Books Like...
'The Couple Next Door' by Shari Lapena is a fast-paced mystery thriller that revolves around two couples, Anne and Marco, and Cynthia and Graham, who are neighbors and friends. When the two couples get together for a celebratory evening, a terrible crime is committed, leading to a whirlwind of secrets, lies, and unexpected twists. As the narrative unfolds, the characters' deep dark secrets are exposed, blurring the lines between innocence and guilt. The story keeps the readers guessing until the near end, with a suspenseful plot that is easy to get engrossed in and reads quickly once started.
The narrative delves into the unsettling scenario of a baby being kidnapped from her crib while her parents are next door at a dinner party, unaware of the unfolding tragedy. explores themes of trust, deception, and the complexity of human relationships, as each character is revealed to have hidden motives and questionable pasts. Despite some predictable elements, the book manages to keep the readers hooked with its intense storyline and multiple twists, leading to a gripping and suspenseful read that challenges the reader's perceptions of the characters and their true intentions.
If you liked The Couple Next Door, here are the top 100 books to read next:
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Save:'An Unwanted Guest' by Shari Lapena is a classic murder mystery set in a remote mountain lodge during a snowstorm. A group of strangers find themselves trapped with no power or contact with the outside world, as bodies start piling up, suspicion and fear rise among the guests. The plot alternates between characters' perspectives, keeping readers guessing until the end, with a cleverly crafted atmosphere of isolation and tension reminiscent of Agatha Christie's style.
The road curves and twists unexpectedly as it leads higher and deeper into the Catskill Mountains, as if the farther you get from civilization, the more uncertain the path. The shadows are deepening, ... - #2
Save:'A Stranger in the House' by Shari Lapena is a psychological thriller that follows the lives of Karen and Tom Krupp, a seemingly happy married couple whose lives take a dark turn when Karen is involved in a car accident that results in temporary amnesia. As the story unfolds, Karen's past is revealed, leading to shocking twists and turns. The plot involves a murder mystery, nosy neighbors, and themes of trust, betrayal, and hidden secrets. The narrative is fast-paced, with short punchy chapters that frequently challenge the reader's assumptions.
The writing style in 'A Stranger in the House' is described as engaging and suspenseful, with a focus on character development and plot twists. The story delves into the complexities of relationships, amnesia, and the blurred lines between truth and deception. The book keeps readers on edge as they navigate through the lives of the characters, trying to unravel the mysteries surrounding Karen's accident and the murder investigation.
ON THIS HOT August night, Tom Krupp parks his car – a leased Lexus – in the driveway of his handsome two-storey home. The house, complete with a two-car garage, is set behind a generous lawn and frame... - #3
Save:'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins is a psychological thriller that revolves around three women - Anna, Megan, and Rachel - whose lives intertwine in a dark and horrific manner. The story is narrated through multiple perspectives, offering a tale full of hidden secrets, desires, and passions. The plot unfolds with suspense and mystery, as the characters grapple with damaged pasts, alcoholism, and dark secrets that lead to a shocking and unpredictable ending.
The book is praised for its innovative storytelling, time-shifting narrative, and the ability to keep readers engaged with its suspenseful twists. Despite some readers finding the characters unlikable or the ending abrupt, the overall consensus is that 'The Girl on the Train' is a gripping and compelling read that delves into themes of trust, deception, and the dark side of human nature.
There is a pile of clothing on the side of the train tracks. Light-blue cloth—a shirt, perhaps—jumbled up with something dirty white. It’s probably rubbish, part of a load dumped into the scrubby litt... - #4
Save:'The Last Mrs Parrish' by Liv Constantine follows the story of Amber Patterson, a woman determined to marry wealthy businessman Jackson Parrish by manipulating his wife, Daphne. The plot unfolds through the perspectives of both Amber and Daphne, revealing the deceit, manipulation, and psychological suspense that ensue as Amber infiltrates the Parrish family's life. As the story progresses, secrets are unveiled, leading to unexpected twists and turns that challenge the characters' perceptions of each other and themselves.
Amber Patterson was tired of being invisible. She’d been coming to this gym every day for three months—three long months of watching these women of leisure working at the only thing they cared about. ... - #5
Save:'The Woman in the Window' by A.J. Finn is a psychological thriller revolving around Dr. Anna Fox, an agoraphobic woman living in New York. She spends her days watching her neighbors, playing online chess, and drinking. When new neighbors move in, she becomes entangled in a web of mystery and intrigue after witnessing something she shouldn't have. The book delves into themes of isolation, obsession, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its twists and turns. The writing style is described as gripping, with sharp and meaningful lines that create a deep connection to the protagonist, Anna.
There isn’t a scrap of curtain, not a blade of blind, in number 212—the rust-red townhome that once housed the newlywed Motts, until recently, until they un-wed. I never met either Mott, but occasiona... - #6
Save:'Behind Closed Doors' by B.A. Paris is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark and twisted world of a seemingly perfect marriage between Jack and Grace. The story follows Grace as she realizes that her charming husband is actually a psychopath who controls her every move, trapping her in a nightmare of abuse and manipulation. Through alternating chapters of past and present, the plot unfolds to reveal the horrifying truth behind closed doors, keeping readers on edge with shocking twists and a suspenseful narrative.
Taking my hand, he leads me to where our guests are waiting. As we go through the hall, I see the flowering lily Diane and Adam brought us for our garden. It’s such a beautiful pink that I hope Jack w... - #7
Save:The Woman in Cabin 10 follows the journey of Lo, a travel journalist, who embarks on a luxury cruise for an assignment. However, her trip takes a dark turn when she believes she witnesses a murder in the cabin next to hers, which is supposedly empty. As she tries to uncover the truth, she faces disbelief, twists, and turns, making the plot more complex and suspenseful. The book is a psychological thriller with a fast-paced mystery, short chapters, and multiple dramatic changes in the plot direction, keeping readers on edge.
The narrative style of The Woman in Cabin 10 is described as engaging, suspenseful, and atmospheric. The story is filled with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. Despite some flaws in characters and pacing, the book manages to create a sense of tension and intrigue, making it a gripping read for those who enjoy mysteries filled with unexpected developments.
“Go away,” I groaned. Delilah mewed and butted me with her head. I tried to bury my face in the pillow but she continued rubbing herself against my ear, and eventually I rolled over and heartlessly pu... - #8
Save:'The Wife Between Us' is a psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and unexpected twists. The story revolves around a complex relationship between a married couple, their past, secrets, and a love triangle that challenges assumptions. The narrative is filled with suspense, misdirection, and psychological depth, as readers are constantly forced to revise their understanding of the characters and events.
She let out a tight laugh as she realized she was safe. The illusion was merely her wedding dress, ensconced in plastic, hanging on the back of her closet door, where she’d placed it yesterday after p... - #9
Save:"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.
I have spent the night here. I was woken by a woman’s voice—at first I thought she was in bed with me, but then realized she was reading the news and I was hearing a radio alarm—and when I opened my e... - #10
Save:'The Kind Worth Killing' by Peter Swanson is a psychological thriller full of twists and turns, following the story of Ted and Lily who meet in an airport bar and discuss the possibility of killing Ted's wife. The book is narrated from multiple perspectives, providing a deep dive into the minds of characters involved in a deadly game of deceit, revenge, and murder. With a gripping plot and engaging writing style, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through the intricate web of lies and manipulation.
“Do I know you?” I asked. She didn’t look particularly familiar, but her American accent, her crisp white shirt, her sculpted jeans tucked into knee-high boots, all made her look like one of my wife’s...
