Books Like...
In 'What She Knew' by Gilly Macmillan, the story revolves around Rachel Jenner and her eight-year-old son, Ben, who goes missing while they are in a Bristol park. The book alternates between Rachel's point of view and that of DI Jim Clemo, the investigator handling the case. As the plot unfolds, the emotional turmoil of having a missing child is vividly portrayed, along with the impact on both the family and the investigators involved. The narrative delves into the complexities of the investigation, the media frenzy surrounding the case, and the societal judgment faced by the mother, creating a gripping portrayal of a parent's worst nightmare.
If you liked What She Knew, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Then She Was Gone' by Lisa Jewell is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Laurel Mack, a mother whose daughter, Ellie, goes missing at the age of 15. The novel delves into the aftermath of Ellie's disappearance, the impact it has on her family, and Laurel's journey towards closure. Through alternating timelines and multiple perspectives, the book explores themes of loss, grief, family dynamics, and the unsettling truth behind Ellie's disappearance. Lisa Jewell's writing style is described as compelling, suspenseful, and emotionally engaging, with well-defined characters and a plot that keeps readers on edge with unexpected twists and turns.
Laurel let herself into her daughter’s flat. It was, even on this relatively bright day, dark and gloomy. The window at the front was overwhelmed by a terrible tangle of wisteria while the other side ... - #2
Save:In a world where people can only remember one or two days in the past, the murder of a woman sets off a chain of events involving a famous author, his wife, and a detective. The story unfolds in a society divided between Monos and Duos, where memories are recorded in diaries and emotions like love and hatred are challenged. The book presents a murder mystery with unexpected twists and a unique premise that explores the impact of memory on relationships and society.
A man is whimpering in the kitchen. He is also blocking my way to the marble counter where my iDiary lies, its LED indicator still flashing electric purple. I squint; he’s clutching his left hand and ... - #3
Save:The Child Finder, by Rene Denfeld, follows private investigator Naomi Cottle, known as The Child Finder, as she searches for missing children. In this book, Naomi is tasked with finding Madison Culver, a young girl who disappeared in the mountains of Oregon. The narrative alternates between Naomi's search for Madison and Madison's perspective as a captive, creating a chilling tale of survival and resilience. The book explores themes of child abduction, trauma, and the emotional journey of both the investigator and the missing child.
The home was a small yellow cottage on an empty street. There was something dispirited about it, but Naomi was used to that. The young mother who answered the door was petite and looked much older tha... - #4
Save:Set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, "The Marsh King's Daughter" follows the gripping story of Helena, who was born to a mother who had been kidnapped and sequestered by her father, known as the Marsh King. Raised in isolation, Helena grows up with the knowledge that her father is a notorious child abductor, but she adores him despite his cruel and abusive nature. The plot explores Helena's past and present as she navigates the complexities of her upbringing, her escape from captivity, and the looming threat of her father's escape from prison.
The narrative alternates between Helena's childhood experiences in the marshlands and her present-day life as a wife and mother, creating a suspenseful and engaging storyline. As Helena grapples with her conflicting emotions towards her father and confronts the dark secrets of her past, the reader is drawn into a tale of survival, family bonds, and the enduring impact of trauma across generations.
Wait here,” I tell my three-year-old. I lean through the truck’s open window to fish between her booster seat and the passenger door for the plastic sippy cup of lukewarm orange juice she threw in a f... - #5
Save:'The River at Night' by Erica Ferencik is a thriller that follows four middle-aged women who embark on a whitewater rafting trip in the Maine wilderness. The trip takes a dangerous turn when an accident leaves them stranded, forcing them to face both natural hazards and human threats. The story is described as a gripping tale of survival, filled with plot twists and turns, as the characters navigate through the remote wilderness while uncovering secrets about themselves and each other.
The book is praised for its atmospheric setting, intense survival theme, and the complex relationships between the four female friends. The writing style is noted for its descriptive nature, making the reader feel immersed in the wilderness alongside the characters. Despite some slow starts, the novel is considered a page-turner that keeps readers engaged with its suspenseful plot and character development.
A slapping spring wind ushered me through the heavy doors of the YMCA lobby as the minute hand of the yellowing 1950s-era clock over the check-in desk snapped to 7:09. Head down and on task to be in m... - #6
Save:'Cover of Snow' by Jenny Milchman is a mystery thriller that follows Nora Hamilton as she tries to uncover the truth behind her husband's alleged suicide. The story is set in a small town in upstate New York, where Nora discovers hidden secrets within her husband's past and a corrupt police department involved in a cover-up. As Nora delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers clues that lead to a chilling conclusion, surrounded by a cold, wintry atmosphere that adds to the suspense of the narrative. The writing style is described as captivating, with a well-plotted storyline that keeps readers engaged with its twists and turns.
A second later I realized my toes weren’t burrowing into the hollows behind Brendan’s knees, that when I flung out my arm it didn’t meet his wiry chest, the stony muscles gone slack with sleep. I slid... - #7
Save:'Method 15/33' by Shannon Kirk tells the gripping tale of a pregnant teen, Lisa, who is abducted by criminals planning to sell her baby. Lisa's unique ability to turn off her emotions and her brilliant analytical mind make her a fascinating character. The story is narrated from two perspectives - Lisa herself and the FBI agent handling the abduction case. The plot is compelling, with a steady pace and true psychological suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
I lay there on the fourth day plotting his death. Compiling assets in a list in my mind, I found relief in the planning…a loose floor board, a red knit blanket, a high window, exposed beams, a keyhole... - #8
Save:"Force of Nature" by Jane Harper revolves around a group of five women from a company who go on a corporate retreat in the Australian wilderness. However, only four women return, and the missing woman, Alice Russell, was assisting Federal Police Agent Aaron Falk with investigating financial irregularities within the company. As Falk and his partner Carmen delve into the disappearance, they uncover a web of personal and professional relationships among the hikers, leading to suspicions and betrayals. The story alternates between the present investigation and flashbacks to reveal the dynamics among the women and the events that transpired during the retreat. Despite being a mystery thriller, some readers found the book lacking in atmospheric tension and character development compared to the author's previous work.
Some things would always linger, though. Falk had been barely a teenager when the Giralang Ranges had dominated the evening news for the first time. Then three more times over the next two years. Each...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Aaron Falk ) - #9
Save:After giving birth to twin boys, Lauren is confronted by a creepy woman in the maternity ward asking to swap babies. The babies seem to go missing in the park one day and when they are found, they've been replaced by creatures called changelings who resemble her twins but are not the same. Policewoman Harper believes Lauren's claims and investigates whether it is a sinister fairy tale or postpartum psychosis. The book weaves elements of folklore, horror, and psychological suspense, keeping the reader uncertain about the magical element or Lauren's imagination.
All she cared about was that the pain had been taken away. With it, the fear, and the certainty that she would die, all gone in the space of a few miraculous seconds. She wanted to drift off but then ... - #10
Save:'The Widow' by Fiona Barton is a psychological thriller that revolves around the disappearance of a toddler girl named Bella and the subsequent investigation. The story is told from multiple viewpoints including the detective on the case, a reporter covering the story, and the widow of the main suspect, Glen Taylor. Readers are taken back and forth in time, exploring the events leading up to Bella's disappearance and the aftermath of Glen's death. The writing style includes short chapters, shifting perspectives, and a mix of flashbacks, keeping the readers engaged in uncovering the truth behind the mysterious events.
I can hear the sound of her crunching up the path. Heavy-footed in high heels. She’s almost at the door, hesitating and smoothing her hair out of her face. Nice outfit: jacket with big buttons, decent...
