Did you enjoy the mysterious and thrilling tale of ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things?’ Does this genre give you “the feels?” If so, you’re in for a treat! This article is your guide to discovering similar books like I’m Thinking Of Ending Things that will keep you intrigued from the first page to the last.
We’ll explore stories that delve into the complexities of the human mind, taking you on journeys that will spark your curiosity and keep you turning those pages. So, grab your favourite blanket and get ready to embark on literary adventures that will leave you pondering long after you’ve finished the last chapter.
Books like I’m Thinking of Ending Things
Foe (2018)
by Iain Reid
If you liked the suspense and the writing style of ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things,’ this one’s for you. Written by the same author as that of ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things,’ ‘Foe’ is a psychological science fiction novel that follows the unsettling story of Junior and Hen, a married couple living in isolation on a remote farm. Their quiet life is disrupted when a man named Terrance arrives, claiming that Junior has been selected for an extraordinary opportunity on a distant space mission. Terrance becomes a frequent visitor, monitoring and assessing Junior for his suitability for the mission.
As Junior becomes increasingly suspicious of Terrance’s intentions and the truth behind the mission, he discovers that his life and identity might not be as they seem. The tension intensifies as he uncovers unsettling secrets about his past, his relationship with Hen, and the nature of his reality.
The novel plays with the boundaries of reality and perception, which will keep you questioning the authenticity of events and characters.
Total Pages– 261 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.73
Amazon Rating– 4.1
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 8 hours and 42 minutes to finish Foe by Iain Reid.
The Visitors (2017)
by Catherine Burns
‘The Visitors’ by Catherine Burns is a psychological thriller that delves into the disturbing lives of siblings Marion and John, living together in a decaying family home. Narrated by Marion, the story unveils a deeply unsettling dynamic between the two, marked by John’s ominous behaviour and Marion’s complacent submission to his control. The house is a stark reflection of their twisted relationship, harbouring dark secrets and an unnerving sense of isolation.
As the story unfolds, Marion’s narrative alternates between the present and a series of eerie flashbacks, revealing a disturbing history of abuse, manipulation, and trauma. Their world is confined to the confines of their home, and their interactions are fraught with tension and fear. When unexpected events disrupt their carefully maintained routine, the delicate balance of power between the siblings begins to unravel.
An absolute must-read for the fans of ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things,’ the story culminates in a shocking and chilling revelation that will leave you haunted by the darkness that resides within the walls of their home.
Total Pages– 288 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.45
Amazon Rating– 3.9
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 9 hours and 36 minutes to finish The Visitors by Catherine Burns.
The Wasp Factory (1984)
by Iain Banks
This novel follows the life of Frank, a 16-year-old boy living on a remote Scottish island. Frank is an eccentric and isolated character, who engages in bizarre rituals and has a fascination with death and violence. The novel is structured around Frank’s revelations about his past and his family, particularly his strained relationships with his father and older brother.
The narrative delves into Frank’s unsettling childhood experiences, his experiments with cruelty towards animals, and the construction of the titular “Wasp Factory,” a collection of items that supposedly predict future events. As the story unfolds, the reader learns about a tragic event in Frank’s past that shaped his present psyche.
The author skilfully explores themes of identity, family, nature versus nurture, and the impact of trauma on an individual’s psychological development. Much like ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things,’ this novel also has an unsettling atmosphere and macabre elements which create a sense of unease throughout the narrative.
Total Pages– 184 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.78
Amazon Rating– 3.9
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 6 hours and 8 minutes to finish The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle (1962)
by Shirley Jackson
A gripping psychological thriller, the story in the novel is narrated by Mary Katherine “Merricat” Blackwood, an eccentric and isolated young woman who lives with her older sister Constance and their Uncle Julian in a decaying mansion.
The Blackwood sisters lead a reclusive life, isolated from their village due to a scandal. Merricat is superstitious and defensive, Constance takes care of the house, while Uncle Julian obsessively recounts the details of a tragic event. However, their routine is disrupted and a power struggle begins with the arrival of their cousin Charles.
The novel delves into themes of isolation, paranoia, and the darkness that can reside within family dynamics, making it a good read for those who like the genre.
Total Pages– 146 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.95
Amazon Rating– 4.2
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 4 hours and 52 minutes to finish We Have Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson.
Penpal (2012)
by Dathan Auerbach
Initially published as a series of online posts, ‘Penpal’ is a psychological horror novel that revolves around a series of unsettling events in the life of a young boy. The story is narrated by the protagonist, who recalls his childhood experiences in a non-linear fashion.
It all begins innocently when the young narrator, as a child, releases a balloon with a letter into the sky as part of a school project. However, when his balloon drifts off alone, it triggers a series of unsettling and eerie events. Mysterious items start arriving in his mailbox, and he becomes convinced that he’s being watched. As he grows older, his paranoia intensifies, and these disturbing occurrences continue to haunt him.
Driven by his growing fear, the narrator becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind these horrors. He pores over maps, revisits locations depicted in the photographs, and becomes resolute about confronting the person responsible. The story builds tension and suspense as the narrator unravels the mystery.
In the final part, the narrator confronts the individual behind these disturbing events, leading to a revelation that exposes the full extent of the emotional trauma he has endured. “Penpal” explores themes of innocence, obsession, paranoia, and how traumatic experiences can leave a lasting mark.
Total Pages– 243 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.87
Amazon Rating– 4.2
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 8 hours and 6 minutes to finish Penpal by Danthan Auerbach.
Leave the World Behind (2020)
by Rumaan Alam
“Leave the World Behind” revolves around two families facing an unexpected crisis. Amanda and Clay, a middle-class couple, rent a luxurious vacation home with their children, seeking a peaceful retreat. However, their tranquillity is shattered when the home’s owners, a wealthy and enigmatic couple named G.H. and Ruth, show up in the middle of the night, claiming a blackout has occurred in the city.
As the families grapple with their sudden isolation from the outside world and the uncertainties of the situation, tensions rise, and a sense of unease permeates the narrative. The novel explores themes of race, class, fear, and the fragility of modern civilization. The characters’ interactions reveal their vulnerabilities, prejudices, and the lengths they are willing to go to protect their loved ones.
Alam’s writing will keep you on edge as he masterfully builds an atmosphere of suspense and mystery, using the backdrop of a looming disaster to amplify the psychological tension.
Total Pages– 241 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.18
Amazon Rating– 3.6
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 8 hours and 2 minutes to finish Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam.
House of Leaves (2000)
by Mark Z. Danielewski
House of Leaves is a complex and unconventional novel that intertwines multiple narratives and formats. The story revolves around a young man named Johnny Truant, who stumbles upon a manuscript written by a deceased man named Zampanò. This manuscript describes a documentary film called “The Navidson Record,” which documents a family’s unsettling experiences in a house that defies the laws of physics by constantly shifting its interior dimensions.
As Johnny becomes engrossed in Zampanò’s work, he begins to unravel mentally, haunted by the stories he reads and his own troubled past. The novel is presented in a fragmented manner, with footnotes, appendices, and a variety of typographical techniques that mirror the disorienting and claustrophobic nature of the house described in “The Navidson Record.” The book blurs the line between reality and fiction, challenging readers to question the reliability of the narrative and the characters’ sanity.
Total Pages– 710 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.09
Amazon Rating– 4.6
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 23 hours and 40 minutes to finish House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski.
The Silent Patient (2019)
by Alex Michaelides
Meet Alicia. Her life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word
She is admitted to a secure mental health facility called The Grove and the story is narrated by Theo Faber, a psychotherapist who becomes obsessed with Alicia’s case. Despite her silence, Theo is determined to uncover the truth behind her crime and the reasons for her selective mutism. As Theo delves into Alicia’s past and interacts with the staff and patients at The Grove, he uncovers a web of secrets, manipulation, and psychological trauma.
The narrative alternates between Alicia’s diary entries leading up to the murder and Theo’s present-day investigation. As the layers of Alicia’s and Theo’s own personal histories are peeled back, the story takes unexpected twists and turns, leading to a shocking and mind-bending revelation about the events surrounding the murder.
Total Pages– 336 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.18
Amazon Rating– 4.4
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 11 hours and 12 minutes to finish The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
Shutter Island (2003)
by Dennis Lehane
Set in the 1950s, this book is an absolute banger, particularly for the fans of ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things.’ U.S. Marshals Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule are sent to Ashecliffe Hospital on Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a patient, Rachel Solando. The facility houses the criminally insane and is known for its cutting-edge psychiatric practices. As Teddy delves deeper into the investigation, he begins to uncover unsettling secrets about the hospital, its staff, and even his own past.
As the story unfolds, Teddy’s perception becomes increasingly distorted by his own traumatic memories and experiences related to his time as a soldier. He grapples with his own sanity and struggles to distinguish reality from delusion. The island is hit by a hurricane, further isolating the investigators and patients.
Total Pages– 369 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.11
Amazon Rating– 4.4
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 18 minutes to finish Shutter Islabd by Dennis Lehane.
The Cabin at The End of The World (2018)
by Paul G. Tremblay
If you loved the vacation turned nightmare aspect of ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things,’ this novel is for you. Eric and Andrew, a married couple seeking solitude, retreat to a remote cabin with their daughter Wen. Their peaceful getaway shatters when four strangers arrive, claiming the world is on the brink of an apocalyptic event and demanding a horrifying sacrifice to prevent it.
As the strangers’ intentions become increasingly unclear, tension escalates within the cabin. The novel explores themes of fear, desperation, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The narrative oscillates between psychological terror and emotional turmoil as the characters grapple with the moral dilemma presented to them.
Tremblay expertly weaves a story that questions human nature’s capacity for violence, empathy, and sacrifice. The uncertainty surrounding the strangers’ claims and the characters’ actions keeps readers on edge. The novel delves into the psychological trauma experienced by all involved, challenging their beliefs and pushing them to their limits.
Total Pages– 272 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.32
Amazon Rating– 3.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 9 hours and 4 minutes to finish The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay.
Gone Girl (2012)
by Gillian Flynn
‘Gone Girl’ follows the tumultuous relationship between Nick and Amy Dunne. The story is narrated from two perspectives, Nick’s in the present and Amy’s through her diary entries leading up to her disappearance.
On their fifth wedding anniversary, Amy goes missing, and Nick becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance. As the investigation unfolds, secrets about their marriage come to light, revealing a web of lies, deceit, and manipulation. The media frenzy and police scrutiny put a strain on Nick, who struggles to maintain his innocence while facing public suspicion.
As the narrative alternates between Nick’s present-day struggles and Amy’s past reflections, the story takes unexpected turns, revealing the intricate layers of their relationship. Amy’s diary entries hint at her dissatisfaction and unease, while Nick’s perspective paints a picture of marital strife. The story escalates into a complex game of psychological warfare, with both Nick and Amy manipulating perceptions and events to serve their own interests.
Also Read: 11 Must-Read Suspenseful Books for Fans of Gone Girl
Total Pages– 456 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.12
Amazon Rating– 4.1
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 15 hours and 12 minutes to finish Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.
Conclusion to Books like I’m Thinking of Ending Things
And that concludes the list for books like I’m Thinking of Ending Things!
And that concludes our thrilling adventure through 11 incredible books like I’m Thinking of Ending Things. Each of these books will immerse you in a world of suspense, complex characters, and thought-provoking stories that’ll leave you pondering long after you’ve turned the last page. So, take your pick and let your imagination soar, as each of these novels adds a unique twist to the genre, promising an engrossing experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Happy Reading!