# Hank Phillippi Ryan's Chilling October Thriller Picks

> Bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan reveals 5 must-read thrillers for fall.
- Title: Hank Phillippi Ryan's Chilling October Thriller Picks
- Summary: Bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan reveals 5 must-read thrillers for fall. Hank Phillippi Ryan recommends five October thrillers including 'The Enigma…
- Keywords: hank phillippi ryan, the enigma challenge, mother dearest, laws of solomon, how to write a murder, the witch, mother daughter sister stranger, october, thriller, spooky season, fall reads, crime fiction
- Source: Woman's World — https://womansworld.com/entertainment/books/hank-phillippi-ryan-recommends-5-best-thriller-books-for-october
- Author: Melissa D'Agnese
- Published: 2026-10-06T01:45:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: hank phillippi ryan, the enigma challenge, mother dearest, laws of solomon, how to write a murder, the witch, mother daughter sister stranger, october, thriller, spooky season, fall reads, crime fiction
## Hank Phillippi Ryan's Thriller Picks
Bestselling thriller author Hank Phillippi Ryan shares five must-read books for October.
## Her Background as a Reporter
Phillippi Ryan, a former investigative reporter, writes gripping thrillers informed by her journalism career.
## Why Thrillers Appeal
Thrillers combine the rush of a propulsive story with the thrill of solving a mystery before the author reveals the answer.
## The Enigma Challenge
Academic Zoe Wilder solves a high-stakes cipher competition with a hacker over six days for $12 million.

> Talk about a total immersion thriller, this book is Romancing the Stone meets The DaVinci Code!
## Mother Dearest
Daughter Imogene writes letters to her estranged mother while preparing to marry a man already married with children.

> A debut thriller that will grab you by the throat and not let you go.
## Laws of Solomon
Former mercenary Solomon finds peace as a gardener but protects a boy from danger in California.

> Yes, that Eriq LaSalle! You’ll recognize him from playing Dr. Benton on ER
## How to Write a Murder
Mystery writers at a conference face death when a disgraced literary agent is accused of stealing from a client.

> Do you like Clue? Knives Out? Agatha Christie? Put those all together, and you have the supremely entertaining and supremely clever How to Write a Murder.
## The Witch
Julia Barlow uncovers witchcraft history in her 17th century Massachusetts home after losing her job.

> Freida is the queen of us all. She has perfected her signature storytelling style, and her skill with suspense absolutely refuses to let you go.
## Mother Daughter Sister Stranger
Eliza Ramsey investigates her sister's disappearance after the 11th anniversary of their parents' plane crash.

> The sole survivors of the plane crash that killed their parents, Eliza Ramsey and her sister Bea are as close as can be.
## Writing Process Insights
Phillippi Ryan writes late at night, inspired by her television news reporting experience.

> I write late at night. And I think that’s because of my years in television preparing for the 11pm news.
## Surprise Endings
Phillippi Ryan doesn't know her novels' endings in advance, crafting stories like a crime reporter.

> As a true crime reporter, I don’t know the end of my stories, right? I am tracking down clues and following leads.
## Why She Recommends These Books
Phillippi Ryan loves the thrill of solving mysteries and the high stakes of these books.

> I will confess I am unable to resist trying to figure out the endings, and I am always delighted when I fail!
## What Happens Next
Readers can find out more about these books and Phillippi Ryan's writing process through her latest thriller.
## Key takeaway

Hank Phillippi Ryan recommends five October thrillers including 'The Enigma Challenge', 'Mother Dearest', 'Laws of Solomon', 'How to Write a Murder', and 'The Witch' for spooky season.