Books Like...

Asylum by Patrick McGrath is a dark novel that delves into the consequences of obsessional love. The story revolves around Stella Raphael, the wife of a psychiatrist at an asylum for the criminally insane, who becomes infatuated with a disturbed inmate named Edgar Stark. As their relationship unfolds, madness, obsession, and tragedy deeply affect everyone involved in their past. The narrative is intricate, showcasing the dark side of human nature through morally ambiguous characters and a suspenseful plot that keeps readers questioning the truth and motives of each individual.

The book is narrated by Dr. Cleave, a psychiatrist with his own agenda, who provides a unique perspective on the events that transpire. McGrath's writing style masterfully captures the descent into madness and obsession, creating a chilling atmosphere that is reminiscent of classic gothic literature. The story is filled with twists and turns, unreliable narrators, and a sense of foreboding that keeps readers engaged till the very end.

'Garnethill' by Denise Mina follows the protagonist Maureen O'Donnell, a survivor of sexual abuse and a psychiatric patient, as she navigates through a murder mystery involving her lover's death. Maureen finds herself in danger as she uncovers shocking truths about her past and those close to her, all set against the gritty backdrop of Glasgow. The writing style is described as tense, disturbing, and very noir, delving deep into themes of mental illness, poverty, and domestic abuse while painting a vivid picture of the bleak Glasgow setting.

"The Frozen Dead" by Bernard Minier is a chilling crime novel set in the Pyrenees Mountains of southern France. The story follows Commander Martin Servaz as he investigates the brutal killing of a horse owned by a wealthy individual, which leads him to the Wargnier Psychiatric Institute where Europe's most dangerous psychotics are housed. As Servaz delves into the investigation, he collaborates with the local gendarmerie and crosses paths with a young psychologist, Dr. Dianne Berg, who is interning at the institute. The narrative weaves together two parallel threads - the criminal investigation and Dr. Berg's integration into the institute - culminating in a suspenseful and dark conclusion set against the backdrop of a harsh winter in the mountains.

'Our Kind of Cruelty' by Araminta Hall is a dark and twisted novel that follows the story of Mike, a successful banker who becomes obsessed with his ex-girlfriend Verity. Mike is convinced that their breakup is just a part of a game they used to play called the Crave, leading to a chilling and suspenseful narrative that blurs the lines between reality and delusion. The book is told entirely from Mike's perspective, providing a deep dive into his mind and creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the story. As the plot unfolds, readers are left questioning the true motives of the characters and the disturbing dynamics of their relationships.

The writing style in 'Our Kind of Cruelty' is described as intense, gripping, and immersive, with an emphasis on the psychological aspects of the characters. The author, Araminta Hall, delves into themes of obsession, desire, and perception, crafting a narrative that keeps readers on edge and engaged until the very end. Through the use of an unreliable narrator and a suspenseful plot, Hall creates a story that challenges perceptions and explores the darker aspects of human relationships.

The Legacy by Yrsa Sigur ardottir is a Nordic Noir thriller that follows Detective Huldar as he investigates a series of brutal murders with the only witness being a traumatized seven-year-old girl named Margret. The plot unfolds with the involvement of the Children's House, a group specializing in dealing with traumatized children, where psychologist Freyja plays a crucial role in coaxing information from Margret. As the investigation progresses, the story delves into the complexities of the murders, intertwined with short wave radio transmissions and the dynamics between the characters. The writing style is described as unhurried, descriptive, and involving, gradually revealing clues and unraveling the mystery behind the killings.

"No Night Is Too Long" by Barbara Vine is a psychological suspense novel that follows the story of Tim Cornish, a manipulative young man who relies on his charm to ensnare older men. The narrative takes unexpected turns as Tim falls in love with someone unexpected, leading to a complex web of relationships and secrets. The writing style of the book is described as atmospheric, claustrophobic, and full of passion, with several twists and turns that keep the reader engaged till the end.

'The Safe House' by Nicci French follows the story of Dr. Sam Lashcen, a single mother who takes in a young woman, Fiona, after the violent murder of Fiona's parents. The plot revolves around the murder mystery of a wealthy couple and the attempted murder of their daughter, which leads Sam to protect Fiona and help her recover. As the story unfolds, Sam's life is dramatically impacted, and the relationships between characters become central to the narrative. Despite being described as a psychological thriller, the book focuses more on the mother-daughter relationships and the dynamics with Sam's boyfriend, Danny, rather than on intense psychological suspense.

A Dark-Adapted Eye by Barbara Vine is a psychological mystery that delves into a family's dark secrets and the repercussions of a murder committed by Aunt Vera. The story is narrated from the perspective of Faith Severn, the niece of the murderer, as she uncovers the twisted motives and hidden truths behind the tragic events. The writing style is described as dense and atmospheric, capturing the upper crust snobbishness of the characters while slowly unraveling a complex web of jealousy, madness, and family dynamics.

'The Earthquake Bird' by Susanna Jones is a psychological crime novel set in Tokyo, following the story of Lucy Fly, a British expat living in Japan who is suspected of murdering her friend Lily. The narrative is told through Lucy's memories, alternating between her childhood, her life in Tokyo, and the events leading up to Lily's murder. Jones' writing style is atmospheric and descriptive, capturing the loneliness and isolation of Lucy while providing insights into Japanese culture and society.

Frieda Klein, a psychotherapist, becomes involved in investigating a missing boy and a cold case of a missing girl from 22 years ago. The book starts slow as characters are introduced, with some finding the concept of a psychotherapist solving crimes far-fetched unless consulting with the police. The plot unfolds in London with well-done descriptions, leading to unexpected twists and turns in the story.