Books Like...
In "Social Creature" by Tara Isabella Burton, the story revolves around Louise, a struggling young woman in New York City who becomes entangled in the glamorous and hedonistic world of Lavinia, a wealthy and daring socialite. As Louise is drawn into Lavinia's extravagant lifestyle filled with parties, drugs, and social media, their toxic friendship takes unexpected turns. The narrative explores themes of envy, deception, and the darker side of social media influence, leading to a shocking and unpredictable conclusion. Burton's writing style captures the essence of the characters and their actions, drawing readers into a world of privilege and manipulation.
If you liked Social Creature, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save: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... - #2
Save:Set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, "The Marsh King's Daughter" follows the gripping story of Helena, who was born to a mother who had been kidnapped and sequestered by her father, known as the Marsh King. Raised in isolation, Helena grows up with the knowledge that her father is a notorious child abductor, but she adores him despite his cruel and abusive nature. The plot explores Helena's past and present as she navigates the complexities of her upbringing, her escape from captivity, and the looming threat of her father's escape from prison.
The narrative alternates between Helena's childhood experiences in the marshlands and her present-day life as a wife and mother, creating a suspenseful and engaging storyline. As Helena grapples with her conflicting emotions towards her father and confronts the dark secrets of her past, the reader is drawn into a tale of survival, family bonds, and the enduring impact of trauma across generations.
Wait here,” I tell my three-year-old. I lean through the truck’s open window to fish between her booster seat and the passenger door for the plastic sippy cup of lukewarm orange juice she threw in a f... - #3
Save:'Method 15/33' by Shannon Kirk tells the gripping tale of a pregnant teen, Lisa, who is abducted by criminals planning to sell her baby. Lisa's unique ability to turn off her emotions and her brilliant analytical mind make her a fascinating character. The story is narrated from two perspectives - Lisa herself and the FBI agent handling the abduction case. The plot is compelling, with a steady pace and true psychological suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
I lay there on the fourth day plotting his death. Compiling assets in a list in my mind, I found relief in the planning…a loose floor board, a red knit blanket, a high window, exposed beams, a keyhole... - #4
Save:The Child Finder, by Rene Denfeld, follows private investigator Naomi Cottle, known as The Child Finder, as she searches for missing children. In this book, Naomi is tasked with finding Madison Culver, a young girl who disappeared in the mountains of Oregon. The narrative alternates between Naomi's search for Madison and Madison's perspective as a captive, creating a chilling tale of survival and resilience. The book explores themes of child abduction, trauma, and the emotional journey of both the investigator and the missing child.
The home was a small yellow cottage on an empty street. There was something dispirited about it, but Naomi was used to that. The young mother who answered the door was petite and looked much older tha... - #5
Save:"Baby Teeth" by Zoje Stage is a chilling psychological horror novel that delves into the disturbing relationship between a mother, Suzette, and her mute 7-year-old daughter, Hanna. The story unfolds through alternating chapters narrated by Suzette and Hanna, revealing Hanna's dark desires to eliminate her mother and have her father all to herself. As the plot progresses, the tension escalates, showcasing Hanna's manipulative and devious nature, leading to a terrifying and unsettling narrative. The book explores themes of obsession, parental love, and the thin line between fear and affection in a gripping and intense writing style that keeps readers on edge.
MAYBE THE MACHINE could see the words she never spoke. Maybe they blazed in her bones. Maybe if the people in the white coats blew up the pictures they’d see her thoughts, mapped like mountains and ra... - #6
Save:'My Lovely Wife' by Samantha Downing is a thrilling novel that follows the story of a seemingly perfect suburban couple who engage in a dark and twisted double life of murder. The plot unfolds through the husband's perspective as he narrates their murderous spree orchestrated by his wife, Millicent. As the story progresses, the facade of their normal family life crumbles, revealing a chilling tale of deception and manipulation. The book is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the true extent of the couple's sinister activities.
SHEISLOOKING at me. Her blue eyes are glassy, they flicker down to her drink and back up. I look at my own drink and can feel her watching, wondering if I’m as interested as she is. I glance over and ... - #7
Save:'White Ivy' by Susie Yang follows the journey of Ivy Lin, a Chinese immigrant who struggles to fit in and navigate between her family's values and her aspirations for a wealthier lifestyle. The story delves into Ivy's complex character, her manipulative tendencies, and her relationships with Gideon, a wealthy classmate, and Roux, a mysterious figure from her past. The narrative weaves together themes of identity, ambition, and deception as Ivy grapples with her desires and past transgressions, leading to a gripping and suspenseful exploration of privilege and self-discovery.
The book is characterized by its intricate plot that unfolds through unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and intrigued until the very end. Susie Yang's writing style is praised for its ability to portray Ivy as a multifaceted and flawed protagonist, evoking a mix of emotions from readers as they witness her journey from a young girl yearning for acceptance to a woman entangled in a web of lies and secrets that threaten to unravel her carefully constructed facade.
IVY LIN WAS A THIEF but you would never know it to look at her. Maybe that was the problem. No one ever suspected—and that made her reckless. Her features were so average and nondescript that the brai... - #8
Save:In Help for the Haunted by John Searles, Sylvie and Rose are teenage sisters whose parents, known for helping haunted individuals, are mysteriously murdered. The story unfolds through flashbacks and present-day events, exploring the family dynamics, the murder mystery, and the sisters' quest for answers. The writing style includes vivid imagery, nonlinear storytelling, and a mix of paranormal elements with a focus on family relationships and character development.
My mother picked up on the first ring so as not to wake my sister, if she was home, or me. In hushed tones, she soothed the caller before handing the phone to my father. His voice was stiffer, more fo... - #9
Save: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 ... - #10
Save:In a world where people can only remember one or two days in the past, the murder of a woman sets off a chain of events involving a famous author, his wife, and a detective. The story unfolds in a society divided between Monos and Duos, where memories are recorded in diaries and emotions like love and hatred are challenged. The book presents a murder mystery with unexpected twists and a unique premise that explores the impact of memory on relationships and society.
A man is whimpering in the kitchen. He is also blocking my way to the marble counter where my iDiary lies, its LED indicator still flashing electric purple. I squint; he’s clutching his left hand and ...
