Books matching: mystery drama
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
A gorgeously written, haunting psychological mystery that digs deep into its characters - just don’t come looking for clean closure. If you like your crime fiction thoughtful, atmospheric, and a bit messy, this is a standout.
In the book 'In the Woods' by Tana French, Detective Rob Ryan and his partner Cassie Maddox are on the hunt for a child killer in the same woods where Ryan's own childhood trauma occurred. The story unfolds with a slow yet intriguing start, weaving a double mystery that keeps readers engaged. The narrative delves into the past and present, exploring themes of psychological tension, guilt, and the complexities of police procedural work. The book is set in Dublin and features atmospheric storytelling that blends elements of romance, violence, and suspense.
The central character, Rob Ryan, grapples with his dark history while investigating the murder of a young girl, drawing parallels to his own childhood tragedy of losing two friends in the same woods. The writing style is praised for its beautiful prose, compelling characters, and intricate plot development that keeps readers riveted. Despite mixed feelings about the ending, readers appreciate the depth of the story and the psychological depth of the characters, making it a compelling read in the Dublin Murder Squad series.
What I warn you to remember is that I am a detective. Our relationship with truth is fundamental but cracked, refracting confusingly like fragmented glass. It is the core of our careers, the endgame o...2006•489 pages - #2
A fast, addictive psychological thriller with an audacious twist - devour it for the jaw-dropping finale, but don't expect deep literary nuance. Great for suspense junkies seeking their next bingeable read!
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Alicia Berenson, a renowned artist who is found with her dead husband, tied to a chair and shot multiple times in the face. Alicia never speaks again and is sent to a mental institution. Theo Faber, a forensic psychologist, takes a job at the facility to treat Alicia and unravel her secrets. The book is filled with twists and turns, red herrings, and a surprising conclusion, making it a gripping and engaging read.
The novel is centered around the relationship between Alicia, the silent patient, and Theo, the psychotherapist determined to make her speak. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's case, the story unfolds through entries from Alicia's diary and Theo's own perspective. The plot weaves together themes of mental illness, trauma, and suspense, keeping the readers guessing until the unexpected twist at the end. The Silent Patient explores complex characters and intricate storytelling, making it a compelling and thought-provoking thriller.
They had been married for seven years. They were both artists—Alicia was a painter, and Gabriel was a well-known fashion photographer. He had a distinctive style, shooting semi-starved, semi-naked wom...2018•340 pages - #3
A deliciously creepy, twist-packed thriller that will keep you guessing–perfect for fans of Gothic suspense and smart, modern mysteries, even if the ending leaves a few questions lingering.
'The Turn of the Key' by Ruth Ware is a suspenseful mystery thriller that follows the story of Rowan Caine, a nanny accused of murdering one of the children she was caring for. The book is written in a unique format, primarily through letters, which creates an atmospheric and suspenseful narrative. As Rowan navigates her new job at a secluded smart house in Scotland, she uncovers disturbing secrets and mysterious occurrences, leading to a chilling and twisty plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The story is filled with creepy and spooky elements, blending modern technology with a Victorian setting to enhance the suspense and mystery. Readers are taken on a journey of unraveling the truth behind the events at Heatherbrae House, with unexpected twists and turns that culminate in a shocking and ambiguous ending, leaving unanswered questions and a sense of unease.
I started writing to you last night, Mr. Wrexham, and when I woke up this morning and looked at the crumpled pages covered with my pleading scrawl, my first instinct was to rip them up and start again...August 2019•374 pages - #4
Atmospheric, creepy, and clever - a meta-mystery that blurs reality and fiction, complete with interactive flourishes. Not for the impatient or those needing hard answers, but perfect for noir lovers and the eternally curious. Just don’t expect to sleep easy after reading!
'Night Film' by Marisha Pessl is a psychological thriller that delves into the mysterious death of Ashley Cordova, daughter of famous filmmaker Stanislas Cordova. The story follows journalist Scott McGrath as he investigates Ashley's apparent suicide, leading him into the dark world of the occult, magic, and the underbelly of New York City. The book weaves a complex narrative filled with twists and turns, incorporating elements of horror and suspense, keeping the reader engaged throughout its over 600 pages.
The writing style of 'Night Film' is described as intense, colorful, and intriguing, with a dark and atmospheric tone that adds to the overall suspense of the story. The book includes multimedia elements such as photos, newspaper clippings, and online content, enhancing the reader's experience and creating a sense of immersion in the world of Stanislas Cordova's films and mysteries.
A large chandelier showered golden light on the crowd as I surveyed the party in the bronze mirror over the mantel. I was startled to spot someone I barely recognized: myself. Blue button-down, sports...August 2013•623 pages - #5
A dark and addictive thriller that’s big on twisted characters and suspense, but delivers little hope and few heroes. Come for the intrigue - just don’t expect to make any friends onboard.
'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins is a psychological thriller that revolves around three women - Anna, Megan, and Rachel - whose lives intertwine in a dark and horrific manner. The story is narrated through multiple perspectives, offering a tale full of hidden secrets, desires, and passions. The plot unfolds with suspense and mystery, as the characters grapple with damaged pasts, alcoholism, and dark secrets that lead to a shocking and unpredictable ending.
The book is praised for its innovative storytelling, time-shifting narrative, and the ability to keep readers engaged with its suspenseful twists. Despite some readers finding the characters unlikable or the ending abrupt, the overall consensus is that 'The Girl on the Train' is a gripping and compelling read that delves into themes of trust, deception, and the dark side of human nature.
There is a pile of clothing on the side of the train tracks. Light-blue cloth—a shirt, perhaps—jumbled up with something dirty white. It’s probably rubbish, part of a load dumped into the scrubby litt...2014•346 pages - #6
A dark, twisty family thriller that’s equal parts page-turner and puzzle - perfect for fans of suspense who love complicated characters and secrets that keep you guessing until the end.
'I'll Never Tell' by Catherine McKenzie is a gripping mystery novel that revolves around the MacAllister family and the unsolved murder of a former camper that occurred 20 years ago at Camp Macaw. The story unfolds as the siblings come together to hear their parents' will, leading to a series of revelations, secrets, and a quest to uncover the truth behind Amanda's tragic fate. The narrative alternates between past and present, offering a suspenseful journey filled with twists, turns, and complex family dynamics.
The book is praised for its well-crafted plot, engaging storytelling, and intricate character development. Readers are drawn into the summer camp setting through vivid descriptions that evoke the sights, smells, and memories of the place. The alternating narrators and suspenseful pacing keep readers hooked, leading to a page-turning experience that culminates in a surprising and satisfying conclusion.
For Sean Booth, every morning for as long as he could remember began the same way, waking up in a small room crammed into the eaves of the lodge, the cheap blankets he slept under twisted around his a...June 2019•381 pages - #7
'What We Buried' by Kate A. Boorman is a young adult mystery that follows siblings Liv and Jory as they search for their missing parents. The story is told from both Liv and Jory's points of view, and as they delve deeper into their past, strange incidents occur, hinting at issues with time and reality. The plot twists and turns, keeping the reader on edge and eager to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of their parents.
The book explores themes of family dynamics, psychological abuse, and the repercussions of past actions. The characters of Liv and Jory are complex and intriguing, with their contrasting personalities adding depth to the narrative. As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn into a suspenseful and mysterious journey that challenges perceptions of reality and leaves them questioning the characters' motivations and actions.
MY DAD SNAPPED the radio off as we pulled into the parking lot of Princess Liv’s Spectacle of Justice, otherwise known as the Clark County courthouse. It wasn’t to spare us some sort of upsetting news...February 2019•316 pages - #8
A richly layered, slow-burn literary mystery that rewards patient readers with brilliant writing, clever twists, and a tapestry of secrets - a modern classic for those who savor complexity and nuance.
"The Blind Assassin" by Margaret Atwood is a complex narrative that weaves together multiple storylines and genres. The book follows Iris Chase Griffen as she reflects on her past, including her marriage and the tragic death of her sister, Laura Chase. Atwood skillfully incorporates elements of autobiography, science fiction, and newspaper articles to create a rich and layered narrative. The story unfolds gradually, with the narrator slowly revealing secrets and building suspense as the intertwining stories come together in a thrilling conclusion.
Ten days after the war ended, my sister Laura drove a car off a bridge. The bridge was being repaired: she went right through the Danger sign. The car fell a hundred feet into the ravine, smashing thr...2000•622 pages - #9
A smart, twisty psychological mystery with intense medical intrigue - perfect for those who enjoy a slow build and don’t mind suspending a bit of disbelief. It’s not for everyone, but when it lands, it really delivers!
"Mr. Nobody" by Catherine Steadman follows Dr. Emma Lewis, a neuropsychiatrist, who is called to consult on a case of a man found on a beach with no memory. As she delves into his condition, she uncovers unsettling connections to her own past, leading to a suspenseful and twisty plotline. The story alternates between Emma's perspective and the unidentified man's, gradually revealing secrets and building tension. explores themes of memory loss, identity, and the impact of past traumas on the present, with a writing style that keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth.
The fast flutter of eyelashes as awareness blossoms within and, just like that, he’s awake. Consciousness floods through him; he feels the skin of his cheek pressed against the brittle cold of the bea...January 2020•413 pages A surreal, genre-blending campus fever dream that will either delight you or drive you up the wall. Bunny is bold, bizarre, and unforgettable - perfect for adventurous readers craving something different.
Bunny by Mona Awad is a bizarre and unsettling novel that follows Samantha, a graduate writing student, as she navigates the strange world of her creative writing program. The book delves into themes of loneliness, struggle, female friendship, and the power of the mind, all wrapped in a surreal and twisted narrative. As Samantha becomes entangled with a group of girls called The Bunnies, the story takes a dark turn, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The writing style is described as unique, audacious, and at times, darkly humorous, keeping the reader engaged with its unpredictable plot twists and eccentric characters.
And then they hug each other so hard I think their chests are going to implode. I would even secretly hope for it from where I sat, stood, leaned, in the opposite corner of the lecture hall, departmen...June 2019•312 pages










