In this exploration of the captivating genre of psychological thrillers, we delve into a curated selection of the top ten novels that have enthralled readers across the globe. From renowned classics to contemporary masterpieces, each offers a unique glimpse into the depths of human behavior and the twists of suspenseful storytelling.
Prepare to immerse yourself in the chilling atmosphere, complex characters, and unexpected twists that define the essence of psychological suspense.
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10. The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins
Paula Hawkin’s 2015 debut novel caused quite a stir when it was published, with many reviewers calling it “the next Gone Girl.” This book, however, is so much more than that. The story is told by three separate women, each of whom is experiencing her own difficulties.
Two of the narrators, Anna and Megan, are struggling in their relationships with controlling and toxic men, while the third, Rachel, copes with her emotional pain through alcoholism. Through these characters, we’re given a tender look at the psychology of pain, and what it means to triumph.
9. Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben
A compelling dive into grief, trauma, and corruption, Coben’s novel was just adapted into an eight-part Netflix series. The plot centers on the life of a widow and military veteran named Maya who is struggling to cope with the deaths of both her husband and sister.
But when Maya sees her late husband on her daughter’s nanny cam, she’s propelled on a journey that leads her to uncover disturbing truths about her family. This page-turner is an excellent entry point to the vast world of Coben’s novels.
8. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
No matter who you are, you’re almost certainly familiar with Agatha Christie: the best-selling novelist of all time, her work has been adapted into countless movies and series. This suspenseful novel, set on a remote island, tells the story of ten mysterious guests who die at the hands of someone else on the island. By the novel’s conclusion, you’ll only be wishing it was longer.
7. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Trigger warning: child abuse, sexual assault
As a culture, we’ve done Nabokov dirty. While even the name Lolita has become associated with the most horrible crimes imaginable, his classic novel is a complete indictment of difficult topics like child abuse and pedophilia. It’s not an easy read, both in terms of style and content.
But it’s an incredible psychological thriller, and its protagonist, Humbert Humbert, is among the great unreliable narrators in literature. Equal parts psychological thriller and tragedy, Lolita is a heartbreaking look at the twisted psyche of a monster who will stop at nothing to get his way.
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6. Deep Water by Patricia Highsmith
While you might have seen Netflix’s steamy adaptation of Deep Water starring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, the book is next-level. While I’ll keep this spoiler-free, the novel features even more murder and deceit than the film.
The story centers on a husband and wife, Vic and Melinda Van Allen, and the difficulties they encounter within their open marriage. The disdain they feel for one another is deeply uncomfortable and compelling and culminates in an ending that will have you gasping.
In case you need further convincing? Master Gillian Flynn has called this one of her all-time favorite novels.
5. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Tartt’s debut novel was a runaway success when it was published in 1992: its first print run was 75,000 copies, compared to the traditional 10,000 for a first-time author.
Reading this book, it’s clear why: Tartt is a master storyteller. The novel opens with the death of college student Bunny Corcoran and takes us on a wild ride as we learn exactly how its characters arrived at that point. At once a thriller and psychological portrait of unlikely criminals, this book will have you gripped until its heartbreaking conclusion.
4. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
Trigger warning: sexual assault, murder
Another entry in the category of “widely misunderstood,” American Psycho is a compelling and deeply unnerving examination of consumerism, American culture, and masculinity. Alternately funny and disgusting, this book is not for the faint of heart: certain scenes have spent years regrettably burned into my mind.
Patrick Bateman, the novel’s protagonist, is a classic unreliable narrator, and by the end of the book, we’re left wondering exactly what happened in the reality of the novel.
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3. The Silence Of The Lambs by Thomas Harris
This 1988 novel is the second to feature the brilliant, terrifying character of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. It was adapted in 1991 for the big screen by director Jonathan Demme, and the film won numerous Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
But the novel deserves some love, too. Touted as a favorite by writers like Roald Dahl and David Foster Wallace, The Silence Of The Lambs dives deep into the psychology of a killer. The gender politics of this novel are also fascinating: while some modern critics have taken issue with its treatment of transgender identity, protagonist Clarice Starling provides a fascinating case study on what it means to be a woman in a male-dominated world.
2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
I’ll be honest: the first time I read this book, I had low expectations.
It can’t be as good as the hype
I thought. And boy, was I wrong.
Gillian Flynn’s 2012 novel spent weeks at the top of bestseller lists, and for good reason. Gone Girl has everything: sex, betrayal, plot twists, and good old-fashioned feminine rage. David Fincher’s 2014 film adaptation received numerous nominations and accolades. My favorite tidbit from this book? The “cool girl” monologue, captures so perfectly many of the struggles modern women face in a male-dominated society.
1. The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
When I think of “psychological thriller,” this is the book that comes to mind. Patricia Highsmith made the blueprint with this novel, whose echoes can be found in works like the popular 2023 film Saltburn and the contemporary phenomenon of “grifting.”
This book has everything: murder, deceit, far-flung Mediterranean villas, and a suspenseful cat-and-mouse chase with the police. It’s also an incredibly groundbreaking work for its depiction of queer attraction and class awareness (or lack thereof). It’s one of my all-time faves.
And there you have our ten favorite psychological thrillers for the next time you’re looking for a page-turner. Enjoy!
