Books Like...
Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton is a gripping mystery set in the Falkland Islands, revolving around the tragic deaths of two young boys and the disappearance of several children. The story follows Catrin Quinn, a grieving mother seeking revenge, her former best friend Rachel, and ex-soldier Callum Murray, all narrating their own perspectives as dark secrets unravel amidst suspicion and hysteria in the small island community.
If you liked Little Black Lies, here are the top 15 books to read next:
- #1
In "Rubbernecker" by Belinda Bauer, the story revolves around Patrick Fort, a young man with Asperger's Syndrome who is studying anatomy to understand death, especially after his father's mysterious passing. As he dissects a body in class, he becomes convinced that the death was not natural and sets out on an unconventional investigation. The book weaves together different perspectives, including that of coma patients, to uncover a gripping mystery filled with twists and turns. Bauer's writing style is praised for its unique premise, tight plotting, and the portrayal of a protagonist with Asperger's in a compassionate and realistic manner.
He sighed and wished he were on his bicycle. No bother with jams then. But his mother had insisted on driving – even though Patrick didn’t like riding in cars – because he was in his good clothes for ... - #2
The Shut Eye by Belinda Bauer is a gripping mystery crime thriller revolving around the disappearance of a young boy named Daniel. The story follows the distraught mother, Anna, who clings to the last sign of her son by preserving his footprints in wet cement. As the investigation unfolds, DCI Marvel, a maverick detective, becomes involved in the case, which leads to unexpected connections with other missing children and a psychic known as the shut eye. Bauer's writing style is praised for its unique storytelling approach, blending elements of suspense, dark humor, and misdirection to keep readers engaged until the surprising conclusion.
It was eight thirty-seven, and he’d done the same thing less than a minute earlier. He had promised Debbie he would be home by nine. Normally it wouldn’t matter, but tonight it did, although he wasn’t... - #3
"The Beautiful Dead" by Belinda Bauer follows the story of Eve Singer, a TV crime reporter who becomes entangled in a twisted game with a serial killer who thrives on public attention. As Eve covers the gruesome murders orchestrated by the killer, she finds herself in danger while juggling her career aspirations and caring for her father who suffers from dementia. The plot is fast-paced, filled with suspenseful moments, and culminates in a breath-taking denouement at the Tate Modern.
The writing style of Belinda Bauer seamlessly blends the normalcy of everyday lives with the dark and twisted world of serial killers. The characterization, particularly the complex relationship between Eve and her father, adds depth to the narrative and provides poignant moments amidst the thrilling storyline. delves into themes of morality, the media's obsession with sensationalism, and the psychological intricacies of the characters, making it a gripping and engaging read.
She’d worn them on Thursday night and again on Friday night while making cheese on toast for tea. And she had worn them to work on a Saturday even though she knew she’d be the only person on the eight... - #4
'The Survivors' by Jane Harper is a gripping mystery set in a small Tasmanian beach town, where a series of tragedies unfold, connecting the past with the present. The story follows Kieran Elliott, who returns to his hometown with his girlfriend and baby daughter, only to be faced with a new murder that seems linked to a tragedy from twelve years earlier. Harper's writing style beautifully captures the atmospheric setting of Tasmania, with its dangerous caves and treacherous storms, while unraveling a complex tale of guilt, lies, and hidden secrets.
Kieran hoped the numbness would set in soon. The ocean’s icy burn usually mellowed into something more neutral, but as the minutes ticked by he still felt cold. He braced himself as a fresh wave broke... - #5
The Couple at No 9 by Claire Douglas is a gripping crime novel that follows the story of an abused woman's love for her daughter and the extreme efforts she goes to in order to keep them both safe. With well thought out characters and a simmering plot that gradually unfolds, readers are taken on a roller coaster ride of suspense and mystery. The narrative jumps seamlessly between characters, delivering multiple perspectives and intricate relationships that culminate in a shocking revelation towards the end.
- #6
"Layla" by Colleen Hoover is a paranormal romance novel that follows the story of Leeds and Layla, who have an instant connection and fall in love. However, tragedy strikes, and things take a dark turn when they return to the place where they first met. The plot is described as a mix of romance, thriller, and paranormal elements, keeping the reader engaged and intrigued until the end. The writing style is praised for its ability to create a sense of suspense and mystery, with unexpected twists and turns that captivate the reader's attention.
It’s the first thing I notice about her while I’m on the stage, playing to a dwindling crowd. Long arms she seems to have no idea how to control. She’s barefoot, moving around in the grass, deliberate... - #7
Jane Harper's The Lost Man is a mystery suspense novel set in the harsh Australian outback. The story follows the Bright family, focusing on the death of middle son, Cameron, and the unraveling of family dynamics and secrets following his mysterious demise. The narrative delves into themes of isolation, family relationships, and the unforgiving landscape of the outback, culminating in a slow-burning exploration of the characters and their past.
He had crested the rise, gripping the steering wheel as the off-road terrain tried to snatch control from his hands, and suddenly it was all there in front of him. Visible, but still miles away, givin... - #8
Gentlemen and Players by Joanne M. Harris is a dark and sinister thriller set in a prestigious all boys boarding school, St. Oswald's. The story revolves around a clever psychopath seeking revenge on the school, creating a complex psychological mystery that keeps the reader hooked until the unpredictable ending. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, including that of Roy Straitley, an elderly Classics master, and the mysterious assailant, adding depth to the plot and character development.
The book delves into themes of revenge, deception, loyalty, and identity within the backdrop of a British public school. With a well-crafted plot, unexpected twists, and engaging character interactions, Gentlemen and Players offers a gripping and suspenseful read that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
If there's one thing I've learned in the past fifteen years, it's this: that murder is really no big deal. It's just a boundary, meaningless and arbitrary as all others - a line drawn in the dirt. Lik... - #9
The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware follows the story of Harriet Westaway, also known as Hal, who receives a letter about an inheritance from her grandmother, Hester Westaway, a woman she never knew existed. Desperate for money, Hal decides to attend the funeral and reading of the will, only to uncover a web of family secrets and mysteries that she must navigate. As she delves deeper into the Westaway family, Hal finds herself in danger and must untangle the truth about her parentage amidst a backdrop of isolation, deception, and dark revelations.
Ruth Ware's writing in The Death of Mrs. Westaway is described as engrossing, gothic, and suspenseful, reminiscent of classics like Rebecca. The book combines elements of family turmoil, long-buried secrets, and a brooding Cornish mansion, all wrapped up in a twisty mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With a compelling protagonist, shifty characters, and a questionable will, Ware's storytelling style draws readers in and immerses them in a modern take on the classic gothic mystery genre.
The girl leaned, rather than walked, into the wind, clutching the damp package of fish and chips grimly under one arm even as the gale plucked at the paper, trying to unravel the parcel and send the c... - #10
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...