What are the very best thrillers?

Of the many panels I attended at ThrillerFest, this question was often asked of the speakers, most of whom were thriller authors themselves. I tried to get their answers down in my notes and then compiled a list, which I share with you below.

So, here is my terribly subjective, painfully unscientific list of the best thrillers as selected by the panelists. Some of these have a particular context, such as best “smart” thriller. Some are simply the panelists’ favorites. Some are the best overall. Regardless, they should provide a great reading list for thriller fans.

• Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell
• Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith
• Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
• Defending Jacob by William Landay (upcoming in 2012)
• Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett
• Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith
• Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
• Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
• The Little Drummer Girl by John le Carre
• The Red Fox by Anthony Hyde
• The Secret History by Donna Tartt
• The Tiger and the Smoke by Margery Allingham
• Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carre

Feel free to add you own favorites in the comments section.