When it comes to discovering your next great read, recommendations from book enthusiasts can be great. But what is more invaluable is getting book recommendations from published authors, in their own genre.
In our recent interview with Jacqueline Faber, the author of The Department, a thriller book that has been buzzing in the literary world for the last few months, she gave us a few of her favorite book recommendations in the thriller genre.
Jacqueline has a knack for identifying captivating stories that resonate with readers, whether it is in her own writing or her book recommendations. If you are a fan of mystery books, captivating thrillers, or simply want something different recommended by a professional in the industry, our recommendation list has something for everyone.
Let’s explore five books that Jacqueline Faber personally recommends, along with why they’ve earned her stamp of approval. Let’s dive in!
5. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
This is a very well-known book that cannot be recommended enough. The story centers around Camille Preaker, a journalist returning to her hometown to investigate the murder of two young girls. The mysterious murder happened in Wind Gap, Missouri, where the two girls were found strangled with their teeth removed. Some of the main themes are;
- Dysfunctional families: portrayed by the relationship between the main character, her mother Adora, and her half-sister Amma.
- Dark side of a small-town: depicted in the novel by the secrets, gossips, and the underlying darkness that is often hidden in smaller communities.
- Female characters and feminism: Female characters are often the point of contention and Flynn’s ability to depict complex and flawed characters challenges the traditional stereotypes.
- As well as many others.
The novel explores some pretty dark and disturbing themes, as well as great psychological depth, complex characters, and evocative writing. It has received multiple high praises for its characters and writing but has been a bit criticized for the violence and predictable plot. You can’t please everyone right?
Why she recommends it: She is truly the master of metaphor, and she has so much to teach us about language.
RelatedLustfully Lost: Review of The Department by Jacqueline Faber
4. In the Woods by Tana French
This is the first novel of the Dublin Murder Squad series. In The Woods is about a mystery of 3 children that go into the woods in the summer of 1984, with only one returning…
20 years later, the surviving child, Rob Dylan, becomes a detective of the Dublin Murder Squad. When a 12-year-old girl is found dead in the same woods, Rob and his partner are assigned to the case. The investigation forced Rob to confront his past, the disappearance of his friends, and ultimately how it all ties into the murder he is currently investigating.
This novel explores some interesting themes such as;
- Memory and the past: Exploration of the causes of crime and humanity and what evil lurks in people’s minds.
- Friendships and relationships: The complexities of close relationships, especially between the two main characters.
- Psychological suspense and unsolved mysteries: Psychological aspects of the characters involved in the story are explored via their investigation as well as the lack of a complete plot resolution.
Why she recommends it: Gorgeously atmospheric plus a bold, respectable move to solve some mysteries while leaving others unanswered.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter3. The Guest List by Lucy Foley
This is one to read if you love locked-room mysteries!
The story centers around a wedding party on a remote island off the coast of Ireland, where guests gather for a wedding celebration that turns deadly… The wedding is between Jules, a magazine publisher, and Will, a TV star. As the festivities begin, resentments, jealousies, and secrets emerge among the guests.
During the night, a body is discovered and the story explores who among the guests is the killer and who is the victim. The story shifts between different character’s perspectives and timelines as it builds suspense and reveals the clues. On top of that, the remote island setting with a storm enhances the suspense of this must-read locked-room mystery.
Why she recommends it: The mystery revolves not simply around the identity of the murderer, but also the identity of the murdered body itself.
RelatedBinge-Worthy Psychological Thriller Books With Shocking Twists
2. The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty
This one is a bit of a different mystery story as it revolves around letters from a husband found by his wife, that were to be opened only after his death.
The letters are written by a husband to his wife and are supposed to be opened only after his death, which she believes is the case, but the plot twist: he is alive! The letters contain dark secrets that can not only destroy the lives of the wife but also the lives of others. The story follows three women;
- Cecilia (the wife): whose seemingly perfect life is turned on its head after the discovery of the letters
- Rachel: a woman consumed by rage and grief over an unsolved murder of her daughter decades ago and
- Tess: a woman who experiences betrayal after her husband falls in love with her cousin.
The story explores several elements of secrets and lies, guilt and suffering, moral dilemmas, the impact of the past as well as forgiveness.
Why she recommends it: Exquisite characterization about a woman who finds an envelope with her husband’s writing on the front asking to be opened only in the event of his death.
RelatedBinge-Worthy Psychological Thriller Books With Shocking Twists
1. Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
Luckiest Girl Alive is a debut novel by Jessica Knoll. The story delves into the life of Ani FaNelli, a 28-year-old woman who appears to have the perfect life: a glamorous job, a gorgeous wardrobe, and a wealthy fiancé. However, beneath the polished exterior lies a traumatic past that Ani somehow managed to conceal from everyone…
In her teenage years, Ani suffered horrific trauma from her peers as well as a school shooting. The events have left deep scars that have had a major impact on her pursuit of a perfect life.
The story is told from her present and her harrowing past, culminating in her decision to participate in a documentary about the school tragedy – a choice that forces her to confront her buried memories and the exterior she has built.
The story explores themes of the impact of trauma on life, identity and personal reinvention, bullying, and the societal pressure for perfectionism.
Why she recommends it: How the reverberations of trauma continue to define one’s life for years to come.
Jacqueline Faber’s recommendations are a testament to her deep appreciation for storytelling and her expertise in the thriller genre. Whether you’re an avid fan of suspenseful reads or just dipping your toes into the world of mysteries, these books are sure to keep you captivated from start to finish. We hope this list inspires your next literary adventure and adds some thrilling titles to your bookshelf.
