A psychologist’s favorite psychological thriller books

Posted on March 9, 2023

I am a psychological thriller junkie, and have over the years discovered some real gems. To get on my favorite list, the books must satisfy my craving for a surprising and clever plot, with characters who feel real and will be remembered. If I feel confused afterwards before I get an ‘a-ha’ moment, I feel very pleased.

In this post I will share my all-time top 5 psychological thrillers

Number

1: Between you and me by Lisa Hall

I never have to think about which psychological thriller I’d always recommend, because between you and me took my breath away.

The twist was brilliant, and several things from previous chapters made even more sense. Besides the refreshing ending, I loved the two POVs.

It’s not often you find a book describing the abuser and abused simultaneously, going over the same events with totally different ways of looking at them. It’s chilling how someone can be in denial to the extent the abuser was, but I loved that the abuser sometimes thought about its behavior. The description of the abuse was hard to read, and working as a psychologist it really hit home what abused people go through.

Between you and me is a superb psychological thriller with an unforgettable twist.

2. The good sister by Sally Hepworth

This was a fantastic book in every way. I loved the characters, they felt so real and therefore I was emotionally moved by what they were experiencing. The writing style was perfect and the story original and the twists made me gasp. It also was deeply disturbing at times, until you realized you didn’t have the whole truth. Simply incredible and a memorable read. And it has become one of my all-time favorites in the genre.

3: The first day of spring of spring by Nancy Tucker

I felt emotionally drained and gutted after finishing this book. I will probably never be able to forget it, it was just a heart-stopping journey. I felt everything from sadness, disgust, shock and anger. And through it all, the overwhelming pain of a lost childhood. I am thoroughly impressed by Tucker, and will read everything she writes from now on.

4: The perfect twin by Sarah bonner

This book started with a bang until it exploded by the first, second and third twist. I read this whenever I had time, not wanting to miss a single second. The book was clever and original, and I enjoyed every page. Brilliant move to let us see the story unfold from different POVS, right up my alley. If the author publishes more books, I’ll be the first to order them.

5: Behind closed doors by B. A Paris

Behind closed doors was the book who got me into psychological thrillers. For that alone I’m forever grateful, and it still is one of my favorite all-time favorites. Like in between you and me, we are invited into a disturbing relationship with escalating abuse. The book’s suspense was unlike anything, I really sat on the edge of my seat, holding my breath in terror. I have liked some of her other books as well, but this is without doubt her best novel and it deserves to be on the list