Oct 6th, 2023 on

Five Psychological Thrillers To Read This Fall 2023

It’s officially fall, that magical time of the year when we start to light our favorite scented candles, snuggle up under soft blankets, and savor sweet hot beverages. As the leaves turn golden and the air crisps with the promise of winter, there’s something about autumn that feels irresistible. But what’s missing from this idyllic picture? A gripping book, of course!

If you know me, you’re aware of my penchant for mystery, crime, and thrillers. This year, I’ve set an ambitious goal for myself: to read a total of 50 books. And here’s the thrilling part – a whopping 90% of them fall under the thriller genre. Why? Because there’s nothing quite like the spine-tingling excitement of a well-crafted psychological thriller.

Now, here’s the unique twist – I’ve decided to share with you my top five psychological thrillers for this year. Why, you ask? Well, let’s face it, finding the next perfect book to read can be a time-consuming pursuit. But fear not, dear reader, because I’ve done the legwork for you, painstakingly selecting these five gems from the vast sea of suspenseful tales. And who knows, if I stumble upon more intriguing books as the season unfolds, I promise to keep you updated.

So, sit back, relax, and let’s embark on this thrilling literary journey together. Get ready to immerse yourself in the intricate web of mysteries, the heart-pounding suspense, and the unexpected twists that these novels have to offer. Fall is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to lose yourself in the chilling world of psychological thrillers.

None of This Is True

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell is back, and with this book, she delivers an absolute masterpiece. I find myself utterly speechless after immersing in this bone-chilling, dark, and mind-bending thriller, which undoubtedly ranks among the best of Lisa Jewell’s works.

The narrative revolves around two women who share the same birthday, Alix and Josie. Alix is a renowned podcaster living what appears to be the perfect life – a beautiful house, a loving family, and the ideal marriage. Josie’s life, however, is far from perfect, and her obsession with Alix takes a dark turn. She becomes fixated on integrating Alix into her podcast, and as fate would have it, their lives and worlds collide as Alix’s studio is located near Josie’s home.

As the story unfolds, and Alix learns more about Josie’s past, the tension in the book builds quickly, taking the story into dark and unsettling territory. I won’t give away any spoilers, but be prepared for a story that will have you staying up late, eagerly turning pages to uncover its secrets. Even after you finish the book, you’ll find yourself thinking about it for days.

None of This Is True is full of suspense and psychological drama. Lisa Jewell’s talent for suspense and her ability to create complex characters shine in this gripping novel. If you enjoy thrillers that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading, this book is a must-read. Lisa Jewell has once again proven herself as a master of the thriller genre.

Everyone Here Is Lying

Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena. Intrigued by stories centered around missing people, both in books and movies, I couldn’t resist picking up this gripping mystery. There’s a certain allure in the suspense of not knowing their fate – are they alive or dead? The story revolves around the disappearance of a 9-year-old girl in a seemingly idyllic neighbourhood. It’s astonishing how many secrets people can hide behind closed doors.

As I delved deeper into the pages, I found myself utterly engrossed in the intricate web of mysteries that unfolded. Shari Lapena, with her masterful storytelling, keeps you guessing at every twist and turn. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, she delivered a plot twist that left me in awe. The ending was a delightful surprise, a testament to Lapena’s ability to craft dark and unexpected resolutions.

The only downside was that I yearned for an additional chapter or two, desperately wanting to witness the well-deserved downfall of the villain and the closure of certain storylines. Lapena, however, knows how to keep her readers hanging on, yearning for more even as she leaves them satisfied.

In Everyone Here Is Lying, Lapena once again showcases her mastery of the suspense genre. Her prose is sharp, and her storytelling is impeccable. She’s a maestro at keeping readers engaged from start to finish, and her ability to craft complex, flawed characters adds a layer of authenticity to her narratives.

Shari Lapena has undoubtedly secured her place as a must-read author on my list, and I can hardly wait to see what she unveils next.

The Perfect Marriage

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose asks a fundamental question: Is there such a thing as a perfect marriage? In this gripping psychological thriller, Rose skillfully navigates the complexities of this concept. The story revolves around a seemingly ideal couple, Sarah and Adam, who possess everything one could desire. Sarah is a dedicated lawyer, while Adam is a struggling writer. In a quest for solitude and creative rejuvenation, Adam retreats alone to their remote cabin, but what unfolds is far from idyllic.

Adam’s muse takes an unexpected and sinister form when he embarks on an affair with Kelly, who is Sarah’s polar opposite. The story takes a harrowing turn when Kelly is found brutally murdered in the couple’s cabin. The question looms: Who is responsible for her death?

Sarah, fuelled by love and a desperate need to believe in her husband’s innocence, decides to take on Adam’s case as his defense attorney. The plot is rife with dark twists and turns as she delves into the depths of deception and betrayal. The truth behind Kelly’s murder remains elusive, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The Perfect Marriage is a rollercoaster ride of suspense, constantly keeping readers on their toes. Doe’s storytelling immerses you in a world where trust is a precious commodity, manipulation lurks in the shadows, and secrets fester beneath the surface.

The ending of the book is bound to be divisive. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it conclusion that leaves no room for indifference. While some may find it daring and thought-provoking, others might yearn for a more traditional resolution. Doe’s willingness to challenge genre norms is evident, and it’s this audacity that makes The Perfect Marriage a unique addition to the psychological thriller genre.

The Good Lie

The Good Lie by A.R Torre. The one with a serial killer! Scott, a young boy, miraculously escapes from the clutches of The Bloody Heart Killer, a perpetrator responsible for the gruesome demise of six innocent victims. In a chilling twist, Scott points the accusing finger at Randall Thompson, an unassuming high school science teacher. Robert Kavin, a relentless defense attorney, takes on the case, firmly believing in Randall’s innocence. But there’s a unique layer to Robert’s involvement—he’s not just a lawyer, but also the grieving father of one of the killer’s victims.

Driven by an unquenchable thirst for justice and fuelled by his dual roles as defender and avenger, Robert assembles an unconventional team. He enlists the expertise of Dr. Gwen Moore, a psychiatrist renowned for her ability to decode the minds of predators and unravel their deepest motives. Gwen’s experience in treating these dark souls becomes an invaluable asset as they work together to construct a chilling profile of the elusive killer.

This narrative is a multifaceted tapestry, intricately woven with numerous threads and backstories. From the very first chapters, it ensnares your imagination, holding you captive in its grip. The pacing of the story is a testament to its brilliance, skilfully maintaining your focus and excitement throughout.

As you delve deeper into the complexities of this psychological thriller, prepare to question the very nature of innocence and guilt. What sets this story apart is its ability to explore the blurred lines between right and wrong, all while keeping you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating each twist and revelation.

Mad Honey

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan, weaves a captivating narrative that seamlessly shifts between two contrasting worlds. On one side, we have Olivia McAfeet, a resilient beekeeper who escapes an abusive relationship, taking refuge in the sanctuary of her father’s beekeeping business. Her journey is one of self-discovery and healing, as she strives for a tranquil and secluded life far removed from her painful past.

On the other side of this literary tapestry is Lily, who, along with her devoted mother Ava, relocates to New Hampshire in pursuit of a brighter future after enduring a series of tragic events in their previous home. In this picturesque setting, a young love story unfolds as Lily crosses paths with Asher, adding a tender and hopeful note to the narrative.

However, the idyllic backdrop shatters when Lily is tragically found dead, and Asher stands accused of her murder. Yet, Mad Honey is not merely a run-of-the-mill murder mystery; it’s a narrative that transcends genre boundaries. Within its pages lies a monumental twist that promises to upend expectations and leave readers reeling in astonishment—a surprise that weaves together themes of love, tragedy, and justice.

But Mad Honey is more than just a thrilling tale. It serves as a powerful vehicle for delivering invaluable life lessons and thought-provoking insights into human rights. Furthermore, the book weaves in fascinating facts about bees, enriching the narrative with a unique blend of knowledge and storytelling.

In the end, Mad Honey is a moving and powerful narrative that touches the heart, evoking a range of emotions from heartbreak to hope. It demonstrates that within the pages of a mystery crime fiction book, one can indeed educate themselves about life, human rights, and even the world of bees, making it a truly enriching and memorable reading experience.