L.S. Stratton has built a reputation for crafting stories that do more than keep readers on edge, as her stories weave suspense with sharp wit and incisive social commentary. Long before she made her mark in the mystery/thriller genre, Stratton launched her fiction career in romance.
Her creative trajectory shifted dramatically when she discovered the narrative power of secrets, deception, and psychological tension. That transformation is on full display in her breakout novel In Deadly Company, where a billionaire’s birthday celebration descends into chaos and a savvy executive assistant becomes ensnared in a lethal web of corporate intrigue, power struggles, and rising body counts.
Stratton credits cinematic influences like Clue, Knives Out, and Succession for inspiring her to craft stories that are as claustrophobic and satirical as they are wildly entertaining.
In our recent interview with L.S. Stratton, she shared the five mystery novels that shaped her journey as a writer. Long before she penned her own thrillers, she immersed herself in the genre, and a handful of standout titles transformed her understanding of storytelling.
These books didn’t merely entertain; they helped define her voice, her perspective, and her decision to explore the darker corners of fiction. Here are the top five mystery novels that inspired L.S. Stratton to write her own.
1. The Girl Before by J.P. Delaney
This psychological thriller follows two women, at different points in time, who move into the same minimalist, high-tech house designed by Edward Monkford, a controlling and enigmatic architect. With strict behavioral rules and eerie similarities between their experiences, the story unfolds through alternating perspectives, gradually revealing buried secrets, emotional entanglements, and a chilling twist that redefines everything.
Delaney’s use of dual timelines and psychological ambiguity creates a tense, immersive atmosphere that lingers long after the final page. The novel explores themes of trauma, autonomy, and identity, as Jane confronts the grief of losing a child and Emma recovers from a violent assault, both seeking renewal within the house’s rigid environment.
The architectural setting itself becomes a character: sterile, beautiful, and quietly oppressive. It’s equipped with surveillance technology that monitors and influences behavior, heightening the psychological stakes and prompting readers to question perception, power, and truth. Delaney’s tightly constructed narrative and clean, deliberate prose make this a standout in contemporary psychological suspense.
Why she recommends it:
This was my first introduction to the unreliable narrator and the ‘big twist’. My mouth fell open when I reached the end, and I had fun going back to the previous chapters and re-reading them, seeing them in a new light after knowing the ending.
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2. Ice Cream Girls by Dorothy Koomson
Two teenage girls are implicated in the death of their teacher, Marcus, with whom they were both involved in a manipulative and abusive relationship. Years later, one is living a seemingly successful life, while the other has just been released from prison after being convicted of murder, but the truth is far more complicated.
Koomson’s novel explores trauma, injustice, and the long-term consequences of public perception. It also stands out for its representation: Koomson, a Black British author, brings a fresh and vital perspective to the genre, challenging the lack of diversity in publishing and proving that mystery writing is a space for everyone.
The story delves into the psychological scars left by abuse and betrayal, and how emotional manipulation, memory, and guilt can distort reality. With emotionally rich characters and a plot that keeps readers guessing, it’s a compelling exploration of redemption and resilience. Koomson’s writing is deeply empathetic, giving voice to women who have been silenced and misunderstood.
The novel also examines how media narratives shape public opinion and how justice can be elusive when prejudice clouds the truth. It’s a powerful, character-driven mystery that resonates long after the final chapter.
Why she recommends it:
Though there are a few standout examples, I don’t think people realize how limited publishing is in diversity. Some people argue that things like that don’t matter, but I would counter that diverse perspectives and backgrounds only enhance storytelling and provide even more options for readers to explore. Dorothy Koomson was the first black female mystery writer I ever read. She showed that a viable career writing mysteries was possible for someone like me.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter3. You by Caroline Kepnes
Joe Goldberg is a charming bookstore clerk with a dark side. When he falls for a customer, his infatuation quickly turns into obsession, manipulation, and murder. Told entirely from Joe’s perspective in a chilling first-person narrative that directly addresses the object of his obsession, the novel draws readers into the mind of a stalker, making them feel disturbingly close to his twisted logic.
Kepnes masterfully blends psychological suspense with dark wit, crafting a protagonist who is both repulsive and magnetic. It’s a bold and unconventional story that challenges the reader’s empathy and redefines what it means to root for the antihero. The book also offers a sharp critique of modern dating culture, the influence of social media, and the illusion of intimacy, showing how easily boundaries can be crossed when obsession masquerades as love. Joe’s voice is disturbingly persuasive, making this a psychological thriller that’s as entertaining as it is unsettling.
Kepnes’s sharp prose and biting tone elevate the narrative, turning Joe’s internal monologue into a chilling commentary on entitlement, toxic masculinity, and the dangers of unchecked desire. The result is a novel that’s as addictive and unnerving as its narrator, and just as unforgettable.
Why she recommends it:
I always recommend this book. Joe Goldberg is one of the best protagonists. Not only is he witty and funny, his exploits are so demented that he kept me glued to the page.
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4. Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
Ani FaNelli appears to have it all: beauty, success, and a glamorous life. But beneath the surface lies a traumatic past marked by sexual assault and a school shooting that threatens to unravel everything. Knoll’s novel deftly weaves together past and present timelines, revealing how unresolved trauma shapes identity and behavior. It’s a powerful exploration of survival, reinvention, and the cost of silence, wrapped in a sharp, emotionally charged narrative.
The book also critiques societal expectations placed on women, especially around image, ambition, and emotional vulnerability. Ani’s journey is both heartbreaking and empowering, as she confronts the truth about her past and chooses to speak out through a documentary that forces her to break years of silence. With its biting tone and emotional depth, the novel offers a nuanced look at how trauma can be buried, while healing begins with honesty.
Knoll’s portrayal of Ani is unflinching, showing how trauma can manifest in self-destructive choices and emotional detachment. The novel also challenges the reader to reconsider what strength looks like, and how survival often requires confronting the very things we’ve tried to forget.
Why she recommends it:
I was fascinated by how Knoll explored the character Ani and how the trauma of her past affected her behavior in the present. It was a great character exploration, and I loved how Knoll interwove the present and the past timelines in the book.
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5. The Escape Room by Megan Goldin
A team of high-powered executives is summoned to a mandatory meeting, only to discover they’re trapped in an elevator that becomes the setting for a deadly reckoning. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, the characters must confront their past betrayals and darkest truths. Goldin’s novel is a fast-paced, claustrophobic thriller that blends psychological suspense with biting commentary on workplace culture and ambition.
The story alternates between the present crisis and the narrative of Sara Hall, a former colleague whose rise and fall within the company form the emotional and moral core of the novel, exposing the toxic dynamics that led to this moment. It’s a gripping tale of revenge, greed, and survival, with a locked-room scenario that heightens the stakes, not through puzzles, but through psychological pressure and moral confrontation. Goldin’s sharp prose and clever plotting make this a standout in the genre.
The novel also explores themes of corporate corruption, moral compromise, and the illusion of success, showing how ambition can blind people to the consequences of their actions. With its relentless pacing and escalating tension, The Escape Room delivers both thrills and insight: a rare combination that makes it unforgettable.
Why she recommends it:
The insane scenario of a team-building exercise of being trapped in a deadly escape room pulled me in, and the dynamics between the characters kept me locked in place. It was a wild ride I truly enjoyed.
L.S. Stratton writes mysteries with such intensity and passion, it’s as if they’re woven into the fabric of her life. Those five novels were more than mere entertainment for her; they stirred something deeper, igniting her imagination, testing her limits, and ultimately driving her to craft stories of her own, rich in tension, nuance, and emotion.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of thrillers or just dipping your toes into the genre, Stratton’s picks offer a rich blend of psychological depth, social insight, and page-turning suspense. And who knows, maybe one of these books will spark something in you, too: the beginning of your own story.
