Psychological Thrillers

Posted on May 9, 2016

by April S

When you’re looking for a good Psychological Thriller – it’s safe to say you probably want something that will keep your interest and maybe even surprise you with twists and turns. Perhaps you’re in the mood for one of those really creepy, edge of your seat, nail-biting good reads that will keep you awake all night? Or maybe you simply want to delve into a few really good page-turners?

What’s the difference between a Thriller and Psychological Thriller?

Thrillers usually place a great deal of emphasis on action. Psychological thrillers, on the other hand, pay greater attention to the mind games that people play with each other or even with themselves. Keep in mind, this genre may be listed under many different subheadings like Suspense Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Psychological Horror, Psychological Suspense, Mystery Fiction and Thriller to name a few. ~ Novelist Plus

Recent Psychological Thrillers available at your local library

Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline

Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline

When a woman and her husband, desperate for a baby, find themselves unable to conceive, they decide to take further steps. Since it is the husband who is infertile, the heroine decides to use a donor. And all seems to be well. Three months pass and she is happily pregnant. But a shocking revelation occurs when she discovers that a man arrested for a series of brutal murders is her donor — the biological father of the child she is carrying. Delving deeper to uncover the truth, the heroine must face her worst fears, and confront a terrifying truth.

“A suburban crime tale told with Scottoline’s penchant for humor and soul-baring characterization.” ~ Booklist

The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas

The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas

When her father dies, Tessa is pulled back to the small Pennsylvania town where her life came apart when her father was sent to prison, her mother went to pieces, and her beloved older sister ran away, and where her testimony and that of her now-estranged friend Callie sent a serial killer to death row–a serial killer who may be getting a new trial as long buried secrets come to light.

“Thomas carefully crafts the suspense, leaving present-tense narrator Tessa—and readers—to doubt even those she loves the most … An unsettling story of loss, lies, and violence lurking in the shadows of a small town.” ~ Kirkus Reviews, starred review

The Passenger by Lisa Lutz

The Passenger by Lisa Lutz

Changing her name and appearance to flee town after leaving her husband dead, Tanya Dubois forges an uneasy alliance off the grid at the side of a female bartender with whom she races from city to city to escape her past.

“Binge-worthy fare, especially for those drawn to strong female protagonists.” ~ Booklist (starred review)

No One Knows by J.T. Ellison

No One Knows by J.T. Ellison

Five years after her husband’s disappearance, Aubrey still desperately wonders what happened to him and tries to figure out the identity of a mysterious, but familiar, stranger.

“Riveting… a skillfully plotted story that’s equal parts mystery, psychological thriller, and cautionary tale. Comparisons to Gone Girl are inevitable….Artful and evocative prose complements the fully fleshed and realistically drawn characters.” ~ Publishers Weekly

Looking for more great reads, try these Thrillers on for size …

The Girl From Home by Adam Mitzner That Darkness by Lisa Black All Things Cease To Appear by Elizabeth Brundage Sleeping giants by Sylvain Neuvel
Keep You Close by Lucie Whitehouse The Girl You Lost by Kathryn Croft
She's Not There by Joy Fielding
The Girl Before by Rena Olsen

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Featured Image Credit: Eye on the black background by George Hoden via PublicDomainImages.net, public domain license.

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