Books Like...

'Sunburn' by Laura Lippman follows the story of Polly Costello, a mysterious woman with a troubled past, who leaves her family and ends up in a small town in Delaware. There, she meets Adam, a private investigator hired to follow her, and as they become emotionally involved, their secrets gradually unravel. The plot unfolds slowly, revealing layers of deception, betrayal, and unexpected twists reminiscent of classic noir fiction. Lippman's writing style intricately weaves details about the characters' pasts, motivations, and relationships, creating a compelling and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engrossed until the surprising conclusion.

The Tenant by Katrine Engberg is a Nordic noir novel set in Copenhagen, following police detectives Anette Werner and Jeppe Karner as they investigate the brutal murder of a young woman named Julie Stender. The plot thickens when the landlady, Esther de Laurenti, reveals that the murder mirrors the plot of her unpublished novel. As the detectives delve deeper into the case, more secrets and strange situations are uncovered, leading to a complex and intriguing mystery that keeps readers guessing until the end. Engberg's writing style is described as clever, well-written, and fast-paced, with deep character development and a dark, atmospheric tone characteristic of Scandinavian thrillers.

'Slow Days, Fast Company: The World, The Flesh, and L.A.' by Matthew Specktor and Eve Babitz is a collection of memoirs and stories capturing the essence of Los Angeles in the '60s and '70s. Through witty and sassy writing, Eve Babitz paints a vivid picture of the city, intertwining cultural observations, romantic entanglements, and personal experiences. offers a glimpse into the wilder days of L.A., exploring themes of feminism, youth, and societal expectations, all while showcasing the author's unique perspective on the city she grew up in.

Babitz's writing style is described as open, innocent, and captivating, with a touch of satire and self-deprecation. Readers are transported back in time to a different era, where the author's keen observations and sharp wit bring the stories to life, making the book a delightful and nostalgic journey through the vibrant and flashy world of 1970s Los Angeles.

'In a Lonely Place' by Dorothy B. Hughes is a classic noir psychological thriller set in post-war Los Angeles, narrated from the point of view of a serial killer named Dix Steele. The story follows Dix, a disturbed and misogynistic man, as he navigates his relationships with his old army friend turned detective, Brub Nicolai, Brub's wife Sylvia, and his new girlfriend Laurel. As the city is terrorized by a serial killer, the reader is taken on a suspenseful journey through Dix's twisted mind and dark actions, all while experiencing the vividly described Los Angeles setting of the 1940s.

The book is praised for its gripping plot, expertly crafted characters, and the unique perspective of being told from the killer's point of view. Dorothy B. Hughes' writing style is commended for its terse and hardboiled prose, effectively portraying Dix's psychological state, toxic masculinity, and the postwar male loneliness and rage prevalent throughout the narrative.

'Luckiest Girl Alive' by Jessica Knoll follows the story of Ani, a woman who experienced a traumatic event in high school that continues to haunt her into her adult life. Ani portrays a facade of having it all - a successful career, a wealthy fiance, and a perfect image, but underneath she is struggling with inner turmoil and past secrets. Through flashbacks, the reader learns about the dark events that shaped Ani's life and her journey towards confronting her past and finding her true self.

The narrative style of 'Luckiest Girl Alive' weaves between Ani's present life as a successful magazine writer engaged to a wealthy man and her past experiences in high school that have left a lasting impact on her. explores themes of trauma, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships, keeping the reader engaged with unexpected twists and revelations that challenge their perceptions of the characters and the story.

In the book 'Blindsighted' by Karin Slaughter, readers are introduced to Sara Linton, a pediatrician and part-time coroner in a small town in Georgia. The story kicks off with the gruesome discovery of a local college professor's brutally raped and tortured body in a restroom, setting the stage for a gripping mystery. As more victims surface, Sara finds herself in the crosshairs of the killer, leading to a whirlwind of coincidences and a race against time to catch the murderer. With well-developed characters, intricate plot twists, and a dark, gritty writing style, 'Blindsighted' delves into the complexities of personal relationships and the horrors of psychopathic killings.

'Then She Was Gone' by Lisa Jewell is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Laurel Mack, a mother whose daughter, Ellie, goes missing at the age of 15. The novel delves into the aftermath of Ellie's disappearance, the impact it has on her family, and Laurel's journey towards closure. Through alternating timelines and multiple perspectives, the book explores themes of loss, grief, family dynamics, and the unsettling truth behind Ellie's disappearance. Lisa Jewell's writing style is described as compelling, suspenseful, and emotionally engaging, with well-defined characters and a plot that keeps readers on edge with unexpected twists and turns.

Set in a small Australian farming town enduring a severe drought, 'The Dry' follows Federal Agent Aaron Falk as he returns to his childhood home for a funeral. The story delves into a murder mystery involving a family tragedy, past secrets, and old friendships. The narrative skillfully weaves between past and present, revealing the complexities of the characters' relationships and the town's hidden resentments, all against the backdrop of the barren land and the harsh realities of rural life.

The plot unfolds as Falk, now a police investigator, is drawn into solving the suspicious deaths that shake the tight-knit community. The book intricately explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, keeping readers engaged with its well-paced suspense, cleverly placed clues, and unexpected twists. Jane Harper's writing style vividly evokes the atmosphere of the drought-stricken town, creating a compelling and atmospheric setting for the unfolding mystery.

'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is an engrossing mystery thriller set in Sweden, following the investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the young genius hacker Lisbeth Salander as they team up to solve a decades-old murder mystery. The story unfolds with intricate twists and turns, uncovering vile family secrets and introducing a cast of strong, believable characters. The plot builds over time, making for an excellent and well-written read with fascinating characters and an interesting storyline that keeps readers guessing.

The narrative delves into themes of financial intrigue, murder, and love, balancing multiple genres skillfully. Despite some graphic scenes of violence and rape, the book manages to keep readers engaged with its complicated plot and well-drawn characters, particularly the enigmatic Lisbeth Salander. Larsson's writing style, though at times clunky due to translation, effectively captures the essence of the mystery, making it a compelling and suspenseful read for those who enjoy intricate thrillers.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn is a dark and disturbing psychological thriller that follows reporter Camille Preaker as she reluctantly returns to her hometown in Wind Gap, Missouri to investigate the murders of two young girls. The book delves into the small town's secrets, the complexities of family relationships, and Camille's own troubled past, including her struggles with self-harm. The narrative is intense, gripping, and filled with unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The writing style in Sharp Objects is described as atmospheric, bleak, and engrossing, with excellent characterization that brings the dark and twisted psyches of the characters to life. Gillian Flynn's debut novel skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, family drama, and psychological suspense, creating a chilling story that explores the depths of human darkness and the impact of past traumas on present actions.