Psychological thrillers are a subgenre of thriller fiction that explores the deeper reaches of human nature. They often feature characters who are driven by their own twisted desires, and they may deal with themes of suspense, betrayal, and redemption. Psychological thrillers are characterized by their suspenseful atmosphere, their well-developed characters, and their exploration of the darker side of human nature.
Some of the most famous psychological thrillers include And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith, The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris, and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. These novels have been adapted into films and television shows, and they continue to be popular today.
Psychological thrillers are a popular genre of fiction because they offer readers a glimpse into those frightening mental regions. They can be suspenseful, thought-provoking, and even disturbing, but they can also be incredibly rewarding.
Here are some additional characteristics of psychological thrillers:
- They often feature unreliable narrators, which means that the reader is not sure if they can trust the character’s perspective.
- They may use red herrings to mislead the reader and keep them guessing.
- They often have a surprise ending that will leave the reader shaken.
Here are ten of the very best psychological thrillers of all time:
And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie (1939)
A classic whodunit that features a group of strangers who are invited to an island and then begin to die one by one. The novel is suspenseful and atmospheric, and it features a clever twist ending that has been praised by critics and readers alike. The novel has been adapted into several films and television series, including a Netflix miniseries.
Strangers on a Train, Patricia Highsmith (1950)
A suspenseful thriller about two strangers who meet on a train and make a pact to kill each other’s spouses. The novel is dark and disturbing, and it explores the themes of obsession and violence. The novel has been praised for its ingenious plot and its exploration of human nature. It has been adapted into a film of the same name, as well as a television series.
The Talented Mr Ripley, Patricia Highsmith (1955)
A psychological thriller about a young man who is obsessed with another man and becomes convinced that he must take his place. The novel is suspenseful and disturbing, and it explores the themes of identity and deception in great detail. The novel has been praised for its complex characters and its exploration of the deeper reaches of human nature. It has been adapted into a film of the same name, as well as a television series.
Carrie, Stephen King (1974)
A psychological horror novel about a teenage girl who develops telekinetic powers and uses them to exact revenge on her tormentors. The novel is suspenseful and disturbing, and it explores the themes of bullying, alienation, and the supernatural. The novel has been praised for its suspenseful plot, and its use of unknown human power. It has been adapted into two films of the same name, as well as a television series.
The Shining, Stephen King (1977)
A psychological horror novel about a family who take a job at an isolated hotel that is haunted by its dark past. The novel is suspenseful and disturbing, and it explores the themes of isolation, madness, and the supernatural. The novel has been praised for its suspense, its ambiguity, and its exploration of evil. It has been adapted into a film of the same name, which starred Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall.
Misery, Stephen King (1987)
A nailbiting thriller about a writer who is rescued from a car accident by his obsessive fan. The novel is suspenseful and disturbing, and it explores the themes of obsession and control. The novel has been praised for its suspenseful plot and its exploration of the obsessive personality. It has been adapted into a film of the same name, which starred Kathy Bates and James Caan.
The Silence of the Lambs, Thomas Harris (1988)
A suspenseful thriller about a young FBI trainee who is tasked with interviewing a serial killer in order to learn his methods. The novel is dark and disturbing, and it features a complex and fascinating villain/hero in Hannibal Lecter. The novel has been praised for its suspenseful plot, its complexity, and its exploration of the psychopathic personality. It has been adapted into a film of the same name, which won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Stieg Larsson (2005)
About a disgraced journalist and a young female hacker who team up to investigate the disappearance of a young woman. The novel is suspenseful and disturbing, and it explores the themes of violence, misogyny, and social justice. The novel has been adapted into a film of the same name, as well as a television series.
Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn (2012)
About a wife who disappears on the eve of her fifth wedding anniversary, and her husband who becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance. The novel is suspenseful and disturbing, and it explores the themes of marriage, infidelity, and revenge. The novel has been praised for its artful plot, its complex characters, and its expert exploration of themes. It has been adapted into a film of the same name, which starred Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike.
The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins (2015)
A thriller about a young woman who witnesses a crime from her train window, and becomes obsessed with the case. The novel is very disturbing, and it explores the themes of addiction, grief, and redemption.
And that’s our list of the 10 very best psychological thrillers. What’s your take on these books – any surprises, or any great psychological thrillers missing from the list?