Books Like...

"The Girl with a Clock for a Heart" by Peter Swanson is a mystery thriller that follows George Foss, a man in his thirties who gets entangled in the dangerous world of his former college flame, Liana Dector, who reappears in his life after twenty years. The book alternates between present dilemmas and flashbacks, revealing a complex and fast-paced plot that keeps the reader guessing. George's gullibility and his past history with Liana add layers of intrigue and danger to the story, leading to a series of twists and turns that culminate in a suspenseful and gripping narrative.

Swanson's writing style in this debut novel is described as clipped and dry, reminiscent of authors like Dennis Lehane and Walter Mosley. The narrative unfolds rapidly, with a twisting plot that keeps the reader on edge until the last few pages. The book delves into themes of obsessive love, deception, and the consequences of past actions, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience that blends elements of noir with literary fiction.

Peter Swanson's 'All the Beautiful Lies' is a psychological thriller that weaves together two timelines, NOW and THEN. The story follows Harry, a college grad, who returns to Maine after his father's death, only to uncover dark secrets about his stepmother, Alice. As Harry delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding his father's death, he finds himself entangled in a web of lies, deception, and disturbing relationships. The narrative alternates between past and present, gradually revealing the hidden truths that connect Harry and Alice, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns.

The book is praised for its well-written characters, fast-paced plot, and satisfying conclusion. Despite some mixed reviews, readers appreciate the gripping nature of the story, the clever pacing, and the intricate structure that keeps them guessing until the end. With themes of murder, obsession, revenge, and dark pasts, 'All the Beautiful Lies' offers a suspenseful and engaging read that explores the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of buried secrets.

Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson is a thrilling novel that follows the story of Abigail, a bride who has a one-night stand during her bachelorette weekend. As she embarks on her honeymoon with her wealthy husband, Bruce, on a secluded island, she discovers that the man she had the affair with, Scottie, has followed her. The plot twists and turns as Abigail's perfect life unravels, revealing dark secrets and sinister revelations that keep readers guessing until the end. Swanson's writing style is described as engaging, with a slow burn suspense that builds up to a gripping climax, making it a page-turner for fans of the psychological thriller genre.

'All the Missing Girls' by Megan Miranda is a psychological thriller that follows Nicolette Farrell as she returns to her hometown to help her father and brother amidst the disappearance of a young woman who is connected to the vanishing of her childhood friend. The story is told in reverse chronological order, creating a unique and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engaged as they uncover the mysteries surrounding the missing girls and the secrets of the town. delves into themes of relationships, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to protect those they love, all while maintaining a fast-paced and intriguing plot that builds tension until the very end.

'The Red House Mystery' by A.A. Milne is a classic golden age country house locked room novel written in 1922. The story revolves around a murder that takes place in a family mansion when a prodigal brother returns home. The plot includes various tropes common in English mysteries of the time, such as a manor house setting, house party guests, slow-witted police, secret passages, and upper-class behavior. The amateur detective, Antony Gillingham, along with his friend Bill Beverley, sets out to solve the murder mystery, reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes and Watson, in a relaxed and charming manner.

The book is described as a delightful and frothy read with unexpected twists and turns, a witty dialogue, and a lack of gore and violence despite the murder. The writing style is praised for being charming, engaging, and evoking the early 1920s English country manor life. Despite some predictable elements, the book offers a fun and entertaining experience for readers who enjoy the golden age of detective fiction.

'Sun Storm' in the series 'Rebecka Martinsson' by author Asa Larsson is a Swedish mystery novel that follows the story of Rebecka Martinsson, a tax attorney, who is drawn back to her hometown of Kiruna after a brutal murder occurs in a local church. The murder victim, Victor Strandgard, has been mutilated, leading to a complex investigation involving Rebecka, the victim's sister Sanna, and the police detectives Anna Maria Mella and Sven Erik Stalnacke. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets from the past are revealed, intertwined with the present mystery, set against the atmospheric backdrop of the cold and eerie Swedish landscape.

As the story progresses, Rebecka finds herself entangled in the murder case, facing challenges from her past and present relationships, while navigating the intricate dynamics of the church community and the personal struggles of the characters involved. The novel explores themes of trust, betrayal, religious fanaticism, and the dark underbelly of human nature, all woven together in a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged with its intense and disturbing storyline.

'The Girl in a Swing' by Richard Adams is a haunting and mysterious novel that follows the story of Alan Desland, an English ceramics dealer, who meets a beautiful and enigmatic woman named Kathe in Copenhagen. Their whirlwind romance leads to marriage, but as the story unfolds, strange and supernatural events begin to occur, hinting at a darker truth behind Kathe's facade. The plot is described as far-fetched and eerie, with elements of fantasy, love, and horror woven into the narrative. The writing style is lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into a world where reality blurs with the supernatural, leaving them questioning the boundaries between dreams and nightmares.

'You Will Know Me' by Megan Abbott is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark and intense world of elite gymnastics competition. The story follows the Knox family, whose lives revolve around their daughter Devon's Olympic aspirations. As tragedy strikes the gymnastics community, secrets and tensions unravel, leading to a mysterious death and a web of deception. The novel explores the sacrifices made by families for athletic success, the toxic dynamics within the gymnastics world, and the blurred lines between ambition and morality. Abbott's writing style creates a sense of impending doom and unease, keeping readers on edge as they navigate through a twisted plot filled with unlikeable characters and unexpected twists.

'Those Girls' by Chevy Stevens is a gripping thriller that follows the lives of three sisters who flee their abusive father after a tragic incident. As they try to make their way to Vancouver, they encounter more danger and trauma, leading to a chain of events that haunt them for years. The story is intense, emotional, and disturbing, with a plot that keeps readers on edge and characters that are both relatable and heart-wrenching. The book alternates between past and present timelines, delving into themes of abuse, survival, and the bond between siblings.

The Resting Place by Camilla Sten follows Eleanor, a young woman struggling with prosopagnosia, a condition that prevents her from recognizing faces. After witnessing her grandmother's murder, Eleanor inherits her grandmother's hidden estate. She travels there with her boyfriend and aunt to uncover secrets about her grandmother's past and to seek answers about the murder. The story alternates between Eleanor's present-day experiences at the eerie estate and diary entries from the 1960s, detailing the life of a maid named Anushka. Both timelines gradually reveal dark family secrets and motives leading to the murder.

Sten's writing style is atmospheric and suspenseful, creating a chilling environment that draws the reader in. The pacing is slow but builds tension effectively, weaving complex character dynamics and horror elements throughout. Some readers found the character development engaging, while others struggled with the numerous characters and twists, leading to mixed feelings about the plot. While the ending was seen as somewhat unbelievable, the book is praised for its intriguing premise and lyrical prose, making it a captivating read for fans of psychological thrillers.