Books Like...
'Best Day Ever' by Kaira Rouda follows the story of Paul Strom, a narcissistic and controlling husband, who plans a romantic getaway for himself and his wife, Mia. As the day unfolds, cracks in their seemingly perfect marriage start to appear, revealing Paul's dark and manipulative nature. The story is narrated solely by Paul, providing insight into his twisted mindset and the unraveling of their relationship over the course of a day. The writing style is described as intense, psychological, and filled with unexpected events that keep the reader engaged until the explosive ending.
If you liked Best Day Ever, here are the top 40 books to read next:
- #1
'Pretty Baby' by Mary Kubica is a psychological thriller that revolves around Heidi, a compassionate woman who takes in a homeless girl named Willow and her baby. As the story unfolds, secrets about Willow's past and the true identity of the baby are revealed, leading to unexpected consequences. The narrative is filled with suspense, multiple perspectives, and intricate character dynamics, creating a gripping tale of kindness, deception, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
The first time I see her, she is standing at the Fullerton Station, on the train platform, clutching an infant in her arms. She braces herself and the baby as the purple line express soars past and ou... - #2
'Bring Me Back' by B.A. Paris is a psychological thriller that revolves around Finn, whose girlfriend Layla disappeared years ago at a rest stop. Finn is now engaged to Layla's sister, Ellen, but strange occurrences begin happening, suggesting Layla might still be alive. The story is filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and unreliable narrators, keeping readers guessing until the end. The writing style is engaging, with alternating viewpoints and a fast-paced plot that delves into themes of love, secrets, and deception.
My phone rings as I’m walking through the glass-walled foyer of Harry’s impressive offices on London Wall. I turn and check the time on the digital display above the receptionist’s desk; it’s only fou... - #3
In "Never Let You Go" by Chevy Stevens, the story revolves around Lindsey Nash and her daughter Sophie as they navigate the aftermath of an abusive marriage and the return of Lindsey's ex-husband, Andrew, from prison. The novel is a gripping thriller that alternates between past and present timelines, keeping readers on edge with twists, turns, and a sense of looming danger. Stevens weaves a tale of suspense, domestic abuse, and complex family dynamics that culminates in a shocking and unexpected conclusion.
I didn’t have long. He was waiting at the beach—and he’d be counting every minute. I splashed cold water on my face, let the rivulets run down my neck and onto my shirt. I stared into the mirror. Trie... - #4
Cass, the protagonist in 'The Breakdown' by B.A. Paris, finds herself in a spiral of guilt and fear after witnessing a woman in a stopped car on a stormy night and later discovering she was murdered. As Cass's memory starts to fail her, she becomes paranoid, feeling like she's being watched and receiving silent phone calls. The book delves into Cass's internal struggle, blurring the lines between reality and paranoia, leading to a gripping and mysterious plot that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
“Don’t you dare!” I can almost sense a shaft of pain rocketing through his head at his raised tone. “Ouch, that hurt,” he says, and I wince in sympathy. He lowers his voice to a more bearable level. “... - #5
How To Be a Good Wife by Emma Chapman follows the protagonist Marta, a housewife who decides to stop taking her medication, leading her to question her past and reality. The novel delves into themes of mental health, memory, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction. Set in a nameless Scandinavian village, the story weaves a suspenseful narrative as Marta grapples with hallucinations, flashbacks, and the unsettling presence of a mysterious girl. Chapman's writing style is described as sparse, elegant, and chilling, creating a gripping and unsettling atmosphere throughout the book.
It feels unnatural, ill-fitting, for a woman of my age: a wife, a mother with a grown-up son, to sit in the middle of the day with a cigarette between her fingers. Hector hates smoking. He always coug... - #6
The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison is a psychological thriller that delves into the gradual disintegration of a 20-year marriage between Jodi Brett and Todd Gilbert. The story is narrated through alternating chapters from the perspectives of both husband and wife, providing a deep exploration of their characters and relationship dynamics. The book has been compared to Gone Girl for its use of dual narrators but is praised for its focus on character development rather than relying solely on plot twists.
The plot follows Jodi, a psychologist, and Todd, a successful builder, as their relationship unravels when Todd gets a young woman pregnant and decides to leave Jodi. The novel explores themes of denial, betrayal, and the complexities of long-term relationships. The writing style is noted for its detailed characterizations and the way it delves into the psychological underpinnings of the characters, making for a compelling and introspective read.
It’s early September. Jodi Brett is in her kitchen, making dinner. Thanks to the open plan of the condo, she has an unobstructed view through the living room to its east-facing windows and beyond to a... - #7
'The Good Girl' by Mary Kubica is a psychological thriller about the kidnapping of Mia Dennett, the daughter of a prominent Chicago judge. The story is narrated from multiple perspectives, including Mia's mother Eve, the detective Gabe, and the kidnapper Colin. The plot alternates between before and after timelines, creating suspense and depth to the narrative. The writing style involves twists, surprises, and a nonlinear structure that keeps the readers engaged till the very end.
I’m sitting at the breakfast nook sipping from a mug of cocoa when the phone rings. I’m lost in thought, staring out the back window at the lawn that now, in the throes of an early fall, abounds with ... - #8
'Behind Closed Doors' by B.A. Paris is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark and twisted world of a seemingly perfect marriage between Jack and Grace. The story follows Grace as she realizes that her charming husband is actually a psychopath who controls her every move, trapping her in a nightmare of abuse and manipulation. Through alternating chapters of past and present, the plot unfolds to reveal the horrifying truth behind closed doors, keeping readers on edge with shocking twists and a suspenseful narrative.
Taking my hand, he leads me to where our guests are waiting. As we go through the hall, I see the flowering lily Diane and Adam brought us for our garden. It’s such a beautiful pink that I hope Jack w... - #9
In "Survive the Night" by Riley Sager, college student Charlie is grappling with guilt and grief after her best friend is murdered by a serial killer known as The Campus Killer. Desperate to escape, she hitches a ride with a stranger named Josh, suspecting that he might be more dangerous than he appears. As the tension mounts over the course of a dark and suspenseful night, Charlie's film obsession blurs the lines between reality and fiction, leading to a gripping cat-and-mouse game filled with twists and turns.
The narrative unfolds like a Hitchcockian thriller, with Charlie as an unreliable narrator navigating a claustrophobic and menacing journey. The author expertly weaves in references to old movies, adding layers of suspense and intrigue as Charlie's suspicions about Josh grow, culminating in a dramatic and satisfying reveal.
Charlie has already steeled herself for flight, mentally listing all the scenarios in which she should run. If the car looks battered and/or has tinted windows. If someone else is inside, no matter th... - #10
"Before I Go to Sleep" by S.J. Watson follows the story of Christine, a woman who suffers from amnesia and wakes up every morning not remembering her past, relying on her husband and a journal to piece together her life. The plot unfolds through Christine's journal entries and reveals a suspenseful journey of self-discovery, raising questions about memory, trust, and the truth behind her condition. The writing style keeps readers engaged with its clever storytelling mechanism and unexpected twists that lead to a gripping and emotional conclusion.
I have spent the night here. I was woken by a woman’s voice—at first I thought she was in bed with me, but then realized she was reading the news and I was hearing a radio alarm—and when I opened my e...