page-turner

[ peyj-tur-ner ]

noun

1. a book so exciting or gripping that one is compelled to read it very rapidly.

page-turner

noun

1. an exciting novel, such as a thriller, with a fast-moving story

Word History and Origins

Origin of page-turner¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

The Guardian's Anthony Cummins said the book was "truly wonderful – a tender, funny page-turner about the derangements of grief, and Rooney’s richest treatment yet of messy romantic entanglements".

From BBC

Edward Berger adapts Robert Harris’ 2016 page-turner employing the same propulsive editing technique and bombastic score that made his last movie, “All Quiet on the Western Front,” a hit with audiences, awards voters and earplug salespeople.

From Los Angeles Times

Indeed, even egregious perpetuation of the status quo is rarely a page-turner.

From Slate

Pearse has written another intriguing page-turner.

From Los Angeles Times

Chika Unigwe’s touching page-turner “On Black Sisters Street” and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s gripping “Americanah” offer different treatments of this subject of movement.

From New York Times

Related Words

• anxiety
• apprehension
• confusion
• doubt
• insecurity
• tension
• thriller
• uncertainty