Books Like...

'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.

'Talking to the Dead' by Harry Bingham follows Detective Constable Fiona Griffiths as she investigates a complex murder case involving prostitutes, drug dealing, and danger. Fiona, a unique and flawed protagonist, struggles to connect with living people but is determined to solve the mystery behind the murders of a young girl and a woman. The book delves into Fiona's mysterious past, her unconventional methods, and her deep commitment to seeking justice for those on the fringes of society.

The story of 'A Fatal Inversion' by Barbara Vine unfolds when the bodies of a young woman and a baby are found buried in the grounds of a country house, where a group of young people had spent a summer ten years before. The plot is filled with psychological suspense, interesting characters, and a gradual unwinding of a ten-year-old crime. The setting in the decadent 70s and the character development are highly praised, making the book a gripping and memorable read.

'Adam and Eve and Pinch Me' by Ruth Rendell is a psychological thriller revolving around a charming con man named Jerry who manipulates and deceives multiple women, leading to tragic consequences. The narrative explores the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, as one of his victims, Minty, who suffers from OCD, begins to see the ghost of her ex-boyfriend and descends into madness. The book delves into themes of human frailty, psychopathology, and the consequences of manipulative behavior, creating a compelling and suspenseful storyline that keeps readers engaged.

Ruth Rendell's writing style in 'Adam and Eve and Pinch Me' is characterized by well-developed characters with quirks and mental illnesses, dark humor that lightens the tone of the narrative, and a deep understanding of human psychology. The plot unfolds through intersecting lies and bad decisions made by the characters, leading to a tension-filled climax that is both deliciously unbearable and psychologically intriguing.

'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.

In 'Snare' by Lilja Sigurardottir, the story revolves around Sonja Gunnarsdottir, who becomes an unwilling drug mule after her husband files for divorce and demands custody of their son. Sonja's descent into the criminal underworld of drug smuggling is portrayed alongside a subplot involving financial crimes post a global financial crisis in Iceland. The narrative is set in a dark, chilling Reykjavik, offering readers an authentic Nordic noir experience with a fast-paced plot filled with suspense. The book features a cast of largely unlikeable characters, including Sonja herself, but the character development arc of Sonja is a highlight, complementing the intertwined storylines.

The book is structured with short, one to three-page chapters that maintain a steady pace, keeping readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. The author, Lilja Sigurardottir, skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, including drug smuggling, financial investigations, broken families, and personal struggles, creating a gripping narrative that offers unexpected twists and turns. The writing style, brilliantly translated by Quentin Bates, is smooth and immersive, providing a seamless reading experience that delves into the complexities of the characters' lives and their morally grey decisions.

'In the Cut' by Susanna Moore is a dark and suspenseful tale that follows a woman, an English professor, who gets involved in a dangerous situation as she starts to slip into weird paranoia. The writing style is noted to be different and well-done, focusing on language and the use of certain words. The book captures the tone and rhythm of modern speech and lexicon, particularly in the interactions between young people, rap talk, and cops. The plot revolves around the protagonist mistakenly suspecting a man of murder and the subsequent horrific consequences that unfold.

'Disordered Minds' by Minette Walters is a mystery novel that follows the story of an academic and an amateur criminologist teaming up to debunk a ruling of murder from 30 years ago. As they delve into the past, they uncover a series of events that lead to misery for many and force them to confront their own issues, ultimately forging an unlikely friendship. The plot unfolds through email exchanges, police reports, and newspaper articles, revealing a twisty narrative that explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the impact of past experiences on individuals' lives.

The writing style in 'Disordered Minds' is described as both ponderous and meandering, with some readers finding it engaging and thought-provoking, while others felt it fell flat and failed to create suspense. is noted for its unique approach of incorporating emails, newspaper clippings, and police reports as storytelling devices, offering a different perspective on the unfolding mystery. Despite mixed opinions on the plot and character development, the book is praised for its exploration of complex themes and the unexpected twists that keep readers engaged till the end.

'When Nights Were Cold' by Susanna Jones is a historical novel set in the early years of the twentieth century, revolving around the life of Grace Farringdon. Grace, a woman fascinated with mountain climbing and polar explorers, defies societal norms and forms the Antarctic Exploration Society with her college friends. The narrative shifts between Grace's claustrophobic home environment in Dulwich and the perilous mountain settings, exploring themes of female friendship, family tensions, and the fine line between sanity and madness. As Grace reminisces about past expeditions and tragedies, the reader is drawn into a dark and gripping tale of ambition, repression, and psychological suspense.

'Sun Storm' in the series 'Rebecka Martinsson' by author Asa Larsson is a Swedish mystery novel that follows the story of Rebecka Martinsson, a tax attorney, who is drawn back to her hometown of Kiruna after a brutal murder occurs in a local church. The murder victim, Victor Strandgard, has been mutilated, leading to a complex investigation involving Rebecka, the victim's sister Sanna, and the police detectives Anna Maria Mella and Sven Erik Stalnacke. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets from the past are revealed, intertwined with the present mystery, set against the atmospheric backdrop of the cold and eerie Swedish landscape.

As the story progresses, Rebecka finds herself entangled in the murder case, facing challenges from her past and present relationships, while navigating the intricate dynamics of the church community and the personal struggles of the characters involved. The novel explores themes of trust, betrayal, religious fanaticism, and the dark underbelly of human nature, all woven together in a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged with its intense and disturbing storyline.