Domestic thrillers explore the intimate and often unsettling dynamics within seemingly ordinary households. These narratives typically unfold within the confines of domestic spaces, where tension brews beneath the facade of normalcy. Family secrets, betrayals, and hidden agendas serve as the driving forces behind the gripping plotlines.
Protagonists in domestic thrillers are often unsuspecting individuals thrust into harrowing circumstances within their own homes. They may find themselves entangled in a web of deceit orchestrated by loved ones or neighbors, blurring the lines between trust and suspicion. Themes of marriage unraveling, parental paranoia, and the dark underbelly of suburbia are common motifs explored in this genre.
Character development is paramount in domestic thrillers, as authors intricately weave complex relationships and psychological motivations into the narrative fabric. The unreliable narrator is a frequent device employed to heighten suspense, keeping readers guessing about the true nature of events unfolding.
As the tension escalates, the domestic setting transforms into a battleground where characters confront their deepest fears and confrontations reach a boiling point. The genre’s appeal lies in its ability to turn the familiar into the extraordinary, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the murky waters of domestic intrigue and deception.
Here are twenty gripping domestic thrillers to enthral you:
The Godfather by Mario Puzo, published in 1969
“The Godfather” immerses readers into the Corleone crime family’s world, led by patriarch Vito Corleone. Puzo masterfully weaves a tale of power, loyalty, and betrayal as the Corleones navigate the treacherous underworld of organized crime. Through intricate character development and rich storytelling, Puzo delivers a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of morality, family, and the American Dream.
Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney, published in 2017
In “Sometimes I Lie,” protagonist Amber Reynolds lies in a coma, unable to move or speak, but she can hear everything. As Amber tries to piece together the events leading up to her accident, she uncovers shocking secrets from her past. Feeney’s masterful use of unreliable narration keeps readers guessing until the final twist, making this psychological thriller a compelling and suspenseful read.
The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins, published in 2021
In “The Wife Upstairs,” newlywed Jane moves to a luxurious Alabama neighborhood, where she becomes entangled in the secrets of her enigmatic neighbour, Eddie Rochester. As Jane learns more about Eddie’s past and the disappearance of his previous wife, she realizes that nothing is as it seems. Hawkins skilfully weaves together themes of obsession, betrayal, and identity in this gripping modern retelling of Jane Eyre.
Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris, published in 2016
“Behind Closed Doors” introduces readers to Jack and Grace, the seemingly perfect couple. However, behind closed doors, Grace is trapped in a nightmarish marriage, struggling to escape Jack’s controlling grip. Paris expertly ratchets up the tension in this chilling tale of domestic abuse, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion.
My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing, published in 2019
In “My Lovely Wife,” a seemingly ordinary suburban couple harbors a dark secret: they’re serial killers. As they navigate the complexities of marriage and family life, they continue their deadly hobby, carefully concealing their true identities. Downing’s chilling exploration of the fine line between love and obsession makes for a gripping and unsettling read, leaving readers questioning the depths of human depravity.
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell, published in 2019
“The Family Upstairs” delves into the mysterious past of Libby Jones, who inherits a luxurious London mansion on her twenty-fifth birthday. As Libby uncovers the disturbing history of her birth family, she becomes entangled in a web of lies, manipulation, and dark secrets. Jewell’s skillful storytelling and atmospheric prose create a haunting and suspenseful tale that keeps readers guessing until the final revelation.
The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth, published in 2019
In “The Mother-in-Law,” Hepworth explores the complexities of familial relationships and the tensions that arise within the tightly-knit family of Lucy and her mother-in-law, Diana. When Diana is found dead, suspicion falls on those closest to her, unraveling long-held secrets and resentments. Hepworth’s insightful characterizations and layered plot make for a compelling and emotionally resonant domestic thriller.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, published in 2012
“Gone Girl” introduces readers to Nick and Amy Dunne, whose seemingly perfect marriage unravels when Amy goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary. As the media frenzy and police investigation unfold, dark truths about Nick and Amy’s relationship come to light, blurring the lines between truth and deception. Flynn’s twisty narrative and morally complex characters make “Gone Girl” a riveting and thought-provoking exploration of marriage, identity, and the nature of truth.
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, published in 2014
In “Big Little Lies,” Moriarty delves into the lives of three women – Madeline, Celeste, and Jane – whose seemingly perfect lives unravel amid secrets, lies, and domestic drama. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque Australian beach town, the novel explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the facade of suburban perfection. Moriarty’s sharp wit and keen insight into human nature make “Big Little Lies” a compelling and addictive read that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine, published in 2017
“The Last Mrs. Parrish” follows Amber Patterson, a woman determined to infiltrate the glamorous life of the wealthy Parrish family. As Amber befriends the charming Daphne Parrish, she sets her sights on Daphne’s husband, Jackson, and the privileged life she covets. Constantine’s gripping narrative and morally ambiguous characters create a tense and suspenseful domestic thriller that explores the lengths people will go to achieve their desires.
Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson, published in 2019
In “Never Have I Ever,” Jackson introduces readers to Amy Whey, a suburban mom harboring a dark secret from her past. When a mysterious newcomer threatens to expose her secret, Amy is forced to confront her past and the consequences of her actions. Jackson’s skillful blend of suspense and psychological depth makes “Never Have I Ever” a gripping and emotionally resonant thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The Other Side of Silence by Disha Bose, published in 2023
“The Other Side of Silence” by Disha Bose delves into the intricacies of family dynamics and the consequences of buried secrets. When Maya returns to her childhood home after her mother’s mysterious death, she uncovers long-buried truths that threaten to unravel her family’s carefully constructed facade. Bose’s evocative prose and nuanced characterizations make “The Other Side of Silence” a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and the power of silence.
Title by Jeneva Rose, publication date unavailable
Jeneva Rose’s domestic thriller delves into the dark underbelly of suburbia, where a seemingly perfect neighbourhood conceals sinister secrets. As tensions rise and alliances shift, residents are forced to confront the darkness lurking behind closed doors. Rose’s intricate plotting and vivid characterizations create a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion.
The Good Girl by Mary Kubica, published in 2014
In “The Good Girl,” Kubica introduces readers to Mia Dennett, a young woman abducted by a stranger on her way home. As Mia’s captor, Colin, begins to develop unexpected feelings for her, their lives become entwined in unforeseen ways. Kubica’s taut prose and skillful manipulation of timelines make “The Good Girl” a riveting and emotionally charged thriller that explores the complexities of human nature and the bonds that connect us.
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine, published in 2017
In “The Last Mrs. Parrish,” Liv Constantine presents readers with a tale of deception, betrayal, and revenge. Amber Patterson, a woman with a hidden agenda, worms her way into the lives of the glamorous and wealthy Parrish family. As Amber’s true intentions are slowly revealed, the novel builds to a shocking climax that challenges perceptions of love, loyalty, and power.
Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane, published in 2020
“Pretty Little Wife” by Darby Kane plunges readers into the heart of a small town rocked by scandal and suspicion. When Lila Ridgefield’s husband goes missing, she becomes the prime suspect in his disappearance. As secrets unravel and dark truths come to light, Lila must navigate a web of lies and betrayal to uncover the truth. Kane’s expert pacing and intricate plotting make “Pretty Little Wife” a compelling and addictive read.
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena, published in 2016
In “The Couple Next Door,” Shari Lapena crafts a tense and suspenseful narrative centered around the disappearance of a couple’s baby while they attend a dinner party next door. As secrets unravel and suspicions mount, the couple is forced to confront the dark truths hidden within their seemingly perfect lives. Lapena’s skillful pacing and shocking twists make “The Couple Next Door” a gripping page-turner that keeps readers guessing until the end.
Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering, published in 2018
“Tell Me Lies” by Carola Lovering is a compelling exploration of toxic relationships and the lasting effects of first love. Told from alternating perspectives, the novel follows Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco as they navigate a tumultuous romance filled with deception and betrayal. Lovering’s raw and honest portrayal of love and obsession makes “Tell Me Lies” a captivating and emotionally resonant read.
Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman, published in 2018
In “Something in the Water,” Catherine Steadman weaves a tale of suspense and moral ambiguity as a couple discovers a mysterious object while scuba diving on their honeymoon. As they grapple with the decision to keep their find or report it, they find themselves entangled in a web of deceit and danger. Steadman’s atmospheric prose and intricate plotting make “Something in the Water” a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that explores the consequences of greed and temptation.
The Favorite Daughter by Kaira Rouda, published in 2019
“The Favorite Daughter” by Kaira Rouda delves into the dark and twisted mind of Jane Harris as she returns to her family home to confront the demons of her past. Haunted by the death of her sister, Jane becomes obsessed with reclaiming her status as the favourite daughter and will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Rouda’s chilling portrayal of a woman on the brink of madness makes “The Favorite Daughter” a compelling and unsettling psychological thriller.
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And that’s our list of the 20 best domestic thriller books. What’s your take on these – any surprises, or any domestic thriller novels not on this list that you feel should make the top 20?