There is something about fall that makes me want to pick up a good psychological thriller. Maybe it’s the Halloween vibe. Maybe it’s because it’s cold and dark outside. Maybe it’s just me trying to escape from the craziness of the times.
But whatever the reason, psychological thrillers, when done well, have the power to both terrify and delight. Monsters and ghosts don’t have the same effect for me. What is scarier than the monster that you are reading about appearing like a normal person – maybe even the person next door?
Following are 8 of the best psychological thrillers I have ever read. These books could be called the epitome of all page-turners, because the pages almost turn themselves!
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The Perfect Girlfriend by Karen Hamilton
What do you do when the love of your life breaks up with you? You win him back, of course! And Juliette will stop at nothing to make sure she gets Nate back. She enters into an elaborate and lengthy plan to make him see that she is absolutely perfect for him. And while she waits for him to wake up, she entertains herself by sneaking into his apartment for the weekend while he is away (she never said she gave him back ALL his keys), or plotting against his sister who was mean to her in school. This twisted book will keep you reading, just to see what Juliette will do next. It’s written in first person narrative, so we get good insight into what is going through her mind. And most of it is extremely disturbing, but so fascinating, you won’t be able to put this one down!
Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger
Selena Murphy’s world is falling apart. First she catches her husband having an affair with their nanny, Geneva. Then Geneva disappears without a trace, leaving the local police department asking too many questions for comfort. What happened to her? As Selena tries to work this out she begins to get strange texts from a woman she met on the train; a woman to whom she bared her troubles to. Who is this woman? Why does she keep reaching out? And most importantly, is there a connection between this woman and Geneva’s disappearance?
The Breakdown by B.A. Paris
On a dark and rainy night, on a deserted road, Cass spots a stranded car with a woman in it. Instead of stopping to see if she could help, Cass continued on her way, justifying to herself that the woman probably called 911 and help was on the way. But the next day, Cass learned that the same woman was found murdered in her car.
Overcome with guilt, Cass can’t cope with the enormity of what happened. She begins to isolate herself, even to the point of quitting her teaching job. Her husband tries to be understanding, but Cass’ behaviors get more and more bizarre. She begins to forget things. She makes big mistakes. She becomes paranoid that someone is watching her.
Is someone out to get Cass? Or is it something more sinister than that?
The Snowman by Jo Nesbo
Each year, after the first snowfall, a woman vanishes. In her place, only a snowman is found in the yard. Detective Harry Hole must find this serial killer before someone else falls prey. And he has to work quickly. The first snow is coming soon.
I actually saw this movie before I read the book and I loved both! Usually the book is much better, but in this case, they did a great job staying true to the story. If you are interested, you can watch the Snowman on HBO.
Eeny Meeny by MJ Aldridge
Detective Helen Grace is baffled when a serial killer begins to randomly abduct 2 people at a time, leaving them no food, no water, and just a gun between them. They have a choice – to die together, or to make the ultimate decision, which one will leave their captivity alive? Helen and her team can’t find any connections to the people abducted and the killer leaves no clues. Time is running out and too many people have died already. Will her team be able to stop him before more lives are devastated?
Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent
Lydia and her husband Andrew commit the unthinkable act – murder. At first, it seems that they would get away with it. Who would even miss a 22 year old prostitute and heroin addict? However, questions do arise when the local police discover that a vintage car, just like Andrew was known to drive, had been seen outside the girl’s apartment. He is able to stave off the inquiries with his position in the community, but not before his son, Laurence, begins to have his doubts. And Annie’s family, far from being uninvolved, are searching for her frantically. As the story continues, the characters’ lives become intertwined in a way that can only end badly.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Korede is a nurse in Nigeria, responsible and competent, and in love with the handsome doctor she works for, Tade. But her hopes are dashed when her sister, Ayoola, walks into the office. Once he sees Ayoola, Tade is smitten.
It has always been that way for the sisters. Even though Korede is smart, people aren’t drawn to her like they are to the beautiful and fun-loving Ayoola. However, what most people do not see is her dangerous mind. Ayoola has a penchant for killing her boyfriends. The first time it happened, Korede came to her aid, helping her dispose of the body and cover her tracks. Ayoola swore it was self-defense, and Korede was used to protecting her sister. But then it happened a second time, and then a third. And now Ayoola is dating Tade.
How far will Korede’s loyalty to her sister stretch? And will she be able to save Tade before it’s too late?
The Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins
Rachel Watson is a 33 year old alcoholic who has lost everything. She lost her job because of her drinking. She lost her husband to another woman. And now she fills her days riding the train, watching the people in their homes on her route. She can clearly see her old house where her husband, his new wife and their new baby live. This tortures her. She can also see a young couple a few doors down. Rachel imagines their lives to be perfect and calls them Jason and Jess.
One day, as the train passes Jason and Jess’ house. She sees Jess kissing another man. This throws Rachel for a loop. What happened to the perfect couple? Rachel’s drinking goes out of control and she wakes up the next day bruised and covered in scratches and blood and she can’t remember a thing. She also learns that Jess, real name Megan, has gone missing. What happened to Megan? And was Rachel involved?
Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin
Tessa Cartwright is the well-known survivor of the serial killer who placed Black-eyed Susans around his victims. Tessa thought he was now in jail for life, but when she finds a patch of flowers outside her bedroom window, she begins to fear for her life. Is she safe? Or is the killer at large again?
What She Knew by Gilly MacMillan
