Since Gone Girl came out more than 10 years ago, the psychological thriller platform has been transformed. It was never the same after Flynn and her clever writing opened the door to a new favorite genre to many. If you, like myself, fell in love with her writing, then these are 10 psychological thrillers like Gone Girl you should read in 2024.
Of course, Flynn is the queen of the genre as far as I’m concerned. Not many authors manage to come close to her style, but the following books are worth giving a read.
Take a newcomer on the scene, Ashley Audrain, for example. She does psychological thrillers that make you uncomfortable and delve into the minds of its characters. To me, she’s definitely an author to keep in mind.
The following list includes a couple of my all-time favorite books, so let’s get right down to it.
These are the 10 psychological thrillers like Gone Girl I think you should read in 2024.
All The Missing Girls by Megan Miranda
Having recently re-read this book, I remember how good the author managed to accomplish the psychological thriller genre. What differentiates her book from others in this category is the way she layed out the book. Instead of following a typical timeline, she told the story backwards. So the reader is presented with the crime and what happens at the end. As you read, you can find out what exactly happened from the last to the first day. While the format is different, the story is well narrated and it captures your attention from the first page.
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Before Gone Girl made Flynn a psychological thriller household name, she wrote a few other books. Sharp Objects is her first book in the genre, and it was published in 2007. A dark and sinister book, it will creep you out. If uncomfortable books are not for you, then you should probably skip this one. But for the lovers of gory, twisted storylines with strong, compelling characters, then give this one a try. If you’re still not sure, you can try the TV adaptation starring Amy Adams instead.
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
The second novel by the same author deserves its own spot on the list. Another under-talk-about book, Dark Places is based on a true crime. Less twisted than Gone Girl, it is another psychological thriller that has a strong plot. With an unpredictable, clever ending, Flynn’s second novel will blow your mind. It contains cultish elements, which add to its storyline in an intriguing way. The book was also made into a motion picture in 2015, featuring Charlize Theron.
All The Beautiful Lies by Peter Swanson
This is a cat and mouse type of psychological thriller that will enrapture you from the first page. Although, I must warn you, it portrays disturbing relationships between step-parents and step-children that might not work for some. If you’re willing to look past it, you should know that the psychological aspects behind these twisted relationships are well executed. The characters are unlikable, but the author has a way of going deep into their psyches that is admirable yet creepy at the same time.
Everything You Want Me To Be by Mindy Mejia
I personally read this book a while ago. While I don’t remember all the details, I know it was a decent psychological thriller that you can consider adding to your repertoire. Mejia is an underrated author we don’t see much on social networks, but her books are worth noting. This thriller is character-driven, and it contains many twists and turns. Secrets and destructive behaviors are themes you will find at the center of this book. While the main character is likable, she was also flawed. I recommend this book for anyone who wants an older, underrated psychological thriller to discover.
The Push by Ashley Audrain
I’ve talked about this book on the blog before, and while it wasn’t a favorite of mine, I still recommend it to many because of the author’s writing talent.
Audrain delves deep into the dark parts of her characters’ minds and builds them up to become relatable. She takes the reader to places where not many authors dared to before.
The storyline is disturbing but it is beautifully written, which is why I ended up reading it until the end. You will cringe while reading it, so be forewarned. It has such a sinister plot that you’ll either love it or you’ll hate it. The book will not leave you with lukewarm feelings either way.
The Ice Beneath Her by Camilla Grebe
Not only is this one of my favorite book covers ever, this thriller is one of the few that remained with me for years. Grebe developed the main character with a keen eye. While at times you feel for Emma, she has a complex, unreliable personality.
Just like most psychological thrillers, this one gets into the subconscious of its characters. But it is done with the typical style Nordic Noir authors have that differentiates them from all the others. Dark and atmospheric, this is a Nordic Noir psychological thriller with Gone Girl vibes to add to your list.
The Whispers by Ashley Audrain
I read both books by Audrain and this one is by far my favorite of the two. The Whispers is a complicated, complex story that follows a couple of women who are friends and neighbors. They all have things to hide and they’re all guilty of unthinkable acts. While you don’t feel bad for them, you are caught up in their tangled web of deception.
It is the typical psychological thriller where things are not as they seem, and appearances are more important than doing the right thing. The way Audrain captures the dark side of humanity is what makes her deserving of a top spot on my list. This is a typical psychological thriller you should read in 2024 if you haven’t done so yet.
None of This is True by Lisa Jewel
Jewel is another author who does an unlikable, unreliable narrator well. This is not my first book I read by the author, and it will not be my last.
You can read my full review here, but I will try to convince you that it is one of the best thrillers I read in 2023.
Gutsy yet disturbing, None of This Is True leaves you wondering what really happened even after you finish the book. That, to me, makes it a very intriguing book with a complex plot and strongly developed characters. Another one to add to your list of psychological thrillers like Gone Girl to read in 2024.
The Crow Girl by Erik Axl Sund
While a lot darker than Gone Girl, this Nordic Noir thriller is a great depiction of the psychological thriller. Swedish writing duo Erik Axl Sund is a mastermind when it comes to the dark side of the human mind. Part police procedural part psychological thriller, this dark and twisted Nordic Noir thriller is not for the faint of heart.
The book was written as a three part series in Sweden, but its English translation is a single, hefty volume. One of its main topics looks at how and why the cycle of violence starts, and how society can fix it. While it is a large book it can be read easily, but the subject matter is so disturbing you may want to pace yourself. Utterly engaging, this book is thought-provoking and addictive. I’ve read it more than four years ago and it still haunts me today.
In my opinion, this is my personal favorite of the 10 psychological thrillers you should read in 2024.
Concluding Words
This concludes my list of 10 psychological thrillers like Gone Girl you should read in 2024.
I liked them all, and a few of them are my all-time favorite books.
Have you read any of them yet? If you think I overlooked some important books that are worthy of a spot, drop the titles in the suggestion box below. Let me know your thoughts.
Until next time, keep reading fellow bookworms!
One thought on “10 Psychological Thrillers Like Gone Girl You Should Read in 2024”
Comments are closed.