Few things can match the joy of unearthing a bargain-priced thriller. The allure of a dark, compelling mystery and the rush of finding a great deal? Absolutely unbeatable! Today, I’m bringing you the ultimate guide you can use to buy cheap thriller books online. Bookmark this article and share it with your friends. You’ll refer back to it often.
As an avid reader and a certified dark thriller addict, I’ve always relished the quest of discovering the next gripping tale at a steal price.
Beyond the adrenaline of a good plot, reading is one of the most rewarding hobbies we can undertake. It’s a powerful tool for personal development, an entertainment source, and an escape hatch to different worlds – all rolled into one. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to keep your bookshelf refreshed.
Oh, before we move on, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this ultimate bargain: a FREE and exclusive thriller from the bestselling Darkwater Cove series.
Understanding Online Book Marketplaces
The world of online book shopping is vast and varied, brimming with options for every kind of reader. There are the major online retailers, a constellation of second-hand bookstores, innovative book swapping sites, and so much more. Here’s a lay of the land to get us started.
Top Retailers to Buy Thriller Books
Amazon
As an unapologetic bookworm, I’ve spent more time on Amazon than I’d like to admit. But who can resist the pull of Kindle deals, Prime Reading, and Kindle Unlimited?
Kindle deals often feature discounts on a range of titles, including thrillers. I once found a complete box set of my favorite indie thriller author on sale for less than the cost of a latte. Even better are Kindle Countdown Deals, which feature a book at a sale price for a set amount of time, usually 1 to 7 days. During this time, you can grab a high-priced book for $0.99 to $2.99. Sometimes, the author (or publisher) even offers the book for free!
Prime Reading is a haven for Amazon Prime members, offering a revolving library of books for free, and yes, the selection often includes dark thrillers and mysteries. Already an Amazon Prime member? If you’re not taking advantage of the Prime Reading program, you’re missing out on a terrific deal.
As for Kindle Unlimited, it’s like a literary buffet. For a monthly fee, you have access to a plethora of books. I’ve unearthed countless hidden gem thrillers this way and found many of my favorite authors. Even luminaries such as Dean Koontz offer their books through Kindle Unlimited these days.
As a thriller author myself, I include my titles in Kindle Unlimited so my readers can enjoy my latest releases for free.
Barnes & Noble
The Nook Book deals section on Barnes & Noble’s website is a treasure trove to buy cheap thriller books online. I’ve scored quite a few page-turners from their Clearance section too, which offers significant discounts on hardcovers and paperbacks.
Barnes & Noble is still going strong, despite Amazon’s industry dominance. They offer tremendous deals, but you need to check back frequently. You never know when your favorite author’s book will go on sale.
Kobo
I’ve discovered that Kobo’s Daily deals and Free eBooks section are worth keeping tabs on for discounted thrillers. The thrill of the chase is half the fun, right?
Even better, the Kobo e-reader is probably the best in the industry. As much as I love my Kindle, I find Kindles to be buggy beyond the point of frustration, with frequent crashes and bizarre errors. This past spring, I couldn’t access the Kindle store on my Kindle for two weeks.
The Kobo is a brilliantly simple device that flat-out works. Keep your eyes open for deals and free books. You’ll love this e-reader experience.
Exploring Second-Hand Book Websites
Don’t forget about second-hand book sites like AbeBooks, Better World Books, and ThriftBooks. Better yet, check out the online portal for your local second-hand book store. Many have them these days.
These platforms are gold mines for cheap thriller novels. Remember, these are pre-loved books, but I’ve found some in mint condition. Plus, there’s something endearing about a book that has a story before its story, don’t you think? Perhaps the last reader of your serial killer thriller was a serial killer himself.
Or not.
Book Swapping Websites
As the saying goes, one man’s thriller is another man’s…well, thriller. Websites like BookMooch, Paperback Swap, and BookCrossing let you exchange books with fellow readers. It’s an awesome way to declutter your collection and discover new thrillers without spending a penny. Plus, you might make a friend or two.
Subscription Services
Kindle Unlimited and Scribd operate on subscription models. You pay a monthly fee and gain access to a wide range of books. I’ve found this especially worthwhile for the volume I read, and the variety of thrillers available is impressive.
BookBub: A Goldmine of Free and Cheap Thrillers
As an avid thriller reader who also happens to be quite thrifty (hey, more books for the buck, right?), I always keep an eye out for great deals on books, and BookBub has become one of my favorite go-to platforms.
If you’re not familiar with BookBub, allow me to introduce you. BookBub is a free service that helps millions of readers discover books they’ll love while providing publishers and authors with a way to drive sales and find new fans. Upon joining, members receive unbeatable deals selected by their expert editorial team, handpicked recommendations from people they trust, and real-time updates from their favorite authors.
Unbeatable Deals and Freebies
What sets BookBub apart is its curated list of free and deeply discounted eBooks across a variety of genres, including our beloved thrillers. These aren’t obscure titles from authors you’ve never heard of. They often feature established authors and even bestsellers that you can snag for a fraction of the regular price.
The deals they feature are available for a limited time, usually just a day or two. I’ve managed to expand my thriller library with some fantastic titles, some of which were completely free! Yes, you read that right. Free.
Personalized Recommendations
When you sign up, BookBub allows you to choose your favorite genres and authors, which it uses to personalize the deals you’ll see. If you’re a die-hard thriller or horror fan like me, you can opt to see only thriller and horror deals in your daily email.
Following Authors
You can also follow your favorite authors on BookBub. This means you’ll be notified whenever they have a new release or a book on sale. I’ve scored tons of great deals this way, snagging new books from some of my favorite thriller authors at a deep discount.
In my experience, BookBub is a must for any thriller lover looking to expand their digital library on a budget. The deals are fantastic, the selection is extensive, and the personalized recommendations mean you’ll always find something that fits your tastes.
And yes, you can find great deals on my books too at Bookbub!
Public Libraries and Free Resources
Remember the excitement of visiting your local library as a kid? Well, websites like OverDrive and Libby let you borrow eBooks from your local library. All you need is a library card!
For classics and out-of-copyright thrillers, Project Gutenberg and ManyBooks offer tons of options for free.
Other Options
Other worthy contenders in your hunt for cheap thrillers are eBooks.com, Google Books, and Smashwords. These options offer a mix of free and discounted titles, often running sales that are a bargain hunter’s dream come true.
Tips and Tricks to Get the Best Deals
I’ve learned a few tricks on my journey as a budget-conscious bookworm. Following authors and publishers on social media, subscribing to newsletters from book deal websites, and attending online book fairs and sales events can lead to some fantastic deals. Patience and persistence are key.
And there you have it – your go-to guide to buy cheap thriller books online. Whether you’re delving into the genre or are a seasoned thriller reader like me, there’s always a new story waiting to be discovered. And often, at a price that will make your wallet smile.
If you found these tips helpful, please share this article with your fellow book lovers through email and social media.
Have a trick up your sleeve for finding cheap books that I missed? Share your tips in the comments, and let’s continue the thrill of the hunt together.
And while you’re researching free and cheap thrillers, I invite you to download a free copy of Dead and Buried, an exclusive thriller written just for you from my bestselling Darkwater Cove series!