15 Great Psychological Thriller Books To Bend Your Mind (2024)

Psychological thrillers have always held a special place in the minds of avid readers, not only because of their intricate twists, but because of the pulse-pounding action that comes with diving into the plots, characters and themes that define each story. Although the genre kicked off between the late 19th and early 20th century, these stories continue to inspire intrigue and fascination decades later, with some also inspiring TV adaptations.

Top Thriller Books

A good psychological thriller book earns readers’ respect by capturing their attention with high-stakes conflict, unforgettable tension and unpredictable twists. Unlike mystery books, which focus on whodunits, thrillers emphasize the danger and psychological pressure faced by the protagonist and those around them. Suspense novels on the other hand, build slow, escalating anxiety, while thrillers deliver fast-paced excitement and looming danger. Some well-known psychological thriller authors include the king of horror, Stephen King, Gillian Flynn, whose Gone Girl revolutionized modern thrillers, and Patricia Highsmith, whose The Talented Mr. Ripley made Ripley a pop-culture phenom, even recognized in rap songs. With a growing search volume for terms like “psychological thriller books” and “thriller novels,” these stories continue to interest critics and avid readers. Here are 15 great psychological thrillers that have defined the core of the genre over decades, making a lasting impact on reading culture, public acceptance and popularity.

15. My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite (2018)

This fast-paced psychological thriller has all the makings of a modern classic. In My Sister, the Serial Killer, Oyinkan Braithwaite follows the story of two sisters, Korede, a nurse, and her beautiful, yet troubled sister, Ayoola. The plot of the story centers around Ayoola’s deadly pattern of murdering Korode’s boyfriends, by fatally stabbing them through the heart. Ayoola’s beauty and charm starkly contrast with Korede’s grounded practicality and loyalty, which forms the baseline for the storyline and the aftermath of each murder. Things get a bit complicated, however, when Korede has a new love interest. The novel’s incisive wit, dark humor and exploration of morality’s grey areas make it a standout addition in the modern psychological thriller genre.

Who should read this: People who enjoy storylines with dark humor and moral dilemmas.

Where can you read / rent / buy this book?: Penguin Random House.

14. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (2005)

Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is not just famous for its catchy title. In this novel, Larsson uses Swedish society as a backdrop to tell the story of Harriet Vanger, a heiress tp one of Sweden’s wealthiest families, who mysteriously goes missing for 40 years. In an attempt to find the truth, Harriet’s aging uncle goes to Mikael Blomkvist for help. Blomkvist, a controversial investigative journalist and the publisher for a political magazine called Millennium, has been charged with libel, and whose credibility as a journalist is in question. With the help of tattooed, nonconformist Lisbeth Salander, they work to get to invest what turns out to be a web of lies, corruption, deceit and secrets.

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Who should read this: Readers who enjoy storylines with plots about deception and conspiracy.

Where can you read / rent / buy this book?: Penguin Random House.

13. Rebecca By Daphne du Maurier (1938)

This classic Gothic psychological thriller by Daphne du Maurier follows the story of an unnamed protagonist, who meets and falls in love with affluent widower, Maxim de Winter in Monte-Carlo and is thrilled when he proposes. The excitement of their love, however, fades into the background when they return to Maxim’s lavish estate in Manderley and the memory of Maxim’s late wife, Rebecca, begins to taunt the story’s heroine. Compared to Rebecca, the first wife, the heroine feels inferior and unable to measure up. These feelings are only compounded by Mrs. Danvers, Maxim’s cunning housekeeper, but there is more to the history of Rebecca’s death than meets the eye. Through careful, suspense, mystery and psychological intrigue, du Maurier tells this classic story in a way that has inspired countless successors and multiple adaptations.

Who should read this: Readers who enjoy stories with multiple psychological plot twists.

Where can you read / rent / buy this book?: Hachette Book Group.

12. Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith (1950)

Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers on a Train is about two strangers who meet on a train and end up hatching a lethal plot. Guy Haines and Charles Anthony Bruno both lead troubled lives and after they start talking for a while, they decide to “exchange murders.” Haines has an unfaithful wife, Miriam and would like to leave her and marry his true love, Anne Faulkner. Bruno offers to kill Miriam if Guy agrees to kill Bruno’s father. At first, Guy dismisses Bruno’s sadistic proposal as a dark joke, but things take a turn when Bruno follows through and murders Miriam while Guy is in Mexico. In 1951, the novel was adapted into a movie by Alfred Hitchcock.

Who should read this: Readers who enjoy noir fiction.

Where can you read / rent / buy this book?: The Center for Fiction.

11. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1866)

Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment is a psychological drama that follows protagonist Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, a sickly and impoverished former law student living in St. Petersburg. Rodion’s name is derived from the Russian word “raskolnik,” which means “schismatic” or “divided,” which reflects his internal conflict and alienation from society. Driven by desperation and a complex philosophical justification, Raskolnikov plans to murder a greedy pawnbroker, believing that the act will free him from his financial issues and serve a greater good. However, the crime triggers psychological torment as Raskolnikov struggles with guilt, paranoia, mental anguish and the crumbling of his moral compass.

Who should read this: Readers who enjoy books that discuss morality and its grey areas.

Where can you read / rent / buy this book?: Barnes & Noble.

10.The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (2003)

Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code had such a compelling plot that it was adapted into a film just three years after its release, grossing $760 million worldwide against a $125 million budget. The ultra fast-paced, multi-themed thriller used art, history and religion in a mind-boggling mystery which begins with the grisly murder of Jacques Saunière, the curator of the Louvre Museum, whose body is found surrounded by a series of baffling codes and symbols. Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is called to the scene and teams up with French cryptologist Sophie Neveu, Saunière’s estranged granddaughter, to solve the mysterious puzzle and find the Holy Grail.

Who should read this: Readers who enjoy complex, high-action plots that fuse together intriguing elements like art, religion, science and history to tell alternative religious stories.

Where can you read / rent / buy this book?: Penguin Random House.

9. Along Came a Spider by James Patterson (1993)

James Patterson’s Along Came a Spider is a classic thriller that introduced readers to the world of homicide detective Alex Cross and established him as an acclaimed author. The novel opens with the shocking kidnapping of two children from an elite private school in Washington, D.C.: Maggie Rose Dunne, the daughter of a famous actress, and Michael Goldberg, the son of the Secretary of the Treasury. Alex works with a hostage-rescue team to solve the mystery of finding the children and returning them to their parents, but things get murky when Michael’s body is found, and a ransom note from the murder-kidnapper surfaces, increasing the urgency of the plot.

Who should read this: Readers who enjoy classic thrillers.

Where can you read / rent / buy this book?: Hachette Book Group.

8. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn/Dan Mallory (2018)

Dan Mallory’s New York Times bestseller The Woman in the Window follows the story of Dr. Anna Fox, an agoraphobic and traumatized child psychologist who spends her days watching her neighbors through her New York City apartment window. One day, her life takes a dramatic turn when she believes she witnesses a crime in a neighbor’s house, but no one believes her. Anna’s own past seems to overshadow her present. After enduring the deaths of her husband, Ed, and her daughter, Olivia, Anna becomes a shadow of herself, and this contributes to the perception that the crime did not occur.

Who should read this: Readers who enjoy mind bending storylines.

Where can you read / rent / buy this book?: HarperCollins Publishers.

7. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane (2003)

U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule, a recent transfer from the Seattle office of the U.S. Marshals arrive at Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane to investigate the disappearance of a patient. Their investigation uncovers unexpected secrets about the institution and Teddy’s own mental state. The plot of Shutter Island happen over four days in September 1954, with the novel divided into sections that follow the events of each day. This book opens up readers to a universe where nothing is as it seems.

Who should read this: Readers who enjoy intrigue and plots that are not as simple as they appear.

Where can you read / rent / buy this book?: HarperCollins Publishers.

6. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (2015)

This New York Times bestseller follows the life of 33-year-old Rachel Watson, a divorced alcoholic whose life is spiraling out of control when she becomes intrigued by a couple she watches during her daily train commute. When Megan, one-half of the couple goes missing and Rachel eventually learns that she was murdered, Rachel becomes caught up in the investigation, which leads to shocking truths about her own life and the people in her past, most specifically, Tom, her ex-husband, who is now married to another woman. As she becomes more invested in the mystery, Rachel’s memory, which she at first believes is unreliable, becomes a baseline for the truth to be revealed. Her involvement with the missing woman’s story and her own fractured past collide to uncover a sinister reality about her ex-husband, his affair with the murdered woman and the reality of their relationship.

Who should read this: Readers who enjoy books that focus on complex human dynamics and entanglements.

Where can you read / rent / buy this book?: Penguin Random House.

5. The Other Woman by Sandie Jones (2016)

Emily thinks she’s found the perfect man in Adam, but his mother, Pammie, is determined to drive them apart. The psychological tension builds as Emily struggles to come to grips with the manipulative relationship with her potential mother-in-law. The tension between Emily and Pammie is what drives the core of the book and makes it a compelling read, but besides that, the way Adam’s character evolves to reveal someone who is the total opposite from the way he was initially portrayed further makes the book even more fascinating.

Who should read this: Readers who enjoy novels that have a build up of tension between characters.

Where can you read / rent / buy this book?: Macmillan Publishers.

4. The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris (1988)

This chilling thriller brings Hannibal Lecter, the quintessential, yet infamous modern-day villain fully to life through pages. In this novel, Clarice Starling a young and inexperienced FBI recruit is trying to solve a series of murders by dangerous serial killer, Buffalo Bill, but to do so, he has to figure out a way to understand the mind of a serial killer and he finds an unlikely source in Hannibal, the serial killer of all serial killers. Harris’s masterful storytelling and unforgettable build up of plot and suspense have made this one of the most well-respected psychological thrillers of all time. The book inspired the 1991 movie The Silence of the Lambs, starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, which grossed $273 million worldwide.

Who should read this: Readers who are intrigued by the confluence of human depravity and thrill.

Where can you read / rent / buy this book?: Macmillan Publishers.

3. Misery by Stephen King (1987)

No list of psychological thrillers would be complete without Stephen King, and Misery is a prime example of King’s storytelling mastery. This novel follows Paul Sheldon, an author famous for his Victorian romance series featuring Misery Chastain, who after deciding to kill off Misery in his latest book to pursue new projects, suffers a severe car accident in a remote area. At first, Paul is thankful to get the help of Annie Wilkes, a former nurse and his self-proclaimed “number one fan.” However, Paul’s relief turns to horror when he realizes that Annie has no intention of letting him go. Instead of taking him to a hospital, she holds him captive in her isolated home and as the story unfolds, readers are horrifyingly drawn into a story of obsession, depravity and survival.

Who should read this: Readers who enjoy books with themes of obsession.

Where can you read / rent / buy this book?: Simon & Schuster.

2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012)

Gillian Flynn paints an accurate portrait of the proverb “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” in Gone Girl. The psychological thriller is about Amy Dunne, who quietly vanishes from her home in North Carthage, Missouri, on the morning of her fifth wedding anniversary. The evidence of a violent struggle suggests foul play, and suspicion quickly falls on Nick, whose behavior seems to increasingly trigger doubt in the minds of many onlookers plugged into the case. As the police investigation heats up and the media gets involved, more people start to vilify Nick. However, it turns out that Amy’s disappearance was actually a revenge plot all along for his infidelity and as hard as he tries to prove this after he discovers it, no one will believe him.

Who should read this: Readers who like psychotic protagonists who take karma into their hands.

Where can you read / rent / buy this book?: Penguin Random House.

1. The Shining by Stephen King (1977)

It’s no surprise that Stephen King makes the list again with his critically acclaimed novel, The Shining. This novel follows Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic who accepts a job as a winter caretaker at the eerie and remote Overlook Hotel. With him are his wife, Wendy, and their young son, Danny, and at first, the hotel seems like a perfect retreat for Jack to focus on his writing, but not for long. Danny, who possesses a psychic ability known as “the shining,” soon begins to see visions of the hotel’s horrific past and the evil forces that haunt the hotel. These dark forces soon begin to target Jack, preying on his weaknesses and sanity and revealing a sinister side of his personality that threatens to destroy his family.

Who should read this: Stephen King fans who are intrigued by thrillers that hinge on malevolent forces.

Where can you read / rent / buy this book?: Penguin Random House.

Bottom Line

Many of the authors on this list have successfully created some of the most mentally intense stories and characters that have left readers tense, conflicted and committed. From the psychotic baseline of Gone Girl to the heavy-paced thrill of The Da Vinci Code, these multi-faceted novels are a must-read for every type of literary enthusiast.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are Some Of The Best Mystery Books?

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Release Date: 2005

Synopsis: This novel introduces readers to Lisbeth Salander, an unorthodox outlaw, and Mikael Blomkvist, a disgraced journalist. Together, they team up to investigate the 40-year-old disappearance of Harriet Vanger, a member of one of Sweden's wealthiest families. As they begin to dig deeper into the mystery behind her disappearance, they discover a trail of shocking truths.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Release Date: 2012

Synopsis: Nick and Amy Dunne's marriage is the perfect facade, but when Amy goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick becomes the prime suspect. As the media goes into a frenzy over the story and police pressure mounts, the truth about their relationship is revealed. The novel’s alternating perspectives and unexpected plot twists keep readers glued to every page they turn.

What Are Good Romantic Thriller Books?

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Release Date: 1938

Synopsis: This classic romantic thriller tells the story of a young, unnamed protagonist who meets and marries wealthy widower Maxim de Winter, hoping for a happy life together. Upon moving to his grand estate, Manderley, she finds herself living in the shadow of Maxim's first wife, Rebecca, who she feels inferior to. As she story progresses, the young woman discovers secrets of Rebecca's life and death and becomes entangled in a web of mystery.

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Release Date: 1936

Synopsis: This epic story is set against the backdrop of American Civil War and follows the passionate life of Scarlett O'Hara, the beautiful, yet headstrong daughter of a Georgia plantation owner. In this story, Scarlett experiences romantic entanglements which are shown by her unrequited love for Ashley Wilkes and fling with the scandalous Rhett Butler. The story hinges on themes of love, loss, war, chivalry and pride which make this book a classic.

What Are Some Of The Best Crime Novels?

The Godfather by Mario Puzo

Release Date: 1969

Synopsis: This iconic crime novel follows the powerful and dangerous Corleone family in post-World War II New York. Headed by the patriarch, Vito Corleone, the family has their hand dipped in everything dangerous and morally bankrupt including organized crime and political corruption, but they are known for their loyalty to family. As Vito’s youngest son, Michael, is drawn deeper into the family business, he faces moral dilemmas and violent conflicts that shape his destiny. Puzo's storytelling and complex characters make The Godfather an influential work in crime fiction.

What Are Good Thriller Audiobooks?

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Release Date: 2019

Synopsis: Alicia Berenson, a painter, kills her husband Gabriel Berenson and shortly after, refuses to speak about the rationale behind her actions. As she awaits trial at home she paints a picture titled Alcestis, which is inspired by an ancient Greek play. Psychotherapist Theo Faber comes across the picture at an art gallery determined to get to the bottom of her silence and this dynamic drives the direction of the story. The audiobook, narrated by Jack Hawkins and Louise Brealey, gives readers an unforgettable and immersive experience, drawing listeners them into the psychological depth of the story.

Who Are The Best Thriller Fiction Authors?

Stephen King
Known as the master of horror and suspense, Stephen King has written numerous bestselling thrillers. His works often explore the darker aspects of human nature and the intensity of psychological horror.

James Patterson

James Patterson is a prolific well-respected author with a talent for creating fast-paced stories like the Alex Cross and Women's Murder Club series. His book Along Came a Spider is a staple in the thriller genre.

Lee Child
Creator of the iconic Jack Reacher series, Lee Child's novels are shaped by their action-packed storylines which follow the rugged protagonist, Jack Reacher.

15 Great Psychological Thriller Books To Bend Your Mind (2024)

FAQs

15 Great Psychological Thriller Books To Bend Your Mind? ›

Stephen King: King of Thrillers and Horror.

Who is the king of thrillers? ›

Stephen King: King of Thrillers and Horror.

What books are similar to The Silent Patient? ›

Why do people like psychological thriller books? ›

Thriller readers are often drawn to the darker aspects of human nature. Exploring the darker side of humanity provides a sense of catharsis and allows readers to safely engage with their own fears and anxieties.

What book is Verity similar to? ›

Who is the best thriller writer of all time? ›

The Best Crime & Thriller Authors of All Time as Voted by You
  1. 1 - Peter James. Peter James has effortlessly stolen the crown with an incredible number of votes.
  2. 2 - James Patterson. ...
  3. 3 - Val McDermid. ...
  4. 4 - Ian Rankin. ...
  5. 5 - Agatha Christie. ...
  6. 6 - Martina Cole. ...
  7. 7 - Sheila Quigley. ...
  8. 8 - R. C. Bridgestock. ...

Who is the father of thriller? ›

Father of thriller and master of suspense are all phrases that have been used to describe Alfred Hitchcock, but did you know the famous movie director was also a #NewUSCitizen?

Will there be a movie for The Silent Patient? ›

“The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides was first announced to become a movie shortly after its release in 2019. The rights to the smash-hit psychological thriller were obtained by Annapurna Pictures, and the movie is set to be directed by Joe Wright best known for his work on “Pride & Prejudice” and “Atonement.”

Should a 14 year old read The Silent Patient? ›

Around 94% of readers liked this book, and the story has an audiobook version that many enjoy as well. Now The Silent Patient is a paranoid nightmare of a novel which is why I would refrain kids under 11 from reading it. Mature teens, mostly around 13 and up could potentially enjoy this sort of story.

Is The Silent Patient a slow read? ›

I will admit that after the introduction of characters and setting the book did get a little slow, but about a third of the way through, I couldn't put the book down.

What is the difference between a thriller and a psychological thriller? ›

Action adventure thrillers are often pacy and events progress with a breakneck speed, while many psychological thrillers are likely to be 'quieter' and more focused on the inner life of their protagonist(s).

Why are people drawn to psychological thrillers? ›

Korelitz states that the reason that psychological thrillers are so engaging is the ongoing tension between what the audience knows (or thinks that they know) and what the characters know (or what they don't know) and the sort of "smugness" the readers feel in relation to the characters.

Are psychological thrillers good for you? ›

While psychological thrillers might not be everyone's cup of tea, they offer unique benefits for those who enjoy them. From stress relief and improved empathy to enhanced brain function and emotional payoff, these books do more than entertain; they contribute to our mental and emotional health in unexpected ways.

What author is most similar to Colleen Hoover? ›

If the way Hoover makes you feel is why you love her books, Craig recommends that you read Rebecca Serle and Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Are they making the book Verity into a movie? ›

Colleen Hoover's popular thriller Verity is in the works for a feature film adaptation with Amazon MGM Studios, and another of her books Regretting You has just been picked up for an indie adaptation with stars already attached.

How scary is the book Verity? ›

Amy It's definitely creepy in spots but not a horror or anything. Very suspenseful. A definite must read!

Who is the master of thriller? ›

Alfred Hitchcock, the maestro of cinema, left an indelible mark on the art of filmmaking with his unparalleled ability to craft suspenseful narratives.

Who is the best thriller actor? ›

Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Thriller/Suspense Movies
RankNameMovies
1Morgan Freeman16
2Matt Damon8
3Brad Pitt10
4Bruce Willis16
89 more rows

Who is known as the king of horror movies? ›

Stephen Edwin King (born September 21, 1947) is an American author. Although crowned the "King of Horror", he explores other genres, among them suspense, crime, science-fiction, fantasy and mystery.

Who invented thrillers? ›

The earliest material of this genre was actually made in 1821 by James Fenimore Cooper's novel titled The Spy. However, Alfred Hitchcock is often seen as the father of the genre. His work in the early 1990s was what brought the genre to the big screen.

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