Books Like...
'The Memory Watcher' by Minka Kent is a psychological thriller that delves into the lives of Autumn Carpenter and Daphne McMullen. Autumn becomes obsessed with the McMullen family after discovering them on social media, especially her biological daughter Grace, who was adopted by the McMullens. As Autumn infiltrates the family as a nanny, secrets and undercurrents begin to unravel, leading to unexpected twists and revelations. The story is narrated from both Autumn and Daphne's perspectives, highlighting the facade of picture-perfect lives portrayed on social media and the hidden truths that lie beneath.
If you liked The Memory Watcher, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
The Bridesmaid by Ruth Rendell is a tale of madness and obsession as experienced through the protagonist, Philip, who falls under the spell of the mysterious and beautiful Senta. The story delves into the complexities of their passionate but dangerous relationship, where reality and fantasy blur, leading to violence and death. Rendell's writing style is described as descriptive, allowing readers to delve into the mind of the protagonist and experience the unfolding events through his perspective.
The plot of the book revolves around the intense connection between Philip and Senta, with the latter being portrayed as an enigmatic and unsettling character living in a world of her own making. As the story progresses, Philip is confronted with the consequences of his involvement with Senta, leading to a gripping narrative filled with tension, intrigue, and a gradual unraveling of the characters' true natures.
Violent death fascinates people. It upset Philip. He had a phobia about it. Or that was what he called it to himself sometimes, a phobia for murder and all forms of killing, the wanton destruction of ... - #2
'The Good Samaritan' by John Marrs is a dark and twisted thriller that follows Laura Morris, a volunteer at a suicide hotline, who manipulates callers into taking their own lives. As the plot unfolds, Laura's actions catch the attention of Ryan Smith, a grieving husband seeking revenge. The story cleverly alternates between Laura's and Ryan's perspectives, keeping the reader guessing about the outcome. Marrs weaves a tale of psychological suspense, exploring the depths of depravity and the battle between two disturbed characters.
The writing style of 'The Good Samaritan' is described as enthralling, gripping, and shocking from start to finish. Marrs skillfully builds tension and suspense, drawing readers into a rollercoaster of a narrative that is both captivating and intense. The book delves into dark themes with a unique premise, offering unexpected twists and a compelling exploration of complex and morally ambiguous characters.
Inside End of the Line’s call room, I counted five heads, all sitting in their individual booths. Some propped themselves up on their elbows as they sat listening to callers through their headsets; ot... - #3
'Our Kind of Cruelty' by Araminta Hall is a dark and twisted novel that follows the story of Mike, a successful banker who becomes obsessed with his ex-girlfriend Verity. Mike is convinced that their breakup is just a part of a game they used to play called the Crave, leading to a chilling and suspenseful narrative that blurs the lines between reality and delusion. The book is told entirely from Mike's perspective, providing a deep dive into his mind and creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the story. As the plot unfolds, readers are left questioning the true motives of the characters and the disturbing dynamics of their relationships.
The writing style in 'Our Kind of Cruelty' is described as intense, gripping, and immersive, with an emphasis on the psychological aspects of the characters. The author, Araminta Hall, delves into themes of obsession, desire, and perception, crafting a narrative that keeps readers on edge and engaged until the very end. Through the use of an unreliable narrator and a suspenseful plot, Hall creates a story that challenges perceptions and explores the darker aspects of human relationships.
It is hard to believe that it isn’t even a year since I returned from America. It feels more like a lifetime, two lifetimes even. But the fact is I arrived home at the end of May and as I sit here now... - #4
'Secret Smile' by Nicci French is a dark and intense novel about obsession, abuse, and manipulation. The story follows Miranda as she meets Brendan and starts a relationship with him, only to realize his true sinister nature when he starts stalking her and manipulating those around her. The plot is gripping and keeps readers on edge as they witness Miranda's battle to save herself from Brendan's toxic influence. The writing style is described as well put together, entertaining, and compelling, with a surprising and satisfying ending that leaves readers shocked.
I’ve had a dream recently, the same dream, over and over again, and each time I think it’s real. I’m back at the ice rink on the afternoon I first met Brendan. The cold stings my face, I can hear the ... - #5
'The Safe House' by Nicci French follows the story of Dr. Sam Lashcen, a single mother who takes in a young woman, Fiona, after the violent murder of Fiona's parents. The plot revolves around the murder mystery of a wealthy couple and the attempted murder of their daughter, which leads Sam to protect Fiona and help her recover. As the story unfolds, Sam's life is dramatically impacted, and the relationships between characters become central to the narrative. Despite being described as a psychological thriller, the book focuses more on the mother-daughter relationships and the dynamics with Sam's boyfriend, Danny, rather than on intense psychological suspense.
The door was the first thing. The door was open. The front door was never open, even in the wonderful heat of the previous summer that had been so like home, but there it was, teetering inwards, on a ... - #6
A Sight for Sore Eyes by Ruth Rendell is a psychological thriller that delves into the lives of three main characters: Teddy Brex, a disturbed young man who appreciates only beautiful things; Francine Hill, a woman haunted by witnessing her mother's murder as a child; and Harriet Oxenholme, a bored trophy wife seeking excitement. As their paths intertwine, the narrative unfolds in a dark and eerie manner, showcasing the intricate connections between damaged individuals and culminating in unexpected and chilling outcomes. Rendell's writing style is described as intelligent, engrossing, and highly descriptive, with a focus on psychological depth and character development that keeps readers on edge throughout the book.
He laughed. Everything she said amused or delighted him, everything about her captivated him from her dark red curly hair to her small white feet. The painter’s instructions were that he should look a... - #7
The Grifters by Jim Thompson follows the life of Roy Dillon, a young grifter struggling to navigate his relationships with his con artist mother, Lilly, and his girlfriend, Moira. The story delves into the dark underworld of cons and rackets, portraying a life filled with deception, manipulation, and the constant struggle to survive. Thompson's writing style immerses the reader in a world where characters are morally ambiguous, relationships are fraught with tension, and the plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns.
As Roy Dillon stumbled out of the shop his face was a sickish green, and each breath he drew was an incredible agony. A hard blow in the guts can do that to a man, and Dillon had gotten a hard one. No... - #8
'The Earthquake Bird' by Susanna Jones is a psychological crime novel set in Tokyo, following the story of Lucy Fly, a British expat living in Japan who is suspected of murdering her friend Lily. The narrative is told through Lucy's memories, alternating between her childhood, her life in Tokyo, and the events leading up to Lily's murder. Jones' writing style is atmospheric and descriptive, capturing the loneliness and isolation of Lucy while providing insights into Japanese culture and society.
Early this morning, several hours before my arrest, I was awakened by an earth tremor. I mention the incident not to suggest that there was a connection—that somehow the fault lines in my life came cr... - #9
'Codename Villanelle' by Luke Jennings is a spy thriller that follows the story of an emotionless professional assassin named Villanelle, who was once a poor, motherless Russian girl named Oksana. The plot delves into Villanelle's exotic assignments and her transformation into a ruthless killer. The writing style is described as having exquisite imagery, detailed descriptions, and elegant yet raw character interactions that bring the characters to life.
The Palazzo Falconieri stands on a promontory on one of the smaller Italian lakes. It’s late June, and a faint breeze touches the pines and cypresses that cluster like sentinels around the rocky headl... - #10
'In the Cut' by Susanna Moore is a dark and suspenseful tale that follows a woman, an English professor, who gets involved in a dangerous situation as she starts to slip into weird paranoia. The writing style is noted to be different and well-done, focusing on language and the use of certain words. The book captures the tone and rhythm of modern speech and lexicon, particularly in the interactions between young people, rap talk, and cops. The plot revolves around the protagonist mistakenly suspecting a man of murder and the subsequent horrific consequences that unfold.
The whole class was having trouble with irony. They do much better with realism. Realism, they think, is simply a matter of imitating Ernest Hemingway. Short flat sentences, an adjective before every ...