Hey, thriller fans! With cold weather and dark days at their peak, now is the perfect time of year to get lost in a spooky psychological thriller. With the genre experiencing unprecedented popularity (Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan are slated to start in a new psychological thriller film by The Weeknd!), this is a fantastic moment to get steeped in some twisty tales.
To keep things interesting, we’ve curated a list of our ten favorite psychological thrillers featuring plot twists to keep you guessing.
Let’s dive in.
10. Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
This 2019 psychological thriller follows Jules, a young woman down on her luck. When the opportunity to apartment sit in a luxurious Manhattan apartment buiding presents itself, she jumps at the chance.
But what Jules doesn’t know is that the previous apartment sitter went missing, and no one knows what happened. Can Jules figure out the truth and make it out alive?
Why we recommend it: I loved the conceit of this book and the sharp social commentary.
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9. I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
This devastating and emotional psychological thriller is the perfect mix of deep feelings and unpredictable plotlines.
Jenna is heartbroken after a tragic accident upends her life. She moves to a remote cottage, looking to escape it all. But peace won’t come easy, and Jenna might soon face an unexpected consequence of her past actions.
Why we recommend it: I thought the emotional character development in this book was excellent.
8. The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
ISBN: 9780062688163
This psychological thriller is perfect for fans of Saltburn (whose star Carey Mulligan is using her success for good!). In it, a young woman named Amber from a small town becomes involved in the lives of a wealthy and glamorous couple. At first, everything is picture perfect.
But when secrets from Amber’s past are revealed, her new life might fall apart, including everything and everyone around her.
Why we recommend it: I loved the relationships in this book and the tense plot twists.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter7. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
ISBN: 9780062678423
This twisty, turny psychological thriller is an absolute must-read (and one of our frequently-recommended thriller picks!).
In it, an agoraphobic woman becomes convinced that she’s witnessed a murder outside her window. But as her mental state deteriorates, it becomes clear that all is not as it seems.
Why we recommend it: I appreciated this novel’s wild plot twists and Hitchcock-y atmosphere.
6. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
ISBN: 9781250301697
When a famous artist’s husband dies, she’s soon the top suspect in his murder. But, in this psychological thriller, there are numerous twists. For starters, she’s unwilling to speak.
When a psychologist is enlisted to help her, dark secrets are soon revealed, resulting in an unforgettable plot twist.
Why we recommend it: I loved the atmosphere and evocative writing style in this thriller.
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5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
ISBN: 9780670069019
This classic of mind-bending thrillers comes from Stieg Larsson, who continues to make news years after his death.
It follows a hacker and journalist who team up to unravel a decades-old mystery: the disappearance of a young daughter from an elite family. The deeper they dig, they find deceit, political corruption, and personal vendettas which drive at the heart of their motivations.
Why we recommend it: I adored the characters in this thriller, particularly Lisbeth. Her backstory was heartbreaking and sadly totally believable.
4. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
ISBN: 9780735221086
This psychological thriller centers on a couple whose baby goes missing during a dinner party, leading to unbelievable revelations and a shocking twist ending.
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed the pacing and atmosphere of this novel.
3. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
ISBN: 9780062060556
Every day, Christine awakes with no memory in this psychological thriller, which was adapted into a star-studded film with Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth.
As Christine repeatedly attempts to learn about her past, she makes unsettling discoveries that challenge her entire existence, leading to danger, love, and betrayal.
Why we recommend it: I liked the premise of this novel, and the narrative tension was sublime.
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2. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
This phenomenal, plot-twisty psychological thriller book follows a U.S. Marshal named Teddy Daniels who is investigating a psychiatric facility on a deserted island.
But as his investigation deepens, Teddy becomes increasingly detached from his own reality, shaking the foundations of his reality.
Why we recommend it: I was blown away by the ending of this novel and its profound emotional themes.
1. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Our number one psychological thriller with plot twists comes from master Gillian Flynn, whose gothic novels can’t be missed.
In it, a troubled reporter named Camille is called back to her hometown to report on a series of missing young girls. But her past catches up with her, and unthinkable truths are revealed.
Why we recommend it: I loved the treatment of family dynamics and female trauma in this psychological thriller.
And there you have it, our ten favorite psychological thrillers featuring plot twists. What do you think? Let us know what your favorite psychological thrillers are in the comments.
As always, happy reading.
