Books Like...
If you liked Memory Man, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
A gritty, twist-filled thriller that holds your attention - even when the characters frustrate you. Not Pike’s most polished book, but an entertaining ride for suspense junkies and fans looking for a darker, more adult take from a favorite author.
"Falling" by Christopher Pike is a suspenseful novel that intertwines the stories of two criminals, Matt Conner and Kelly Fienman. Matt seeks revenge on his ex-girlfriend by kidnapping her son, while Kelly hunts down a serial killer known as The Acid Man. The book is filled with twists and turns, detailed escapes, and intricate plots that keep readers guessing until the very end. The characters are described as flawed yet compelling, with the author's unique storytelling style shining through in the complex narratives and unexpected revelations.
The writing in "Falling" is described as engaging and fast-paced, with a mix of suspense, thrills, and detailed descriptions that draw readers into the intricate web of the plot. The book features elements of crime fiction, mythology tie-ins, and suspenseful storytelling that keep readers on the edge of their seats, making it a compelling read for fans of Christopher Pike's work.
The first sensation Matt Connor felt when he awoke that morning of all mornings was pain. For a long time he had come out of unconsciousness to a feeling of loss in his chest, and he had come to accep...2007•398 pages - #2
An entertaining, action-packed thriller with a sci-fi heart and plenty of twists. Not perfect, but unforgettable if you love page-turners or Koontz’s style.
'Lightning' by Dean Koontz is a thrilling tale that intertwines time travel, suspense, and mystery. The story follows Laura Shane, a woman who is saved from various life-threatening situations by a mysterious guardian angel who turns out to be a time traveler from 1944 Berlin. As Laura grows older, she unravels the secrets behind her guardian's actions and discovers the importance of her own existence. The narrative weaves together elements of romance, action, and historical intrigue, creating a captivating plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Koontz's writing style in 'Lightning' is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and imaginative. explores themes of love, redemption, and the consequences of altering the course of history through time travel. The characters are well-developed, with complex relationships and emotional depth that add layers to the storyline. The novel combines elements of science fiction and thriller genres, offering a unique take on the concept of time travel and its impact on the lives of the characters involved.
Wednesday, January 12, 1955, was frigid, gray, and somber. At twilight thick, fluffy snowflakes spiraled out of the low sky, and the people of Denver huddled in expectation of a Rocky Mountain blizzar...1986•413 pages - #3
A sharp, twisty legal thriller with a fascinating anti-hero - pick it up if you love courtroom drama and morally messy mysteries!
'The Lincoln Lawyer' by Michael Connelly follows the story of Mickey Haller, a criminal defense attorney who operates out of the back of his Lincoln Continental. Haller is hired to defend Louis Roulet, who is accused of attempting to rape and murder a woman. As Haller delves into the case, he is faced with ethical dilemmas and has to navigate through a complex legal system to uncover the truth. The plot is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Connelly's writing style is praised for its simplicity, clean prose, and ability to maintain a compelling narrative throughout the book.
The morning air off the Mojave in late winter is as clean and crisp as you’ll ever breathe in Los Angeles County. It carries the taste of promise on it. When it starts blowing in like that I like to k...2005•504 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Harry Bosch Universe ) - #4
A raw, exhilarating, and unflinching ride through NYPD corruption - rich with action and moral complexity. If you want a crime epic that leaves you breathless and questioning where the line between cop and criminal lies, The Force is a must-read.
'The Force' by Don Winslow is a gritty crime fiction novel that delves into the corrupt world of the NYPD, focusing on Detective Sergeant Denny Malone and his elite task force in Manhattan North. The story follows Malone's descent from a respected cop to a dirty officer involved in corruption, drugs, and violence. The plot unfolds through flashbacks, showcasing the blurred lines between good and bad, as well as the impact of corruption on individuals and the system. The writing style is described as detailed, compelling, and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the seedy underbelly of New York City.
Malone turns around and indulges in the hot water pounding on the back of his neck and shoulders. Running down the tattooed sleeves of his arms. It feels good, he could stand there all day, but he has...June 2017•578 pages - #5
A wonderfully atmospheric, gothic-tinged family mystery that leans into secrets, guilt, and inheritance drama - especially recommended for fans of classic whodunits and moody, character-driven suspense!
The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware follows the story of Harriet Westaway, also known as Hal, who receives a letter about an inheritance from her grandmother, Hester Westaway, a woman she never knew existed. Desperate for money, Hal decides to attend the funeral and reading of the will, only to uncover a web of family secrets and mysteries that she must navigate. As she delves deeper into the Westaway family, Hal finds herself in danger and must untangle the truth about her parentage amidst a backdrop of isolation, deception, and dark revelations.
Ruth Ware's writing in The Death of Mrs. Westaway is described as engrossing, gothic, and suspenseful, reminiscent of classics like Rebecca. The book combines elements of family turmoil, long-buried secrets, and a brooding Cornish mansion, all wrapped up in a twisty mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With a compelling protagonist, shifty characters, and a questionable will, Ware's storytelling style draws readers in and immerses them in a modern take on the classic gothic mystery genre.
The girl leaned, rather than walked, into the wind, clutching the damp package of fish and chips grimly under one arm even as the gale plucked at the paper, trying to unravel the parcel and send the c...May 2018•444 pages - #6
A binge-worthy, popcorn domestic thriller full of secrets and lies - perfect for mystery fans craving a fast, twisty read, even if it doesn’t break new ground.
'Someone We Know' by Shari Lapena is a fast-paced thriller set in a suburban neighborhood filled with secrets and lies. The story revolves around a missing woman, Amanda, whose murder leads to the unraveling of numerous secrets among the neighbors. As suspicion falls on various characters, the reader is taken on a journey of deception, twists, and unexpected revelations. Lapena's writing style keeps the reader engaged with multiple layers of the plot and a narrative that unfolds through different perspectives, ultimately culminating in a shocking ending that leaves the neighborhood reeling.
Olivia Sharpe sits in her kitchen drinking a cup of coffee, gazing blankly out the glass sliding doors to the backyard. It’s mid-October, and the maple tree near the back fence is looking splendid in...July 2019•347 pages - #7
A wildly entertaining genre mashup - part mystery, part sci-fi, part Lovecraft, all fun. Not perfect, but if you like quirky crowd-sleuthing and don’t mind a few plot leaps, "14" is a page-turner that’s well worth your time.
'14' by Peter Clines is a mystery novel that follows Nate, a man who moves into a peculiar apartment building in L.A. As Nate starts to uncover strange occurrences within the building, he teams up with his neighbors to investigate further. The story unfolds as they delve into the mysteries behind the building, encountering oddities like glowing mutant cockroaches, mysterious lights, and locked apartment doors. The plot combines elements of mystery, horror, and science fiction, leading to a thrilling and entertaining adventure for the characters and readers alike.
The writing style of '14' is characterized by a slow build-up that gradually reveals the oddities and mysteries surrounding the apartment building. The author, Peter Clines, expertly weaves together elements of cosmic horror, science fiction, and fantasy, creating a unique and engaging narrative that keeps readers intrigued. The book balances humor, mystery, and suspense, offering a blend of genres that appeals to fans of intricate puzzles and unconventional storytelling.
The building was a cube of red bricks lined with gray mortar, the type of building one pictured in New York or San Francisco. Two rectangles of concrete sat in the brick at the third story, each beari...2012•470 pages - #8
A solid, entertaining thriller with a memorable female lead and lots of action - best enjoyed if you don't mind a bit of over-the-top plotting and love a dramatic, fast-moving mystery.
David Baldacci's 'Long Road to Mercy' introduces readers to FBI agent Atlee Pine, stationed near the Grand Canyon, who investigates a mysterious murder of a mule that leads to a larger international conspiracy. Atlee, haunted by the abduction of her twin sister Mercy, navigates a dangerous plot involving national security threats and intricate political entanglements. The narrative unfolds with fast-paced action, complex characters like Atlee and her secretary Carol Blum, and a blend of thriller elements with a touch of personal backstory interwoven into the main plotline.
ADX Florence, about a hundred miles south of Denver, was the only supermax prison in the federal system. The supermax component was one of four separate encampments that made up the Federal Correction...November 2018•431 pages - #9
A high-octane, entertaining read perfect for fans of military thrillers and crime procedurals - maybe not groundbreaking, but undeniably gripping and fun.
'Zero Day' by David Baldacci follows the story of John Puller, an Army CID investigator, as he delves into a murder case in a small coal town in West Virginia. Puller teams up with local law enforcement to uncover a conspiracy that goes beyond the initial crime scene, leading to unexpected twists and turns. The writing style is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and engaging, with a blend of action, mystery, and well-developed characters reminiscent of other popular thriller series.
THE CLOUD OF COAL DUST driven deeply into his lungs nearly caused Howard Reed to pull his mail truck off the road and throw up onto the stunted, burnt grass. But he coughed and spat and tightened his...2011•515 pages - #10
A smart, atmospheric Western mystery with heart and depth - come for the whodunit, stay for the unforgettable characters. Perfect if you like your crime stories with soul and scenery.
"The Cold Dish" by Craig Johnson is the first in the Walt Longmire series, set in Absaroka County, Wyoming, featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire who is dealing with personal struggles following his wife's death. The story revolves around a murder investigation triggered by the discovery of a young boy's body, leading to unexpected twists and turns in a rural setting rich with character development and a mix of Native American culture. Johnson's writing style is described as highly visual, simple yet engaging, with a focus on the beautiful yet harsh setting of Wyoming.
She might have knocked, but I didn’t hear it because I was watching the geese. I watch the geese a lot in the fall, when the days get shorter and the ice traces the rocky edges of Clear Creek. The she...2004•416 pages











