Books Like...
The Housekeeper by Natalie Barelli follows the story of a woman seeking revenge on someone she believed wronged her in the past by posing as her housekeeper. As the plot unfolds, unexpected twists and suspense keep readers engaged, leading to a very satisfying conclusion. The writing style is described as witty, suspenseful, and well-crafted, with memorable characters that evolve throughout the story.
If you liked The Housekeeper, here are the top 9 books to read next:
- #1
"Molly Foster has been in hiding for over 10 years, ever since the day her family were killed in their own home and she only narrowly escaped suffering the same fate. She knows exactly who murdered her family after all she saw it happen, but it is impossible for her to prove, and making any accusations would require her to come forward and reveal her true identity. Instead, she lives in hiding under the false identity of Rachel Holloway. A struggling local newspaper in the UK decides to produce a true crime podcast, based on the disappearance of Molly Foster, a young woman who vanished from the area 10 years prior. What they don't know is that Molly Foster actually works for their newspaper under a false name, and Molly really, really doesn't want to be found."
"Molly knows exactly who killed her family from the very start of the book. Proving it though... that's the hard part. The process is made even more complicated by the fact that Molly is no longer Molly... she's been living under a false identity for years. She can't come forward with accusations without destroying the new life she's built for herself. The man who killed her family is out there, and she knows who he is, but she can't prove it or do anything about it. Not without exposing her own horrible secret. The protagonist is a criminal, albeit a pretty benign and unwilling one. She's an identity thief. She's been pretending to be another woman, who she killed, albeit unintentionally, for years."
I was looking forward to coming back to work this morning after my break, but now that I’m here, something doesn’t feel right. I think it’s because everyone is hunched over their computer keyboard, de... - #2
'The Visitors' by Catherine Burns is a psychological thriller that follows Marion Zetland, a middle-aged woman living in her family home with her controlling older brother, John. The story delves into Marion's sheltered life, her struggles with reality, and the dark secrets hidden within their home, particularly in the basement where mysterious visitors are kept. The book explores themes of family dynamics, psychological manipulation, and the impact of past traumas on the characters' present actions. The writing style is described as creepy, unsettling, and absorbing, with a slow-building tension that keeps readers engaged until the climax.
Like a white bird, the scream flew up from the depths of the cellar, then became trapped inside Marion’s head. As it flapped its wings against the inside of her skull, she wondered how had it got thro... - #3
In 'What She Knew' by Gilly Macmillan, the story revolves around Rachel Jenner and her eight-year-old son, Ben, who goes missing while they are in a Bristol park. The book alternates between Rachel's point of view and that of DI Jim Clemo, the investigator handling the case. As the plot unfolds, the emotional turmoil of having a missing child is vividly portrayed, along with the impact on both the family and the investigators involved. The narrative delves into the complexities of the investigation, the media frenzy surrounding the case, and the societal judgment faced by the mother, creating a gripping portrayal of a parent's worst nightmare.
I’ve thought about this a lot since my son, Ben, went missing, and every time I think about it, it also begs the question: if we’re not who we imagine we are, then is anybody else? If there’s so much ... - #4
'I Let You Go' by Clare Mackintosh is a psychological thriller that starts with a deadly hit and run involving a 5-year-old boy in Bristol. The story follows Jenna Gray, the mother who escapes to a remote Welsh village to rebuild her life, haunted by her past. Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Ray Stevens and his team investigate the hit and run, struggling with personal issues. The book is narrated through multiple perspectives, building tension with well-disguised plot twists and surprising revelations that keep readers hooked till the end.
Detective Inspector Ray Stevens stood next to the window and contemplated his office chair, on which an arm had been broken for at least a year. Until now he had simply taken the pragmatic approach of... - #5
Good Me, Bad Me by Ali Land is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark and disturbing world of a young girl named Milly, who is placed in foster care after turning her serial killer mother over to the police. The book follows Milly's struggles with her past, her inner demons, and her desire to build a new life while dealing with the challenges of her temporary foster family and preparing to testify against her mother in court. The story is gripping, chilling, and explores themes of abuse, trauma, identity, and the complexities of human nature.
His hand – I noticed a slight tremor as it reached for the telephone. Come now, he said. You need to hear this. The silent waiting for his superior to arrive. Bearable for me. Less so for him. A hundr... - #6
'Sometimes I Lie' by Alice Feeney is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Amber Reynolds, who finds herself in a coma and is struggling to uncover the truth about her past and present. The narrative jumps between different time periods, including present day, the week leading up to her coma, and her childhood diaries, adding layers of complexity to the plot. Readers are taken on a suspenseful journey filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep them engaged until the very end.
The writing style of 'Sometimes I Lie' by Alice Feeney has been praised for its ability to create a gripping and suspenseful atmosphere. features an unreliable narrator, multiple timelines, and a cast of unlikable characters, all of which contribute to the overall sense of mystery and tension. The author's use of diary entries and clever storytelling techniques adds depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
I tiptoe downstairs in the early morning darkness, careful not to wake him. Everything is where it ought to be and yet I’m sure something is missing. I pull on my heavy winter coat to combat the cold ... - #7
In In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware, Nora, a reclusive writer, receives an unexpected invitation to an old friend's bachelorette party after a decade of no contact. The story unfolds in a secluded glass house in the woods, where tension rises, secrets are revealed, and a tragedy occurs, plunging Nora deeper into her friend's life. The plot twists, multiple mysteries, and murder unfold in a fast-paced, suspenseful manner, keeping readers hooked until the end.
The atmospheric setting, well-described locations, and unique characters add depth to the narrative, placing readers in the main character's shoes, whether in her flat or the eerie forest cabin. Despite some predictable elements and repetitive moments, the book maintains a level of suspense and mystery that makes it a page-turner, with a satisfying ending that ties up the loose ends of the thrilling plot.
I KNEW, AS soon as I woke up, that it was a day for a park run, for the longest route I do, nearly nine miles in all. The autumn sunlight streamed through the rattan blinds, gilding the bedsheets, and... - #8
'The Chestnut Man' by Søren Sveistrup is a dark and intense Nordic noir thriller that follows Police Inspector Naia Thulin and investigator Mark Hess as they delve into a series of gruesome murders where women are targeted by a deranged serial killer, each crime scene marked by a chestnut man figure. The plot is intricate and keeps readers guessing, with a gripping narrative that unfolds through short, fast-paced chapters. As Thulin and Hess navigate through red herrings and false leads, they uncover shocking revelations and face a relentless pursuit to catch the elusive killer.
The book showcases the author's talent in building complex characters and intricate plots, reminiscent of his work on 'The Killing' series. With a macabre and disturbing storyline, 'The Chestnut Man' weaves together multiple storylines, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. The writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions and unexpected twists that culminate in a pulse-pounding and nerve-wracking conclusion, making it a must-read for fans of dark and intense thrillers.
Red and yellow leaves drift down through the sunlight on to the wet asphalt, which cuts through the woods like a dark and glassy river. As the white squad car tears past, they’re spun briefly in the a... - #9
'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is a psychological thriller that delves into the dysfunctional marriage of Nick and Amy. The story unfolds with a man coming home on his 5th wedding anniversary to find his house destroyed and his wife missing, leading to a search where all clues point towards him. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, portraying the cunning dynamics between the characters, creating a chilling portrait of the ill effects of narcissistic disorder and manipulation. The novel keeps readers on edge as it explores themes of deception, betrayal, and the dark aspects of human nature.
When I think of my wife, I always think of her head. The shape of it, to begin with. The very first time I saw her, it was the back of the head I saw, and there was something lovely about it, the angl...