11 Unputdownable Books Like The Last Mrs. Parrish (2023)

Are you a fan of psychological thrillers with cunning twists and calculated manipulations? If so, you might have already devoured ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’ by Liv Constantine. This gripping novel takes readers on a thrilling journey of betrayal, envy, and revenge. But what do you do when you finish a captivating book and hunger for more?

If you’re seeking another thrilling read with similar themes and memorable characters, this article is just for you. In this article, we will explore a selection of engrossing books that share elements of psychological suspense, intricate narratives, and complex female protagonists. So, get ready to embark on another exhilarating literary adventure as we discover “Books Like The Last Mrs. Parrish.”

Books Like The Last Mrs. Parrish

  Sometimes I Lie (2017)

by Alice Feeney

‘Sometimes I Lie’ is a gripping psychological thriller that will challenge your perception of truth and keep you hooked from start to finish. The story centres around Amber Reynolds, a woman who finds herself trapped in a coma, unable to move or speak. As she lies in the hospital bed, she must rely on fragmented memories and cryptic journal entries to piece together the events that led to her current predicament.

Feeney’s writing skillfully weaves together multiple timelines, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. With every chapter, the suspense intensifies as Amber’s narration and unexpected twists unravel the truth about what happened to her. The complex protagonist adds depth to the storyline.

Both books “The Last Mrs. Parrish” and “Sometimes I Lie” dive into the minds of complex female protagonists and explore their hidden motives and tangled pasts.

  Black Eyed Susans (2015)

by Julia Heaberlin

This book with take you on a chilling journey through the life of Tessa Cartwright, a survivor of a horrifying ordeal. As a teenager, Tessa was found buried among the remains of other girls in a field of black-eyed susan flowers. Nicknamed the “Black-Eyed Susans” by the media, Tessa becomes both a survivor and a key witness in the trial that follows.

Years later, Tessa begins to question the accuracy of the trial as she starts finding mysterious black-eyed susan flowers outside her window again. Haunted by her past and fear for her own sanity, Tessa becomes determined to uncover the truth and find the real killer.

Like ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish,’ this novel employs a dual perspective narrative structure. ‘Black-Eyed Susans’ alternates between the present-day voice of the survivor Tessa and her teenage self, Tessie. The characters’ traumatic pasts and hidden motivations create an air of mystery and suspense, blurring the line between truth and manipulation. Moreover, both books create a sense of atmospheric tension through their vivid descriptions and atmospheric settings. If these reasons are why you loved reading ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish,’ you must read ‘Black Eyed Susans.’

  The Wife Upstairs (2021)

by Rachel Hawkins

In this thrilling and suspenseful novel, Rachel Hawkins puts a fresh spin on the gothic masterpiece, “Jane Eyre.” Set in present-day Birmingham, Alabama, the story follows Jane, a young woman who becomes entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and dangerous desires.

As Jane settles into her new job as a dog walker in the upscale Thornfield Estates, she catches the eye of the wealthy and elusive widower, Eddie Rochester. But there’s a catch; Eddie’s wife, Bea, mysteriously disappeared, and the entire community is buzzing with speculation. As Jane’s relationship with Eddie intensifies, she uncovers shocking secrets about his past and the truth behind Bea’s disappearance.

Both the novels “The Last Mrs. Parrish” and “The Wife Upstairs” share a knack for diving into the lives of cunning female characters seeking more than meets the eye. Set in upscale neighborhoods dripping with secrets, both stories serve up plot twists as juicy as neighborhood gossip, all wrapped in a writing style that’s as addictive as scrolling through social media.

The Other Woman (2016)

by Sandie Jones

In this gripping novel, Jones takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of obsession, manipulation, and deceit. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic romance, the story unfolds as Emily becomes entranced by the charming Adam, believing she’s finally discovered the perfect man. Yet, lurking in the shadows of their love story is a formidable obstacle – Adam’s mother, Pammie.

As Emily embarks on a journey to solidify her relationship with Adam, she finds herself entangled in a complex web of familial ties. Pammie, a formidable matriarch, looms over their romance, her influence stretching far beyond what Emily initially anticipated. Pammie’s love for her son turns into an overpowering possessiveness, a force that threatens to engulf Emily’s life.

What begins as a seemingly typical mother-in-law dynamic soon takes a sinister turn, evolving into a high-stakes battle of wills. Pammie, the master manipulator, employs cunning tactics designed to undermine and sabotage Emily’s relationship with Adam. Her actions become increasingly devious, leaving Emily to navigate treacherous waters as she fights to hold onto the man she loves.

Both these novels share a common theme of protagonists willing to go to great lengths to achieve their goals, resulting in thrilling tales of betrayal and intrigue that keep readers spellbound until the shocking revelations.

    My Husband’s Wife (2016)

by Jane Corry

Lily and Ed are newlyweds, navigating the challenges of their marriage and carving out their new life together.

Amidst this romantic backdrop, Lily, a passionate lawyer, stumbles upon a case that will test her devotion to justice and morality. Carla, a young and enigmatic client, enters her life with a story that seems simple at first glance. But beneath the surface, a web of deception begins to weave itself around Lily, threatening to ensnare everything she holds dear.

As the plot unfolds, the tension thickens, and the boundaries between morality and immorality blur into an indistinct haze. Corry weaves a tale that not only entertains but also challenges the reader’s perceptions of right and wrong, taking them on a suspenseful journey where the stakes are high, and the consequences are dire.

  The Lying Game (2017)

by Ruth Ware

In ‘The Lying Game’ the author takes us on a journey into the unsettling world of a decades-old secret shared among a group of childhood friends. The story revolves around Isa, who receives a distressing message from one of her old friends, prompting her to gather the gang for a reunion to confront the ghosts of their shared past.

The setting is as important as the characters themselves, with the story unfolding in a remote coastal town, dripping with an eerie and atmospheric vibe that mirrors the secrets these friends harbor. As the narrative progresses, these long-buried secrets begin to unravel, tensions flare, and the consequences become increasingly severe.

What makes ‘The Lying Game’ truly engaging is its narrative structure. The story bounces between different timelines and perspectives, leaving you perpetually in suspense, turning pages eagerly to uncover the full story.

Similar to ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish,’ the characters are complex and flawed, making them all the more relatable and intriguing. This complexity draws you into their individual stories and the intricate dynamics of their strained friendship.

At its core, the novel explores themes of loyalty, guilt, and the lengths people will go to protect one another. Ruth Ware’s writing style is both gripping and propulsive, making it difficult to put the book down as you become fully invested in the characters’ relentless quest for the truth.

  One of Us is Lying (2017)

by Karen M. McManus

‘One of Use is Lying’ unfolds in Bayview High School, where five students—Bronwyn, Addy, Nate, Cooper, and Simon—are brought together in detention. However, things take a sinister turn when Simon, the creator of a notorious gossip app, dies during the detention session.

As the investigation into Simon’s death unfolds, it becomes clear that his demise was no accident. Each of the remaining four students becomes a prime suspect, as they all had motives and secrets to protect. Told through multiple perspectives, the novel delves into the lives of these characters, unravelling their hidden truths and shedding light on their complicated relationships.

As the suspense builds, you will be kept guessing about who is responsible for Simon’s death. Secrets are exposed, alliances are formed and shattered, and the characters must confront their own vulnerabilities and past mistakes. In a race against time, they must uncover the truth before they are ensnared in the web of lies surrounding them. McManus expertly weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and friendship, which are sure to remind you of ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish.’

    The Wife Between Us (2018)

by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

“The Wife Between Us” is a gripping psychological thriller centered on the lives of two women, Vanessa and Nellie. At first glance, it appears to be a story of jealousy and obsession, with Vanessa unable to let go of her ex-husband, Richard, and his new fiancée, Nellie. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that there’s much more to the tale than meets the eye.

The plot takes you on a thrilling rollercoaster ride, with shifting perspectives that reveal hidden secrets and surprises that constantly challenge your assumptions. Vanessa and Nellie are complex characters, and their tangled relationships add layers of intrigue and suspense.

As you read, you’ll find yourself drawn into a web of deception and psychological twists that will keep you guessing until the very end. The book is not just about a love triangle but a complex and psychological exploration of the characters’ motivations and the consequences of their actions. It skillfully explores themes of love, betrayal, and the fine line between reality and perception.

  Gone Girl (2012)

by Gillian Flynn

Nick and Amy Dunne appear to be a perfect couple living an ideal life in a suburban neighborhood. However, their seemingly idyllic marriage takes a dark turn when Amy disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary. Nick becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance, and as the investigation intensifies, the media frenzy and police scrutiny put him under immense pressure.

As the story progresses, you’ll follow Nick’s efforts to prove his innocence while dealing with the mounting evidence against him. Simultaneously, you’ll gain insight into Amy’s perspective through her diary entries, which reveal the intricate dynamics of their relationship and the secrets she has been keeping.

As you navigate the story, you’ll find yourself questioning the characters’ motives, loyalties, and the sinister mysteries they harbor. It’s a suspenseful journey into the dark underbelly of love, betrayal, and the extremes to which people will go to shield their hidden truths.

Both novels ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’ and ‘Gone Girl’ feature complex and multifaceted female characters who have hidden agendas and manipulate those around them. So, if you’re a fan of ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish,’ you must give this book a read.

Also Read: Must Read Books like Gone Girl

Something in the Water (2018)

by Catherine Steadman

This novel by Catherine Steadman follows the gripping tale of Erin and Mark, a couple on their idyllic honeymoon in Bora Bora. While scuba diving, they make a life-altering discovery—a mysterious bag floating in the water. Curiosity gets the better of them, and they decide to open it. What they find inside sets off a dangerous chain of events that forces them to confront their values, their relationship, and their own morality.

As Erin and Mark become entangled in a web of deceit and violence, they must navigate treacherous waters both literally and metaphorically. They quickly discover that the contents of the bag will have far-reaching consequences that could irrevocably change their lives.

As Erin struggles with the moral dilemmas and the mounting challenges they face, readers are taken on a thrilling ride, never quite sure who to trust or what the outcome will be.

  The Good Daughter (2017)

by Karin Slaughter

The novel revolves around the lives of two sisters, Charlotte and Samantha Quinn, who have lived with the trauma of a devastating event from their past. The sisters’ lives were shattered when a horrifying act of violence occurred in their childhood home. Their mother, a prominent defence attorney, was brutally murdered, and the sisters were left physically and emotionally scarred. Their father, Rusty, who was also attacked, managed to save their lives.

Fast forward twenty-eight years, and Charlotte, now a successful lawyer like her mother, still struggles with the impact of that fateful night. She is haunted by the memories and has developed a tough exterior to protect herself from the world. Samantha, on the other hand, has become a loner, finding solace in her work as a math teacher.

Their lives are disrupted once again when a school shooting takes place in Pikeville. Charlotte finds herself caught up in the chaos and must confront her painful past. As the investigation unfolds, long-buried secrets and hidden connections emerge, forcing Charlotte and Samantha to face the truth about their family and the events that tore them apart.

The novel explores family dynamics, trauma, and the consequences of the past on the present. It has themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds between family members amid the backdrop of a gripping and suspenseful thriller.

More books like The Last Mrs. Parrish

If you are a fan of “The Last Mrs. Parrish” and its enthralling tale of deception and revenge, you’ll surely enjoy exploring the books recommended in this article. These gripping psychological thrillers, with their intricate plots, intricate characters, and unexpected twists, are bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Whether you’re looking for more stories of female protagonists taking matters into their own hands or craving a suspenseful rollercoaster ride filled with dark secrets and surprising turns, these books have got you covered.

If you’re eager for even more literary adventures, here are some additional book recommendations to satiate your reading appetite:

• Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney

• The Couple Nextdoor by Shari Lapena

• The Ex by Alafair Burke

• Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson

• Equal of the Sun by Anita Amirrezvani

• The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

• The Secrets She Keeps by Deb Caletti