia, Christmas is less about mulled wine and frosty mornings and more about backyard cricket, seafood feasts, and the eternal debate of whether pavlova or trifle reigns supreme. Families gather for barbecues, splash about in the pool, or head to the beach for a proper Aussie Christmas. The vibe is casual, but the chaos? That’s universal.

And that’s where thrillers come in. Whether you’re sweating it out on a Queensland veranda or hiding from relatives in the air-conditioned safety of your lounge, a gripping crime novel provides the perfect escape. Suspense, mystery, and high-stakes drama make even the most stressful holiday moment seem like a breeze. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best thrillers to transport you to a world far removed from tinsel and turkey.

1. You Killed My Wife – AJ Wilton

It wouldn’t be a holiday reading list without a mention of Mort, everyone’s favourite gumshoe. The first book in The Mort Series plunges you into the dark underbelly of Australian crime, where Mort is forced to face his own demons while untangling a web of murder and betrayal. Equal parts grit and wit, this story will have you flipping pages faster than you can open a Christmas cracker.

2. The Silent Patient – Alex Michaelides

What happens when a celebrated artist stops speaking after committing a shocking crime? This psychological thriller keeps you on edge as a determined psychotherapist tries to uncover the truth. With a twist you’ll never see coming, this is the kind of book that pairs perfectly with a quiet summer evening on the deck—or a cheeky Christmas mimosa.

3. Scrublands – Chris Hammer

For a truly Australian take on the crime thriller, Scrublands delivers sun-scorched tension in spades. Set in a rural Aussie town gripped by drought, a journalist uncovers dark secrets while investigating a shocking shooting by a beloved local priest. It’s atmospheric, gripping, and as intense as Christmas lunch when someone forgets the prawns.

4. Big Little Lies – Liane Moriarty

Beneath the picture-perfect veneer of an affluent coastal town lies a dark web of secrets, lies, and murder. With biting humour and razor-sharp observations about human nature, this Aussie favourite is a deliciously tense read. It’s perfect for those moments when your own holiday gatherings get a little too dramatic.

5. The Nowhere Child – Christian White

A gripping tale of a woman who discovers she was abducted as a child, The Nowhere Child takes readers from suburban Australia to the eerie backroads of Kentucky. This dual-setting thriller will keep you captivated, whether you’re lounging under the shade of a gum tree or dodging the summer heat with the air con cranked up.

Why Thrillers Are the Ultimate Holiday Companion

No matter how you celebrate Christmas—sweating it out with seafood and sunscreen or sipping eggnog by the fire—crime thrillers offer a much-needed escape from the festive chaos. They remind us that while our holidays might be hectic, at least we’re not being chased by a killer (or unravelling a decades-old mystery). So, grab your sunnies, a cold drink, and one of these gripping reads to make your Aussie Christmas unforgettable.

Looking for more edge-of-your-seat entertainment? Dive into The Mort Series and let Mort show you just how dangerous—and thrilling—Christmas can be.