5 Thrillers That Toss Red Flags Like Confetti
Some fictional people see danger and decide it’s none of their business. Others see danger, shrug, and walk right into it like they’re following a parade float. These five thrillers follow the second group, the blissfully oblivious crowd who keeps going even when the universe is basically holding up a flashing neon sign that says “stop.”
Let’s take a look at five books where the characters ignore the obvious and drag us along for the chaos.
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney A couple with major marriage issues decides a remote getaway in Scotland is exactly what they need. Storm warnings, strange vibes, locked rooms… nothing slows them down. Every natural and emotional red flag is flapping in their faces, and they still unpack their bags.
The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica A creepy new house. A town full of odd energy. Neighbors who make you want to keep the blinds closed forever. Most of us would politely exit stage left. This family? They settle in like they’re auditioning for “Most Optimistic People Alive.”
The Arrangement by Kiersten Modglin A failing marriage and a “creative” solution that should have been scrapped the moment anyone said it out loud. They ignore every instinct begging them to stop. Watching this unfold is like watching someone balance a stack of dishes on a greased countertop.
Losing Sophia by Sara Ennis (aka me) Sophia heads to New Orleans for a conference and maybe a new beginning. The problem. She’s already been getting threatening messages from her boyfriend’s unhinged ex. She’s also made a new colleague friend who seems a little too interested. Instead of slowing down, she keeps moving forward, hoping the city gives her a reset. Then she vanishes after an attempted assault in her hotel room. As her family searches for her, it becomes painfully clear how many warning signs were already in play, and how easy it is to brush off danger when you want life to make sense again.
Little Voices by Vanessa Lilli New mother, traumatic aftermath, whispers she can’t explain. Any sane person would ask for help. She decides to play detective while balancing sleep deprivation and paranoia. She treats her instincts like background noise and walks directly into trouble.
Let’s be honest: they should have known better
Every one of these books proves the same thing. Ignoring red flags rarely ends well, but it definitely makes the story more entertaining. If you enjoy thrillers where characters power-walk into danger while convincing themselves they’re making reasonable choices, this little lineup will keep you very busy.
Find a comfortable spot. Settle in. And get ready to mutter “No! Don't!” more than once.