The best 76 Psychological Thriller books

Gone Girl (2012) is the story of Amy Dunne, who one day vanishes from her cozy midwestern home. Her sudden disappearance becomes a sensational nation-wide headline – and the biggest suspect is her husband, Nick. But what follows is a head-spinning plot that takes on the subjects of relationship dynamics, private and public identities, the influence of media, and the institution of marriage.

When Joe Lynch discovers his wife's car parked in a hotel car park, he is thrown into a web of lies and deceit. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers shocking truths that threaten to unravel his entire life. Lies is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Housemaid is a gripping novel that delves into the complex relationships and power dynamics within a wealthy household. When a young woman named Anne takes a job as a housemaid, she uncovers dark secrets and must navigate the dangerous world of the upper class. With suspense and intrigue, this book explores themes of class, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to protect their own interests.

Creep is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of a charming and manipulative college professor who becomes obsessed with a former student. As his dark secrets unravel, the novel delves into themes of obsession, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to in order to protect their own secrets. With its intense plot twists and complex characters, Creep will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Killing Floor is a gripping thriller by Lee Child that introduces the enigmatic character Jack Reacher. When Reacher arrives in a small Georgia town, he becomes embroiled in a deadly conspiracy and must use his military training to uncover the truth. With its fast-paced action and clever plot twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. After a tragic accident, Jenna Gray moves to a remote cottage on the Welsh coast to escape her past. But as the story unfolds, shocking secrets and twists are revealed, making it impossible to put the book down.

In the Woods (2007) is a psychological thriller by Tana French that delves into the intertwining mysteries of a present-day murder and a decades-old disappearance. Filled with intricate characters and a haunting setting, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats as detective Rob Ryan and his partner delve into the dark secrets hidden in the woods.

Room by Emma Donoghue is a gripping novel that delves into the world of a young boy named Jack and his mother who are held captive in a small room. Told from Jack's unique perspective, the book explores their escape and adjustment to the outside world, shedding light on the incredible bond between a parent and child.

The Likeness by Tana French is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the world of undercover detectives. When a young woman is found dead and bears an uncanny resemblance to a former undercover officer, Detective Cassie Maddox is pulled back into her old life to uncover the truth. With rich character development and a haunting atmosphere, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens is a gripping psychological thriller that tells the story of a woman who is abducted and held captive for over a year. Told through her therapy sessions, it delves into the trauma she endured and the harrowing journey of her escape. It is a chilling and intense exploration of survival and the aftermath of such a traumatic experience.

Misery by Stephen King is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the twisted mind of a former nurse who holds her favorite author captive. As the author struggles to escape, he realizes that his biggest challenge may be surviving the wrath of his biggest fan.

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins is a gripping novel that tells the story of a mother and son fleeing drug cartel violence in Mexico and seeking asylum in the United States. It offers a powerful and emotional portrayal of the hardships faced by migrants and the lengths they will go to in search of safety and a better life.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is a gripping mystery thriller that unravels the secrets of the Catholic Church and the true identity of the Holy Grail. Filled with hidden codes, ancient symbols, and unexpected twists, it takes the reader on a thrilling journey through Europe as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon races to solve a centuries-old mystery.

Red Dragon is a psychological thriller novel that delves into the mind of a serial killer, as well as the psyche of the FBI profiler hunting him down. Written by Thomas Harris, it introduces the iconic character Hannibal Lecter and takes readers on a chilling journey filled with suspense and unexpected twists.

You by Caroline Kepnes is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a charming bookstore manager named Joe Goldberg. Obsessed with a customer named Beck, Joe uses social media and surveillance to manipulate her life and remove anyone who stands in his way. This dark and twisted novel will make you question the dangers of obsession and the extent of one's own privacy.

Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine is a gripping thriller that follows Gwen Proctor, a woman who goes into hiding with her children after discovering that her husband is a notorious serial killer. As she tries to build a new life in a remote town, she is constantly haunted by the fear that her past will catch up with her. Filled with suspense and unexpected twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison is a chilling thriller that tells the story of a beautiful and deadly garden, where young women are kept captive and tattooed with butterfly wings. When the garden is discovered, an FBI agent interviews one of the survivors to unravel the dark secrets hidden within. It's a gripping tale of survival, manipulation, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Strangers on a Train is a gripping psychological thriller written by Patricia Highsmith. It tells the story of two strangers, Guy and Bruno, who meet on a train and strike up a fateful conversation. They come up with a deadly plan to “exchange” murders, each killing the other’s unwanted victim. The chilling consequences of this arrangement unfold in a thrilling and suspenseful tale of obsession and betrayal.

The Institute is a gripping novel by Stephen King that delves into the dark world of a secret organization that kidnaps children with special abilities. As the children are subjected to cruel experiments, they band together to fight back and uncover the truth behind the institute. Filled with suspense and thought-provoking themes, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

'The Husband's Secret' by Liane Moriarty is a gripping novel that delves into the complexities of marriage, betrayal, and the power of secrets. Set in Sydney, Australia, the story follows three women whose lives become intertwined when one of them discovers a letter written by her husband containing a life-changing secret. As the truth unravels, the consequences are far-reaching and force each character to confront their own choices and the interconnectedness of their lives.

Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Christine Lucas, who wakes up every day with no memory of her past due to a mysterious accident. As she starts to uncover the truth about her life, she realizes that things are not as they seem. Filled with twists and turns, this book will make you question everything you think you know.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty is a gripping novel that delves into the lives of three women whose seemingly perfect lives unravel to reveal dark secrets and lies. Set in a picturesque coastal town, the book explores themes of friendship, motherhood, and domestic violence, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark and twisted reality of a seemingly perfect marriage. The story follows Grace, who appears to have it all – a handsome husband, a beautiful home, and a luxurious lifestyle. But as the truth unravels, we discover the horrifying secrets that lie behind closed doors.

Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. When Louise strikes up an affair with her new boss, David, she also befriends his wife, Adele. As secrets unravel and the past collides with the present, the story takes an unexpected turn that will leave you shocked. It's a mind-bending tale of obsession, manipulation, and the power of the human mind.

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane is a mind-bending psychological thriller that takes place in an eerie, isolated mental institution. U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels and his partner are sent to the island to investigate the disappearance of a patient. As they delve into the mystery, they uncover disturbing secrets and question their own sanity. With its unexpected twists and thought-provoking themes, this gripping novel will keep you hooked until the very end.

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.

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell is a gripping psychological thriller that unravels the mystery of a young girl's disappearance. Told through multiple perspectives, the story delves into the dark and twisted secrets of a seemingly perfect family. With unexpected twists and turns, it keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the secrets and lies of seemingly ordinary people. When a couple's baby goes missing during a dinner party at their neighbor's house, dark truths and hidden motives are revealed. With unexpected twists and a tense atmosphere, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena is a gripping thriller that follows the story of Karen, who wakes up in the hospital after a car accident with no memory of how she got there. As she tries to piece together the events leading up to the crash, she discovers dark secrets about her own life and the people around her. Filled with twists and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the heart-wrenching story of a mother whose son goes missing during a walk in the woods. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets and hidden truths come to light, challenging everything she thought she knew about her own life. This intense and suspenseful novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark secrets of the past. When a woman named Georgina is forced to confront her involvement in a murder that took place fifteen years ago, the novel takes readers on a thrilling journey of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of our actions. It's a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

What You Did by Claire McGowan is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark secrets and lies within a group of friends. When a shocking accusation is made at a college reunion, it sets off a chain of events that unravel the truth about what really happened in the past. The book keeps you on the edge of your seat as it explores the complexities of relationships and the consequences of one fateful night.

Into the Water by Paula Hawkins is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark secrets of a small town. When a single mother is found dead in a river, it uncovers a history of mysterious deaths and hidden truths. The novel weaves together multiple perspectives and keeps you guessing until the very end.

Triptych is a gripping psychological thriller by Karin Slaughter. Set in Atlanta, the novel follows the intertwining lives of detective Michael Ormewood, ex-con John Shelley, and career criminal Will Trent. A series of brutal murders connects these characters in unexpected ways, leading to a heart-pounding and twist-filled conclusion. Full of complex characters and intense suspense, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When a young nanny takes a job at a remote Scottish mansion, she soon realizes that things are not as they seem. Told through a series of letters, this book will leave you guessing until the very end.

Hidden Bodies is a thrilling novel by Caroline Kepnes that delves into the mind of a charming yet twisted protagonist, Joe Goldberg. As Joe moves to Los Angeles in pursuit of love and revenge, the story takes unexpected turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. This dark and gripping book explores themes of obsession, manipulation, and the lengths one will go to for their desires.

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.

My Sister's Grave (2014) by Robert Dugoni is a gripping thriller that follows a woman named Tracy Crosswhite as she returns to her hometown to investigate her sister's murder. Convinced that the man convicted of the crime is innocent, Tracy delves into the dark secrets of the small town and uncovers shocking truths about her sister's life and death.

The Girl Before by JP Delaney is a gripping psychological thriller that follows two women who live in the same house at different times. As they both become entangled in the mysterious and controlling relationship with the architect of the house, the novel explores themes of obsession, control, and the dark secrets that lie within the walls of the house.

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. The story follows the mysterious disappearance of a young woman named Mia, and the shocking truths that are unraveled as her family and the detective assigned to the case delve deeper into her past and the reasons behind her abduction.

Heartsick by Chelsea Cain delves into the complex and twisted relationship between detective Archie Sheridan and the infamous serial killer Gretchen Lowell. Filled with chilling suspense and psychological tension, the book takes you on a thrilling ride as the two characters become entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Pretty Girls is a chilling and suspenseful thriller by Karin Slaughter that delves into the dark and disturbing secrets hidden within a seemingly ordinary family. When a woman goes missing, it unravels a web of lies and reveals the truth about what really happened to her sister years ago. This gripping novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Tessa, a woman who survived a terrifying ordeal as a teenager and is now haunted by the question of whether the right man was convicted for the crime. With its clever twists and turns, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Perfect Wife by Blake Pierce is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of marriage and identity. When a woman goes missing, her husband becomes the prime suspect. As the truth unravels, shocking secrets and twists are revealed, leaving you questioning how well you truly know your loved ones.

Final Girls by Riley Sager is a gripping thriller that follows Quincy Carpenter, one of three sole survivors of separate mass murders. Dubbed a 'final girl' by the media, Quincy tries to move on from her traumatic past. But when one of the other final girls is found dead and the third shows up on her doorstep, Quincy is forced to confront the truth about what really happened that night.

I Am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When a woman overhears a conversation on a train that sets off alarm bells, she becomes obsessed with finding out the truth. As the story unfolds, dark secrets and unexpected twists reveal the chilling reality of what can happen when someone is watching you.

The Widow by Fiona Barton explores the life of a woman whose husband has recently passed away. As she grapples with her grief, she also finds herself at the center of a media frenzy surrounding her late husband's alleged crimes. Told from multiple perspectives, the book delves into the complexities of marriage, the power dynamics within relationships, and the secrets that people keep.

The Accident by Natalie Barelli is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When a woman wakes up in the hospital with no memory of how she got there, she starts to uncover dark secrets about her past and the people around her. As the truth unravels, she realizes that the accident may not have been an accident at all.

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller that follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of incarcerated serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch another killer on the loose. The book delves into the complex relationship between Starling and Lecter, and explores themes of power, manipulation, and the darkest corners of the human mind.

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.

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware is a gripping psychological thriller that takes place at a bachelorette party in an isolated cabin. As secrets from the past are revealed, the tension builds and the line between friend and foe becomes blurred. With its eerie atmosphere and unexpected twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Wives by Tarryn Fisher is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of marriage and identity. When a woman discovers that her husband has two other wives, she becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind their arrangement. As she delves deeper into the lives of these women, she unravels shocking secrets that will change everything she thought she knew.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When Alicia Berenson is accused of murdering her husband and then goes silent, refusing to speak a single word, psychotherapist Theo Faber becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind her shocking act. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's past and her dark, twisted mind, he unravels a web of secrets and lies that will leave you stunned.

The Breakdown by B. A. Paris is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When Cass takes a shortcut through the woods and sees a car parked on the side of the road, she doesn't stop to help. The next day, she finds out that the woman in the car has been murdered. Haunted by guilt and fear, Cass starts to unravel as she begins receiving silent phone calls and forgetting things. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she realizes that someone is watching her every move.

My Sister, the Serial Killer (2018) by Oyinkan Braithwaite is a darkly comedic novel that delves into the complexities of family and loyalty. Set in Lagos, Nigeria, the story follows Korede, a practical nurse, as she grapples with her sister Ayoola's habit of killing her boyfriends. As Korede tries to protect Ayoola, she is forced to confront her own moral choices and the secrets that bind them together.

Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the lives of three complex characters. When Heidi, a compassionate woman, takes in a homeless teenager and her baby, she unknowingly invites danger into her home. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed and the characters' lives become intertwined in unexpected ways.

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.

Bring Me Back by B. A. Paris is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. When a woman mysteriously disappears, her fiancé is haunted by the past and the secrets that come to light. With unexpected twists and a chilling atmosphere, this book will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.

Defending Jacob by William Landay is a gripping legal thriller that delves into the complexities of family, loyalty, and the criminal justice system. When a teenage boy is accused of murder, his father, a respected prosecutor, must confront uncomfortable truths and make difficult choices to protect his son.

Home Before Dark by Riley Sager is a gripping thriller that follows a woman named Maggie who returns to the supposedly haunted house where her family experienced terrifying events when she was a child. As she begins to renovate the house, she uncovers dark secrets and must confront the truth about what really happened all those years ago. Filled with suspense and unexpected twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

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.

A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. When Karen wakes up in the hospital after a car accident, she has no memory of what happened. As she tries to piece together the events leading up to the crash, she realizes that her perfect life may not be as it seems. Full of twists and turns, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Tessa, a woman who survived a terrifying ordeal as a teenager and is now haunted by the possibility that the wrong man was convicted for the crime. As she teams up with a forensic scientist to unravel the truth, dark secrets and shocking revelations come to light. This book will keep you guessing until the very end.

Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Finn, whose girlfriend Layla disappeared twelve years ago. When mysterious clues start to resurface, Finn is forced to confront the truth about what really happened to Layla and the secrets he thought were buried.

Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes is a thrilling novel that delves into the mind of a charming yet twisted protagonist, Joe Goldberg. After the events of You, Joe moves to Los Angeles in pursuit of love and revenge. The book takes you on a dark and suspenseful journey as Joe becomes entangled in a web of lies, manipulation, and murder.

Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark secrets of the past. When a woman named Georgina is forced to confront her involvement in a murder from her teenage years, the novel takes readers on a suspenseful journey filled with twists and turns. It explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the consequences of choices made long ago.

Misery is a psychological thriller novel by Stephen King. It tells the story of a successful novelist, Paul Sheldon, who is held captive by his psychotic fan, Annie Wilkes, after a car accident. As Paul struggles to escape, he realizes the extent of Annie's obsession and the lengths she will go to keep him writing the stories she wants.

My Sister's Grave by Robert Dugoni is a gripping thriller that follows homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite as she returns to her hometown to investigate the decades-old murder of her younger sister. As Tracy delves into the case, long-buried secrets and shocking revelations come to light, leading her on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth.

Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of our choices. The story follows a woman named Heidi who takes in a homeless teenager and her baby, only to uncover dark secrets from their pasts. With its intense suspense and thought-provoking themes, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Accident by Natalie Barelli is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark and twisted mind of a woman who will go to extreme lengths to protect her secrets. When a seemingly random car accident brings two women together, it sets off a chain of events that unravels their carefully constructed lives. With unexpected twists and a chilling sense of unease, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison is a chilling thriller that delves into the twisted mind of a serial killer. The story follows a young woman named Maya who is held captive in a beautiful garden filled with exotic butterflies. As Maya recounts her harrowing tale to FBI agents, the true extent of the garden's horrors is revealed. This gripping novel explores themes of survival, manipulation, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Girl Before by JP Delaney is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the lives of two women who have lived in the same house at different times. Filled with unexpected twists and turns, the book explores the dark secrets and dangerous obsessions that connect them. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Perfect Wife by Blake Pierce is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of marriage and identity. When a woman goes missing, her husband becomes the prime suspect. As the story unfolds, shocking secrets are revealed, and the truth becomes increasingly elusive. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Widow by Fiona Barton is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a woman whose husband is accused of a heinous crime. Told from multiple perspectives, the novel explores the complexities of marriage, the power of secrets, and the lengths people will go to protect the ones they love.

What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the heart-wrenching story of a mother whose son goes missing during a walk in the woods. As the investigation unfolds and secrets come to light, the novel explores the lengths a mother will go to in order to uncover the truth. With its expertly crafted twists and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

What You Did by Claire McGowan is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of friendship, betrayal, and the consequences of our actions. When a group of old friends reunite for a weekend getaway, long-buried secrets and resentments come to the surface, leading to a shocking event that changes their lives forever. As the truth unravels, the characters are forced to confront their own guilt and the devastating fallout of what they did.