books like gone girl
If you’ve been captivated by the dark, suspenseful world of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, you’re not alone. The 2012 psychological thriller became a global sensation, known for its shocking twists, unreliable narrators, and dark exploration of relationships. Its gripping storyline and complex characters left readers hungry for more books that offer similar tension, suspense, and mystery.
Luckily, there are plenty of books like Gone Girl that deliver the same nail-biting excitement. Whether you’re into twisted psychological dramas, unreliable narrators, or stories filled with shocking revelations, there’s a book on this list that’s perfect for you.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of thrilling books that share the same pulse-pounding tension as Gone Girl. From psychological thrillers to crime dramas, these novels will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. So, if you loved Gone Girl, keep reading to discover your next must-read.
1. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Let’s start with another masterpiece from the queen of psychological thrillers, Gillian Flynn. Sharp Objects is Flynn’s debut novel, and it showcases her trademark blend of dark themes, twisted characters, and shocking plot twists. The book follows Camille Preaker, a journalist who returns to her hometown to cover the murders of two young girls. As she investigates the case, she’s forced to confront her own troubled past, leading to a chilling and unexpected conclusion.
Fans of Gone Girl will appreciate Flynn’s knack for creating unreliable narrators, and the disturbing psychological elements that make this novel just as gripping. Sharp Objects explores themes of family dysfunction, trauma, and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of small-town life.
2. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Another bestseller that offers a similar vibe to Gone Girl is The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. This psychological thriller follows Rachel, a woman who becomes obsessed with the seemingly perfect couple she observes every day during her train ride. When the woman goes missing, Rachel becomes embroiled in the investigation, but her unreliable memory and alcohol addiction make her an unreliable witness.
Much like Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train explores themes of betrayal, deceit, and the complexities of relationships. The suspense builds gradually, and Hawkins’ skillful use of multiple perspectives keeps readers guessing until the very end. This book is perfect for anyone looking for a dark, twisted tale filled with unexpected turns.
3. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
While Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty may not be as dark as Gone Girl, it still delivers the same type of suspenseful, character-driven narrative. The novel follows a group of women in a small Australian town, each dealing with their own secrets, lies, and complicated relationships. When a tragic event occurs at a school trivia night, the story unfolds through flashbacks, revealing the tangled web of lies that led to the disaster.
Moriarty’s ability to craft relatable, flawed characters makes Big Little Lies a compelling read. It’s a story about the secrets we keep, the lies we tell ourselves, and the consequences of our actions. The book is both emotionally engaging and suspenseful, making it a great choice for fans of Gone Girl.
4. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that dives deep into the darkness of domestic abuse and control, Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris is a must-read. The novel centers around Grace, a woman who appears to have the perfect life with her seemingly perfect husband, Jack. However, as the story unfolds, we learn that behind closed doors, their marriage is anything but perfect. Jack’s sinister manipulation and control over Grace create a tension-filled narrative that will keep readers on edge.
Much like Gone Girl, Behind Closed Doors plays with the concept of appearances versus reality, and it’s a chilling exploration of what happens when the façade of a perfect life crumbles. The shocking twists in this book will leave you breathless and eager to turn the next page.
5. The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
If you enjoy unreliable narrators and unexpected twists, The Wife Between Us is the book for you. Written by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, this psychological thriller follows the tangled relationships between Vanessa, her ex-husband Richard, and his new fiancée, Nellie. As the story progresses, we learn that things aren’t as they seem, and the narrative takes several unexpected turns that will keep you guessing until the end.
Like Gone Girl, The Wife Between Us keeps readers on their toes with its suspenseful writing and complex characters. The twists and turns in this book are just as shocking as those in Gone Girl, making it a great option for fans of psychological thrillers.
6. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena is another fast-paced psychological thriller that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. The story follows a couple, Anne and Marco, who leave their baby at home while they attend a dinner party next door. When they return, their baby is gone, and the investigation begins. As secrets about the couple’s past and their relationship emerge, the story takes several surprising twists.
Much like Gone Girl, The Couple Next Door explores the complexities of relationships and the hidden secrets people are desperate to keep. The book’s short chapters and rapid pacing make it a quick, thrilling read that will keep you turning pages well into the night.
7. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
In Before I Go to Sleep, S.J. Watson introduces us to Christine, a woman who suffers from amnesia and wakes up every day with no memory of who she is or what’s happened in her life. She relies on her husband and therapist to piece together her past, but when she starts keeping a journal to track her memories, she uncovers disturbing truths about her life.
Much like Gone Girl, this novel plays with the concept of unreliable narrators, and the twist at the end will leave readers stunned. The suspense builds gradually as Christine begins to question the people around her and the reality of her own life. This is a perfect read for fans of psychological thrillers that keep you guessing.
8. The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison
In The Silent Wife, A.S.A. Harrison explores the toxic dynamics of a marriage that is slowly unraveling. The book follows Jodi and Todd, a couple who appear to have a perfect life together. However, as secrets and lies are revealed, the cracks in their relationship begin to show. When Todd starts an affair with another woman, the story takes a dark turn, leading to an explosive conclusion.
Much like Gone Girl, The Silent Wife delves into the complexities of relationships, infidelity, and the dark side of love. The slow build-up of tension and the chilling ending will leave you questioning the characters’ motivations until the very end.
Conclusion
If Gone Girl left you craving more dark, suspenseful thrillers with twists and unreliable narrators, the books on this list are sure to satisfy your craving. From psychological dramas to crime thrillers, each of these novels will keep you hooked with their complex characters, shocking twists, and gripping plots. Whether you’re in the mood for a chilling domestic thriller or a mind-bending mystery, these books will ensure you’re never short of thrilling, page-turning reads.
