11 of the Best Gripping Thriller Books like Sharp Objects to Read Next

Prepare to be on the edge of your seat, thriller aficionados, because we’ve unearthed a literary goldmine for fans of “Sharp Objects”! 📚🔍 Dive into the twisted and chilling world of “11 of the Best Dark Psychological Thrillers Books like Sharp Objects” that will send shivers down your spine and leave you questioning every plot twist. From gripping narratives to mind-bending mysteries, these novels are the next pulse-pounding chapter in your journey through the darkest corners of the human psyche. Grab your reading blanket and get ready for a psychological rollercoaster that will have you second-guessing every shadow. The suspense is real, and the thrill is just beginning!

Books like Sharp Objects

The Wives (2019)

by Tarryn Fisher

The story follows the perspective of Thursday, a woman who is married to Seth, who also has two other wives named Monday and Tuesday. Thursday only knows the other wives through information Seth has given her, and they maintain separate lives and schedules. Feeling lonely and curious about her husband’s other relationships, Thursday begins to investigate Monday and Tuesday. She becomes obsessed with finding out more about them, leading her to make questionable choices.

As Thursday delves deeper into her investigation, she uncovers shocking secrets and manipulations that challenge her perception of her husband and her own reality. She starts to question her sanity and wonders if she can trust anyone, including herself. The story takes several unexpected twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing about the truth behind the relationships and the motives of the characters. It explores themes of obsession, deception, and the complexities of marriage and identity.

Why you should read The Wives after Sharp Objects

Both books feature complex female protagonists who are flawed and have troubled pasts. Camille Preaker in “Sharp Objects” and Thursday in “The Wives” both struggle with their own demons and unravel the mysteries surrounding their lives. They create a tense and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps the readers engaged and employ intricate plot twists and unreliable narrators to maintain a sense of mystery and uncertainty. Both delve into the psychological aspects of their protagonists, exploring themes of trauma, obsession, and the fragile nature of sanity.

The Girl on the Train (2015)

by Paula Hawkins

“The Girl on the Train” follows the life of Rachel Watson, a troubled woman who becomes entangled in a case. The story is told from the perspectives of three women: Rachel, Megan Hipwell, and Anna Watson. Rachel, a divorced woman, takes the same train every day, passing by her old neighborhood. She becomes fixated on a seemingly perfect couple, Megan and Scott Hipwell, who live a few houses down from Rachel’s former home. Rachel fantasizes about their lives, creating a fictional narrative in her mind.

One day, Rachel witnesses something shocking from the train window and she believes she may have important information about the case.

Throughout the story, the narrative jumps between the perspectives of Rachel, Megan and Anna. The characters’ secrets and complex relationships are gradually revealed, unveiling a web of deceit, manipulation, and betrayal. As Rachel continues to investigate, her own troubled past and the effects of her alcoholism come to light.

Why you should read The Girl on the Train after Sharp Objects

Both novels create an atmosphere of tension and unease. “Sharp Objects” takes place in a small town with a claustrophobic and oppressive atmosphere, while “The Girl on the Train” relies on the confined setting of the train and the intense psychological pressure on Rachel. The sense of foreboding and suspense is present throughout both books, keeping readers on edge.

Dark places (2009)

by Gillian Flynn

“Dark Places” revolves around Libby Day, the sole survivor of a brutal massacre that occurred in her family’s farmhouse in Kansas when she was just seven years old. As a child, Libby testified against her fifteen-year-old brother, Ben, believing he was responsible for the murders of their mother and two sisters. Now, twenty-five years later, Libby dives deeper into her family’s dark history, she discovers that things are not as clear-cut as she once thought. Other people become potential suspects, and she starts questioning her own memories and the accuracy of her testimony.

The story also alternates between present-day events and flashbacks to the days leading up to the murders, giving a peak into the lives of Libby’s family members and their troubled dynamics. As the truth slowly unravels, Libby finds herself in increasing danger, realizing that the killer may still be out there, targeting those who know too much. To protect herself and uncover the full truth, she must confront her own fears, confrontations, and the painful memories she has long suppressed.

Why you should read Dark Places after Sharp Objects

Both explore themes of family dysfunction, trauma, violence, and the psychological effects of childhood experiences. They delve into the depths of human darkness and showcase the author’s penchant for creating gritty and unsettling narratives. Flynn employs twists and turns in both novels, keeping readers guessing and questioning the reliability of the narrators.

Stilling Missing (2010)

by Chevy Stevens

Annie O’Sullivan, a 32-year-old realtor, had three goals – sell a house, forget about a recent argument with her mother, and be on time for dinner with her ever-patient boyfriend. The open house is slow, but when her last visitor pulls up in a van as she’s about to leave, Annie thinks it just might be her lucky day after all.

The novel is written as a series of therapy sessions between Annie and her therapist as she recounts her traumatic experience of being abducted. Annie describes her terrifying captivity and the physical, emotional, and psychological torture she endured at the hands of her captor.

As the story progresses, the author delves into Annie’s life before the abduction, revealing her troubled past and complex relationships with her family and friends. Annie’s therapist helps her confront the memories and emotions associated with her abduction, aiding her in her journey toward healing and recovery. The story explores the themes of trauma, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.

Why you should read Still Missing after Sharp Objects

Both books give insights into the characters’ past traumas and the impact they have on their present lives. They fall within the thriller genre, keeping readers engaged with suspenseful and gripping storytelling. Both the stories have elements of mystery, tension, and unexpected plot twists, which contribute to an atmosphere of unease and anticipation.

Push (2021)

by Ashley Audrain

Blythe Connor is dead set on being the warm, supportive mom to baby Violet that she never had. But as the chaotic whirlwind of early motherhood takes its toll, Blythe becomes increasingly convinced that something is off with her daughter’s behavior – it’s just not fitting the usual kid mold.

In the haze of sleepless nights and mounting uncertainties, Blythe grapples with a haunting question: Is Violet truly different, or is it all in her own head? Her husband, Fox, waves off her concerns, attributing them to Blythe’s overactive imagination. The more Fox downplays her worries, the more Blythe’s grip on reality starts slipping, leaving us to question not just her sanity but also the narrative she’s spinning.

Enter baby Sam, who brings the joyous, fulfilling connection Blythe always craved with her child. Even Violet seems to embrace her role as a big sister. But as an unexpected twist shakes up their world, the fallout forces Blythe to confront a harsh truth. The story is filled with uncertainties, unraveling the intricacies of Blythe’s life and the tangled dynamics within her family.

Both novels delve into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. In “Sharp Objects,” the protagonist, Camille Preaker, returns to her hometown to investigate a series of murders while confronting her estranged relationship with her own mother. Similarly, in “Push,” Blythe Connor struggles with her role as a mother and her fears of passing on a legacy of dysfunction to her daughter. They touch on themes of mental health and the impact it has on the characters’ identities.

The Mother-in-Law (2019)

by Sally Hepworth

From the moment Lucy crossed paths with her husband’s mother, Diana, she was kept at arm’s length. Diana, outwardly poised and cordial, maintained a decorous demeanor, yet Lucy sensed she fell short of Diana’s expectations. Who could blame Diana? A community pillar, a champion of social justice aiding female refugees – Diana was the epitome of wedded bliss with Tom for decades. Lucy yearned to win her new mother-in-law’s approval.

Fast forward five years.

Diana is discovered lifeless, a suicide note at her side, citing a battle with cancer as the cause.

Except, the autopsy reveals no trace of cancer. What it does uncover are hints of poison and signs of suffocation. Who harbors a motive to end Diana’s life? And why was her will changed at the eleventh hour to disinherit both of her adult children and their spouses?

The Devil All the Time (2011)

by Donald Ray Pollock

Set in rural Ohio and West Virginia between the end of World War II and the 1960s, the story intertwines the lives of several troubled and morally ambiguous characters. The narrative follows multiple storylines, all connected by themes of violence, religion, and the darkness that exists within humanity. One of the central characters is Arvin Russell, a young man who has grown up in a deeply religious and disturbed environment. Arvin’s father, Willard, is a tormented World War II veteran who turns to extreme forms of religious devotion, including sacrificing animals, in search of salvation.

As Arvin grows older, he witnesses the violent acts committed by those around him, including his own father. Another significant character is Carl Henderson, a corrupt and sadistic sheriff who uses his position to exploit and abuse others. Carl’s sister, Sandy, and her husband, Lee, are serial killers who pick up hitchhikers and take pleasure in torturing and murdering them. 

The lives of these characters intersect with a charismatic preacher named Roy, who is engaged in a twisted relationship. Their encounters with other individuals, both innocent and corrupt, bring about a series of tragic events that lead to a climactic and violent showdown. Throughout the novel, Pollock explores themes of faith, fate, and the inherent evil that can manifest in individuals and communities.

The Searcher (2020)

by Tana French

The story follows Cal Hooper, a retired detective from Chicago who moves to a small village in rural Ireland in search of a quieter and simpler life. Cal buys an old farmhouse and begins to settle into the tight-knit community. However, his plans for a peaceful retirement are disrupted when a local teenager named Trey approaches him, asking for help in finding his missing brother, Brendan. Intrigued by the boy’s desperation and against his better judgment, Cal agrees to help him. As he dives deeper into the mystery, Cal uncovers secrets and a web of lies that have plagued the village for years.

Cal’s investigations gradually reveal the dark underbelly of the seemingly idyllic community.

“The Searcher” explores themes of identity, redemption, and the consequences of past actions. Cal, haunted by his own past and the mistakes he made as a detective, finds himself immersed in a quest for justice and resolution. Along the way, he forms unlikely alliances with locals who become his friends and confidants.

Crooked Hallelujah (2020)

by Kelli Jo Ford

“Crooked Hallelujah” follows the lives of four generations of Cherokee women as they navigate the complexities of family, identity, and the challenges they face in a changing world. The novel begins with the character Lula, a young Cherokee girl growing up in 1970s Oklahoma. Lula’s mother, Justine, is a single mother who struggles to provide for her daughter. Justine is also grappling with her own desires for independence and personal fulfillment, which often clash with the traditional expectations placed upon her as a Cherokee woman.

As Lula grows older, she becomes increasingly aware of the difficulties faced by her family and the discrimination they encounter. She witnesses her mother’s failed relationships and her grandmother’s struggles to maintain their cultural heritage while living in a predominantly white society. Lula also finds solace in her faith, seeking solace and guidance in the church.

The narrative shifts to follow Lula’s daughter, Cheryl, as she navigates her own challenges as a single mother. Cheryl, like her mother and grandmother, faces societal pressures and discrimination but remains determined to provide a better life for her daughter, Justine. In the final part of the novel, the focus turns to Justine, who is now a grown woman. Justine is on a journey of self-discovery as she grapples with her Cherokee identity and confronts the legacy of her family’s struggles. She begins to question her beliefs and traditions and embarks on a quest for personal freedom and fulfillment.

American Kingpin (2017)

by Nick Bilton

“American Kingpin: The Epic Hunt for the Criminal Mastermind Behind the Silk Road” is a non-fiction book. Its a gripping account of the rise and fall of Ross Ulbricht, the creator and operator of the notorious online black market known as the Silk Road. The book delves into the fascinating story of how Ulbricht, operating under the pseudonym “Dread Pirate Roberts,” built the Silk Road—a hidden website on the darknet that facilitated the sale of drugs, counterfeit money, hacking tools, and other illicit goods.

Ulbricht’s pursuit of a libertarian ideology clashes with his desire for immense wealth, leading to a dangerous game of deception and betrayal. Meanwhile, the FBI races against time to gather evidence, decipher Ulbricht’s true identity, and bring him to justice. The book also delves into the ethical questions surrounding the Silk Road and its impact on society. It raises issues related to online privacy, government surveillance, and the challenges of policing the internet. Through the lens of Ulbricht’s story, Bilton explores the tensions between the freedoms and risks of the digital age.

The Woman in the Window (2018)

by A.J. Finn

Anna Fox lives alone, a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her day drinking wine (maybe too much), watching old movies, recalling happier times . . . and spying on her neighbors.

Then the Russells move into the house across the way: a father, a mother and their teenage son. The perfect family. But when Anna, gazing out her window one night, sees something she shouldn’t, her world begins to crumble and its shocking secrets are laid bare.

What is real? What is imagined? Who is in danger? Who is in control? In this diabolically gripping thriller, no one—and nothing—is what it seems.

Why you should read The Woman in the Window after Sharp Objects

Both books explore themes of isolation and the presence of dark secrets within seemingly normal communities. In “Sharp Objects,” Camille returns to her hometown, Wind Gap, where she confronts the oppressive atmosphere of secrets and deceit. Similarly, in “The Woman in the Window,” Anna’s confinement within her home and her voyeuristic observations of her neighbors reveal a world filled with hidden truths and mysteries.

Conclusion to Books like Sharp Objects

And that concludes the list for books like Sharp Objects!

As we reluctantly close the chapter on our journey through the chilling realms inspired by “Sharp Objects,” the pulse-pounding suspense doesn’t have to end here. 📚🔪 With “11 of the Best Dark Psychological Thrillers Books like Sharp Objects,” we’ve unleashed a collection that will keep your heart racing long after you’ve turned the last page. From twisted plots to mind-bending mysteries, these novels are more than just books—they are gateways to a world where every shadow conceals secrets waiting to be unveiled. So, buckle up, thrill-seekers, and let the psychological rollercoaster ride continue. Your next dark and gripping adventure awaits, and trust us, the suspense is far from over!