Top Psychological Thrillers to Chill Your Bones in February
Seven psychological thrillers worth exploring this February offer gripping narratives, unexpected twists, and eerie suspense. These novels delve into the tumultuous realms of madness, suspicion, and hidden truths, coupled with family drama for added intrigue.
Emma van Straaten's "Creep" (Harper Perennial)
A standout in the realm of ultraviolent thrillers infused with the female gaze and twisted takes on feminist revenge, "Creep" follows a diligent cleaner who becomes obsessed with one of her clients. Believing she can win his affections, she spirals into madness once she learns he's taken a new girlfriend.
Anna Sophia McLoughlin's "A Girl Like Us" (Sourcebooks Landmark)
This novel tells the story of a reality star married into a wealthy family, who faces a crucial test when the murder of a relative traps the entire clan within their opulent mansion. Maya, the protagonist, is a resilient social climber, skillfully navigating the intricate web of in-laws who are as secretive as they are cruel.
Gillian McAllister's "Famous Last Words" (William Morrow)
In this riveting psychological thriller, McAllister's heroine, a literary agent, returns to work after a year of maternity leave, only to be called away immediately due to her husband's inexplicable actions. He has taken several people hostage, leaving her with a mystery to unravel and a family in turmoil.
Heather Levy's "This Violent Heart" (Montlake)
In this captivating narrative, a woman returns to the conservative town she blames for her childhood friend's suicide, fueled by a new sense of purpose upon discovering that her friend's death may have been a murder.
Isa Arsén's "The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf" (Putnam)
Two Shakespearian actors, united by a marriage of convenience, find themselves in a challenging predicament. They accept an unusual job involving a replica Globe built in the desert, where they are to bring Shakespeare to life for an eccentric client. As their marriage faces threats, the protagonist PhD candidate finds solace in her character, drawing strength to confront the challenges ahead.
Emily J. Smith's "Nothing Serious" (William Morrow)
In this gritty and essential novel, a tech worker grapples with questions of loyalty and morality when her male best friend is accused of murder. As she is recruited as a character witness to protect him, she challenges the stereotype of the female best friend of a self-absorbed man.
Christine Murphy's "Notes On Surviving the Fire" (Knopf)
In this intriguing noir, a graduate student investigates the murder of her best friend, who was sexually assaulted by a fellow classmate without consequences. Murphy's study of religious studies lends the narrative a unique blend of philosophical depth and fierce indignation.
These seven literary masterpieces are poised to captivate readers with their profound, suspenseful stories and unforgettable characters.
These books serve as excellent sources of entertainment, combining psychological thrillers with elements of suspense, as exemplified by Emma van Straaten's "Creep", Anna Sophia McLoughlin's "A Girl Like Us", Gillian McAllister's "Famous Last Words", Heather Levy's "This Violent Heart", Isa Arsén's "The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf", Emily J. Smith's "Nothing Serious", and Christine Murphy's "Notes On Surviving the Fire". Each one offers a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of human nature, providing a compelling read for book lovers this February.
