Books Like...

In 'What She Knew' by Gilly Macmillan, the story revolves around Rachel Jenner and her eight-year-old son, Ben, who goes missing while they are in a Bristol park. The book alternates between Rachel's point of view and that of DI Jim Clemo, the investigator handling the case. As the plot unfolds, the emotional turmoil of having a missing child is vividly portrayed, along with the impact on both the family and the investigators involved. The narrative delves into the complexities of the investigation, the media frenzy surrounding the case, and the societal judgment faced by the mother, creating a gripping portrayal of a parent's worst nightmare.

The Child Finder, by Rene Denfeld, follows private investigator Naomi Cottle, known as The Child Finder, as she searches for missing children. In this book, Naomi is tasked with finding Madison Culver, a young girl who disappeared in the mountains of Oregon. The narrative alternates between Naomi's search for Madison and Madison's perspective as a captive, creating a chilling tale of survival and resilience. The book explores themes of child abduction, trauma, and the emotional journey of both the investigator and the missing child.

Set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, "The Marsh King's Daughter" follows the gripping story of Helena, who was born to a mother who had been kidnapped and sequestered by her father, known as the Marsh King. Raised in isolation, Helena grows up with the knowledge that her father is a notorious child abductor, but she adores him despite his cruel and abusive nature. The plot explores Helena's past and present as she navigates the complexities of her upbringing, her escape from captivity, and the looming threat of her father's escape from prison.

The narrative alternates between Helena's childhood experiences in the marshlands and her present-day life as a wife and mother, creating a suspenseful and engaging storyline. As Helena grapples with her conflicting emotions towards her father and confronts the dark secrets of her past, the reader is drawn into a tale of survival, family bonds, and the enduring impact of trauma across generations.

Good Me, Bad Me by Ali Land is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark and disturbing world of a young girl named Milly, who is placed in foster care after turning her serial killer mother over to the police. The book follows Milly's struggles with her past, her inner demons, and her desire to build a new life while dealing with the challenges of her temporary foster family and preparing to testify against her mother in court. The story is gripping, chilling, and explores themes of abuse, trauma, identity, and the complexities of human nature.

"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.

"Baby Teeth" by Zoje Stage is a chilling psychological horror novel that delves into the disturbing relationship between a mother, Suzette, and her mute 7-year-old daughter, Hanna. The story unfolds through alternating chapters narrated by Suzette and Hanna, revealing Hanna's dark desires to eliminate her mother and have her father all to herself. As the plot progresses, the tension escalates, showcasing Hanna's manipulative and devious nature, leading to a terrifying and unsettling narrative. The book explores themes of obsession, parental love, and the thin line between fear and affection in a gripping and intense writing style that keeps readers on edge.

'Method 15/33' by Shannon Kirk tells the gripping tale of a pregnant teen, Lisa, who is abducted by criminals planning to sell her baby. Lisa's unique ability to turn off her emotions and her brilliant analytical mind make her a fascinating character. The story is narrated from two perspectives - Lisa herself and the FBI agent handling the abduction case. The plot is compelling, with a steady pace and true psychological suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

"All Is Not Forgotten" by Wendy Walker is a psychological thriller set in Fairview, Connecticut, where a teenage girl named Jenny Kramer is brutally raped and given a drug to erase her memory of the attack. The story unfolds through the perspective of a psychiatrist who helps Jenny recover her lost memories and navigate the emotional turmoil caused by the assault. As Jenny's family copes with the aftermath of the traumatic event, secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and the search for the perpetrator unravels unexpected twists and turns. The narrative delves deep into themes of memory, trauma, manipulation, and the complexities of human nature, offering a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of how people cope with devastating experiences.

The book is narrated exclusively by the psychiatrist, providing a unique perspective on the unfolding events and allowing readers to delve into the intricate workings of the characters' minds. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and immersed in the story as they uncover the layers of deception, manipulation, and hidden truths. Through skillful plotting and compelling writing, Wendy Walker explores the impact of trauma, the blurred lines between memory and reality, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones, creating a suspenseful and emotionally charged narrative that lingers long after the final page.

'The Turn of the Key' by Ruth Ware is a suspenseful mystery thriller that follows the story of Rowan Caine, a nanny accused of murdering one of the children she was caring for. The book is written in a unique format, primarily through letters, which creates an atmospheric and suspenseful narrative. As Rowan navigates her new job at a secluded smart house in Scotland, she uncovers disturbing secrets and mysterious occurrences, leading to a chilling and twisty plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The story is filled with creepy and spooky elements, blending modern technology with a Victorian setting to enhance the suspense and mystery. Readers are taken on a journey of unraveling the truth behind the events at Heatherbrae House, with unexpected twists and turns that culminate in a shocking and ambiguous ending, leaving unanswered questions and a sense of unease.

In a world where people can only remember one or two days in the past, the murder of a woman sets off a chain of events involving a famous author, his wife, and a detective. The story unfolds in a society divided between Monos and Duos, where memories are recorded in diaries and emotions like love and hatred are challenged. The book presents a murder mystery with unexpected twists and a unique premise that explores the impact of memory on relationships and society.