The Stranger

The Silent Patient

Alex Michaelides

A psychological thriller about a woman who murders her husband and then stops speaking entirely. A psychotherapist becomes obsessed with uncovering her story and motivations. The novel explores psychological mysteries, hidden traumas, and the complex relationship between patient and therapist, echoing the psychological intrigue of 'The Stranger'.

Gone Girl

Gillian Flynn

A psychological thriller about a marriage gone terribly wrong. When Amy Dunne disappears on her fifth wedding anniversary, her husband Nick becomes the prime suspect. The novel explores dark secrets, manipulation, and the complex dynamics of a toxic relationship. It reveals how well we truly know those closest to us, mirroring the themes of betrayal and hidden identities in 'The Stranger'.

Sharp Objects

Gillian Flynn

A journalist returns to her hometown to cover a series of child murders, confronting her own dark family history. The novel reveals deeply dysfunctional family dynamics, psychological manipulation, and the long-lasting impact of childhood trauma. It shares 'The Stranger's' themes of secrets, psychological tension, and the potential threat from those closest to us.

Sometimes I Lie

Alice Feeney

A psychological thriller about a woman in a coma who cannot distinguish between reality and memory. The novel explores unreliable narration, hidden motivations, and the complex nature of truth. It shares 'The Stranger's' themes of psychological uncertainty and the potential for unexpected revelations.

Before I Go to Sleep

S.J. Watson

A woman with memory loss wakes up daily with no recollection of her past, relying on her husband and a journal to piece together her identity. Each day reveals new mysteries and potential deceptions about her life and relationships. The novel explores themes of trust, memory, and the danger of believing those closest to you, similar to the psychological tension in 'The Stranger'.

Big Little Lies

Liane Moriarty

A novel about three women whose seemingly perfect lives conceal dark secrets and potential violence. Set in a seemingly idyllic community, the story reveals the complex dynamics of marriage, friendship, and domestic abuse. Like 'The Stranger', it explores how appearances can be deceiving and the potential dangers lurking beneath surface normalcy.

The Secrets She Keeps

Michael Robotham

A psychological thriller about two pregnant women from different backgrounds whose lives become dangerously intertwined. The novel explores themes of obsession, identity, and the potential for unexpected violence. It shares 'The Stranger's' exploration of psychological tension and the unpredictability of human behavior.

In the Woods

Tana French

A detective investigates a child murder that connects to his own mysterious childhood trauma. The story explores psychological complexity, buried secrets, and the impact of past events on present investigations. Like 'The Stranger', it examines how hidden histories can suddenly resurface and disrupt seemingly stable lives.

The Woman in the Window

A.J. Finn

An agoraphobic woman believes she has witnessed a crime in a neighboring house. Her perception of reality becomes increasingly unreliable as the story unfolds. The novel explores themes of isolation, psychological uncertainty, and the blurred lines between observation and imagination, similar to the psychological tension in 'The Stranger'.

The Widow

Fiona Barton

A psychological thriller about a woman whose husband is suspected of a terrible crime. As his death reveals new information, the story explores the complexities of marriage, secrets, and moral ambiguity. Like 'The Stranger', it examines how well we truly know our partners and the potential for hidden darkness.

The Dry

Jane Harper

A crime novel about a federal agent investigating a murder in his hometown, which forces him to confront a traumatic past. The story explores small-town secrets, long-buried tensions, and the impact of historical events. Like 'The Stranger', it examines how past secrets can dramatically disrupt present lives.

The Girl on the Train

Paula Hawkins

A psychological thriller about Rachel, an alcoholic who becomes entangled in a missing person investigation. She observes a couple during her daily train commute and becomes convinced she has witnessed something significant. The novel delves into unreliable narration, hidden truths, and the dangerous consequences of obsession and misplaced trust.

Behind Closed Doors

B.A. Paris

A chilling psychological thriller about a seemingly perfect marriage that conceals a terrifying reality of psychological abuse. The novel explores how domestic abuse can exist behind a facade of normalcy. Like 'The Stranger', it examines the potential threat within intimate relationships and the dangers of misplaced trust.

The Hunting Party

Lucy Foley

A murder mystery set during a New Year's reunion of old friends in an isolated Scottish lodge. As tensions rise and secrets emerge, the novel explores the dark undercurrents within seemingly close relationships. Like 'The Stranger', it reveals how well-hidden secrets can suddenly and dramatically surface.

The Mother-in-Law

Sally Hepworth

A psychological novel exploring the complex relationship between a woman and her mother-in-law, which becomes increasingly tense after a mysterious death. The story reveals family secrets and hidden motivations. Similar to 'The Stranger', it examines the potential for unexpected danger within seemingly close relationships.

The Couple Next Door

Shari Lapena

A psychological thriller about a couple whose child is kidnapped during a dinner party. The investigation reveals multiple layers of secrets and potential betrayals. The novel explores themes of trust, deception, and the unexpected dangers within seemingly close relationships, mirroring the psychological complexity of 'The Stranger'.

The Butterfly Girl

Rene Denfeld

A haunting novel about a woman searching for her lost sister while investigating child disappearances. The story explores themes of trauma, survival, and the search for truth. Like 'The Stranger', it delves into psychological complexity and the long-lasting impact of hidden secrets.