12 best psychological thrillers books

Psychological thriller books are a captivating subgenre of literature fiction that delves into the intricate workings of the human mind and emotions while creating suspense and tension. Here's what you need to know about psychological thriller books:

  1. Psychological Elements:

    • Psychological thrillers are characterized by their focus on the psychological and emotional aspects of the story.They often explore themes like obsession, paranoia, manipulation, and the depths of the human psyche.
    • These books frequently feature unreliable narrators or characters with complex mental states, which adds an element of uncertainty to the narrative.
  2. Suspense and Tension:

    • One of the primary goals of psychological thrillers is to create a sense of unease and suspense. They keep readers on the edge of their seats, often with unexpected twists and turns.
    • These books may involve mysteries, crimes, or dangerous situations that test the characters' sanity and morality.
  3. Genre Fiction:

    • Psychological thrillers belong to the broader genre of genre fiction, which includes categories like mystery, suspense, and crime fiction.
    • They can overlap with other genres, such as domestic thrillers (centered on family dynamics) or legal thrillers (involving courtroom drama).
  4. Notable Authors and Books:

    • Some well-known authors in the psychological thriller genre include Gillian Flynn ("Gone Girl"), Paula Hawkins ("The Girl on the Train"), and Dennis Lehane ("Shutter Island").
    • Iconic psychological thriller books include classics like "Psycho" by Robert Bloch and contemporary bestsellers like "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides.
  5. Impact on Pop Culture:

    • Many psychological thriller books have been adapted into successful films and TV series, which have contributed to their popularity in pop culture.
    • These books often generate discussions about the nature of good and evil, the complexity of human behavior, and the unpredictability of the human mind.

In summary, psychological thriller books are a compelling subgenre of literature fiction that explore the intricate and often dark aspects of human psychology. They are known for creating suspense, tension, and psychological intrigue, making them a favorite choice for readers who enjoy a thrilling and thought-provoking narrative.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best psychological thrillers books on the market
  

The Housekeeper: A Twisted Psychological Thriller

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Bad Games: Malevolent: Bad Games Series, Book 4

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Only Daughter: A gripping and emotional psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping twist

Based on 545 reviews Check latest price

The Perfect Wife: A Jessie Hunt Psychological Suspense Thriller, Book One

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Monster: A Psychological Thriller

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The Woman I Was Before

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Spare Room

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Her One Mistake

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The Other Daughter: A Novel

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And So It Begins

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Unfaithful

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The Life We Bury

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