Books Like...
"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave follows the story of Hannah, who is left to unravel a cryptic message from her husband Owen after he disappears, leaving behind his teenage daughter Bailey. The plot delves into the complexities of family dynamics, trust, and uncovering hidden truths as Hannah and Bailey embark on a journey to discover the real Owen and the secrets he left behind. The narrative alternates between the present timeline and past events, gradually revealing the characters' motivations and connections, creating a suspenseful and emotionally engaging storyline. The book is set in various locations such as Austin, Sausalito, and New York, adding layers to the plot and showcasing the intricate relationships between the characters.
If you liked The Last Thing He Told Me, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'Reckless Girls' by Rachel Hawkins is a thriller set on a creepy, deserted island called Meroe. The story follows a group of characters, each with their own ulterior motives and nefarious deeds, who end up on the island under various circumstances. As the plot unfolds, unexpected twists and turns keep the reader engaged, revealing dark pasts and hidden secrets of the characters. The writing style alternates between flashback and present-day, building anticipation within the main plot and providing unexpected surprises along the way.
explores themes of danger, deceit, betrayal, and psychological menace as the characters' true selves are gradually exposed in the sinister island setting. The plot is filled with surprises and suspense, with a mix of characters ranging from rich and entitled to those with darker pasts. The story delves into the complexities of human nature when pushed to the edge, creating a psychological study of young people facing unexpected challenges in a supposedly idyllic location.
It’s the only explanation I have for the shit that I’ve seen in the six months that I’ve worked at the Haleakala Resort in Maui. And I’m not just talking about the weird stuff you’d expect—sunburned c... - #2
In "A Flicker in the Dark" by Stacy Willingham, the story revolves around Chloe Davis, the daughter of a convicted serial killer, who finds herself entangled in events reminiscent of her father's crimes. As Chloe tries to unravel the mysteries surrounding the disappearing girls, she becomes a detective herself, facing suspicions from the police and delving into her dark family history to stop the horrors of the present. The book combines beautiful prose and breakneck pacing, creating a tense and gripping page-turner with unexpected twists and turns.
I hope I’m not getting sick. Have I been around a sick person lately? Someone with a cold? There’s no way to be sure, really. I’m around people all day. None of them looked sick, but the common cold c... - #3
The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of marriage and relationships. The story follows Marissa and Matthew, who appear to be the perfect couple with a perfect life, until Marissa confesses to infidelity during a therapy session. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, involving secrets, manipulation, and subtle threats that challenge the facade of their seemingly ideal marriage. The writing style keeps readers engrossed, with multiple layers to the story intertwining the lives of different characters and building suspense until the final pages.
I don’t want any bias to color my perception before we meet. Plus, the initial communication is for scheduling and security screening only. The actual work doesn’t start until the first of our ten ses... - #4
Rock Paper Scissors is a thrilling domestic thriller that revolves around a troubled married couple, Adam and Amelia, who win a weekend getaway to Scotland in an attempt to mend their failing marriage. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through secrets, lies, and unexpected revelations. The narrative is skillfully crafted with alternating points of view, short chapters, and a gripping plotline that culminates in a jaw-dropping twist that challenges perceptions and leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
I feel him staring at me as I drive, and wonder what he sees. Nobody else looks familiar to him either, but it is still strange to think that the man I married wouldn’t be able to pick me out in a pol... - #5
'All the Dangerous Things' by Stacy Willingham is a gripping thriller that follows the story of Isabelle Drake, a mother who is desperate to find her missing son, Mason, who was abducted from his crib in the middle of the night. Battling severe sleep deprivation, guilt, and a crumbling marriage, Isabelle is determined to uncover the truth behind her son's disappearance. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, as repressed secrets from Isabelle's past resurface, adding layers of suspense and mystery to the narrative. The writing style of the author creates a tense and atmospheric setting, keeping readers on edge and engaged throughout the book.
- #6
Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica is a gripping thriller that follows the mysterious disappearances of two women and a child in a quiet neighborhood. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives and timelines, keeping readers engaged with unexpected twists and turns. As the characters grapple with secrets and dark pasts, the narrative delves into themes of desperation, survival, and the lasting impact of traumatic events.
I hear footsteps. They move across the ceiling above my head. My eyes follow the sound, but there ain’t nothing to see ’cause it’s just footsteps. That don’t matter none, though, because the sound of ... - #7
'The Couple Next Door' by Shari Lapena is a fast-paced mystery thriller that revolves around two couples, Anne and Marco, and Cynthia and Graham, who are neighbors and friends. When the two couples get together for a celebratory evening, a terrible crime is committed, leading to a whirlwind of secrets, lies, and unexpected twists. As the narrative unfolds, the characters' deep dark secrets are exposed, blurring the lines between innocence and guilt. The story keeps the readers guessing until the near end, with a suspenseful plot that is easy to get engrossed in and reads quickly once started.
The narrative delves into the unsettling scenario of a baby being kidnapped from her crib while her parents are next door at a dinner party, unaware of the unfolding tragedy. explores themes of trust, deception, and the complexity of human relationships, as each character is revealed to have hidden motives and questionable pasts. Despite some predictable elements, the book manages to keep the readers hooked with its intense storyline and multiple twists, leading to a gripping and suspenseful read that challenges the reader's perceptions of the characters and their true intentions.
Anne can feel the acid churning in her stomach and creeping up her throat; her head is swimming. She’s had too much to drink. Cynthia has been topping her up all night. Anne had meant to keep herself ... - #8
In "The Perfect Marriage" by Jeneva Rose, the story unfolds around Sarah, a successful defense attorney, and her struggling writer husband, Adam, who is involved in a passionate affair with Kelly. When Kelly is found brutally murdered, Sarah takes on the challenge of defending her husband, accused of the crime. The book delves into themes of betrayal, secrets, and high-stakes murder trials, with a plot full of twists and turns that keep readers on edge. However, some readers found the writing style to be clichéd and poorly executed, with discrepancies in character descriptions and unrealistic elements that detracted from the believability of the story.
The disappointment in his voice fills the room and hangs there like a light fog, clouding us from one another. I take in a deep breath, removing the haze, and let it out just as quickly, clearing the ... - #9
'The Family Upstairs' by Lisa Jewell revolves around Libby Jones, who inherits a mansion in London on her 25th birthday, only to uncover dark secrets about her birth family and the mysterious events that occurred in the house years ago. The story is told through multiple points of view, weaving together past and present timelines to reveal a chilling tale of cult-like control, disturbing revelations, and unexpected connections between characters. The writing style is described as engaging, suspenseful, and filled with plot twists that keep the reader hooked till the end, exploring themes of family dynamics, identity, and the impact of past traumas on present lives.
Libby picks up the letter off the doormat. She turns it in her hands. It looks very formal; the envelope is cream in color, made of high-grade paper, and feels as though it might even be lined with ti... - #10
'The Lies I Tell' by Julie Clark is a gripping novel that delves into the intricate lives of two women, one a con artist notorious for her clever schemes and the other an investigative journalist determined to uncover her secrets. As their paths unexpectedly intersect, the story unfolds into a tale of deception, intrigue, and unlikely friendships. Readers are taken on a thrilling ride as they witness the evolution of these complex characters and the satisfying ending that leaves them rooting for both women.
The book masterfully weaves together themes of revenge, redemption, and the complexities of human nature. Through skillful character development and a captivating plot, Julie Clark takes readers on a journey that keeps them on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to discover the next twist in the story. With a writing style that is immersive and thought-provoking, 'The Lies I Tell' showcases the author's talent for creating compelling narratives that resonate long after the final page.
This time, it’s a $10,000-a-plate fundraiser. After nearly ten years, I feel right at home among the extravagant trappings of the rich—the original artwork on the walls, the antiques that cost more th...