BOOKS are a great way to while away the hours and relax, wherever you may be.

Whether you are on holiday, on your journey to work, or you are looking for a bit of relaxation away from the screens when you get home, a good book is just the ticket.

7 There is nothing better than being engrossed in a gripping book

While some people prefer a soft read, such as a romantic novel or like to indulge in literary classics, others love to be engrossed in a thriller.

Psychological thrillers and dramas, including Girl On the Train and Gone Girl, have proved to be a huge hit over the years, as the novels have since been released as a film.

So what are the best thriller books this year?

From new releases, to books that have received five star reviews from bookworms, texts with affordable price tags and recognised as a bestseller, here are the top buys.

This article and featured products have been independently chosen by Sun journalists. It contains links which are ads, and if you click a link and buy a product we will earn revenue.

1. Best romantic thriller book

7 The Holiday has received glowing reviews from readers Credit: WHSmith

The Holiday has been recognised as a bestselling novel in The Sunday Times Richard and Judy's Book Club, and a definite one to read - although it may put you off holidaying with your friends again.

With friendships and relationships on the chopping board, and a murder on their hands, it will make you not want to put the book down.

The Holiday by T. M. Logan for £7.99 from WHSmith - buy here

2. Best crime thriller

7 Found has been likened to hit TV shows The Missing and Broadchurch Credit: Waterstones

Critics have hailed Found the must read crime thriller, especially for those who have been hooked on TV dramas including The Missing and Broadchurch.

The hard-hitting novel follows the story of a youing boy who goes missing, only to return being a shell of his former self.

The must have is not only The Sunday Times pick, but has also been recognised as BBC Radio 2's Book Club Choice for those who like a darker story.

Found by Erin Kinsley for £8.99 from Waterstones - buy here

3. Best thriller for a kindle

7 Damien Boyd's thriller has been rated the best for kindles Credit: Amazon

Some readers enjoy the physical versions of a book, whether it is hardback or paperback, while others prefer to read their novel of choice on a Kindle.

Damien Boyd's Beyond the Point is a gripping read in all formats, including for a Kindle and Audible, which has seen it recognised as a bestselling thriller.

(AD) Beyond the Point by Damien Boyd for £4.99 on Kindle from Amazon - buy here

4. Best psychological thriller

7 Mine was released in the summer but has received five star reviews within months and tipped to be the new Gone Girl Credit: Amazon

For fans of Gone Girl and Girl On The Train will be desperate to snap up Clare Empson's latest release, which hit the stores in August this year but is available as an ebook, as well as an audio now, and will be released as a paperback on March 19, 2020.

The text will send chills down your spine as a man is reunited with his mother who gave him away when he was a child, until it takes a dark twist.

Readers can't get enough of the novel, as one review read: "Read this novel in one sitting as I simply could not put it down. I quickly became very attached to the characters and truly wanted to find out what would happen to them. Empson tackles the subject matter of adoption with great empathy and her writing draws you in from the beginning. Highly recommended."

(AD) Mine by Clare Empson for £14.99 from Amazon - buy here

5. Best thriller on a budget

7 Stephen King never fails to impress with his creations and The Outsider is yet another award winning title Credit: Amazon

Stephen King never fails to impress with his well-written and emotive releases, and The Outsider is no exception.

For those who enjoy a crime thriller, and seek to put their investigative skills to the test, will have found just the ticket in this crime thriller.

(AD) The Outsider By Stephen King for £4.50 from Amazon - buy here

6. Best award-winning thriller

7 My Sister The Serial Killer has been recognised for a whole host of awards, and has been longlisted for The Booker Prize 2019 Credit: Amazon

Oyinkan has already secured a string of awards for this chilling thriller, and even more to come as this text has been longlisted for this year's Booker Prize.

My Sister, The Serial Killer is a chilling and dark read, which explores family loyalty, sibling rivalry as well as crime and patriarchy.

(AD) My Sister, The Serial Killer By Oyinkan Braithwaite for £5.78 from Amazon - buy here

More on Home Tested POWER NAP Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress Review They're Poppin Best pop up Christmas tree 2020: decorated, pre-lit and more Light Up, Light Up These pre-lit Christmas trees will add some festive sparkle to your home Knit-pick The five best crocheting kits you can buy right now BEHIND CLOSED DOORS The seven best door curtains you can buy in 2020 WAX LYRICAL The seven best candle making kits for adults and kids

We've designed Sun Selects to help you to find the best products that won't break the bank.

If you're on the hunt for even more bargain buys, check out our dedicated home section.

Or check out our best supportive pillows in the meantime to make sure you are comfortable when you are engrossed in your next book for hours on end.

This article and any featured products have been independently chosen by The Sun journalists. All recommendations within the article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue: this helps to support The Sun, and in no way affects our recommendations.