Books Like...

'Dear Amy' by Helen Callaghan is a psychological thriller that follows Margot Lewis, a teacher and agony aunt in Cambridge. When one of her students goes missing, Margot starts receiving letters from a girl named Bethan Avery, who disappeared 20 years earlier. As Margot delves into the mystery, she becomes entangled in a cat-and-mouse game to uncover the truth behind the missing girls. The plot twists are well-paced, the writing style is engaging, and the story keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected developments and a gripping narrative.

The Hidden Girl by Louise Millar follows the story of Hannah and Will, a couple who moves to rural Suffolk in hopes of adopting a child. As they settle into their new home, Tornley Manor, strange occurrences and a mysterious young woman begin to unsettle Hannah. The tension builds as Hannah's obsession with adoption and the eerie happenings in the village blur the lines between reality and imagination. The author weaves a psychological mind game that keeps the characters and readers on edge, creating a creepy atmosphere reminiscent of a Children of the Corn vibe.

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.

'Try Not to Breathe' by Holly Seddon is a psychological thriller that follows Alex Dale, a struggling journalist and recovering alcoholic, as she investigates the case of Amy Stevenson, a young woman who has been in a coma for 15 years after a brutal attack. The novel alternates between different points of view, including Alex's, Amy's, and Jacob's, Amy's boyfriend at the time of the attack. Through multiple perspectives, the story unfolds, revealing secrets, twists, and the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

The book is praised for its gripping plot, well-developed characters, and the way it weaves together multiple narratives to create tension and suspense. Readers appreciate the intricate storytelling, the balance between action and character development, and the author's ability to delve into themes of addiction, redemption, and the power of human connection.

"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.

"Force of Nature" by Jane Harper revolves around a group of five women from a company who go on a corporate retreat in the Australian wilderness. However, only four women return, and the missing woman, Alice Russell, was assisting Federal Police Agent Aaron Falk with investigating financial irregularities within the company. As Falk and his partner Carmen delve into the disappearance, they uncover a web of personal and professional relationships among the hikers, leading to suspicions and betrayals. The story alternates between the present investigation and flashbacks to reveal the dynamics among the women and the events that transpired during the retreat. Despite being a mystery thriller, some readers found the book lacking in atmospheric tension and character development compared to the author's previous work.

'Cover of Snow' by Jenny Milchman is a mystery thriller that follows Nora Hamilton as she tries to uncover the truth behind her husband's alleged suicide. The story is set in a small town in upstate New York, where Nora discovers hidden secrets within her husband's past and a corrupt police department involved in a cover-up. As Nora delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers clues that lead to a chilling conclusion, surrounded by a cold, wintry atmosphere that adds to the suspense of the narrative. The writing style is described as captivating, with a well-plotted storyline that keeps readers engaged with its twists and turns.

The Quality of Silence by Rosamund Lupton is a gripping thriller that follows Yasmin and her deaf daughter Ruby as they travel to Alaska in search of Ruby's father, who is presumed dead. The novel delves into themes of love, survival, and determination as Yasmin and Ruby navigate the harsh Alaskan wilderness while being pursued by unknown dangers. Lupton's writing style beautifully captures the essence of Alaska, portraying the cold and desolate landscape as a character of its own, while also highlighting the strong bond between mother and daughter.

In a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood in London, a thirteen-year-old girl is found unconscious in the garden, sparking a mystery that unravels the secrets families keep and the consequences they face. Told through multiple points of view in alternating timelines, the story explores the relationships between neighbors, the impact of hidden truths, and the haunting nature of past decisions.

The writing in "The Girls in the Garden" is described as subtly creepy and poetic at times, with a focus on character development and relationships. The plot revolves around the incident in the garden, delving into the lives of the characters and how they are affected by the mystery surrounding the unconscious girl.

Mind of Winter by Laura Kasischke is a psychological thriller that takes place on a snowy Christmas day, focusing on the mother-daughter relationship between Holly Judge and her adopted daughter Tatiana. The story unfolds as Holly wakes up with a sense of dread, believing that something has followed them home from Russia, leading to a day filled with mysterious events, eerie behavior, and a growing sense of unease. The narrative alternates between present-day events and past memories, gradually revealing a haunting mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the shocking conclusion. Kasischke's writing style is described as atmospheric, poetic, and suspenseful, effectively capturing the protagonist's inner turmoil and creating a claustrophobic and creepy atmosphere.