Psychological thriller books written by Freida McFadden are so captivating because she is a practicing physician who specializes in brain injury. Undoubtedly, she knows what she is writing about. Having started as an indie writer, McFadden has become one of the best-selling thriller writers in the US. If you are one of her McFans or you are looking for something similar to her The Housemaid’s Secret, read on to find new gems for your library.

Jeneva Rose and her The Perfect Marriage

Jeneva Rose blends emotions and suspense, foreshadowing and symbolism, multiple perspectives, and intrigue. What else might you want from a thriller? Perhaps protagonists whose internal conflicts drive the narrative? Done. Maybe learn more about the dark side of human relationships? Done. Jeneva Rose writes unique stories that are evocative and captivating.

What is The Perfect Marriage about?

Imagine finding out that your husband had an affair and was arrested for murdering his mistress. That’s the nightmare that happens to Sarah Morgan, a defense attorney, who ends up defending her husband in court. Will she actually defend him or be the one to bring him down?

Lisa Jewell and her None of This Is True

How is Lisa Jewell’s writing style similar to Freida McFadden’s? They both concentrate on the complexities of human relationships. Their novels can never be called emotionless or predictable. Lisa Jewell’s books will definitely keep you on edge, as the events unfold slowly, leading the reader to an explosive climax. Jewell isn’t afraid of innovative narrative structures, shocking twists, and psychologically disturbing experiences. Her novels make you think, captivate you, and leave you with a tingling desire to read one more of her books.

What is None of This Is True about?

One night changes everything in Alix Summers’ life. She is 45, so is her new acquaintance, Josie Fair. The second time they meet, Josie says that she might be a star of Alix’s next podcast. Yet Josie isn’t as normal as she pretends to be. What dark secrets is she hiding? Why has she appeared in Alix’s life? Before Alix finds the answers to these questions, Josie disappears, turning Alix’s life into a true-crime podcast. So, has there been anything true about Josie and her life?

Mari Kubica and her Local Woman Missing

Mari Kubica is another writer who explores the psychological complexities of her characters. She is an experienced user of multiple perspectives. So, you can observe events from different angles, both narrative and emotional. Her first novel, The Good Girl, set the tone for her literary voice. Now, she has her own method of writing where she first develops each character’s full arc, and only then weaves them together.

What is Local Woman Missing about?

Everybody has secrets, and nobody is eager to unveil them. But some secrets are darker than others, and you just want to sweep them under the rug and never ever talk about them. One day, a peaceful community is struck by Shelby Tebow’s disappearance. To make it worse, Delilah and her mother go missing, too. Do these two events have anything in common? Well, you can ask Delilah about it because she comes back after 11 years. What happened to her? Read and find out!

Alex Michaelides and his The Silent Patient

Alex Michaelides has experience studying and working in psychotherapy, which makes his

novels psychologically deep. His background in screenwriting formed a habit for tightly plotted narratives. However, Alex still gives his characters some freedom: the dialogues seem spontaneous enough for characters to evolve naturally. If you are interested in suspense, Alex Michaelides is your guy. Start with reading his bestseller, The Silent Patient.

What is The Silent Patient about?

Murders captivate people, whether they make us feel better than those who kill or enchanted by the possibility of taking someone’s life and the reasons behind it. Theo Faber, a criminal therapist, is interested in one murder, but does he really need to know the truth? Alicia Berenson isn’t a typical cold-blooded murderer. She is a popular painter who seemingly has everything a person needs. But one evening, she shoots her husband five times in the face and remains silent afterwards. Will she speak to Theo Faber or remain silent till the end?

Riley Sager and his The Only One Left

Author Riley Sager, as well as Freida McFadden, is a master of strong character development. In his novels, he applies two popular tropes. The first one is a “Sad Female Protagonist.” Here, an internal voice of an isolated woman narrates the story. The second one is a “Hot Handyman,” who is first a love interest but then turns into a villain. Riley Sager’s books are filled with plot twists that keep you engaged till the last page. If you are craving something easy to read and addictive, Sager’s thrillers are great for you.

What is The Only One Left about?

Lenore Hope is the only survivor after the Hope family murders. She denies all charges, she isn’t guilty, and the police don’t have enough evidence to prove the opposite. So, she has been spending her whole life in Hope’s residence. Now, she is in her seventies and wants to tell everything that happened to her family. Kit McDeere, a home-health aide, becomes the one to listen to her story. Is this elderly woman as harmless as she seems?

Lucy Foley and her The Paris Apartment

Psychological suspense and mystery elements are undoubtedly Lucy Foley’s best friends. Her novels are very atmospheric because of enclosed or remote settings. Foley prefers first-person narration, which allows her to depict each character’s version of events. We are all unreliable narrators, and Lucy Foley gets it and embraces it in her writing. Similar to author Riley Sager, she builds her stories around “difficult women,” morally ambiguous, complex, and imperfect. As her story unfolds, Gordian-knot-style plot twists appear, making her novels real page-turners.

What is The Paris Apartment about?

Moving to Paris sounds like a perfect romantic movie. That’s exactly what Jess needs after leaving her job. But it seems that her new Paris apartment has too many secrets. First, where is her half-brother, who pays for it? Second, could he really have afforded such a nice apartment? Third, what’s wrong with the neighbors, and which secrets are they hiding?

Ruth Ware and her The Woman in Cabin 10

Another fan of isolated settings on this list is Ruth Ware. Her novels can be called closed-circle mysteries, reading which you feel a tense, even claustrophobic atmosphere. Ware places ordinary people in situations where they have to confront betrayal or isolation. Frequently, characters discover their hidden strengths in such situations. If you are under pressure right now, perhaps one of Ruth Ware’s novels can show that you are capable of overcoming difficulties.

What is The Woman in Cabin 10 about?

Book The Woman in Cabin 10 is yet another mystery thriller similar to Freida McFadden’s works. The protagonist, Lo Blacklock, gets a chance to spend a week on a luxury cruise. Who would deny it? Neither did Lo. At first, her stay is pleasant: amazing sea views, a comfortable cabin, and tasty food. But one event changes everything — a woman is thrown overboard. Surprisingly, nothing changes: amazing sea views, comfortable cabins, tasty food, and passengers walking on the deck. Yet, Lo knows that something is wrong. Will she find out the truth?

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Although all these writers have something in common with Freida McFadden, they have their unique styles. Broaden your horizons, try something new, and enjoy mystery and suspense created by these authors.