Alex Michaelides’ 2019 debut novel The Silent Patient took the thriller world by storm, becoming an instant bestseller. The intriguing psychological thriller follows a therapist who becomes obsessed with unraveling the mystery behind a painter who murdered her husband and then fell completely silent.
For fans who couldn’t get enough of Michaelides’ addictive storytelling, there are many other books that deliver similar thrills and complex characters. Like The Silent Patient, these books offer mysterious plots, dramatic reveals, and unstable relationships.
See also: Best BookTok Books 2023.
Books Like The Silent Patient
Colleen Hoover
Verity
Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, is offered a once-in-a-lifetime job by Jeremy Crawford, the husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford. Verity is unable to finish her successful book series due to an injury, so Lowen is hired to complete the remaining books. When Lowen starts going through Verity's notes, she stumbles upon an unfinished autobiography that reveals shocking secrets about Verity's past, including the truth about her daughter's death. Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy to spare him further pain, but as her feelings for him grow, she contemplates the benefits of revealing the truth.
Colleen Hoover
It Ends with Us
"It Ends with Us" is a book by Colleen Hoover that is part of the "It Ends With Us" book series. The story follows Lily, a hardworking woman who has overcome many challenges to create the life she desires. When she meets Ryle, a handsome neurosurgeon, Lily is captivated by their connection. However, Ryle's reluctance to commit to a relationship raises concerns for Lily. As she navigates her new romance, thoughts of her first love, Atlas, resurface and put her current relationship in jeopardy.
Colleen Hoover
It Starts with Us
"It Starts with Us" is a book in the "It Ends With Us" series by Colleen Hoover. The story follows Lily, who has recently divorced her husband Ryle and is co-parenting with him. However, when she unexpectedly runs into her first love, Atlas, after two years apart, she agrees to go on a date with him. The catch is that Ryle is still a part of Lily's life, and he will not be happy about Atlas being involved with their daughter. The book switches between Lily and Atlas's perspectives and continues the gripping and pulse-pounding story from the previous book in the series.
Freida McFadden
The Housemaid
"The Housemaid" is a captivating book by Freida McFadden that takes readers into the intriguing world of the Winchesters. The story follows a housemaid who sees this job as her chance for a fresh start. However, she soon discovers that the secrets of the Winchesters are more dangerous than her own. As she cleans their beautiful house, she becomes entangled in the strange behavior of Nina, the lady of the house, and the increasing sadness of Andrew, her husband. The housemaid is tempted by the luxurious life Nina leads, but when she tries on one of Nina's dresses, she realizes she has made a grave mistake. With a locked attic bedroom and her true identity at stake, the housemaid must confront the Winchesters' secrets and her own capabilities.
Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a captivating book about the life of aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo. When she chooses unknown reporter Monique Grant to write her biography, Monique is shocked and determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career. As Evelyn shares her story, from her rise to fame in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business, Monique becomes enthralled by the tale of ambition, friendship, and forbidden love. However, as Evelyn's story unfolds, it becomes clear that her life is intertwined with Monique's in tragic ways.
Lisa Jewell
Then She Was Gone
"Then She Was Gone" by Lisa Jewell is a gripping novel that tells the story of Ellie, a fifteen-year-old girl who suddenly disappears. Ten years later, her mother Laurel is still searching for answers and hoping to find her daughter. One day, Laurel meets Floyd, a charming stranger who sweeps her off her feet. As Laurel gets to know Floyd and his nine-year-old daughter Poppy, she is struck by the resemblance between Poppy and Ellie at that age. This similarity brings back all the unanswered questions about Ellie's disappearance. Laurel is determined to uncover the truth about what happened to her daughter and who might still be hiding secrets.
Jeneva Rose
The Perfect Marriage
"The Perfect Marriage" by Jeneva Rose is a gripping story about Sarah Morgan, a successful defense attorney in Washington D.C. When her struggling writer husband, Adam, has an affair with Kelly Summers, their lives take a dark turn. Adam is arrested for Kelly's murder, and Sarah must defend him in court. As she delves deeper into the case, she questions whether her husband is guilty or innocent. Will Sarah be able to uncover the truth and save her marriage?
Delia Owens
Where the Crawdads Sing
"Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a captivating novel set in the quiet fishing village of Barkley Cove. The locals have long been haunted by rumors of the ""Marsh Girl,"" Kya Clark, who is seen as wild and unfit for society. When popular Chase Andrews is found dead in 1969, Kya becomes the immediate suspect.However, Kya is not what people believe her to be. Despite only having one day of school, she is a naturalist at heart and learns life's lessons from the land. She understands the world through the signals of fireflies and has the skills to live in solitude forever. But as time goes on, she yearns for human connection and love. When she becomes drawn to two young men from town, her world opens up in unexpected ways, until a tragic event occurs."
Lucy Score
Things We Never Got Over
"Things We Never Got Over" is a book from the "Knockemout Book Series" written by Lucy Score. The story revolves around Knox, a bearded and rebellious barber who prefers to live a solitary life with his basset hound, Waylon. However, his peaceful routine is disrupted when Naomi, a runaway bride, arrives in town. Naomi is not only fleeing from her wedding but also trying to help her estranged twin sister in Knockemout, Virginia. Unfortunately, her twin sister betrays her, leaving Naomi with unexpected responsibilities, including taking care of her niece. Despite his aversion to complications, Knox decides to assist Naomi in her difficult situation. However, as their troubles escalate, Knox realizes that their predicament may be more dangerous than he initially thought.
Laura Dave
The Last Thing He Told Me
"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave is a gripping novel about Hannah Hall, who receives a note from her husband Owen just before he disappears. The note instructs her to protect his daughter, Bailey, who wants nothing to do with Hannah. As Hannah tries to reach Owen and uncovers shocking revelations, she realizes that her husband had been hiding his true identity. Together with Bailey, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth about Owen's past and find themselves creating an unexpected future along the way.
Mary Kubica
Local Woman Missing
"Local Woman Missing" by Mary Kubica is a gripping thriller that tells the story of Shelby Tebow, Meredith Dickey, and her daughter Delilah, who all mysteriously disappear from their peaceful community. As the years go by with no answers, the case goes cold. However, eleven years later, Delilah unexpectedly reappears, leaving everyone curious about what really happened to her.
Alex Michaelides
The Maidens
"The Maidens" by Alex Michaelides is a gripping thriller that follows Mariana Andros, a brilliant but troubled group therapist. When a member of a secret society of female students called The Maidens is found murdered, Mariana becomes fixated on the case. Despite his popularity and charm, Mariana is convinced that Edward Fosca, a Greek tragedy professor at Cambridge University, is the murderer. As she delves deeper into the dark secrets of the university, Mariana's obsession threatens to destroy her credibility and relationships. Determined to stop the killer, Mariana is willing to risk everything, even her own life.
B.A. Paris
Behind Closed Doors
"Behind Closed Doors" is a captivating book by B.A. Paris that tells the story of Jack and Grace, a seemingly perfect couple. Jack is a successful lawyer and Grace is a talented homemaker. They have a beautiful home and throw elegant dinner parties. However, as you get to know them, you start to notice some strange things. Grace is always by Jack's side and never answers the phone or meets for coffee. She can cook elaborate meals but remains slim, and she never takes anything with her when she leaves the house. The high-security metal shutters on the windows raise even more questions. Once the dinner party is over and the front door closes, you can't help but wonder what secrets lie behind closed doors.
Charlie Donlea
Twenty Years Later
In the book "Twenty Years Later" by Charlie Donlea, Avery Mason, a TV host, is determined to uncover the truth behind a murder mystery that involves kinky sex, tragedy, and betrayal. The story revolves around the identification of a 9/11 victim, Victoria Ford, who was accused of murdering her married lover. Victoria's sister, Emma Kind, seeks Avery's help in proving her sister's innocence. As Avery delves deeper into the case, she discovers that there are other individuals interested in her own secret past, which she has kept hidden from her audience and network executives.
Gregg Olsen
If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood
"If You Tell" by Gregg Olsen is a gripping true story about three sisters, Nikki, Sami, and Tori Knotek, who have been living with a dark secret from their childhood. Their mother, Shelly, subjected them to unimaginable abuse and torture behind closed doors. Despite the horrors they endured, the sisters formed a strong bond that helped them escape their mother's clutches and ultimately led to the exposure of multiple murders. If You Tell is a harrowing and emotional tale of survival, highlighting the strength and courage of these sisters as they fought for justice and freedom.
Freida McFadden
The Inmate
"The Inmate" by Freida McFadden is a gripping book about Brooke Sullivan, a nurse practitioner who starts working at a men's maximum-security prison. She must follow three important rules: treat all prisoners with respect, never reveal personal information, and never become too friendly with the inmates. However, what nobody knows is that Brooke has already broken these rules. She has a secret intimate connection to Shane Nelson, one of the prison's most dangerous inmates, who was also her high school sweetheart. Shane is serving a life sentence for a series of gruesome murders, and Brooke's testimony was what put him behind bars. Now, Shane knows about their past and he will never forget.
Colleen Hoover
Ugly Love
In the book "Ugly Love" by Colleen Hoover, Tate Collins and Miles Archer meet and feel a strong attraction towards each other. Despite not considering themselves friends, they decide to have a purely physical relationship, as neither of them wants or has time for love. However, they soon realize that their arrangement is not as easy as they thought. As they break the two rules they set for themselves, their hearts become involved, promises are broken, and love becomes complicated and messy.
Colleen Hoover
November 9
"November 9" by Colleen Hoover is a captivating love story about Fallon and Ben. They meet just before Fallon is about to move across the country, but their instant connection leads them to spend her last day in L.A. together. Ben, an aspiring novelist, finds inspiration in Fallon's eventful life. As the years go by, they continue to meet on the same date every year, despite the challenges they face in their separate lives. However, Fallon begins to question if Ben has been truthful or if he has created a perfect reality for the sake of his novel's plot twist. Can their relationship and Ben's novel be considered a love story if it ultimately ends in heartbreak?
Laura Nowlin
If He Had Been with Me
"If He Had Been with Me" by Laura Nowlin is a heartfelt story about Autumn and Finn, who used to be best friends. However, something happened that caused them to drift apart. Now, they try their best to ignore each other. Autumn has her boyfriend Jamie and a close group of friends, while Finn has become popular at school. Despite their efforts to move on, Autumn can't help but feel something whenever she sees Finn. She starts to wonder if things could have been different between them. As the story unfolds, Autumn is forced to confront the possibility of a different life if they had never separated.
Holly Jackson
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
In the book "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" by Holly Jackson, Pippa Fitz-Amobi questions the closed case of schoolgirl Andie Bell's murder. Despite everyone believing that Sal Singh is the killer, Pippa, who grew up in the same small town, has doubts. As she investigates the case for her final year project, she uncovers hidden secrets that someone in town is desperate to keep concealed. Pippa soon realizes that the real killer may still be at large and is willing to go to great lengths to prevent her from discovering the truth.
