*Discover our list of authors like Ottessa Moshfegh, who weave complex tales of unsettling psychological suspense that leap off the page. *
The psychological suspense genre has a rich history spanning multiple decades. It first arrived as a subgenre of crime and legal thriller novels) but soon developed into its own genre. Writers in this niche are often influenced by masters such as Edgar Allan Poe, Wilkie Collins, and Daphne du Maurier. The authors on our list have become masters in their own right, often crafting diabolical tales that leave readers’ minds reeling.
Table of Contents
Must-Read Authors Like Ottessa Moshfegh
1. Tana French, 1973
Tana French is a contemporary American-Irish writer celebrated for contributing to the crime fiction genre. Born in Vermont, she lived in various countries worldwide before settling in Dublin, Ireland, where she previously attended Trinity College. French is acclaimed for her psychological depth and complex character portrayals, and her debut novel, In the Woods, garnered several prestigious awards, including the Anthony, Edgar, Barry, and Macavity awards for Best First Novel.
One of her standout novels, [The Likeness](https://amazon.com/dp/B0015DYIOU? tag=work089-20), presents an intriguing premise: Detective Cassie Maddox is called to a crime scene only to find that the murder victim bears a striking resemblance to her and even carries identification with an alias she once used. What follows is an intricately woven narrative of Maddox infiltrating the dead woman’s life, moving into her home, and delving into her secrets.The Likenesswas on theNew York Timesbestseller list for several months.
“I found out early that you can throw yourself away, missing what you’ve lost.”
Tana French, The Likeness
2. A.J. Finn, 1979 -
A.J. Finn, pseudonym of American author Daniel Mallory, came into the spotlight with his debut thriller novel, The Woman in the Window. Before his writing career, Mallory was a senior publishing executive at*William Morrow and Company**. His debut novel immediately hit the bestseller list and was translated into numerous languages worldwide. The novel also gained attention due to the controversy surrounding Mallory’s alleged misrepresentation of his personal life and professional history.
The Woman in the Windowisa psychological thriller that centers around Anna Fox, an agoraphobic woman who spends her days inside her New York City brownstone. Her life takes a dark turn when she witnesses something shocking through her window involving her new neighbors. As Anna becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth, her sanity comes into question.
The novel explores themes of paranoia, perception, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination. With its suspenseful plot and complex characterization, The Woman in the Windowimmerses readers in a twisted and suspenseful tale of secrets and deception. If you’re searching for more thriller books to binge on a weekend,
“As Shaw also said, alcohol is the anesthesia by which we endure the operation of life. Good old Shaw.”
A.J. Finn, The Woman in the Window
3. Megan Miranda, 1972 -
Megan Miranda is an American author known for her psychological suspense novels. Miranda, a former high school science teacher, pursued her love for writing and gained recognition with her debut novel, Fracture. She continued to pen multiple successful young adult novels before transitioning into adult fiction. Her adult debut,All the Missing Girls*, was aNew York Times bestsellerand received considerable acclaim.
[All the Missing Girls](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0176M3UJW? tag=work089-20) stands out due to its unusual narrative structure: the story is repeated over two weeks. This innovative structure enhances the suspense as the protagonist Nic Farrell returns to her hometown to unravel the mystery of two missing girls, one going into the present and one ten years ago. With the intriguing setup and unconventional timeline, readers are kept on their toes following the engaging narrative in this book.
“We were a town full of fear, searching for answers. But we were also a town full of liars.”
Megan Miranda, All the Missing Girls
4. Karin Slaughter, 1971 -
American crime writer Karin Slaughter has been published in 37 languages and sold over 35 million copies of her books worldwide. Slaughter was born in a small Georgia town and has her home state as the setting in many of her novels. Known for her gritty and graphic storytelling, she debuted in 2001 with Blindsighted, which became an international success and was translated into 27 languages.
Pretty Girls is an incredibly intense and disturbing read among her wide repertoire of crime novels. It’s a tale of two estranged sisters who come together following the disappearance of their third sister, who disappeared decades earlier, and the more recent disappearance of other girls. As the sisters unravel their family’s dark past, Slaughter doesn’t shy away from graphic scenes, giving a raw and unflinching look at the horrific events.
“This was the beginning of something that might lead to everything or nothing at all.”
Karin Slaughter, Pretty Girls
5. Mary Kubica, 1978 -
Mary Kubica is an American author of psychological thrillers. As a Chicago native, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in History and American Literature. She debuted in 2014 with The Good Girl, an Indie Next pick and aNew York Timesand*USA Today *bestseller. Her books have been translated into over thirty languages and have sold over two million copies worldwide.
[The Good Girl](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IB5BSBG? tag=work089-20) revolves around the abduction of Mia Dennett, the daughter of a prominent Chicago judge. Told through multiple perspectives, including Mia’s mother, the kidnapper, and a detective assigned to the case, the story unravels the complexities of Mia’s disappearance and the secrets that lie beneath the surface. As the investigation progresses, unexpected connections and betrayals come to light. The novel delves into themes of identity, family dynamics, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
“But with every dollar I earned was also the knowledge that I belonged to someone other than me.”
Mary Kubica, The Good Girl
6. Clare Mackintosh, 1976 -
British author Clare Mackintosh spent twelve years in the police force before eventually turning to writing. Her debut novel, I Let You Go, was aSunday Timesbestseller and the fastest-selling title by a new crime writer. It also won Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award. Her subsequent books have continued to be received with critical and commercial success.
I Let You Go is a profoundly emotional psychological thriller where a tragic accident sets off an unstoppable chain of events revealing shocking secrets. It follows the life of Jenna Gray, a woman haunted by a tragic accident. After a hit-and-run incident claims the life of a young boy, Jenna seeks solace by moving to a remote coastal town. She becomes entangled in a web of secrets and lies as she tries to rebuild her life. Meanwhile, the police investigator, haunted by the unsolved case, continues to search for the truth.
“She crouches beside him, searching frantically for a pulse.”
Clare Mackintosh,I Let You Go
7. Alex Michaelides, 1977 -
Alex Michaelides is a British author and screenwriter of Cypriot descent. Born and raised in Cyprus, he moved to England to study English literature at Cambridge. He later earned a postgraduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. His debut novel, The Silent Patient, quickly gained international recognition and topped the New York Times Bestseller list. It also won the Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Mystery & Thriller in 2019.
[The Silent Patient](https://amazon.com/dp/B07D2C6J4K? tag=work089-20) explores the story of Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who abruptly stops speaking after allegedly shooting her husband, and Theo Faber, a psychotherapist determined to uncover the truth. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia’s mysterious past and her time at a psychiatric facility, he uncovers shocking secrets and a web of deceit. With a twist-filled narrative and psychological suspense, this book explores themes of trauma, obsession, and the complexities of the human mind.
“During the trial, the judge took a dim view of Alicia’s persistent refusal to speak.”
Alex Michaelides, The Silent Patient
8. C.L. Taylor, 1873 -
C.L. Taylor is a British author known for her psychological crime thrillers. Taylor was born in Worcester, England, and spent her early career working in graphic design and marketing before turning to writing full-time. Her novels have sold over a million copies, been number one on all ebook platforms, and been translated into over 20 languages. She also won the Best Crime Novel award at the inaugural Amazon Publishing Readers’ Awards.
Sleepis among her most recognized works. It follows the story of Anna, a woman attempting to escape her troubled past and feelings of guilt. She takes up a job at a hotel on a remote Scottish island, seeking solace and a fresh start. However, her plans take a dark turn when she discovers that one of the guests is a killer. As Anna becomes entangled in the dangerous situation, the plot unfolds with gripping intensity. of all time.
“Those who have a mother, treasure her with care, for you never know how much you love her until she is not there.”
C.L. Taylor, Sleep
9. Jane Harper, 1980 -
Jane Harper is an English-born Australian author best known for her crime novels set in Australia. Harper was born in Manchester, England, but moved to Australia with her family when she was eight. After a career in journalism, she turned to writing fiction and won the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript for her debut novel, The Dry.
[The Dry](https://amazon.com/dp/B01BSN15F6? tag=work089-20) is a compelling crime novel set in a small drought-stricken Australian town. The protagonist, Aaron Falk, returns to his hometown for the funeral of his childhood friend and becomes embroiled in the investigation of the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. Harper’s atmospheric writing vividly evokes the oppressive heat and isolation of the Australian Outback.
“Both boots and every pocket of her jeans had been packed tight with stones.”
Jane Harper, The Dry
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between mystery and thriller books?
Mystery books focus on solving a puzzle or crime, often with a detective protagonist, while thriller books emphasize suspense, danger, and action. Mysteries are more cerebral and puzzle-oriented, while thrillers are more emotional and adrenaline-driven.
What makes a great mystery or thriller book?
Great mystery and thriller books feature compelling characters, tight plotting, and skillful pacing that keeps readers engaged. They should offer fair clues for mystery readers while maintaining suspense and delivering satisfying resolutions.
Are mystery and thriller books suitable for all readers?
Mystery and thriller books can be suitable for most adult readers, though some may contain violence, mature themes, or disturbing content. It’s important to check reviews and content warnings if you’re sensitive to certain themes.
Why do people love mystery and thriller books?
People love mystery and thriller books for the intellectual challenge, emotional engagement, and escape they provide. These genres offer both entertainment and the satisfaction of solving puzzles or experiencing high-stakes situations safely.
10. Peter Swanson, 1968 -
Peter Swanson is an American author known for his suspenseful thriller novels. Born in Concord, Massachusetts, he has degrees from Trinity College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Emerson College. His novel, The Kind Worth Killing, won the New England Society Book Award and was a finalist for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger.
The Kind Worth Killing follows the story of two strangers, Ted and Lily, who meet during a late-night flight. What starts as an innocent encounter quickly evolves into a deadly game of what-ifs. As the tension rises, the plot takes a dark turn involving murder. Swanson’s skillful storytelling builds suspense, with morally ambiguous characters that engross readers.
“Everyone dies, but not everyone has to see someone they love with another person.”
Peter Swanson, The Kind Worth Killing
