Recommendations for thriller serial killer books in fiction.

Well, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson has elements of a serial killer story. Lisbeth Salander, the main character, is on a hunt to uncover the truth about a long - hidden serial killer case. It's a complex and engaging book with a strong female lead.

One great thriller serial killer book in fiction is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It's a classic that delves deep into the mind of a serial killer through the interactions between FBI trainee Clarice Starling and the brilliant and terrifying Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Another good one is 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis. It gives a disturbing look into the mind of a wealthy and seemingly perfect man who is actually a serial killer. The detailed descriptions of his actions and thoughts make it a very intense read.

One great book is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It features a complex female character with some very disturbing and manipulative tendencies that border on serial - killer - like behavior in terms of her psychological warfare against her husband. Another is 'Sharp Objects' also by Flynn, where the main character uncovers the dark secrets of her small town, and there are female characters with some seriously twisted motives. And 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' has Lisbeth Salander, a complex and somewhat vengeful character who has her own brand of justice, which could be related to the idea of a female serial killer in a more abstract way.

The 'Alex Cross' series by James Patterson is a must - read. Dr. Alex Cross, a psychologist and detective, hunts down serial killers in Washington D.C. and other locations. The series is filled with fast - paced action and psychological drama.

Iain Reid's 'I'm Thinking of Ending Things' is an interesting take. It's a psychological thriller that has elements that could be related to a serial killer - like mind. The story is filled with ambiguity and a sense of unease as the narrator contemplates ending things with her boyfriend during a visit to his family's farm. It keeps you guessing until the very end.

Another great one is 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis. It delves deep into the mind of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker who is also a serial killer. The book is a disturbing look at the excesses of the 1980s and the dark side of a seemingly perfect life.

I'd recommend 'The Bourne Identity' by Robert Ludlum. It follows the story of a man with amnesia who discovers he has a dangerous past as a spy. The action is intense and the mystery keeps you hooked. Also, 'Mission: Impossible' books (if you can find them) are full of espionage thrills. They inspired the popular movie series. And don't forget 'Our Man in Havana' by Graham Greene. It's a satirical take on espionage that still manages to be a gripping thriller.

One great conspiracy thriller book is 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown. It's full of mystery and conspiracy theories involving the Catholic Church and secret societies. Another is 'Angels & Demons', also by Brown, which delves into similar themes. 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson has elements of conspiracy too, as the main character uncovers dark secrets within a wealthy family.

I'd recommend 'Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. The character of Hannibal Lecter is iconic. FBI trainee Clarice Starling has to seek Lecter's help to catch another serial killer. It's a chilling read. Also, 'In the Woods' by Tana French is a good choice. The detective, Rob Ryan, has to investigate a murder that takes place in a place that holds some very personal and disturbing memories for him.