We Value Your Privacy

This site uses cookies to improve user experience. By continuing to browse, you accept the use of cookies and other technologies.

I UNDERSTAND
LEARN MORE

Brace yourself: These books are not for the faint of heart.

Psychological thrillers are suspenseful narratives that plunge the depths of the human psyche. In these books, the characters own distorted perceptions of reality form a core aspect of the plot. Literary devices utilized in psychological thrillers often include the unreliable narrator and red herrings. Throughout psychological thrillers, the audience is left wondering what is truly going on. Take Shudder Island by Dennis Lehane, in which the arc of the story is distorted by the protagonist’s delusions. Or consider the classic short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, in which the narrator herself is not able to discern between reality and her own inescapable descent into madness.

One of the reasons why psychological thrillers are so popular is because it’s so easy to become entangled and engrossed within the story. You keep turning the pages because you want to finally have answers—and your own sense of reality becomes a little warped along the way. The satisfaction really comes with the ending, when all the pieces finally fall into place and you realize how many little clues you missed along the way. 

If you’re a fan of this intoxicating sub-genre, here are some enticing stories to start with: 

And when you’ve finished those, peruse the stories below to discover the best the psychological thriller world has to offer.

703c75b7a88c-mm-feature-img.png

This Riveting Book About Family Secrets is the Thriller of a Lifetime

Bradeigh Godfrey’s debut novel Imposter is a must-read for suspense junkies.

GIVEAWAY: Win A Bundle of Female-Led Mysteries from Penguin Books!

You could be the lucky winner of five of Penguin's most exciting mysteries!

13 Thriller Authors Like Gillian Flynn

These books by dark and twisted thrillers are perfect for Gillian Flynn fans! 

9 Political Thriller Books by Women

These women are shaking things up, bringing a fresh perspective to the political thriller genre. 

HIDDEN GEMS: After Dark by Beverly Barton

We celebrate a classic by one of the late greats.

13 Mind-Bending Psychological Thriller Books for C.J. Tudor Fans

Done with The Other People? Here’s what to read next. 

7 Thrilling New Reads to Check Out in 2020 Based on Your Favorite Type of Mystery

There’s something for every kind of reader when it comes to these fresh releases.