Books Like...
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn is a dark and disturbing psychological thriller that follows reporter Camille Preaker as she reluctantly returns to her hometown in Wind Gap, Missouri to investigate the murders of two young girls. The book delves into the small town's secrets, the complexities of family relationships, and Camille's own troubled past, including her struggles with self-harm. The narrative is intense, gripping, and filled with unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The writing style in Sharp Objects is described as atmospheric, bleak, and engrossing, with excellent characterization that brings the dark and twisted psyches of the characters to life. Gillian Flynn's debut novel skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, family drama, and psychological suspense, creating a chilling story that explores the depths of human darkness and the impact of past traumas on present actions.
If you liked Sharp Objects, here are the top 100 books to read next:
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Save:The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Alicia Berenson, a renowned artist who is found with her dead husband, tied to a chair and shot multiple times in the face. Alicia never speaks again and is sent to a mental institution. Theo Faber, a forensic psychologist, takes a job at the facility to treat Alicia and unravel her secrets. The book is filled with twists and turns, red herrings, and a surprising conclusion, making it a gripping and engaging read.
The novel is centered around the relationship between Alicia, the silent patient, and Theo, the psychotherapist determined to make her speak. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's case, the story unfolds through entries from Alicia's diary and Theo's own perspective. The plot weaves together themes of mental illness, trauma, and suspense, keeping the readers guessing until the unexpected twist at the end. The Silent Patient explores complex characters and intricate storytelling, making it a compelling and thought-provoking thriller.
They had been married for seven years. They were both artists—Alicia was a painter, and Gabriel was a well-known fashion photographer. He had a distinctive style, shooting semi-starved, semi-naked wom... - #2
Save:'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is a psychological thriller that delves into the dysfunctional marriage of Nick and Amy. The story unfolds with a man coming home on his 5th wedding anniversary to find his house destroyed and his wife missing, leading to a search where all clues point towards him. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, portraying the cunning dynamics between the characters, creating a chilling portrait of the ill effects of narcissistic disorder and manipulation. The novel keeps readers on edge as it explores themes of deception, betrayal, and the dark aspects of human nature.
When I think of my wife, I always think of her head. The shape of it, to begin with. The very first time I saw her, it was the back of the head I saw, and there was something lovely about it, the angl... - #3
Save:"Dark Places" by Gillian Flynn is a gripping thriller that follows Libby Day, the sole survivor of a family massacre. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives and timelines, delving into the dark and twisted events surrounding the murders. Flynn's writing style captivates readers with its suspenseful and haunting narrative, keeping them on the edge of their seats as they uncover the chilling truths hidden within the characters' pasts.
Ihave a meanness inside me, real as an organ. Slit me at my belly and it might slide out, meaty and dark, drop on the floor so you could stomp on it. It’s the Day blood. Something’s wrong with it. I w... - #4
Save:'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins is a psychological thriller that revolves around three women - Anna, Megan, and Rachel - whose lives intertwine in a dark and horrific manner. The story is narrated through multiple perspectives, offering a tale full of hidden secrets, desires, and passions. The plot unfolds with suspense and mystery, as the characters grapple with damaged pasts, alcoholism, and dark secrets that lead to a shocking and unpredictable ending.
The book is praised for its innovative storytelling, time-shifting narrative, and the ability to keep readers engaged with its suspenseful twists. Despite some readers finding the characters unlikable or the ending abrupt, the overall consensus is that 'The Girl on the Train' is a gripping and compelling read that delves into themes of trust, deception, and the dark side of human nature.
There is a pile of clothing on the side of the train tracks. Light-blue cloth—a shirt, perhaps—jumbled up with something dirty white. It’s probably rubbish, part of a load dumped into the scrubby litt... - #5
Save:'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is an engrossing mystery thriller set in Sweden, following the investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the young genius hacker Lisbeth Salander as they team up to solve a decades-old murder mystery. The story unfolds with intricate twists and turns, uncovering vile family secrets and introducing a cast of strong, believable characters. The plot builds over time, making for an excellent and well-written read with fascinating characters and an interesting storyline that keeps readers guessing.
The narrative delves into themes of financial intrigue, murder, and love, balancing multiple genres skillfully. Despite some graphic scenes of violence and rape, the book manages to keep readers engaged with its complicated plot and well-drawn characters, particularly the enigmatic Lisbeth Salander. Larsson's writing style, though at times clunky due to translation, effectively captures the essence of the mystery, making it a compelling and suspenseful read for those who enjoy intricate thrillers.
The trial was irretrievably over; everything that could be said had been said, but he had never doubted that he would lose. The written verdict was handed down at 10:00 on Friday morning, and all that... - #6
Save:'Shutter Island' by Dennis Lehane is a psychological thriller set on an island where an insane asylum is located. The story follows a detective investigating a murder on the island, only to find himself trapped there during a hurricane. The book is described as a fast-paced, gripping mystery with plenty of suspense and plot twists. The author creates a hauntingly stunning piece of work that combines psychological horror, mystery, and normal horror, keeping the readers engaged and thought-provoked till the end.
TEDDY DANIELS’S FATHER had been a fisherman. He lost his boat to the bank in ’31 when Teddy was eleven, spent the rest of his life hiring onto other boats when they had the work, unloading freight alo... - #7
Save:"Pretty Girls" by Karin Slaughter is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the story of a family grappling with the disappearance and tragic fate of their daughter and sister. As the family navigates through harrowing discoveries and attempts to keep dark secrets hidden, the narrative unfolds as a sustained psychological crisis. intricately weaves together themes of survival, familial bonds, and the struggle to retain humanity amidst violence and deception. With a roller coaster of emotions, the story is described as frightening, disturbing, and poignant, exploring the depths of human nature and the consequences of hidden truths.
The plot of "Pretty Girls" revolves around missing teenagers, estranged siblings, and the uncovering of long-held secrets. The narrative is praised for its suspenseful nature, unexpected twists, and masterful depiction of dark characters and their distorted desires. delves into the psychological complexities of psychopaths and the gruesome acts they commit, making it a chilling yet engrossing read. Through a series of shocking revelations and heart-wrenching discoveries, the characters embark on a quest for truth, leading to a narrative filled with suspense, intrigue, and unforgettable moments.
The downtown Atlanta restaurant was empty except for a lone businessman in a corner booth and a bartender who seemed to think he had mastered the art of flirty conversation. The predinner rush was sta... - #8
Save:'Verity' by Colleen Hoover is a psychological thriller that takes readers on a dark and twisted journey. The story follows a famous author who is unable to finish her series due to a car accident, leading to the hiring of another author to complete the books. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken through a rollercoaster of suspense, shocking twists, and disturbing revelations. The writing style is described as gripping, intense, and fast-paced, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
The book delves into themes of manipulation, suspense, and psychological complexity, with a plot that is both compelling and unpredictable. It explores the blurred lines between truth and deception, leaving readers questioning the characters' motivations and the reality of the events unfolding. The narrative is filled with shocking revelations, dark themes, and unexpected turns, making it a captivating and immersive read for fans of psychological thrillers.
The man was in front of me a matter of seconds ago. We were standing in a crowd of people waiting for the crosswalk light to illuminate when he stepped into the street prematurely, resulting in a run-... - #9
Save:In the book 'In the Woods' by Tana French, Detective Rob Ryan and his partner Cassie Maddox are on the hunt for a child killer in the same woods where Ryan's own childhood trauma occurred. The story unfolds with a slow yet intriguing start, weaving a double mystery that keeps readers engaged. The narrative delves into the past and present, exploring themes of psychological tension, guilt, and the complexities of police procedural work. The book is set in Dublin and features atmospheric storytelling that blends elements of romance, violence, and suspense.
The central character, Rob Ryan, grapples with his dark history while investigating the murder of a young girl, drawing parallels to his own childhood tragedy of losing two friends in the same woods. The writing style is praised for its beautiful prose, compelling characters, and intricate plot development that keeps readers riveted. Despite mixed feelings about the ending, readers appreciate the depth of the story and the psychological depth of the characters, making it a compelling read in the Dublin Murder Squad series.
What I warn you to remember is that I am a detective. Our relationship with truth is fundamental but cracked, refracting confusingly like fragmented glass. It is the core of our careers, the endgame o... - #10
Save:'The Kind Worth Killing' by Peter Swanson is a psychological thriller full of twists and turns, following the story of Ted and Lily who meet in an airport bar and discuss the possibility of killing Ted's wife. The book is narrated from multiple perspectives, providing a deep dive into the minds of characters involved in a deadly game of deceit, revenge, and murder. With a gripping plot and engaging writing style, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through the intricate web of lies and manipulation.
“Do I know you?” I asked. She didn’t look particularly familiar, but her American accent, her crisp white shirt, her sculpted jeans tucked into knee-high boots, all made her look like one of my wife’s...
