If you're looking for something that grips you from takeoff to landing,, try Gillian Flynn's stuff... Gone Girl has these unpredictable turns that make time disappear and and it's not too thick so it fits easily in carry-on. found that model cheap paperback edition last time I was at that model bookstore near that model airport, definitely within your budget. that model story builds tension slowly but hits hard with surprises, keeps it exciting without being overly dense or predictable.
