Books Like...
'Watching You' by Lisa Jewell is a psychological thriller that revolves around a murder in a picturesque neighborhood of Melville Heights. The story unfolds with a complex array of characters, each hiding secrets that intertwine with the murder investigation. The plot is enthralling, with alternating perspectives, unexpected twists, and a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps the reader guessing until the end. Lisa Jewell's unique prose style flows smoothly, creating a haunting psychological thriller that delves into themes of obsession, self-doubt, and the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic community.
If you liked Watching You, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
In "Never Have I Ever" by Joshilyn Jackson, the story revolves around Amy, a woman with a dark secret from her past that is threatened to be exposed by a newcomer named Roux. As Roux manipulates and blackmails Amy, a dangerous game of cat and mouse ensues, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful narrative. The book explores themes of secrets, deception, and the lengths one would go to protect their loved ones, all while keeping readers engaged with unexpected plot twists and well-developed characters.
The writing style of Joshilyn Jackson in "Never Have I Ever" is described as captivating and fast-paced, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its twists and turns. The book delves into complex relationships and moral dilemmas, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that builds towards a thrilling conclusion. Readers are drawn into a web of secrets and deviousness, making it difficult to put the book down until the final page is turned.
The Game was Roux’s idea. More than an idea. A plan. She made it up herself, this shotgun of a game. She packed it tight with salt and metal, counting on collateral damage, too, but she aimed it strai... - #2
'The Night She Disappeared' by Lisa Jewell is a gripping thriller that follows the mysterious disappearance of a young couple, Tallulah and Zach, and the aftermath of their vanishing. The story is told in multiple timelines, weaving together the perspectives of different characters like Sophie, a mystery writer, and Kim, Tallulah's mother, as they uncover clues related to the cold case. The novel is filled with suspense, twists, and psychological intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they try to unravel the truth behind the disappearance.
Lisa Jewell's writing style in 'The Night She Disappeared' is praised for its ability to build tension and suspense through multiple character viewpoints and timelines. The book explores themes of coercive control, relationships, and the dangers of manipulation, all while keeping readers engaged with well-drawn protagonists and a complex, atmospheric setting. With elements of psychological drama and mystery, the novel delves into the lives of its characters, revealing hidden secrets and unexpected connections that culminate in a chilling and unpredictable ending.
Kim goes upstairs to Noah’s cot, her heart heavy with the prospect of another hour of rocking and soothing and sighing and whispering in the dark while the moon hangs out there in the balmy midsummer ... - #3
Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell is a psychological thriller that follows the disappearance of troubled teen Saffyre Maddox and the suspects involved, including a narcissistic therapist, a creepy neighbor associated with incel culture, and other mysterious characters. The story is narrated from multiple points of view, revealing dark secrets, toxic masculinity, and the complexities of human relationships. As the plot unfolds, twists and turns abound, keeping readers engaged in a well-plotted and character-driven mystery.
The novel delves into themes of incel culture, toxic masculinity, rape myths, and the impact of false accusations, all while exploring the intricacies of human behavior and the consequences of hidden secrets. Lisa Jewell's writing style is nuanced and thought-provoking, creating a dark and tense atmosphere that builds suspense and keeps readers guessing until the end.
I am mostly Welsh on my dad’s side and partly Trinidadian, partly Malaysian, and a tiny bit French from my mum. Sometimes people try to guess my heritage, but they always end up getting it wrong. If a... - #4
Such a Quiet Place by Megan Miranda is a psychological suspense thriller set in Hollow's Edge, a small, close-knit neighborhood where a murder disrupts the peaceful community. The story follows the aftermath of Ruby Fletcher's release from prison after being convicted of a double murder, and the unsettling events that unfold as she returns to the neighborhood, stirring up suspicion and fear among the residents. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, exploring themes of secrets, alliances, and the impact of assumptions and lack of communication within a community.
I didn’t hear the slam of the car door, or the key in the lock, or the front door swinging open. It was the footsteps—the familiar pop of the floorboard just outside the kitchen—that registered first.... - #5
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. “... - #6
'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... - #7
'The Therapist' by B.A. Paris follows the story of Alice and her partner Leo as they move into a house in The Circle, a gated community in London. As Alice gets to know her neighbors, she discovers that the former owner, Nina Maxwell, a therapist, was murdered in the house. This revelation leads Alice on a journey to uncover the truth behind the murder, delving into secrets and lies that the tight-knit community is hiding. weaves past and present perspectives, keeping the reader on edge with its psychological thriller elements and unexpected twists. Through the eyes of Alice and the mysterious therapist's sessions with a client, the story unfolds, revealing a complex web of deception, suspicion, and hidden motives.
The narrative style of 'The Therapist' builds suspense like rising dough, captivating readers as they eagerly turn the pages to unravel the mysteries within the story. With a mix of chilling vibes, haunted undertones, and a gripping whodunnit plot, the book keeps readers engaged from start to finish, delivering a psychological thriller that plays on fear, intrigue, and the unsettling nature of the human psyche.
The sound of excited voices draws me away from the box of books I’m unpacking. It has been so quiet all day that it’s hard to believe I’m actually in London. Back in Harlestone, there would have been ... - #8
The Maidens follows Mariana, a group therapist, as she investigates a series of ritualistic murders of young women students at Cambridge University who are followers of a Greek literature professor, Edward Fosca. Mariana, still grieving the loss of her husband, becomes convinced that Fosca is the prime suspect and delves into uncovering the truth behind the murders. The plot is filled with allusions to Greek mythology, themes of love and abuse, and a psychological whodunnit thriller that keeps readers engaged with twists and red herrings.
Mariana was still in love with him—that was the problem. Even though she knew she’d never see Sebastian again—even though he was gone for good—she was still in love and didn’t know what to do with all... - #9
Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough is a psychological thriller that follows Emma Averell, a successful attorney haunted by her past. As her fortieth birthday approaches, memories of her mother's psychotic breakdown resurface, leading to her own struggles with insomnia. Emma's disturbing behavior and sleepless nights cause tension with her family, who question her sanity. The book delves into themes of family trauma, psychological unraveling, and the blurred lines between reality and madness. With unexpected plot twists and unreliable characters, Insomnia keeps readers on the edge of their seats, exploring the complexities of the human mind and the impact of past traumas on present-day lives.
- #10
'Cul-De-Sac' by Joy Fielding is a thrilling novel set in a middle-class cul-de-sac in South Florida, where a fatal event occurs on a sultry July night. The story delves into the lives of the five families residing in the cul-de-sac, each harboring dark secrets and motivations. As the plot unfolds, the reader is introduced to a diverse group of neighbors with access to guns, leading to speculation on who the victim could be. The characters are vividly portrayed, with their interactions and hidden lives adding complexity to the storyline, culminating in a surprising climax that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.