And Then There Were None
Ten strangers are invited to a mysterious island, only to find themselves marked for murder in this classic whodunit.
50 Must-Read Short Books Under 250 Pages
Discover a diverse collection of 50 must-read books, each under 250 pages, offering a mix of narrative styles and genres. Perfect for quick reads, readathons, or breaking through reading slumps.
The Haunting of Hill House
A chilling tale of psychological horror that has inspired generations of writers and a hit Netflix series, The Haunting of Hill House explor…
Her Body and Other Parties
A groundbreaking collection of stories that blend genres and explore the complexities of women's experiences, from the bizarre to the brutal…
The Bell Jar
A hauntingly vivid portrayal of a young woman's descent into mental illness, blending raw emotion with sharp wit.
The Vegetarian
A shocking act of rebellion in South Korea, 'The Vegetarian' explores themes of shame, desire, and the struggle to understand others through…
The Friend
A poignant exploration of grief and the unbreakable bond between a woman and her dog, blending wit and insight into a moving meditation on l…
The End We Start From
In a flooded London, a new mother and her child embark on a perilous journey north in search of safety, navigating a world on the brink of c…
American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin
A powerful collection of sonnets that explore the complexities of American identity, love, and the political climate under Trump's presidenc…
The Red Parts
Maggie Nelson's haunting account of her aunt's unsolved murder and the trial that followed decades later, exploring society's obsession with…
Nutshell
A gripping tale of betrayal and murder, narrated from the most unusual perspective imaginable—a fetus in the womb.
The Uncommon Reader
When the Queen of England discovers her passion for reading, she embarks on a journey that challenges her royal duties and personal beliefs.
The Fifth Risk
Explore the unseen workings of the US government and the alarming consequences of its deliberate dismantling in this gripping exposé by Mich…
We Should All Be Feminists
A powerful, personal, and deeply resonant call to arms, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's We Should All Be Feminists is a must-read for anyone who …
Men Explain Things to Me
Rebecca Solnit's incisive essays challenge patriarchal norms and explore feminist issues with grace and energy, establishing her as a leadin…
The Marrow Thieves
In a world where memories are stolen, Indigenous people are the last who can dream, making them targets in a desperate fight for survival.
A Single Man
George, an English professor, navigates the tragic solitude after his lover's death, rediscovering life's unexpected pleasures in suburban C…
Sisters
An unnamed narrator grapples with the haunting presence of her husband's first wife, delving into a psychological portrait of marriage, infi…
All Grown Up
A brutally honest and darkly funny exploration of modern womanhood, 'All Grown Up' follows Andrea, a 39-year-old single woman navigating the…
American Housewife
Meet the women of American Housewife, who blend domestic life with dark humor and unexpected twists. These stories reveal the hidden lives o…
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good
Meet Maud, an 88-year-old Swedish woman with a penchant for murder and a knack for getting away with it. This darkly humorous collection of …
Art Matters
A creative call to arms from Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell, that inspires readers to embrace art and creativity as a force for c…
Beast in View
A chilling tale of extortion, madness, and murder, where the lines between hunter and victim blur in a gothic thriller that remains terrifyi…
Brokeback Mountain
In the rugged landscapes of Wyoming, two ranch hands discover a love that defies societal norms, leading to a heartbreaking journey of secre…
In a previous mega list here on Book Riot, I highlighted 50 must-read books over 500 pages. It only seems right to follow that up with this list of 50 must-read short books. A mix of narrative styles and genres, the 50 books in this essential list of the best short books are all under 250 pages. If you’re planning what to read for your next readathon, hoping to break through a reading slump or book hangover with a quick read, or need to meet your reading challenge goal with a few books you can read in one sitting, this list has you covered. Descriptions graciously supplied from publisher descriptions and condensed when necessary. This list includes a variety of genres such as fiction, mystery, poetry, and more, ensuring there is something for every reader. Each book is carefully selected to provide a rich and satisfying reading experience without requiring a significant time commitment. Whether you are looking for a thought-provoking novel, a thrilling mystery, or a collection of poetry, this list offers a curated selection of the best short books available.