Books Like...
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.
If you liked Privileged Information, here are the top 55 books to read next:
- #1
'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... - #2
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.
H E'D PUT IN a fifteen-hour shift the night the call came in. Too many impatient drivers on 93, leading to too much crash, bang, boom. City was like that this time of year. The trees were bare, night ... - #3
'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
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... - #5
'The Four Last Things' by Andrew Taylor is a psychological crime thriller that delves into the disturbing world of a child abduction and the psychological turmoil experienced by the characters involved. The plot is intricately woven, with multiple perspectives that provide insights into the minds of the kidnapper, the child's mother, and other characters. Taylor's writing style is praised for its slow-paced development, allowing for in-depth character exploration and a gradual buildup of suspense. The book is part of the Roth trilogy, where each installment discreetly modifies the others, creating a complex narrative that spans different timelines and explores themes of truth, lies, self-deception, and evil.
The book has been commended for its excellent character development, particularly in portraying the confusion, paranoia, guilt, terror, and powerlessness experienced by the various characters. Taylor's control of the plot and pacing is exceptional, gradually revealing layers of the characters' histories and teasing the reader with hints of secrets yet to be unveiled. The novel is described as a taut but surprisingly sensitive psychological thriller that keeps the reader guessing while also providing lush descriptions and lyrical writing that elevate the storytelling.
She had had these attacks since childhood, though less frequently since she had left adolescence behind; often they occurred near the start of an emotional upheaval. They were characterized by a dream... - #6
In "Postmortem" by Patricia Cornwell, the story follows Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a medical examiner in Richmond, Virginia, investigating a series of brutal stranglings in the city. As Scarpetta delves into the case, she faces challenges from within her own department while trying to unmask the brilliant serial killer behind the gruesome crimes. The book offers a mix of suspense, forensic research, and character development, set in a time when technology was just being introduced to the workplace.
The plot revolves around Scarpetta's use of forensic evidence to solve the crimes, with the only clue being a lingering smell of maple syrup at the crime scenes. The book keeps readers guessing until the very last page, providing a well-paced and gripping crime drama that showcases the author's attention to detail and ability to create compelling characters in a realistic setting.
The relentless downpour, which began at dawn, beat the lilies to naked stalks, and blacktop and sidewalks were littered with leaves. There were small rivers in the streets, and newborn ponds on playin... - #7
In the book "Cop Hater" by Ed McBain, the story revolves around the murders of three detectives from the 87th Precinct, leading the police force of a fictional city to hunt down a potential cop hater. Detective Steve Carella, the protagonist, investigates the case with a different theory in mind while facing challenges from an unscrupulous reporter. The book introduces the daily lives and investigations of the detectives, dropping clues along the way for readers to piece together the mystery before the reveal. Despite the dated language and police techniques, the book remains an entertaining read with a focus on police procedures and a well-crafted plot.
He reached out for it, groping in the darkness, finding the lever and pressing it against the back of the clock. The buzzing stopped. The room was very silent. Beside him, he could hear May’s even bre... - #8
'Carved in Bone' by Jefferson Bass follows the main character, Dr. Brockton, a forensic anthropologist, as he navigates through a complex mystery involving death investigations. The plot twists and turns are compared to a winding Tennessee mountain road, keeping readers engaged as they delve into the world of forensic anthropology. provides an educational and enjoyable reading experience, offering insights into the meticulous processes of anthropologists and medical examiners in determining the reasons behind victims' deaths.
FIVE MINUTES HAD PASSED since the deputy’s eyelids first fluttered open, and he still hadn’t spoken, so I figured maybe it was up to me to break the ice. “I’m Dr. Brockton, but I expect you know that,... - #9
Ashes to Ashes by Tami Hoag is a gripping novel that follows a series of murders by a serial killer known as The Cremator in Minneapolis. The killer tortures his victims before setting them on fire, with the latest victim being the daughter of a billionaire. The story unfolds as former FBI agent turned victim advocate, Kate Conlan, teams up with FBI profiler John Quinn to solve the case. The book delves into the personal struggles of the characters, the complexities of the investigation, and the intense cat-and-mouse game with the killer, creating a suspenseful and immersive reading experience.
The narrative of Ashes to Ashes not only focuses on the thrilling hunt for the serial killer but also delves into the relationships between the characters, particularly the dynamics between Kate Conlan, John Quinn, and other key players. Tami Hoag intricately weaves together a plot filled with gritty details, unexpected twists, and a touch of romance, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they unravel the mystery behind The Cremator's gruesome crimes.
SOME KILLERS ARE born. Some killers are made. And sometimes the origin of desire for homicide is lost in the tangle of roots that make an ugly childhood and a dangerous youth, so that no one may ever ... True Evil by Greg Iles is a suspenseful thriller that follows FBI agent Alex Morse as she investigates a scheme involving a doctor and a lawyer who help wealthy clients avoid messy divorces by arranging the murder of their spouses. The plot unfolds with dark twists and turns, revealing a complex web of deceit and murder. The writing style is described as engaging, with detailed medical information adding depth to the storyline and keeping readers hooked until the end.
Alex Morse charged through the lobby of the new University Medical Center like a doctor to a code call, but she was no doctor. She was a hostage negotiator for the FBI. Twenty minutes earlier, Alex ha...