Books Like...
'Garnethill' by Denise Mina follows the protagonist Maureen O'Donnell, a survivor of sexual abuse and a psychiatric patient, as she navigates through a murder mystery involving her lover's death. Maureen finds herself in danger as she uncovers shocking truths about her past and those close to her, all set against the gritty backdrop of Glasgow. The writing style is described as tense, disturbing, and very noir, delving deep into themes of mental illness, poverty, and domestic abuse while painting a vivid picture of the bleak Glasgow setting.
If you liked Garnethill, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
One for Sorrow by Sarah A. Denzil follows the story of Leah Smith, a psychiatric nurse starting a new job at Crowmont Hospital where she is tasked with caring for Isabel Fielding, a patient who was convicted of murdering a young child. As Leah delves into Isabel's case, she begins to question the truth behind the murder, leading to a complex and suspenseful cat-and-mouse scenario between the two women. The book is a psychological thriller filled with twists, revelations, and a gripping plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The novel expertly weaves together themes of mental health, suspense, and mystery, creating a compelling narrative that explores the blurred lines between sanity and madness. Through the evolving dynamics between Leah and Isabel, the author skillfully delves into the complexities of human psychology, keeping readers engaged with its well-crafted characters and unexpected plot developments.
I was unaccustomed to the icy bite of the northern wind. Even in early March, I’d woken to frost on the windscreen that morning and layered up my clothing. Wearing my fingerless gloves as I drove, int... - #2
Asylum by Patrick McGrath is a dark novel that delves into the consequences of obsessional love. The story revolves around Stella Raphael, the wife of a psychiatrist at an asylum for the criminally insane, who becomes infatuated with a disturbed inmate named Edgar Stark. As their relationship unfolds, madness, obsession, and tragedy deeply affect everyone involved in their past. The narrative is intricate, showcasing the dark side of human nature through morally ambiguous characters and a suspenseful plot that keeps readers questioning the truth and motives of each individual.
The book is narrated by Dr. Cleave, a psychiatrist with his own agenda, who provides a unique perspective on the events that transpire. McGrath's writing style masterfully captures the descent into madness and obsession, creating a chilling atmosphere that is reminiscent of classic gothic literature. The story is filled with twists and turns, unreliable narrators, and a sense of foreboding that keeps readers engaged till the very end.
The catastrophic love affair characterized by sexual obsession has been a professional interest of mine for many years now. Such relationships vary widely in duration and intensity but tend to pass th... - #3
The Legacy by Yrsa Sigur ardottir is a Nordic Noir thriller that follows Detective Huldar as he investigates a series of brutal murders with the only witness being a traumatized seven-year-old girl named Margret. The plot unfolds with the involvement of the Children's House, a group specializing in dealing with traumatized children, where psychologist Freyja plays a crucial role in coaxing information from Margret. As the investigation progresses, the story delves into the complexities of the murders, intertwined with short wave radio transmissions and the dynamics between the characters. The writing style is described as unhurried, descriptive, and involving, gradually revealing clues and unraveling the mystery behind the killings.
- #4
'Talking to the Dead' by Harry Bingham follows Detective Constable Fiona Griffiths as she investigates a complex murder case involving prostitutes, drug dealing, and danger. Fiona, a unique and flawed protagonist, struggles to connect with living people but is determined to solve the mystery behind the murders of a young girl and a woman. The book delves into Fiona's mysterious past, her unconventional methods, and her deep commitment to seeking justice for those on the fringes of society.
Beyond the window, I can see three kites hanging in the air over Bute Park. One blue, one yellow, one pink. Their shapes are precise, as though stenciled. From this distance, I can’t see the lines tha... - #5
In 'Snare' by Lilja Sigurardottir, the story revolves around Sonja Gunnarsdottir, who becomes an unwilling drug mule after her husband files for divorce and demands custody of their son. Sonja's descent into the criminal underworld of drug smuggling is portrayed alongside a subplot involving financial crimes post a global financial crisis in Iceland. The narrative is set in a dark, chilling Reykjavik, offering readers an authentic Nordic noir experience with a fast-paced plot filled with suspense. The book features a cast of largely unlikeable characters, including Sonja herself, but the character development arc of Sonja is a highlight, complementing the intertwined storylines.
The book is structured with short, one to three-page chapters that maintain a steady pace, keeping readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. The author, Lilja Sigurardottir, skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, including drug smuggling, financial investigations, broken families, and personal struggles, creating a gripping narrative that offers unexpected twists and turns. The writing style, brilliantly translated by Quentin Bates, is smooth and immersive, providing a seamless reading experience that delves into the complexities of the characters' lives and their morally grey decisions.
- #6
"The Frozen Dead" by Bernard Minier is a chilling crime novel set in the Pyrenees Mountains of southern France. The story follows Commander Martin Servaz as he investigates the brutal killing of a horse owned by a wealthy individual, which leads him to the Wargnier Psychiatric Institute where Europe's most dangerous psychotics are housed. As Servaz delves into the investigation, he collaborates with the local gendarmerie and crosses paths with a young psychologist, Dr. Dianne Berg, who is interning at the institute. The narrative weaves together two parallel threads - the criminal investigation and Dr. Berg's integration into the institute - culminating in a suspenseful and dark conclusion set against the backdrop of a harsh winter in the mountains.
The Pyrenees. Diane Berg watched them loom into sight as she drove over the hill. A white barrier, still quite far away, stretching the entire breadth of the horizon, hills breaking like waves against... - #7
'The Ruin' by Dervla McTiernan follows Detective Cormac Reilly as he investigates a 20-year-old cold case involving the death of a mother of two due to a heroin overdose. The story unfolds with intricate plotlines, intertwining past and present crimes, corruption within the police force, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. As Reilly delves deeper into the mysteries, he uncovers dark secrets that lead to unexpected twists and turns, ultimately culminating in a satisfying conclusion. The writing style is described as well-crafted, engaging, and reminiscent of Irish crime fiction known for its complexity and psychological depth.
It was two hours into the day shift when Aisling finished her last chart and signed out, which meant she had the dressing room to herself. She took her time in the shower, letting the hot water ease t... - #8
'The Earthquake Bird' by Susanna Jones is a psychological crime novel set in Tokyo, following the story of Lucy Fly, a British expat living in Japan who is suspected of murdering her friend Lily. The narrative is told through Lucy's memories, alternating between her childhood, her life in Tokyo, and the events leading up to Lily's murder. Jones' writing style is atmospheric and descriptive, capturing the loneliness and isolation of Lucy while providing insights into Japanese culture and society.
Early this morning, several hours before my arrest, I was awakened by an earth tremor. I mention the incident not to suggest that there was a connection—that somehow the fault lines in my life came cr... - #9
Mom Kallentoft's 'Midwinter Sacrifice' follows Detective Malin Fors as she investigates the murder of a man found hanging naked on a tree in the midst of a chilling Swedish winter. The narrative intertwines the voices of the dead with the police procedural, offering a unique and intriguing perspective. The story is described as a lengthy investigation that delves deep into the characters' emotions, both living and dead, creating a thrilling pace of evil beyond imagination.
The book is set in midwinter Sweden, providing a cold and unforgiving backdrop for the complex plot to unfold. As Malin Fors navigates through the investigation, the reader is taken on a journey filled with meaty puzzles, strong character development, and moments of both humor and touching emotions. The writing style of Kallentoft is noted for its unique approach to suspense, allowing readers to construct clues separately while following Malin's pursuit of solving the mysteries.
- #10
'The Safe House' by Nicci French follows the story of Dr. Sam Lashcen, a single mother who takes in a young woman, Fiona, after the violent murder of Fiona's parents. The plot revolves around the murder mystery of a wealthy couple and the attempted murder of their daughter, which leads Sam to protect Fiona and help her recover. As the story unfolds, Sam's life is dramatically impacted, and the relationships between characters become central to the narrative. Despite being described as a psychological thriller, the book focuses more on the mother-daughter relationships and the dynamics with Sam's boyfriend, Danny, rather than on intense psychological suspense.
The door was the first thing. The door was open. The front door was never open, even in the wonderful heat of the previous summer that had been so like home, but there it was, teetering inwards, on a ...