How to Read Diana Urban's Thrillers
If you are looking to dive into Diana Urban's dark, high-stakes thrillers, the first thing to know is that all of her books are standalone novels. They do not share a common universe, recurring characters, or overarching continuity. This gives you complete freedom to read them in any order you choose. However, for the best experience, we recommend following her publication history or starting with her most iconic locked-room mystery.
Our Recommended Reading Order
- 1. All Your Twisted Secrets (2020) – The perfect introduction to Urban's locked-room, puzzle-box style of tension.
- 2. These Deadly Games (2022) – A high-stakes cyber-thriller where a teen gamer must complete deadly real-world quests to save her sister.
- 3. Lying in the Deep (2023) – A romantic cruise ship murder mystery filled with jealousy, betrayal, and claustrophobia.
- 4. Under the Surface (2024) – A terrifying, fast-paced survival thriller set in the creepy depths of the Paris Catacombs.
- 5. You're Overthinking This (2026) – Urban's first self-published romantic suspense novel aimed at older/adult readers, featuring a snowed-in cabin and a potential killer.
Diana Urban's Books in Publication Order
While you can easily jump around based on which premise catches your eye, reading the books in publication order allows you to see how Urban's style evolves from classic locked-room thrillers to complex survival narratives and eventually to steamier adult romantic suspense. Here is the chronological list of her releases:
Standalone Novels
- All Your Twisted Secrets (March 2020)
- These Deadly Games (January 2022)
- Lying in the Deep (May 2023)
- Under the Surface (March 2024)
- You're Overthinking This (Expected November 2026)
Short Stories and Anthologies
- Off the Trail (July 2020) – A short psychological horror story about a teen jogger fighting to escape a mysterious presence in the woods.
- Firsts and Lasts: 16 Stories from Our World...and Beyond! (September 2023) – A YA anthology edited by Laura Silverman featuring a short story contribution by Diana Urban.
Detailed Book Breakdown and Reading Advice
All Your Twisted Secrets (2020)
Urban's debut novel is a modern homage to Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None blended with the high school social friction of The Breakfast Club. Six teenagers—representing classic high school archetypes like the jock, the brain, the popular girl, and the rebel—are invited to a prestigious scholarship dinner, only to find themselves trapped in a room with a bomb, a syringe of poison, and a note giving them one hour to choose someone to die. It is an intense, dialogue-heavy thriller that relies heavily on character dynamics and secrets. It is widely considered the absolute best starting point for new readers.
These Deadly Games (2022)
This Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award winner shifts the focus to technology, streaming, and gaming. The story follows a teen gamer named Crystal who receives a video of her kidnapped sister and is forced to play a series of increasingly dangerous real-life games via an anonymous app to save her. It is a relentless, action-packed race against time that deals with online safety, gaming culture, and sibling loyalty. Readers who enjoy digital thriller elements or interactive games will love this one.
Lying in the Deep (2023)
Set on a luxury Semester at Sea cruise ship, this novel blends a messy teen romance with a bloody murder mystery. Jade is looking forward to escaping her heartbreak on a semester-long voyage, only to find her ex-boyfriend and her former best friend are also on board. When a shocking murder occurs, Jade finds herself trapped at sea with a killer. This book is perfect for fans of romantic drama, betrayals, and isolated settings.
Under the Surface (2024)
Stranding a group of teens in the dark, claustrophobic tunnels of the Paris Catacombs, this novel pushes the survival aspect of Urban's writing to the limit. When a group of friends sneaks into an off-limits section of the catacombs for a secret party, they soon find themselves lost, hunted, and forced to face their deepest regrets. It is her creepiest and most atmospheric book to date, making it highly recommended for horror fans.
You're Overthinking This (2026)
Marking a transition in Urban's career, this self-published psychological thriller shifts from young adult to adult romantic suspense. The story follows Hailey, who crashes her car during a blizzard while fleeing a stalker. She finds refuge in a cabin owned by a charming author, only to discover a dead body in his basement freezer. It is a steamy, high-heat thrill ride in the vein of Colleen Hoover's Verity, making it ideal for older readers who want romantic suspense.
What to Know Before You Start
Diana Urban's thrillers are famous for their fast pacing, heavy reliance on puzzles or ultimatums, and dark themes. While they are highly entertaining page-turners, they frequently address heavy issues such as severe bullying, emotional abuse, stalkers, and grief. If you are sensitive to these topics, it is always a good idea to check content warnings before diving in. Additionally, readers transitioning from her YA works to her 2026 novel You're Overthinking This should expect a significantly higher level of mature content and romance.