Books Like...
Alone by Lisa Gardner is a gripping thriller that introduces Bobby Dodge, a Massachusetts state police sniper, who finds himself in a tense hostage situation involving a young mother and her son. As Bobby watches through his rifle scope, he must make a life-or-death decision, leading to a cat-and-mouse type thriller with fast-paced action throughout. The story delves into the complexities of the characters, including Bobby, Catherine Gagnon, and Detective D.D. Warren, while exploring themes of manipulation, trauma, and family secrets.
The plot of Alone unfolds with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats, culminating in an exciting and gripping conclusion. Lisa Gardner's writing style is described as suspenseful, thrilling, and filled with memorable characters like Bobby and Catherine, who are fully developed and complex. The book also touches on thought-provoking themes such as the consequences of a sniper's actions, the dynamics of a dysfunctional family, and the psychological aspects of the characters' behaviors.
If you liked Alone, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:"The Perfect Husband" by Lisa Gardner follows the story of Tess Beckett, a woman who helped put her cop husband behind bars after discovering his true nature as a serial killer. Now, with her husband having escaped from prison and seeking revenge, Tess enlists the help of J.T. Dillon, a troubled ex-marine, to protect herself and her daughter. The plot unfolds with a mix of suspense, romance, and chilling thrills, as the characters navigate through past traumas and present dangers in a race against time.
The writing style of the book combines elements of romantic suspense and psychological thriller, weaving together intricate character backgrounds, suspenseful twists, and emotional depth. Readers are taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions, from fear and tension to hope and determination, as they delve into the dark world of abusive relationships, family secrets, and the resilience of the human spirit.
J. T. Dillon was drunk. Outside, the white-hot desert sun was straight up in the sky, bleaching bones and parching mountains. Saguaro cacti seemed to surf waves of heat while sagebrush died of sunstro... - #2
Save:Privileged Information by Stephen White is the first book in the Alan Gregory series, introducing readers to the clinical psychologist based in Boulder. The plot revolves around Gregory's ethical dilemma when he faces accusations of having a sexual relationship with a client who committed suicide. As he struggles to clear his name without breaching confidentiality, more mysterious deaths occur among his clients, leading Gregory into the world of crime-solving. The writing style is described as erudite and engaging, with unexpected plot developments that keep readers engrossed from the very first page.
It was midafternoon on a late autumn Sunday. The dry air held only a rumor of chill, and the light was snug and bright. I had skied in the morning and then driven down the Front Range to my house, pla... - #3
Save:'Triptych' by Karin Slaughter is a gripping crime thriller that follows an Atlanta police detective and an agent from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation as they investigate a series of brutal murders. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The writing style is described as intense and fast-paced, with graphic descriptions of violence and a shifting narrative perspective that allows readers to connect with the complex and flawed characters involved in the case.
The book delves into dark and disturbing themes such as abuse, murder, and deception, presenting a mystery that challenges readers' perceptions and keeps them guessing until the very end. The story unfolds in a way that reveals the depth of the characters' pasts and motivations, adding layers of complexity to the plot and creating a sense of suspense and intrigue that drives the narrative forward.
Detective Michael Ormewood listened to the football game on the radio as he drove down DeKalb Avenue toward Grady Homes. The closer he got to the projects, the more tension he felt, his body almost vi... - #4
Save:'When the Bough Breaks' by Jonathan Kellerman is the first book in the Alex Delaware series, introducing readers to Dr. Alex Delaware, a retired child psychologist who gets involved in a complex case with Detective Milo Sturgis. The storyline revolves around a double murder where the only witness is a young girl named Melody Quinn. As Alex delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a disturbing conspiracy involving child abuse and corruption in the glittering world of California. The writing style is described as engaging, with a good balance of plot complexity and character development, making it a gripping mystery.
A cool Pacific current had swept its way across the coastline for two days running, propelling the pollution to Pasadena. My house is nestled in the foothills just north of Bel Air, situated atop an o... - #5
Save:'John Rebus' in the series 'Mysterious Profiles' by author Ian Rankin is a collection of short stories that focus on Detective John Rebus, a crotchety and broken man who is tenacious in his pursuit of solving gritty murder mysteries in Edinburgh, Scotland. The stories delve into Rebus's past as an army veteran, his ties to the city of Edinburgh, and the development of his character over time. provides insight into the complex relationship between Rebus, the city of Edinburgh, and the dark themes that permeate the stories.
- #6
Save:Linda Castillo's 'Sworn to Silence' follows Chief of Police Kate Burkholder as she faces the return of a serial killer to her small Amish town after 16 years of silence. The story delves into Kate's past, her struggles with her Amish upbringing, and her efforts to solve the gruesome murders while keeping her own secrets hidden. The book is praised for its intense plot with twists, well-developed characters, and the realistic portrayal of the Amish community intertwined with the English world.
The cruiser’s strobes cast red and blue light onto winter dead trees. Officer T.J. Banks pulled the car onto the shoulder and flipped on the spotlight, running the beam along the edge of the field whe... - #7
Save:Frankie Elkin, a recovering alcoholic, embarks on a mission to find missing people that the authorities have given up on. In "Before She Disappeared," she travels to Boston to search for Angelique Badeau, a Haitian teenager who vanished months earlier. Despite facing resistance from the police and the victim's family, Frankie's tenacity and unconventional investigative methods lead her to uncover new clues and put her own life at risk. The book is praised for its fast-paced plot, engaging writing, and the development of a flawed yet relatable protagonist who is determined to bring closure to families of missing individuals.
The water feels like a cold caress against my face. I kick deeper down into the gloom, my long hair trailing behind me like a dark eel. I’m wearing clothes. Jeans, tennis shoes, a T-shirt topped with ... - #8
Save:'The Puppet Show' by M.W. Craven follows Detective Inspector Washington Poe, a maverick investigator on suspension due to a past mistake or misdeed. When a serial killer starts leaving victims marked with Poe's name, he is brought back to work alongside the brilliant analyst Tilly Bradshaw. Together, they delve into a dark and intricate case involving gruesome murders, twisted motives, and unexpected revelations. The book's writing style is compelling, with well-developed characters, a fast-paced plot, and skillful storytelling that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
She looked around to see if there was anyone to share her findings with, but the Serious Crime Analysis Section office was empty. She checked her watch and saw it was coming up to midnight. She’d work... - #9
Save:Tracy Crosswhite, a dedicated homicide detective in Seattle, has spent twenty years questioning the facts surrounding her sister Sarah's disappearance and the subsequent murder trial of Edmund House. Motivated by the chance to seek real justice, Tracy embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her sister's murder. As she delves into the investigation, dark secrets from the past are unearthed, leading Tracy to confront deadly danger and long-kept mysteries. The story alternates between past and present events, offering a mix of suspense, courtroom drama, and emotional depth as Tracy navigates through the complexities of her personal and professional life.
She stretched her shoulders and neck. With no time for a morning run, her body felt stiff and half-asleep, though she didn’t remember sleeping much, if at all. Too much fast food and too much caffeine... - #10
Save:The Face of Deception by Iris Johansen follows forensic sculptor Eve Duncan as she is approached by a wealthy businessman, John Logan, to reconstruct a skull with significant implications. As Eve delves into the project, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous conspiracy involving the highest levels of government, putting her life at risk. The plot is intense, convoluted, and complex, with political players and deception at its core. The writing style is described as well-written, easily readable, and engaging, with a good balance between action and romance.
Eve glanced up from the computer to see Joe Quinn leaning against the doorjamb across the room. “Sure I do.” She took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes. “One late night does not a workaholic make. O...
