Books Like...
If you liked A Talent for Murder, here are the top 8 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Henry Kimball)
- #1
Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson is a thrilling novel that follows the story of Abigail, a bride who has a one-night stand during her bachelorette weekend. As she embarks on her honeymoon with her wealthy husband, Bruce, on a secluded island, she discovers that the man she had the affair with, Scottie, has followed her. The plot twists and turns as Abigail's perfect life unravels, revealing dark secrets and sinister revelations that keep readers guessing until the end. Swanson's writing style is described as engaging, with a slow burn suspense that builds up to a gripping climax, making it a page-turner for fans of the psychological thriller genre.
She first spotted him at Bobbie’s Coffee Shop on Twenty-Second Street. He was at a window seat, idly looking at his phone, a white mug in front of him. Abigail was on her way to the office for her hal... - #2
San Francisco toxicologist Caleb Maddox finds himself entangled in a web of obsession and mystery after a chance encounter with the alluring Emmeline. As Caleb investigates a series of gruesome killings, his own dark past resurfaces, leading to a chilling revelation that connects all the threads of the story. The narrative unfolds in the dead of night, amidst fog and rain, creating a noir mystery filled with suspense and psychological horror. Jonathan Moore's writing style paints a vivid picture of San Francisco, adding depth to the eerie atmosphere and complex characters like Caleb and Emmeline.
AFTER HE CHECKED in and got up to his room, Caleb stood in front of the full-length mirror screwed to the bathroom door and looked at his forehead. In the back of the cab he’d stopped the bleeding by ... - #3
A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin is a suspenseful crime noir novel that follows a young man's sinister plot to secure a wealthy woman's inheritance by any means necessary, including murder. The novel is structured in three parts, each focusing on a different sister from the wealthy Kingship family as they uncover clues to unravel the identity of the cunning and manipulative killer. Levin's writing style is described as clean, crisp, and engaging, with a symmetrical plot that builds suspense through active scenes and sharp dialogue.
HIS PLANS HAD BEEN running so beautifully, so goddamned beautifully, and now she was going to smash them all. Hate erupted and flooded through him, gripping his face with jaw-aching pressure. That was... - #4
Lucy Chase, the protagonist of 'Listen for the Lie', is a complex character who returns to her hometown in Texas after being accused of murdering her best friend, Savvy. The plot revolves around Lucy's journey to uncover the truth about that tragic night, despite her memory loss, with the help of a true crime podcaster named Ben Owens. The book seamlessly combines elements of suspense, crime, humor, and romance genres, keeping readers engaged with plot twists and a podcast format that adds depth to the murder mystery. The writing style, as described by readers, is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with constant reveals of new information that contribute to the overall intrigue of the story.
- #5
Final Girls by Riley Sager is a psychological thriller that follows Quincy Carpenter, one of three survivors of separate massacre incidents. Quincy, dubbed a Final Girl by the media, struggles with memory loss surrounding the night her friends were murdered at Pine Cottage. When another Final Girl is found dead, Quincy is forced to confront her past and unravel the mysteries surrounding the traumatic events that have haunted her for years. The book weaves between Quincy's present life and the chilling events of the past, keeping readers on edge with unexpected twists and suspenseful storytelling.
My hands are covered in frosting when Jeff calls. Despite my best efforts, the French buttercream has oozed onto my knuckles and into the hammocks between my fingers, sticking there like paste. Only o... - #6
The Woman in Cabin 10 follows the journey of Lo, a travel journalist, who embarks on a luxury cruise for an assignment. However, her trip takes a dark turn when she believes she witnesses a murder in the cabin next to hers, which is supposedly empty. As she tries to uncover the truth, she faces disbelief, twists, and turns, making the plot more complex and suspenseful. The book is a psychological thriller with a fast-paced mystery, short chapters, and multiple dramatic changes in the plot direction, keeping readers on edge.
The narrative style of The Woman in Cabin 10 is described as engaging, suspenseful, and atmospheric. The story is filled with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. Despite some flaws in characters and pacing, the book manages to create a sense of tension and intrigue, making it a gripping read for those who enjoy mysteries filled with unexpected developments.
“Go away,” I groaned. Delilah mewed and butted me with her head. I tried to bury my face in the pillow but she continued rubbing herself against my ear, and eventually I rolled over and heartlessly pu... - #7
'The Broken Girls' by Simone St. James is a chilling and suspenseful novel that intertwines two timelines, one set in the post-WWII era at a boarding school for troubled girls called Idlewild Hall, and the other set in present-day Vermont. The story follows Fiona Sheridan, a journalist haunted by her sister's murder on the school grounds, as she delves into the dark history of the school and the mysteries surrounding the girls who once resided there. The novel expertly weaves together elements of murder, ghost stories, urban legends, and conspiracy, creating a captivating murder mystery with a supernatural twist.
The phone rang again. She swiped quickly at her eyes and glanced at it, sitting on the passenger seat where she’d tossed it. The display glowed in the darkness. Jamie’s name, and the time: three o’clo... - #8
'Behind Closed Doors' by B.A. Paris is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark and twisted world of a seemingly perfect marriage between Jack and Grace. The story follows Grace as she realizes that her charming husband is actually a psychopath who controls her every move, trapping her in a nightmare of abuse and manipulation. Through alternating chapters of past and present, the plot unfolds to reveal the horrifying truth behind closed doors, keeping readers on edge with shocking twists and a suspenseful narrative.
Taking my hand, he leads me to where our guests are waiting. As we go through the hall, I see the flowering lily Diane and Adam brought us for our garden. It’s such a beautiful pink that I hope Jack w...