10 Books Like Gone Girl: Dark, Twisted, and Unpredictable

If you’re a fan of reading psychological thrillers, you already know that “Gone Girl” is THE blueprint for this genre. The way Gillian Flynn unravels a seemingly perfect marriage and flips it on its head is truly the work of a genius not to mention all the plot twists! Chefs kiss. 

“Gone Girl” is the kind of book that has you questioning every character, every storyline, and every motive but that’s what we love about it. It gets your mind going! It’s no wonder it became an instant classic, right? If you’re anything like us, you’ve been looking for another book to fill the mind-bending and jaw-dropping thrills this novel left behind. 

Your “books like ‘Gone Girl’” Google-searching days are over. Today, we’re sharing allll of the books with that same heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat vibe. Trust us; you won’t be disappointed. 

10 Books Like Gone Girl: Dark, Twisted, and Unpredictable

Maybe you stumbled here because you’re a die-hard psychological thriller fan, or perhaps you’re here because you’re just beginning to explore the genre. Either way, we’ll break down what “Gone Girl” is about to give you a little refresher. Knowing what you’re in for is key to finding your next thriller fix! 

What Is Gone Girl About?

“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn is about a married couple, Nick and Amy Dunne, who seem to have everything figured out perfect life, perfect marriage, you get the gist. That is until Amy suddenly goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary and everything goes to sh*t.

Nick, at first, seems like the super concerned husband why wouldn’t he be? But as the investigation unfolds, Nick quickly goes from worried spouse to prime suspect. Things don’t really add up, and we get the feeling that Nick knows a LOT more than he’s letting on. 

SPOILER ALERT! The story is told through both Amy’s and Nick’s perspectives. We find out that not only was their relationship definitely NOT perfect, but Amy also had a hefty amount of secrets up her sleeve. In actuality, both characters are super sketchy and unreliable… so who’s telling the truth?

“Gone Girl” had us all hooked with how it explores manipulation and the lengths people will go to hide their darkest secrets. You’re constantly wondering what’s real, what’s true, and what’s really going on. We can all agree that Amy would’ve really benefited from listening to this episode of The Nicole Walters Podcast, but who are we to judge?

Now that we’ve had a little refresher, are you ready to dive into these must-read psychological thrillers??? 

What Are The Best Books To Read If You Like Gone Girl

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

If you loved “Gone Girl” for its tension and secrets, then you won’t be able to put “The Couple Next Door” down. Shari Lapena’s domestic thriller focuses on a couple whose baby disappears while they’re at a dinner party next door. They brought the baby monitor with them, and each parent agreed to check in on the baby every half hour how could this have happened?

As the story unfolds, dark secrets about the couple’s marriage surface. With never-ending suspense and a deep dive into intense manipulation, you’ll be stuck trying to decide whose side you believe. 

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

“The Girl on the Train” is often compared to “Gone Girl,” and once you read it, you’ll totally understand why. Rachel takes the same train every morning and begins feeling like she intimately knows this “perfect” couple she watches. She creates names for them, stories about their life, and truly turns them into living characters in her mind. 

It isn’t until the woman from the couple goes missing that Rachel decides she too is part of the investigation. Paula Hawkins really nailed the same unreliable narrator trope and dark theme aspect that we loved with “Gone Girl” you have to check it out. 

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

You didn’t think Gillian Flynn put out “Gone Girl” as a one-hit wonder, did you? “Sharp Objects” follows reporter Camille Preaker as she returns to her small hometown to investigate an unsolved murder and a disappearance. With an eerie family dynamic and a troubled past, Camielle has to sort through her demons before solving her town’s mysteries. 

Is this a situation that this episode of The Nicole Walters Podcast could fix? Or is it deeper than that? “Sharp Objects” is so good that people are debating whether it’s better than “Gone Girl”, but you have to decide for yourself! 

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

We all know a couple like “Behind Closed Doors’” Jack and Grace. He’s charming and wealthy; she’s elegant and graceful the two are seriously inseparable. But behind the closed doors (pun intended), not everything is as perfect as it seems. 

Grace seems to be on a pretty tight leash, but why? Does she have personal matters preoccupying her, or is Jack to blame for her odd behavior? It will definitely have you questioning your knowledge on trauma bonding, to say the least. Like “Gone Girl”, B.A. Paris explores just how far people will go to protect their image. 

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

You may have seen “Big Little Lies” on Netflix, but did you know it’s based on the novel by Liane Moriarty? So if you’re a fan of the show and haven’t checked out the book what’re you waiting for? The story follows a group of women whose previously perfect lives come crashing down around them after a mysterious schoolyard incident that ends in tragedy.

This psychological thriller has a litttlleee more humor than “Gone Girl,” but don’t let that fool you it’s packed with character-driven suspense. 

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Nellie believes Richard, her ex-husband, is about to marry what she feels is her replacement. Emma is younger, prettier, and, honestly, a little naive. Nellie tries to warn Emma about Richard’s abusive and manipulative tendencies, but does Emma believe her? Or does she think Nellie is a deranged ex-wife with a severe case of jealousy? 

You’ll think you know what’s happening, and then suddenly, there’s a new twist you never saw coming. “The Wife Between Us” explores marriage, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their image and love life (or lack thereof.) 

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

If you’re looking for a psychological thriller with an incredibly shocking twist, you have to read “The Silent Patient.” Alicia Berenson seemed to have the perfect life she’s a famous painter, married to a big-league fashion photographer, and lives in a beautiful London house. What more could someone want?

One random day, Alicia shoots her husband in the face and refuses to explain herself. Anyone would want to know why, but the criminal psychotherapist on the case becomes obsessed with finding answers and lets the whole situation consume him. Full of dark and unpredictable twists, this book NEEDS to make it to your TBR. 

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing

“My Lovely Wife” is like if the series “You” and the novel “Gone Girl” had a love child… kind of intriguing, you have to admit. The story focuses on an average married couple who did the whole “fall in love, get married, have kids” ordeal. But hey, normalcy is OVERRATED! They thought, why not spice it up a little? 

Except this couple’s idea of “spicing it up” involves getting away with serial murder maybe they should’ve just listened to this episode of Ex Virgin instead. All jokes aside, this thriller explores deception and the dark reality of human nature. It goes to show that you truly don’t know who someone is!

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

Amber Patterson wants more in life. She’s tired of being a nobody with nothing to show off or brag about she wants to be more like Daphne Parrish, a socialite who lives the perfect life with her real-estate boss of a husband, Jackson. So, what’s a girl to do? HINT: She didn’t listen to this episode of Well with Arielle Lorre to find out the power in manifestation that’s for sure.

Amber uses Daphne’s kindness to scheme her way into her life… and marriage. But right when everything is going according to plan, Amber’s past is about to come back and bite her. “The Last Mrs. Parrish” has plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments you won’t get enough of.

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

Adam and Amelia Wright are struggling in their marriage. With Adam’s toxic productivity tendencies and unfortunate face blindness, the marriage is hanging by a thin rope. But instead of letting things fall apart, they plan a secluded and romantic getaway to Scotland in hopes of rekindling their spark. 

They’re both aware that this trip will make or break them, but they aren’t aware that they each have hidden agendas. Secrets, lies, and even a few truths start to surface, and you’re left to unravel the mystery of the Wrights. This novel will keep you hooked from start to finish.

There are so many psychological thrillers just waiting for you to read them! 

There’s nothing quite like the high that a good psychological thriller can bring you. The intense plot twists, insane edge-of-your-seat moments, and jaw-dropping endings they just hit different. If you thought you’d never find something that could compare to “Gone Girl”, think again! Let us know if you still feel that way after reading one of these classic novels. 

Don’t like reading alone? Check out The Readheads! It’s a podcast that’s ALSO a digital book club. Cool, right? Of course, also explore the Dear Media blog for advice on anything from health and wellness to relationships. And, don’t forget to browse the DM shop for tons of must-have products! You need this “Coming in Hot” coffee mug for those binge-reading days.

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