As the sun comes out, I can’t help looking for darker books 😉 Psychological thrillers and sunshine are an odd delight. Of course, it’s hard to talk about these without spoilers, so I’m going to be light with my descriptions. Just know that if you’re looking for a good thriller to read this summer, then look no further.
What Lies Between Us– a locked in thriller, featuring a mother and daughter relationship gone *really* wrong. The warped perspectives and endless twists had me on the edge of my seat. I actually walked away from this one a little bit disturbed- you have been warned!
The Family Upstairs– Jewell knows how to delve into the truly disturbing- and this one is the creepiest by far. Honestly, the family dynamic gets a little sick and twisted. I don’t recommend this for the faint of heart.
The Maidens– this takes dark academia to another level. The secrets in this one leave you feeling the cold.
The Ice Twins– it’s not just the location of this one that’s moody- but themes of loss that will chill you to the bone.
Sharp Objects– frankly, this one is graphic to the point where I felt queasy. This small town secrets story has a dark edge.
Home Before Dark– exploring the bleak truths of childhood trauma, this book won’t let you rest easy. It’ll keep you up long after dark.
Rock Paper Scissors– sometimes marriage is made in heaven… other times it’s made in hell. This one is the latter. If you’re looking for a romance that’s all sunshine and rainbows, I suggest you look elsewhere.
Sometimes I Lie– I didn’t know where I stood with this book. Getting stuck inside the narrator’s brain took me to a very dark place indeed.
Exquisite– there’s something so intense about this book that made me obsessed… much like the stalker in this book 😉
You– speaking of stalkers, this unsettling read freaked me out all the more because the set up reminded me more of a rom com than a typical thriller… and that’s just horrifying!
What do you think of these books? Do you plan to read any of them? And what deliciously dark thrillers can you recommend? Let me know in the comments!
the orang-utan librarian 
Thanks for the list! I’ve read most of these. I really enjoyed The Family Upstairs, Sometimes I Lie, Home Before Dark and Sharp Objects. A few of the others are on my TBR
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading! I’m so glad you liked those! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohhh I need to read more John Marrs! I loved The One!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah I really want to read the one now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I’ve enjoyed several of these! Feeny always delivers, and I recently discovered Riley Sager and now he’s a must read author.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She does! And I agree!
LikeLike
I really want to read “The Maidens” and wondering if I could handle “The Family Upstairs”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh definitely recommend giving maidens a go! Perhaps start with a different Jewell book and see if you like her style first?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember loving Sharp Objects when I read it. And thinking it was so dark, so great addition to this list.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! Glad you agree!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just can’t with these … but your descriptions are so pithy and evocative that I love THOSE!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No worries, this is as much a “what not to read” list if you’re not into things like this 😉 aww thank you so much!! 💕💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah I like dark thrillers too, when it gets warmer (I’m quite contrary in my reading…) or indeed at any time. I even published one last year, We Watch You.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha I completely relate!! Awesome! Yeah I know- I liked it- I actually did a mini review a while back 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL, I didn’t know you had read it, or maybe I did know and had forgotten (that’s more likely!) – I’m working on my 2nd one, which wasn’t actually going to be that dark – more of a mystery – but then I got an idea for another twist and it has become darker!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah yeah I linked to your main page, so you probably didn’t get a pingback. Cool!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooh, I remember liking The Family Upstairs so I’m curious about all the other books on the list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome!! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have hear such great things about The Maidens. I’ll have to get a copy of that one! Great selection!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh definitely give it a go! 😊 Thank you!
LikeLike