Books Like...
'The Best of Friends' by Lucinda Berry revolves around a tragic incident involving three teenage boys, leaving one dead, another in a coma, and the third too traumatized to speak. The story is narrated from the perspectives of the three mothers who are best friends, highlighting themes of friendships, secrets, loss, and the aftermath of the shocking turn of events. The plot unfolds through multi-perspective writing, revealing dark secrets and lies that challenge the friendship and raise questions about the characters' knowledge of their children.
The writing style of 'The Best of Friends' by Lucinda Berry is emotionally stirring, thought-provoking, and intense. seamlessly transitions between characters, keeping the plot moving with timely revelations. The author's background as a trauma psychologist brings depth to the narrative, tackling heavy issues like abuse, domestic violence, and gun violence. The story captures the readers' attention with its realistic portrayal of the characters' emotional turmoil and the complexity of their relationships, ultimately leaving them wondering about the truth behind the tragedy.
If you liked The Best of Friends, here are the top 25 books to read next:
- #1
'The Bridesmaid' by Nina Manning follows the story of Sasha and Caitlin, childhood friends from different social backgrounds. As Sasha plans Caitlin's wedding, the narrative delves into their complex friendship, family secrets, and toxic dynamics. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, revealing deep-rooted emotions and motivations behind the characters' actions. Manning's writing style is praised for its descriptive nature, pulling readers into the story and keeping them engaged until the end, even though some found the ending underwhelming.
- #2
'The Thinnest Air' by Minka Kent is a thriller that delves into the lives of two sisters, Greer and Meredith, as they navigate through secrets, betrayals, and a mysterious disappearance. The plot is driven by the disappearance of Meredith, which leads Greer to uncover hidden truths and secrets surrounding her sister's life. The story is told from both sisters' perspectives, allowing readers to understand their complex relationship and the impact of past events on their present lives. The writing style alternates between the two sisters' points of view, creating a suspenseful and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked until the end.
- #3
"When I Was You" by Amber Garza revolves around the story of two women sharing the same name, Kelly, whose lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep the readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style of the author is described as intelligent, with a well-crafted plot that includes triggers, mysteries, and surprises that make it a compelling read.
- #4
'Keep It in the Family' by John Marrs is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Mia and Finn as they move into their dream home, only to uncover dark secrets hidden within its walls. The story unfolds through multiple points of view, keeping readers on edge with unexpected twists and turns. As the couple delves deeper into the mysteries of their new home, they are faced with shocking revelations, infidelity, murder, and a web of deceit that threatens to unravel their lives. Marrs expertly weaves a chilling narrative filled with suspense, betrayal, and a twisted family dynamic, ultimately leading to a jaw-dropping conclusion that will leave readers stunned.
The book is characterized by its intricate plot structure, engaging writing style, and complex character relationships. Marrs skillfully builds suspense through backshadowing and nonlinear storytelling, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. With themes of love, obsession, and dark secrets, 'Keep It in the Family' explores the depths of human nature and the lengths people will go to protect their own interests, making it a compelling and harrowing read for fans of psychological thrillers.
- #5
"The Family Next Door" by Sally Hepworth is set in a close-knit neighborhood where families have hidden secrets and complex relationships. The arrival of a new single neighbor, Isabelle, disrupts the dynamics of the neighborhood, leading to revelations of secrets within each family. The story is told from multiple perspectives, providing vivid details of the characters' lives and their intertwined struggles, including postpartum depression, affairs, infidelities, and hidden agendas.
Now Essie stood under the dubious cover of a palm tree, while the rain slapped against the tin slide of the nearby playground. Just a few minutes ago the weather had been fine. A perfect spring day. S... - #6
'The Perfect Child' by Lucinda Berry revolves around the story of a couple, Dr. Christopher Bauer and his wife Hannah, who adopt an abused child named Jenie. The couple, who have been struggling to conceive, face challenges as they try to rehabilitate Jenie, a traumatized child. The plot delves into the complexities of adoption, trauma, and the breakdown of a family as they navigate through the disturbing and suspenseful events.
“I wouldn’t let that fly. I’d ignore him until he apologized,” Aubrey said in the righteous, uncompromising way all unmarried people do, without even looking up from her phone. I forgot she was there ... - #7
Three months ago, Lena's twin sister Cambry supposedly jumped to her death from an isolated bridge in Montana. Lena is determined to find the truth, armed with an old-fashioned tape recorder to score a confession from Officer Raycevic, who was last seen with Cambry. The story unfolds in different narratives, with Lena's journey to uncover the secrets surrounding her sister's death leading to a battle for survival in the same isolated area.
Author Taylor Adams structures the book uniquely, with various viewpoints and timelines revealing the mystery behind Cambry's death. The plot revolves around Lena's pursuit of justice, questioning everything she thought she knew about her sister and facing off against a seasoned police officer to uncover the truth behind the tragic incident.
Corporal Raymond Raycevic had agreed to meet her here in a gravel parking lot shared by the Magma Springs Diner and a Shell station, sixty miles outside of Missoula. An exodus of wildfire evacuees fed... - #8
'The Housemaid' by Freida McFadden is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Millie, an ex-convict who secures a job as a housekeeper for the wealthy Winchester family. As the plot unfolds, secrets, manipulation, and suspense come to light, creating a tense atmosphere within the Winchester household. The narrative alternates between Millie and Nina, the wife of the family, revealing twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and guessing until the very end. The book is structured in a way that builds tension and suspense, with well-developed characters and a gripping storyline that explores themes of trust, deception, and desperation.
You’re not going to be hosting any major gatherings, for one thing. No wine and cheese parties, no poker nights. That’s fine, because I don’t have anyone I want to see. The bigger problem is where to ... - #9
Celebrating her forty-fifth birthday, popular podcaster Alix Summer meets Josie Fair, who is also turning forty-five. Their encounter leads to Josie sharing her life story on Alix's podcast, but as secrets unfold, tragedy is unleashed. Josie's mysterious and complicated character draws Alix into a web of dark secrets, ultimately putting Alix and her family in danger. The narrative is described as a thrilling journey filled with mind-blowing twists and an uncertain ending that captivates readers till the last page.
'Wrong Place Wrong Time' by Gillian McAllister is a gripping thriller that explores the consequences of a mother's love for her child. The story follows Jen as she discovers that she is reliving the day before her son commits a heinous crime, leading her to travel further and further back in time. With a unique time loop concept, the plot unfolds in reverse, revealing layers of secrets and mysteries as Jen desperately searches for answers to save her son's future. The book expertly combines elements of time travel, psychological suspense, and emotional family drama, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
The narrative is masterfully crafted, with tight, masterful plotting that peels away layers like a Russian doll, gradually unraveling the mystery behind Todd's actions. Through the perspectives of Jen and other characters like Ryan, the author weaves a complex and intricate story that delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the lengths a mother would go to protect her child. Gillian McAllister's accomplished writing style immerses readers in a world where time bends and emotions run high, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read.