Books Like...
'What You Did' by Claire McGowan follows the story of six college friends who reunite after 25 years, only to have their lives shattered by a shocking event that occurs during the reunion weekend. The plot delves into themes of betrayal, deceit, and the unraveling of relationships as secrets from the past come to light, leading to unexpected twists and turns. The writing style is described as intense and gripping, with a focus on the characters' emotions and experiences, keeping readers engaged and guessing until the end.
If you liked What You Did, here are the top 13 books to read next:
- #1
'Reputation' by Sarah Vaughan follows the story of Emma Webster, a prominent opposition Labour MP championing women's causes, who faces the consequences of online abuse and trolling. The plot twists around the mysterious death of a man found at Emma's home, leading to her arrest. The narrative delves into the damaging effects of social media, cyberbullying, gender inequality, and the pressure faced by public figures. As Emma navigates the complexities of her personal and public life, the novel explores themes of revenge, abuse, and the impact of societal expectations on individuals, especially women.
- #2
In the book "Those People" by Louise Candlish, the story revolves around a suburban neighborhood called Lowland Way, which is disrupted by the arrival of a loud and disruptive couple, Darren and Jodie. The new neighbors' disregard for social norms and their disruptive behavior lead to tensions among the residents, ultimately resulting in a tragic incident. The novel delves into the dynamics of the neighborhood, showcasing the frustration and outrage of the established residents as they try to deal with the disruptive newcomers. The plot unfolds through multiple perspectives, building suspense and intrigue as the true nature of the incident is gradually revealed.
The author, Louise Candlish, skillfully crafts a narrative that explores the complexities of community life and the unraveling of civility in the face of conflict. Through a cast of diverse and flawed characters, Candlish creates a compelling story that delves into themes of class, aspiration, hidden tensions, and the impact of disruptive influences on a close-knit neighborhood. The writing style keeps the reader engaged with its twists and turns, offering a provocative exploration of human behavior and the consequences of clashing personalities in a seemingly idyllic setting.
- #3
'The Only Suspect' by Louise Candlish is a psychological thriller that weaves a complex and intriguing plot involving multiple timelines and characters. The story follows Alex and Beth as they navigate a dark secret from the past that resurfaces when a murder occurs, leading to a web of lies, deceit, and hidden motives. The narrative unfolds with twists and turns, keeping readers on edge as they unravel the mysteries surrounding the characters' intertwined lives and the shocking revelations that come to light.
Louise Candlish's writing style in 'The Only Suspect' is characterized by a slow burn of suspense, leading to a simmering tension that builds gradually throughout the narrative. The author skillfully crafts a story filled with intrigue, complexity, and unexpected twists, creating a compelling psychological thriller that delves into themes of obsession, manipulation, and the consequences of buried secrets. Readers are taken on a gripping journey through dual timelines, where past events in 1995 intertwine with the present, culminating in a climactic and unpredictable conclusion.
- #4
'Anatomy of a Scandal' by Sarah Vaughan delves into the scandal surrounding British MP James Whitehouse, who is accused of rape by a coworker after having an affair with her. The story unfolds from multiple perspectives, including that of the prosecutor, Kate Woodcroft, who is convinced of James' guilt, and his wife, Sophie, who stands by him but begins to question the truth. explores themes of privilege, consent, power dynamics, and the intersection of personal lives with public personas, all set against the backdrop of a high-stakes legal case. The plot is described as engaging, thought-provoking, and timely, resonating with current events and societal issues.
My wig slumps on my desk where I have tossed it like flattened roadkill. Out of court, I am careless with this crucial part of my wardrobe, showing it the opposite of what it should command: respect. ... - #5
'The Arrangement' by Kiersten Modglin is a suspenseful thriller that delves into the darker side of secrets in a marriage. The plot revolves around a woman who orchestrates a dangerous situation to keep her husband under control, leading to unexpected twists and turns that keep the readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is described as gripping, with a fast-paced narrative that continuously surprises the readers, making it difficult to predict the outcome until the very end.
My husband had a tell like no other. When he lied to me, his skin flushed bright red. Not the slightest blush red, but I’ve just run a marathon red. It was also the color he became when he was embarra... - #6
'The Cellar' by Natasha Preston revolves around the abduction of a 16-year-old girl named Summer by a man named Clover, who kidnaps young women and forces them to be a part of his twisted family. Summer, along with other captive girls named Rose, Poppy, and Violet, is subjected to a life of psychological torture and manipulation in the cellar. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, including Summer's, her boyfriend Lewis', and Clover's, providing a chilling insight into the horrors faced by the victims and the disturbing mindset of the kidnapper. The plot is filled with suspense, horror, and psychological thrills, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through the dark and twisted narrative.
The writing style of the book is described as gripping, haunting, and eerie, capturing the readers' attention from the start and holding it until the very end. The author's ability to delve into the complexities of the characters, particularly the protagonist Summer, and the antagonist Clover, adds depth to the narrative. explores themes of captivity, survival, teenage love, and the impact of trauma, creating a dark and intense atmosphere that immerses readers into the unsettling world of the cellar.
Looking out my bedroom window, I’m faced with yet another dull English summer day. The heavy clouds made it look way too dark for July, but not even that was going to faze me. Tonight I was going to c... - #7
'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 ... - #8
'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.
Anne can feel the acid churning in her stomach and creeping up her throat; her head is swimming. She’s had too much to drink. Cynthia has been topping her up all night. Anne had meant to keep herself ... - #9
'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... - #10
'The Butterfly Garden' by Dot Hutchison is a disturbing yet captivating thriller that delves into the horrifying tale of a twisted man who kidnaps young women and tattoos butterfly wings on their backs, keeping them in his hidden garden until their untimely fate. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of a kidnapping victim, Inara, as she recounts her harrowing experiences to the police, alternating between present-day interactions and past events in the garden of horrors. The book is praised for its unique storytelling style, compelling plot, and well-developed characters, creating a chilling yet riveting reading experience that keeps readers on edge.
The author, Dot Hutchison, skillfully weaves a dark and twisted storyline that is both disturbing and thought-provoking, leaving readers captivated from beginning to end. The book's exploration of complex themes such as kidnapping, captivity, and survival is done with a delicate yet impactful touch, drawing readers into a world where the line between horror and reality blurs. Through a combination of flashbacks and present-day narrations, the narrative builds tension and suspense, offering a deep dive into the emotional turmoil of the characters and the intricacies of their relationships, making 'The Butterfly Garden' a compelling and unforgettable read.
The techs tell him the girl on the other side of the glass hasn’t said a word since they brought her in. It doesn’t surprise him at first, not with the traumas she’s been through, but watching her now...