Fear Strikes Close to Home in These Chilling Family Thrillers

Leaving Time, by Jodi Picoult
Jenna Metcalf’s mom was a scientist who studied the emotional bonds of elephant families in a sanctuary in Botswana. When Jenna was three, her mom simply vanished, casting a shadow of mystery and sadness over Jenna’s entire childhood. Now a teen, Jenna is determined to find out what happened to her mother once and for all. With the help of a disillusioned psychic and an ex-cop private investigator, she won’t rest until the mystery is solved. Picoult uses her trademark multiple perspective narration here to great effect, and painstakingly captures the awe-inspiring emotional intelligence of elephants. This hauntingly beautiful novel is at once a celebration and a lamentation of the unbreakable bond between parents and children, whether human or animal.

Remember Me Like This, by Bret Anthony Johnston
It could be said that Remember Me Like This begins where most family thrillers end. The Campbell family has spent the past four years coping with the disappearance of their 11-year-old son, Justin. Each family member fought against the heartrending loss in his or her own way. Relationships were changed and sometimes badly damaged, but the family survived—barely. So imagine everyone’s utter shock when Justin turns up again, not far from home and seemingly okay. The story unfolds from there, with a palpable intensity that mounts with every page. Secrets are uncovered, bonds are tested, and a family faces the ultimate challenge to stay together.

Saving Grace, by Jane Green
On the surface, Grace and Ted Chapman appear to be the perfect couple. Prestigious, attractive, and well-mannered, they’re the envy of their Hudson Valley town. What their friends and colleagues don’t know, however, is that Ted’s literary career is on a downward spiral, and his rages are getting scarier and scarier. Also, there’s that business of Grace’s depression and overeating, and her rapidly loosening grip on her many responsibilities. So it really is unfortunate timing when Ted’s assistant has to move on, since she’s the one who keeps the household afloat. Luckily, an effervescent young go-getter named Beth shows up at one of Grace’s social engagements, and seems like the perfect replacement. Grace thanks her lucky stars; it seems like Beth has been sent from heaven to solve all of the Chapman’s problems. The end. Just kidding—it definitely does not end there. Beth is not what she seems, and Grace will have to face her deepest fears if she intends to keep a hold on reality. In addition to being a serious page-turner, this book boasts captivating commentary on marriage, small towns, big wallets, and the fine and often gruesome art of social climbing.

Big Little Lies, by Liane Moriarty
Small-town secrets abound in this gripping, emotionally layered novel about three families at the start of a new school year. From the beginning, we’re blindsided by a terrible tragedy at the Pirriwee Public School fundraiser, and things only get more complicated from there. The story focuses on three mothers whose characters are so well-developed you could swear you know them personally. Each woman has her own secrets, insecurities, and demons that drive the story forward at the pace of a runaway train. Along with all the edge-of-your-seat intrigue, this novel also packs a welcome dose of humor that keeps it from feeling too heavy.

Bury This, by Andrea Portes
Bury This is set in a small town in Michigan that has been haunted for 25 years by the murder of a young girl. Although residents keep trying to move past the legendary tragedy, they’re plagued with reminders even years after the fact. And now, between a massive clue being suddenly uncovered and a documentary film crew showing up, no one will be able to keep the past interred for long. Portes’ writing is unique—spare yet sophisticated, multifaceted yet singularly driven. With its poignant plot and spellbinding prose, this book will stick with you for a long time to come…for better or worse.

The Musician’s Daughter, by Susanne Dunlap
If you crave a little travel in your spine-chillers, take a white-knuckled ride to 18th-century Austria with The Musician’s Daughter. There, you’ll meet Theresa, an intrepid 15-year-old who is shocked to discover her father dead and his prized violin stolen on Christmas Eve. All signs point to murder, and Theresa will have to navigate the chaotic sea of politics and corruption that is Vienna in order to arrive at the truth. This story is not only brilliantly written, it’s chock full of history, mystery, and culture, so there truly is something for everyone. Although it’s billed as a young adult thriller, this book is equally appropriate for not-so-young adults—so feel free to pass it around on the family camping trip.