Again and Again and Again: 6 Time Loop Thrillers

Flatiron BooksA young man is commuting on a Tokyo subway, when he receives a phone call from his ex with life-changing news. As he hurries off the train to join her, the call drops, no signal. Suddenly, reality shifts. He can’t find the exit. He discovers himself back at the same hallway, going past the same ads, locked doors, photo booth, and, disturbingly, the same man, who never responds to him. A sign on the wall reveals the rules he must follow in order to escape: Do not overlook any anomalies. If you find an anomaly, turn back immediately. If you do not find any anomalies, do not turn back. Go out through Exit 8. For many years, the only time loop story I knew was Groundhog Day. It’s a classic film that still slaps 30 years after release, as we watch Bill Murray’s character repeat the same day over and over. In 2020, we had Palm Springs with Andy Sandberg, which is also well worth watching. These are not just one-off stories; they are “time loop” stories, in which characters repeat the same day over and over, or seemingly forever. Better yet, there are mysteries and thrillers in the time loop genre. It seems like a great twist on crime fiction, as the detective has to repeat ...