9 Suspenseful Thrillers Set in Washington DC
Washington D.C. is the capital of what is arguably the most powerful country on Earth. So when dangerous action is happening there, the stakes are higher than usual. These nine suspenseful thrillers have everything from high-profile CIA missions to assassination attempts and will keep you glued to the pages from start to finish. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
9 Suspenseful Thrillers Set in Washington DC
Popular Thriller Sub-Genres
8 Great Thriller Films
- Munich (2005)
- The Departed (2006)
- The Bourne Identity (2002)
- Heat (1995)
- Spy Game (2001)
- Black Swan (2010)
- Se7en (1995)
- Taken (2008)
The History of Washington D.C.
In Depth
As one of the most powerful nations in the world, America has a lot of influence over global affairs. Because of this, the nation's capital makes for a great setting for novels centered on high-stakes terrorist plots and political corruption. With that said, here are nine suspenseful thrillers set in Washington D.C., listed in no particular order.
First up, at #1, we have "The Armageddon File." Written by Stephen Coonts, it's the eighth entry of his "Tommy Carmellini" series, which revolves around the eponymous CIA agent's action-packed adventures. In this novel, CIA director Jake Grafton tasks Carmellini with investigating election fraud in the United States. When a man who claims that he has evidence of voting machine tampering asks to speak with the FBI, he's killed by an unknown assassin. Now, the hero must figure out who's behind all of this and if foreign powers are involved.
Next, at #2, is "Killing Jane" by Stacy Green. Inexperienced homicide detective Erin Prince and her partner Todd Beckett are assigned to investigate the death of a young woman whose mutilated body is found beside an ominous note written in blood. They soon realize that the murderer is mimicking the infamous Jack the Ripper, and must race to apprehend the killer before more people die.
Inexperienced homicide detective Erin Prince and her partner Todd Beckett are assigned to investigate the death of a young woman whose mutilated body is found beside an ominous note written in blood.
At #3 is "Red Rabbit" by Toby Tate. When detective Shaun Patrick's best friend is murdered, he learns that the killer uses Taoist black magic to target people connected to Chinese criminal organizations in the city. The stakes get even higher when he realizes that the murderer is raising the dead in order to achieve his goals, forcing Shaun to find and capture the mad sorcerer before Washington, D.C. descends into chaos.
Next up, at #4, we have "In Sheep's Clothing" by L.D. Beyer. When the president of the United States commits suicide, Secret Service agent Matthew Richter feels that he's partly responsible for not being able to prevent the tragedy. When he's assigned to protect the newly-appointed head of the state, Matthew must uncover the truth behind the former president's death in order to save his new boss from the conspirators who are planning to take over the country.
Next, at #5, is "Caged" by Ellison Cooper. FBI neuroscientist Sayer Altair is tasked with investigating the death of a senator's daughter who died of starvation while locked inside a cage. When they discover that another girl has been kidnapped, Sayer and her team rush to find and rescue the child before she suffers the same fate as the first victim. It's a dark and gruesome tale full of shocking twists that are bound to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
When they discover that another girl has been kidnapped, Sayer and her team rush to find and rescue the child before she suffers the same fate as the first victim.
At #6 is "Death and Dark Money." It's the fourth entry of Seeley James' "Sabel Security" series, which revolves around the titular private security company and its agents who specialize in taking down terrorists and corrupt government officials. When owner Pia Sabel receives a mysterious payment of twenty million dollars from a lobbying firm, she and her team are suddenly targeted by assassins. Now, they have to figure out exactly what's going on before foreign powers can influence the upcoming election.
Next up, at #7, we have "Nation of Enemies" by H.A. Raynes. In the near future, everyone in the U.S. has an implant that allows others to view their medical information. People with low med scores are treated as lower-class citizens with limited employment opportunities and are restricted from traveling around the world. The story follows several characters from vastly different backgrounds as they struggle to survive in this dystopian society.
At #8 is "The Chronicler and Mr. Smith" by Angie Martin. When successful romance author Madison Shaw is stalked by a man known only as Mr. Smith, she confronts him and begins questioning his true intentions. Upon learning the truth about her destiny, Madison is thrust into the world of the paranormal, where she has to learn how to excel in her new role as the Chronicler of an order of supernatural hunters.
When successful romance author Madison Shaw is stalked by a man known only as Mr. Smith, she confronts him and begins questioning his true intentions.
Finally, at #9, we have "The Assassins Gallery" by David L. Robbins. Set in 1945, the story follows historian Mikhal Lammeck as he attempts to foil an assassination attempt on President Franklin D. Roosevelt. While helping the Secret Service solve a double murder, Lammeck discovers that the victims were killed using an old knife that was once used by an ancient order of assassins. Clues hint that the murderer is headed to Washington, D.C. to kill the president, and now the historian must scramble to find and stop the killer before it's too late.