The best 14 Dark books

Step into the shadows and explore the enigmatic world of darkness. From eerie mysteries to psychological thrillers, our curated book list will take you on a spine-chilling journey into the dark side.
Delve into the minds of master storytellers and explore the depths of human darkness. Whether you're a fan of true crime or enjoy a good horror novel, this collection is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

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1
Dark Books: The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks

The Wasp Factory

Iain Banks
A Novel

What's The Wasp Factory about?

The Wasp Factory is a dark and twisted novel that follows the disturbing thoughts and actions of a teenage boy named Frank. Living on a remote Scottish island, Frank has a fascination with death and a unique way of dealing with his troubled past. As secrets are revealed, the novel delves into themes of identity, family, and the nature of evil. It is a gripping and unsettling exploration of the human psyche.

Who should read The Wasp Factory?

  • Fans of dark and unconventional psychological thrillers
  • Readers who enjoy delving into complex and disturbed characters
  • Those who appreciate thought-provoking and controversial storytelling

2
Dark Books: Kill Switch by Penelope Douglas

Kill Switch

Penelope Douglas

What's Kill Switch about?

Kill Switch by Penelope Douglas is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark and twisted world of revenge. When Damon, a man with a troubled past, seeks retribution against those who wronged him, he sets his sights on Winter, the one person who betrayed him. As the tension escalates and secrets unravel, the line between predator and prey becomes blurred, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Who should read Kill Switch?

  • Readers who enjoy dark romance and psychological thrillers
  • Those looking for a complex and intense love story
  • Individuals who appreciate a flawed and morally ambiguous protagonist

3
Dark Books: Beneath the Burn by Pam Godwi

Beneath the Burn

Pam Godwi

What's Beneath the Burn about?

Beneath the Burn by Pam Godwin is a captivating and intense novel that delves into the dark and twisted world of revenge and redemption. Filled with complex characters and a gripping plot, it explores the lengths one will go to in order to seek justice and find love amidst the pain and suffering of the past.

Who should read Beneath the Burn?

  • Readers who enjoy dark and intense romance novels

  • Those interested in complex and flawed characters

  • People who appreciate thought-provoking and emotionally charged storytelling


4
Dark Books: Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Sharp Objects

Gillian Flynn

What's Sharp Objects about?

Sharp Objects is a psychological thriller by Gillian Flynn that delves into the dark and twisted mind of its protagonist, journalist Camille Preaker. Assigned to cover a series of murders in her hometown, Camille is forced to confront her own troubled past and unravel the secrets that have haunted her family for years. With its gripping narrative and shocking revelations, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Who should read Sharp Objects?

  • Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers
  • Those interested in complex and flawed female protagonists
  • People who appreciate dark and atmospheric storytelling

5
Dark Books: Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Dark Places

Gillian Flynn

What's Dark Places about?

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of family, memory, and the aftermath of a brutal massacre. The story follows Libby Day, the sole survivor of her family's murder, as she investigates the events of that fateful night and uncovers shocking truths about her past. With its dark and twisted plot, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Who should read Dark Places?

  • Readers who enjoy dark and suspenseful thrillers
  • Those who appreciate complex and morally ambiguous characters
  • People who are interested in exploring the dark side of human nature and society

6
Dark Books: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

Dark Matter

Blake Crouch

What's Dark Matter about?

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch is a gripping science fiction thriller that explores the concept of parallel universes and the choices we make. Jason Dessen is living an ordinary life until he is abducted and wakes up in a reality that is not his own. As he embarks on a mind-bending journey to find his way back, he uncovers the terrifying consequences of his own decisions. This thought-provoking and suspenseful novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Who should read Dark Matter?

  • Individuals who enjoy mind-bending and thought-provoking science fiction
  • Readers who are fascinated by the concepts of alternate realities and the nature of existence
  • Those who appreciate fast-paced storytelling and unexpected plot twists

7
Dark Books: The Shining by Stephen King

The Shining

Stephen King

What's The Shining about?

The Shining is a gripping novel by Stephen King that tells the story of the Torrance family, who move into the isolated Overlook Hotel for the winter. As the hotel becomes snowbound, terrifying supernatural forces start to take hold, driving the father, Jack, to madness and putting his wife and son in grave danger. This chilling tale explores themes of isolation, addiction, and the power of the supernatural.

Who should read The Shining?

  • Readers who enjoy psychological horror and supernatural phenomena
  • Fans of Stephen King's writing style and storytelling ability
  • Those interested in exploring themes of family dysfunction and the human psyche

8
Dark Books: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train

Paula Hawkins

What's The Girl on the Train about?

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of Rachel, an alcoholic who becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she sees from the train every day. When the woman goes missing, Rachel becomes entangled in the investigation and uncovers dark secrets about the people involved. Filled with twists and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Who should read The Girl on the Train?

  • Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators
  • Those looking for a captivating and suspenseful story with unexpected twists
  • People who are interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of obsession

9
Dark Books: The Paper Swan by Leylah Atta

The Paper Swan

Leylah Atta

What's The Paper Swan about?

The Paper Swan by Leylah Attar is a captivating tale of love, betrayal, and redemption. Set in the world of organized crime, it follows the lives of two people whose fates become intertwined in unexpected ways. With beautifully crafted prose and a gripping plot, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Who should read The Paper Swan?

  • Readers who enjoy dark and intense romance novels

  • Those who are intrigued by complex characters and their psychological journey

  • People who appreciate beautifully written prose and evocative storytelling


10
Dark Books: Tight by Alessandra Torre

Tight

Alessandra Torre

What's Tight about?

Tight by Alessandra Torre is a thrilling and seductive novel that explores the complex and dangerous world of obsession. Set in the high-stakes world of Wall Street, it tells the story of a young woman who becomes entangled in a web of power, money, and desire. As she delves deeper into this dark and twisted world, she must confront her own deepest fears and desires.

Who should read Tight?

  • Readers who enjoy dark and intense romance novels

  • Those interested in exploring the complexities of human desire and obsession

  • Individuals who appreciate well-written and thought-provoking storytelling


11
Dark Books: The Stand by Stephen King

The Stand

Stephen King

What's The Stand about?

The Stand is a post-apocalyptic horror novel by Stephen King. Set in a world ravaged by a deadly virus, it tells the story of a group of survivors who are drawn into a final stand between the forces of good and evil. With its complex characters and gripping narrative, the book explores themes of societal collapse, redemption, and the battle for the soul of humanity.

Who should read The Stand?

  • Readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic stories
  • Fans of Stephen King’s writing and storytelling
  • Those interested in exploring themes of good vs. evil and the human condition

What's 30 Covert Emotional Manipulation Tactics about?

30 Covert Emotional Manipulation Tactics by Adelyn Birch is a comprehensive guide that sheds light on the subtle yet destructive tactics used by manipulators. Through real-life examples and practical advice, the book empowers readers to recognize and protect themselves from emotional manipulation in various relationships. It offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to regain control and establish healthier boundaries.

Who should read 30 Covert Emotional Manipulation Tactics?

  • Individuals who suspect they may be the target of emotional manipulation

  • People who want to understand and recognize covert manipulation tactics

  • Those who are looking to empower themselves and regain control in their relationships


13
Dark Books: Beneath the Burn by Pam Godwin

Beneath the Burn

Pam Godwin

What's Beneath the Burn about?

Beneath the Burn by Pam Godwin is a gripping and intense romantic thriller that delves into the dark and twisted world of revenge and redemption. Set in a small town in Texas, the story follows the lives of two broken individuals whose paths collide in a web of secrets, pain, and ultimate sacrifice. With its raw and powerful narrative, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Who should read Beneath the Burn?

  • Readers who enjoy dark and intense romance novels

  • Those who appreciate complex and flawed characters

  • People who are drawn to stories with themes of redemption and healing


14
Dark Books: In Sheep's Clothing by George K. Simon

In Sheep's Clothing

George K. Simon

What's In Sheep's Clothing about?

In Sheep's Clothing by George K. Simon delves into the world of manipulation and covert aggression. The book explores how manipulative individuals use subtle tactics to control and exploit others, and offers insights on how to recognize and protect oneself from such behavior. Through real-life examples and practical advice, it sheds light on the often hidden dynamics of relationships and empowers readers to assert their boundaries.

Who should read In Sheep's Clothing?

  • Individuals who want to understand and recognize manipulative behavior

  • People who seek to protect themselves from being manipulated

  • Those who want to improve their communication and relationship skills


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 FAQs 

What's the best Dark book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard The Wasp Factory as the ultimate read on Dark.

What are the Top 10 Dark books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks
  • Kill Switch by Penelope Douglas
  • Beneath the Burn by Pam Godwi
  • Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
  • Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
  • Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
  • The Shining by Stephen King
  • The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
  • The Paper Swan by Leylah Atta
  • Tight by Alessandra Torre

Who are the top Dark book authors?

When it comes to Dark, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Iain Banks
  • Penelope Douglas
  • Pam Godwi
  • Gillian Flynn
  • Gillian Flynn