What is it about psychological thrillers that keep you turning the pages? I adore a good “whodunit” and love it even more when there is a twist so unexpected it leaves your jaw on the floor. Number one left me Shooketh! Here are 5 psychological thrillers that I could not put down.
5. Psychological Thriller: We Need to Talk about Kevin
Photo Credit: Libby App
Author: Lionel Shriver
Told by the point of view of Kevins mother, Eva, in letters to his father, Franklin, this book takes a deep look into Kevin’s disturbing behavior throughout his childhood and teen years. Kevin always seemed a little off to his mom. Eva never really wanted to be a mother. After her traumatic birth experience, they never seemed to bond. Kevins father thinks he can do no wrong. Is Kevin a psychopath or has his mother just never really connected with her son? This book is a heartbreaking psychological thriller that takes a peek into the life and terrible actions of Kevin.
What I loved about this book:
I always enjoy a book written in letter format. Maybe it’s because I’m nosy but reading a letter from one person to another keeps me turning the pages. There is a foreboding feeling throughout this book laced with heavy topics and unspeakable outcomes. This book is thought-provoking.
4. The Maid
Photo Credit: Libby App
Author: Nita Prose
Molly Gray is a little different from most people. She struggles in most social settings and has a difficult time understanding the actions of her peers. After her grandmothers passing, Molly tries to maneuver through life using grandma’s helpful advice. Molly is a meticulous hotel housekeeper and a trusting friend to all. After a coworker is killed, Molly finds herself in tangled into the middle of an investigation, herself the prime suspect of the murder.
What I loved about this book:
I loved Molly. The precision and care she has for her job; as well as her trusting nature and friendly spirit are inspiring. Mollys can-do attitude keeps the book moving along with precision and grace. This psychological thriller isn’t too disturbing for the average reader and has lighter undertones than others.
3. Take it Back
Photo Credit: Libby App
Author: Kia Abdullah
Jodie Wolfe is a 16-year-old British student with a medical condition that has left her face horribly disfigured. After accusing four popular and handsome Muslim-Asian classmates of assaulting her at a party, even Jodie’s mum and best friend doubt her. Zara Kaleel is an unconventional Muslim social worker assigned to advocate for Jodie. As Jodie’s story begins to unravel, and the entire city becomes invested in the trial, everyone chooses a side, and some take their judgment too far. This racially charged psychological thriller will keep you guessing until the very last page.
What I loved about this book:
Kia Abdullah is, hands down, one of the most underrated authors I have read this year. Her books are full of vivid courtroom scenes and shocking twists. Abdullahs writing never disappoints. This book had me jumping from foot to foot trying to decide who I believed was guilty and made me think deeply about the biases that exist surrounding SA, race, religion and disability.
2. The Paris Apartment
Photo Credit: Libby App
Author: Lucy Foley
Jess travels to Paris to visit her brother Ben, only to discover when she arrives at his apartment, Ben is missing. As Jess begins inquiring about her brother, it’s clear other residents of the apartment building are hiding something. Told by multiple points of view, including Jess, Ben, and the apartment building residents this story unfolds a web of lies, deceit and murder that these Paris apartment residents would much rather stay buried. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has a reason to kill in this psychological thriller.
What I loved about this book:
This story unfolds in intricate layers with each person’s point of view revealing a little more, leaving you turning pages as fast as you can to find out what happened to Ben. As you dig through the clues of Bens disappearance, you quickly realize this hole goes deeper than you can imagine.
1. Next of Kin
Photo Credit: Libby App
Author: Kia Abdullah
Leila Syed receives an urgent call from her brother-in-law asking if she can drop her nephew, Max, off to daycare at the last minute. On her way to drop Max off, she receives another call from her office, some urgent paperwork is missing, and she is needed in the office immediately. As her day resumes Leila receives a third gut wrenching call, Max is not at daycare. Leila discovers she has forgotten Max in her car on one of the hottest days of the year. Tensions rise between family members as Leila goes on trial for Max’s death.
What I loved about this book:
This psychological thriller ROCKED my world. Abdullahs courtroom scenes are phenomenal. This tragic story will grip you and leave you shocked by the end. Yet, another book by Abdullah that keeps you guessing until the very last page.
About The Author
Tricia is a passionate writer, finding joy in both the creation and consumption of stories. As an avid reader, Tricia constantly seeks new literary adventures, drawing inspiration from the diverse narratives she encounters. When not immersed in the worlds of art and literature, she indulges her creativity in the realm of mixology, crafting unique cocktails that reflect her eclectic tastes and innovative spirit.
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