Books Like...
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager follows Casey Fletcher, a recently widowed actress who escapes to her family's lake house in Vermont. As she struggles with grief and alcoholism, she becomes obsessed with her neighbors, Tom and Katherine Royce. When Katherine goes missing, Casey is determined to uncover the truth behind her disappearance, leading to unexpected twists and revelations about the dark secrets lurking in the serene setting of the lake.
The book combines elements of mystery, horror, and psychological thriller, with a setting that adds to the eerie atmosphere. Through the eyes of a complex and unreliable protagonist, the story unfolds with unexpected plot twists and suspenseful moments that keep the reader engaged until the chilling conclusion.
If you liked The House Across the Lake, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Riley Sager's "The Only One Left" is a twisty and spine-chilling gothic thriller set in a decaying cliffside mansion where Lenora Hope, accused of murdering her family years ago, is now mute and confined to a wheelchair. Kit McDeere, a home health aide, is assigned to care for Lenora and uncovers dark family secrets as she becomes obsessed with solving the mystery behind the deaths. The story is filled with haunting atmosphere, clever twists, and vivid descriptions that keep the reader on the edge of their seat, leading to a suspenseful and unpredictable journey towards the truth.
The novel intricately weaves together past and present, blending elements of psychological suspense with a gripping plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end. With vivid descriptions that make the mansion come alive, a complex relationship between Kit and Lenora, and a series of shocking revelations, "The Only One Left" delivers a rollercoaster of emotions and surprises that will leave readers captivated and eager to uncover all the dark secrets hidden within Hope's End.
- #2
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... - #3
The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager is a suspenseful thriller that follows Emma, who returns to Camp Nightingale as an art instructor, the place where three girls disappeared 15 years ago. The novel expertly weaves between past and present, revealing secrets and mysteries surrounding the girls' disappearance. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of mystery and suspense that keeps readers captivated until the very end.
Then come the girls, sometimes clustered together, sometimes scattered to far-flung corners of the canvas. I put them in white dresses that flare at the hems, as if they’re running from something. The... - #4
Final Girls by Riley Sager is a psychological thriller that follows Quincy Carpenter, one of three survivors of separate massacre incidents. Quincy, dubbed a Final Girl by the media, struggles with memory loss surrounding the night her friends were murdered at Pine Cottage. When another Final Girl is found dead, Quincy is forced to confront her past and unravel the mysteries surrounding the traumatic events that have haunted her for years. The book weaves between Quincy's present life and the chilling events of the past, keeping readers on edge with unexpected twists and suspenseful storytelling.
My hands are covered in frosting when Jeff calls. Despite my best efforts, the French buttercream has oozed onto my knuckles and into the hammocks between my fingers, sticking there like paste. Only o... - #5
Jules, a young woman facing unemployment and heartbreak, takes a job as an apartment sitter in a luxurious and mysterious building called the Bartholomew. Despite being warned about strange rules and disappearances of previous sitters, she accepts the job for the high pay. As she delves deeper into the secrets of the building and its residents, Jules uncovers a sinister truth that puts her own life in danger. The story is described as a suspenseful and atmospheric thriller with unexpected twists that keep the reader on edge.
But the woman next to me certainly fits the bill, with her blue Chanel suit, blond updo, perfectly manicured hands weighed down by several rings. She might be in her fifties. Maybe older. Botox has ma... - #6
Maggie Holt returns to Baneberry Hall, a house her family fled in terror when she was five years old. Her father wrote a bestselling memoir about their haunting experience, but Maggie has no memories of it and believes it to be lies. After inheriting the house upon her father's death, she decides to uncover the truth behind the horrors of the house, alternating between present-day experiences and excerpts from her father's book. The book weaves a thrilling horror story filled with suspense, false clues, and red herrings, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end.
From the moment I enter the office, I know how things are going to go. It’s happened before. Too many times to count. And although each incident has its slight variations, the outcome is always the sa... - #7
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... - #8
'Daisy Darker' by Alice Feeney is a gripping psychological thriller that unfolds on a remote island during a stormy night. The Darker family gathers for Nana's 80th birthday, only to find themselves trapped in a gothic house as the tide cuts off their only escape route. As the night progresses, family secrets, dark pasts, and hidden guilt come to light, leading to a series of mysterious events and a shocking murder. With a narrative that jumps between the present danger and the family's history, the story keeps readers on edge, exploring themes of family dysfunction, deception, and betrayal. Feeney's writing style expertly weaves together suspense, unexpected twists, and complex characters, creating a haunting and atmospheric tale that delves into the depths of human nature.
- #9
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager follows a gripping story that unfolds 30 years after a traumatic event. The narrator reflects on the night he lost a friend during a camping adventure in his backyard. As he returns to his childhood home, eerie memories surface. The narrative explores themes of grief and lingering trauma, building a mysterious atmosphere through subtle details. While some find the book has a slow burn quality, it manages to keep readers engaged with unexpected twists and emotional moments.
While the writing style might not resonate with everyone, it captures a creeping sense of dread throughout. Readers have mixed opinions on the execution, with some feeling it veers into predictable territory. However, the story's unraveling mystery and the emotional depth of the main character's journey offer a rewarding experience. Overall, Middle of the Night serves as a thought-provoking thriller steeped in nostalgia and suspense.
- #10
'Behind Her Eyes' by Sarah Pinborough follows the intertwined lives of Louise, David, and Adele in a psychological thriller filled with unexpected twists and turns. Louise, a single mom and secretary, becomes entangled in a complex relationship with her new boss, David, and his wife, Adele. As the story progresses, secrets are revealed, manipulations are uncovered, and the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur, leading to a mind-bending and shocking conclusion that challenges readers' perceptions.
The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Adele and Louise, offering a deep dive into their characters and motivations. The story unfolds gradually, building tension and suspense as readers are taken on a dark and twisted journey of control, manipulation, and deception. Sarah Pinborough's writing style expertly weaves together elements of psychological suspense, paranormal intrigue, and unexpected plot twists, creating a gripping and unsettling tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final page.
There’s still mud under my fingernails when David finally comes home. I can feel it stinging against my raw skin, deep under the beds. My stomach twists, wringing fresh nerves out as the front door sh...