Books Like...
'Daisy Darker' by Alice Feeney is a gripping psychological thriller that unfolds on a remote island during a stormy night. The Darker family gathers for Nana's 80th birthday, only to find themselves trapped in a gothic house as the tide cuts off their only escape route. As the night progresses, family secrets, dark pasts, and hidden guilt come to light, leading to a series of mysterious events and a shocking murder. With a narrative that jumps between the present danger and the family's history, the story keeps readers on edge, exploring themes of family dysfunction, deception, and betrayal. Feeney's writing style expertly weaves together suspense, unexpected twists, and complex characters, creating a haunting and atmospheric tale that delves into the depths of human nature.
If you liked Daisy Darker, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Rock Paper Scissors is a thrilling domestic thriller that revolves around a troubled married couple, Adam and Amelia, who win a weekend getaway to Scotland in an attempt to mend their failing marriage. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through secrets, lies, and unexpected revelations. The narrative is skillfully crafted with alternating points of view, short chapters, and a gripping plotline that culminates in a jaw-dropping twist that challenges perceptions and leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
I feel him staring at me as I drive, and wonder what he sees. Nobody else looks familiar to him either, but it is still strange to think that the man I married wouldn’t be able to pick me out in a pol... - #2
The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor is a thriller that intertwines the lives of the main characters, Eddie and his friends, between 1986 and 2016. The story revolves around childhood memories, mysterious chalk figures, a murder, and the repercussions that haunt them in adulthood. The narrative style switches back and forth in time, revealing dark secrets, unexpected twists, and a sense of creeping dread that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.
The letter arrives without a flourish or fanfare or even a sense of foreboding. It slips through the letter box, sandwiched between a charity envelope for Macmillan and a flyer for a new pizza takeawa... - #3
The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji is a classic locked room mystery novel that takes inspiration from Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. The story follows a group of college students who are members of a mystery club, each named after a famous mystery author, as they visit an island for a week. However, their trip turns into a nightmare when they start getting picked off one by one by a cunning killer. The plot is described as a stunner, with an ending that rivals other audacious mystery novels, leaving readers shocked and satisfied. The book is praised for its clever twists, engaging plot, and nods to classic mystery tropes.
The writing style of The Decagon House Murders is noted to be easily digestible and compelling, with a translation that is commended for making the story a page-turner. The book is lauded for its homage to Agatha Christie's work while still bringing its own unique qualities to the table. The characters, although lacking in depth, serve the plot well, and the mystery itself is engaging, filled with red herrings that lead to a surprising and satisfying conclusion.
“In my opinion, mystery fiction is, at its core, a kind of intellectual puzzle. An exciting game of reasoning in the form of a novel. A game between the reader and the great detective, or the reader a... - #4
'The Guest List' by Lucy Foley is a suspenseful thriller set on a remote Irish island where a wedding turns deadly. The plot unfolds through multiple character perspectives, revealing secrets, lies, and motives for murder. The writing style is described as engaging, with a fluid timeline, clever plotting, and a gripping atmosphere reminiscent of Big Little Lies.
In an instant, everything is in darkness. The band stop their playing. Inside the marquee the wedding guests squeal and clutch at one another. The light from the candles on the tables only adds to the... - #5
A group of friends from Oxford and their significant others spend the New Year's holiday in a secluded Lodge in Scotland. One ends up dead, sparking suspicions among the group. The narrative toggles between the days leading up to the murder and the aftermath, gradually revealing the victim and the killer. The characters are complex, harboring resentments, secrets, and conflicts, adding layers to the locked room mystery set in a snowbound hunting lodge. The author, Lucy Foley, crafts a suspenseful tale with a cast of unlikeable characters, keeping readers guessing until the end.
As he comes closer I see that his features are frozen with shock. I know this look. I have seen it before. This is the expression of someone who has witnessed something horrific, beyond the bounds of ... - #6
'True Crime Story' by Joseph Knox is a unique and innovative novel that delves into the disappearance of a 19-year-old student, Zoe Nolan, during a party in Manchester. The book is written in a bold three-dimensional style, incorporating interviews with Zoe's friends and family, email exchanges between characters, and notes from the publisher. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through Zoe's troubled past, strained relationships, and mysterious events at university, creating a narrative that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. The story is presented in a way that immerses readers in a complex web of characters and events, challenging them to question the authenticity of the unfolding mystery.
The writing style of 'True Crime Story' has been praised for its originality and clever plotting, with readers describing it as compelling, absorbing, and unpredictable. Through a series of twists and turns, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats, immersing them in a world where the characters feel incredibly real and the narrative unfolds in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Despite its fictitious nature, the book is lauded for its ability to push the boundaries of crime writing and create a story that feels authentic and captivating.
- #7
One by One by Ruth Ware is a fast-paced thriller set in a French chalet where an avalanche and blizzard cut off the inhabitants from the rest of the mountain, leading to a series of mysterious deaths. The story is told from alternating points of view, creating a suspenseful atmosphere reminiscent of Agatha Christie's works. The plot revolves around a group of co-workers from a music networking app company called Snoop who are trapped in the chalet, testing their relationships and revealing hidden motives as the body count rises.
I keep my earbuds shoved into my ears on the minibus from Geneva Airport. I ignore Topher’s hopeful looks and Eva, glancing over her shoulder at me. It helps, somehow. It helps to shut out the voices ... - #8
'The Sun Down Motel' by Simone St. James is a chilling and suspenseful novel that follows the intertwined stories of Vivian Delaney, a temporary night clerk at the eerie Sun Down Motel in 1982, and Carly Kirk, Vivian's niece who arrives at the motel in 2017 to investigate her aunt's mysterious disappearance. The book seamlessly weaves between the two timelines, delving into paranormal phenomena, mysterious occurrences, and the dark secrets surrounding the motel. Simone St. James masterfully portrays the suspense and thriller elements, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the haunting mysteries within the walls of the Sun Down Motel.
That was fine with her. She preferred it. It was something she’d discovered, working the night shift at this place in the middle of nowhere: Being with people was easy, but being alone was hard. Espec... - #9
The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson is a coming-of-age story set in 1980s Niagara Falls, Canada. The narrative follows Jake, a 12-year-old boy, who forms a bond with his eccentric uncle, Calvin, and a new friend, Billy Yellowbird. Together, they embark on adventures with the Saturday Night Ghost Club, exploring haunted sites while navigating the challenges of growing up. The writing style evokes nostalgia and a sense of magic, drawing readers into the world of childhood curiosity and imagination.
The book blends elements of urban legends, family drama, and ghost stories, creating a narrative that delves into themes of friendship, love, and memory. Through Jake's eyes, readers are taken on a journey that intertwines the supernatural with the realities of adolescence, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of coming to terms with the complexities of life and adulthood.
Most people believe the human brain is solid. They imagine a loaf of bread soaked in gelatin: you can hack off quivering slices, same as you would with a Jell-O mold at a family picnic. But the truth ... - #10
'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, ...