In the town of Toms River, New Jersey, Michael Phy is eighteen years old and losing his mind. A social pariah intent on seeking vengeance on his peers.

Across town, Billy Mallek grew up in a commune of blood drinkers made up of criminals and outcasts. He has aspirations of his own commune in California made up of modern day vampires.

Local police officer Gardener sees the threat Michael and Billy are. His faith is tested, but he is the only one who can stop the dark fallen days from coming.

Excerpt from Dark Fallen Days © Copyright 2023 Nicholas Peluso

Michael should be a sophomore but isn’t. Algebra had bested him, and even with the aid of tutors, he failed. So here he sits as a freshman staring blankly at the blackboard with its charts and graphs. Michael could never wrap his mind around the concept that letters can equal numbers in this mathematical expression. He simply tuned out. Due to his health issues and compromised learning, he would eventually be given an exemption from his guidance counselor for algebra. Today, however, he sits quietly. Behind him is Peter Mitel. To some, Peter’s head looks like it is on a swivel. Bouncing up and down and going from side to side. Never fixating on one thing. It is not that he isn’t paying attention to his teacher. He is actually paying attention to everything in the room. Peter hones in on different sounds. A girl to his left is scribbling out a wrong answer, and he can hear the ballpoint pen going back and forth very hard and fast. He can hear the air conditioning kicking on through the vented grate above and to the rear of the classroom. His head turns toward a pencil dropping in the front of the room. Peter can even hear a yellow jacket wasp bouncing off the classroom window.

Peter’s eye sockets are sunken in his head. He was born with anophthalmia meaning he was born without eyes. His algebra textbook is in braille. Leaning against his desk is his walking stick. Peter sits behind Michael because Michael leads him from class to class during the day.

Peter has memorized all the routes to his classes, but the hallways are crowded, and he fears bumping into other kids and dropping his books. When class ends, he always grabs his stick in his left hand, places his right hand on Michael’s right shoulder, and lets him lead the way.

The bell rings, and algebra is done for the day, mercifully for Michael. “You ready?” Michael asks Peter.

“Yeah. Did you want to come over later and play Nintendo with my brother?” Peter takes his stick in his left hand and has his right hand on Michael’s shoulder. Michael also carries

Peter’s books.

“Maybe. I have to ask my mom,” says Michael.

Peter has known Michael since elementary school. He can sense that Michael doesn’t have many friends, if any. Peter would overhear other students snicker and make fun of Michael and his drooping left eye. Peter didn’t feel sorry for many people considering his own condition, but Michael was different. Peter related to him and did feel sorry for him.

As the two navigate the halls, Peter and Michael hear a rude comment from behind them. “Blind leading the blind.”

Michael turns to see two senior football players barreling through all the smaller kids in the hall. The two complete the look by wearing their respective football jerseys even though the season is long over. When the two seniors get next to Michael and Peter, they do take pity on Peter, but not on Michael and push him hard into the lockers dropping his and Peter’s books.

Since Peter was using Michael as a guide, he also lost his balance a little. “Assholes,” Peter says.

The hallway is close to empty now. Some kids laugh at Michael as he picks up the textbooks, but most have sympathy and choose not to look. Michael, of course, only hears the laughter. Michael gets up with books under his left arm and Peter’s hand back on his right shoulder. With his ego bruised again, Michael mutters quietly to himself.

“One day, I’ll kill them all.” Michael forgets that Peter has excellent hearing and hears every word.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Dark Fallen Days by Nicholas Peluso appeared first on Joelbooks.

Are you looking for the best psychological thriller books? It's your list to choose your favorite one!

Most people like reading love stories, and some go for the weird twists of suspense and mystery novels. We all have our preferences, but let’s be honest, we all know that there is nothing more satisfying than grabbing the edge of your seat whenever you are reading a well-written psychological thriller, right?

What Are The Most Important Characteristics of Psychological Thrillers?

Psychological thrillers is a subgenre of thrillers books that focus on the mental and emotional states of its characters. These books often explore the dark side of human nature, and can be quite disturbing. Here are some characteristics that make a great psychological thriller:

• A strong sense of unease or foreboding
• Characters who are deeply flawed and may even be sociopathic
• Dark, often oppressive atmosphere
• Elegant, elitist writing style to point out the contrast between words and the story itself
• Descriptions of violence or other disturbing scenes that may make readers uncomfortable
• Stories with multiple layers, you could easily find yourself routing for the wrong side
• A plot that is full of twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end

What Are The Subgenres of Psychological Thriller Books?

• Workplace, Existence Psychological Thrillers
• Supernatural Psychological Thrillers
• Alternative Reality Psychological Thrillers
• Mental Health, Loosing Reality Psychological Thrillers
• Crime, Serial Killer Psychological Thrillers
• Family life, Domestic Life Psychological Thrillers

Getting a bunch of books in this genre can complete your reading list, and whenever you want to start your collection of them, here are the best psychological thriller books from the last years to start it out! The book list is in reverse chronological order.

What Are The Top Psychological Thriller Books? (Ordered)

(Find Further Upcoming Psychological Thriller Books)

Buried Secrets, by S.F. Baumgartner (2023)

In the realm of psychological and domestic suspense, S. F. Baumgartner's Buried Secrets emerges as a compelling tale, intertwining the nuances of Christian suspense. The novel centers around Dylan Roche, a 25-year-old grappling with the uncertainties of adulthood, further complicated by the recent death of his mother. His unassuming life is upended by the appearance of attorney Charles Townsend, a link to his mother's mysterious past, propelling Dylan on an introspective journey fraught with existential questions about his identity and lineage.

Baumgartner's narrative prowess is evident in the way the story swiftly captures the reader's attention, maintaining a taut grip through an intricate web of family secrets and deceit. The plot, rich with twists and turns, offers a labyrinthine journey through hidden corridors of familial ties and concealed truths.

The blend of suspense, familial intrigue, and spiritual undertones has resonated with a wide audience, establishing Buried Secrets as a promising opener to what could be an enthralling series. This novel not only satisfies the appetite of thriller aficionados but also posits Baumgartner as a notable voice in the genre, adept at weaving complex tales of suspense and human emotion.

The Coworker, by Freida McFadden (2023)

In the gripping narrative set in Vixed, a nutritional supplement company, two women find themselves entangled in a web of secrets leading to a heinous crime. Dawn Schiff, an accountant perceived as odd and friendless, is always punctual, so her unexpected absence one day raises eyebrows, particularly of her coworker Natalie Farrell. Natalie, admired for her beauty and success, receives a disturbing anonymous call that reveals a sinister reality: Dawn, far from just being an awkward loner, was a target of a malicious plot within their office.

As Natalie gets drawn into a dangerous cat-and-mouse game, she grapples with the chilling realization that Dawn was despised enough to be murdered, leaving her to question the true identity of the victim in this twisted scenario.

Strangers We Know, by Elle Marr (2022)

Strangers We Know is one of those trusts no one psychological thriller books with a relatable but horrifying story. Ivy Hon is searching for answers, but she gets caught up in a dangerous investigation.

She was adopted after birth, but she never felt the urge to learn about her biological lineage. However, a genetic test became necessary when a mysterious illness struck Ivy, leading to an FBI attraction that revealed her relationship with a serial killer who horrified the Pacific Northwest for many decades. Ivy became the FBI's only hope to stop the serial killer from further killings.

An online search links with her younger cousin, and that’s when she goes to Rock Island for a meet-up. Her motivation is a hidden desire to expose a murderous relative, and she decides to reach out to contact her remnant stranger relatives.

As she exposes herself to danger in the serial killer’s home, it dawns on her that she could be the next victim of her dangerous ancestry.

The Housemaid, by Freida McFadden (2022)

The housemaid in this book is Millie. She has gotten a housekeeping job at Nina and Andrew Winchester’s house. She has been on parole, and this job is what she needs and her last opportunity to start fresh.

Every day Millie cleans the house, picks up Cecilia from school, and cooks a meal for the family before heading out to her tiny room. Millie ignores how Nina makes a mess just to observe how she will handle it. Nina tells unusual lies about Andrew and their daughter. As every day passes, Andrew seems to become more broken. His eyes are full of pain, but he must play the perfect husband.

Everything will take a twisted turn when Millie tries one of the pristine white dresses that belong to Nina. She only wants to experience what such outfits feel like, and she will find out.

She will discover that her room’s door locks only from outside. The only problem is that it is too late. The Winchester secrets are more dangerous than hers.

Sundial, by Catriona Ward (2022)

This psychological horror is a real nerve-wrecking book, where nothing is what it seems.

English teacher Rob, mother of two children. Her husband cheats her and has anger issues. When Callie acts weirdly like collecting bones or conversing with ghosts, Rob starts to feel anxiety. But when she realizes that Callie may hurt her younger sister, she gets into panic mode.

Who is the monster in this story, readers may find out the dark hidden past of the family.

If you feel you are ready for a good psychological horror thriller than Sundial will be a perfect read!

The Resting Place, by Camilla Sten (2022)

Eleanor evinces horror at the thought of this awful, heartless woman, who raised her. Vivianne's incessant calls go unanswered most of the time to try and keep away from listening to Eleanor's disillusionment with the voices in the walls coming to get her.

You will learn only a few of the characters that are present in the diary throughout the narrative. But they will be revealed fully and accurately giving you a true sense after truly experiencing the uncanny appearance and impression of the characters.

The monstrous part of the grandmother's story is spine-tingling, and the surprises at the end could even be even more exciting.

Hot House, by Lisa Towles (2022)

Hot House is a new page-turning psychological thriller book with great twists.

Mari Ellwyn is a private investigator and a former CIA operative who starts to dig into a federal appellate judge’s blackmail case. However, she becomes a target for one van following her, receives threatening notes in her mail, and her home is breached.

Mari will team up with Derek Abernathy, a former detective and a seasoned investigator, and begin to look into the unlawful death of Sophie Michaud, a mentally ill college student. They work on this case alongside another one about two journalists. One is missing, and the other one is dead.

These journalists were writing about the dead girl’s story and her connection allegations with the federal judge. Mari and Derek will have to work to unravel the truth before Sophie’s killer make them the next targets.

Mari is also caught up in her dad’s search and wants reconciliation with her family and broken past.

Her Perfect Family, by Teresa Driscoll (2021)

It’s their daughter's graduation day and Rachel Hartley is expecting one of her family's happiest days. Unfortunately, it turns into a nightmare when the girl loses balance during her graduation ceremony. Her sister Adam, who was standing next to her, realizes what has happened first. When she falls down on stage during the ceremony, instead of delivering her speech with gratitude, her future is now running parallel with this grim reality right before everyone’s eyes.

Page-turning suspense story, that won't let you switch off the lights. Put everything on pause and get ready for some nerve-wracking psychological thriller.⁣⁣

Good as Dead, by Susan Walter (2021)

Susan Walter writes some of the best psychological thriller books, and her new novel Good as Dead is one of them.

Holly Kendrick is a mother whose husband Mr. Kendrick has died of a heart attack. During a hit-and-run, Ms. Kendrick saw the car accident, and she can’t forget what she has witnessed. Throughout her trauma of her husband's death, Mrs. Kendrick finds a note with an offer from a mysterious stranger to pay for any help that will let her pay off all the hospital bills from Mr. Kendrick’s passing on. She accepts gladly because she needs the money for payday loans to get through the month without him in her life anymore. In return for this deal, Mrs. Kendrick and her daughter Savannah have to move into California so they can live in their new house made especially for them by their wealthy sponsor.

As excitement comes over the neighborhood in Calabasas when they arrive in town, some neighbors feel curious about who these newcomers are who came in after the everyday routine people knew before they moved in across the street!

The Cry of the Lake, by Charlie Tyler (2020)

When she was six years old, Lily suddenly found something interesting by the lake near their house. Surprised and excited to meet the new “mermaid” friend she suddenly found, she rushes into the shallow waters only to find out that it is actually a dead body. Being a young girl with a sharp memory, Lily locks the sight within her mind, and she carries this terrible secret all the way to her adulthood.

Years later, Lily becomes best friends with Flo, a charismatic girl who seems quite simple whenever you look at her. However, things take a dark turn when Flo’s dad gets accused of murdering a schoolgirl, and this event triggers Lily’s past that keeps on haunting her. Will she be able to suppress the cry of the lake, or will the best friends be able to solve this horrifying mystery together?

Sharp Objects, by Gillian Flynn (2018)

If you liked Gone Girl or any other book by Gillian Flynn, then Sharp Objects will not disappoint.

The book was recently adapted into an HBO Limited Series that follows an investigative journalist, who returns to her hometown after years away and uncovers more than she bargained for – but if you haven’t yet caught Amy Adams' award-worthy performance as a traumatized reporter as she gains information about what events unfolded in the wake of a murder in her Kansas City neighborhood as a child by hunting down those related to the crime or involved with it directly now as adults, give yourself some time so you can read the book first!

This psychological thriller book is a must-read for any fans of the tightly-structured thriller.

The End of the Day, by Bill Clegg (2020)

This book is the perfect portrayal of how a significant event in a single day can unleash a ripple effect that could last for years. If you are fortunate enough to do good deeds in your life, then you can expect a long-lasting peace within your latter years. However, for the characters in this book, their past lives will haunt them soon enough when a single man discovers a collapsed body on a hotel floor.

By the end of the day, will you be able to release yourself from those horrible secrets, or will you let the years go by, only to find them coming back to you in the most dreadful way possible? Read on and discover the secrets these seemingly disconnected people are about to introduce to you!

His & Hers, by Alice Feeney (2020)

This psychological thriller book is one of the most intriguing reads you will ever find, and thanks to Alice Feeney’s surprising twists around every corner, you will certainly find yourself questioning the events you just witnessed in the middle of the night!

As a woman gets murdered in a secluded British village, Anna Andrews (newsreader) does not want to cover the case because of her personal reasons. However, when Jack Harper (detective) gets suspicious of Anna’s involvement, he snoops around to look for clues, that is until he becomes a suspect in his own investigation. With all the lies bursting all over the place, how will these two dig out the secrets that are circulating around them?

The Golden Cage, by Camilla Läckberg (2020)

Ever since they were both students in business school, Faye and Jack have loved each other with all their hearts. Jack grew up in a rich family, while Faye had to work hard to bury her dark past. With Jack’s business growing continuously in the field, Faye decided to quit school and help him by waitressing during the day and strategizing by night.

As the lovely couple has a baby, Faye suddenly finds herself staying at home all the time and neglecting her duties in the business world. It also doesn’t help when she finds out that her husband is having an affair. Filled with fury and vengeance, Faye decides to resurrect her dark past and give Jack the treatment he truly deserves.

If you are looking for fresh psychological thriller books, The Golden Cage is a great choice!

Utopia Avenue, by David Mitchell (2020)

A psychological thriller book about the rise and fall of a United Kingdom rock band in the 1960s.

If you are a fan of biographies, this book is kind of like that, except that it’s all about the hit band Utopia Avenue! What? You’ve never heard of this band in your life? Well, it’s a good thing that you have access to this book because, within this excellent read by David Mitchell, you will enjoy the life and times of the bands members during their entertaining yet mysterious journey.

Feel the vibe of their music as they unravel the world’s maddening whispers within their ears, one page at a time.

The Wife Who Knew Too Much, by Michele Campbell (2020)

Connor Ford is the type of guy that will definitely sweep you off your feet, and that is justifiable because there are actually two Mrs. Fords that came into his life. The first Mrs. Ford was a beautiful and accomplished woman, and she is already enjoying her life with a younger man. However, along with a surprising turn of events, she is now dead.

The second Mrs. Ford is a waitress from a small town. She is now married to the man she had a summer romance 10 years ago, and her life went uphill ever since they got together. How is this possible, though? Find out the surprising timeline of events in this amazing thriller, and let Michele Campbell take you on an adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

After reading Michele's book you will definitely have the urgency to read more psychological thriller books.

A Good Marriage, by Kimberly McCreight (2020)

As Lizzie Kitzakis is working one late night, she suddenly gets a call from an old friend that wants her help as a federal prosecutor. Zach Grayson’s wife, Amanda, suddenly turns up dead at the bottom of their stairs, and Zach turns out to be the primary suspect.

With the current negative state of Lizzie’s marriage to her husband, will she be able to assist this old friend in time of need? Discover the terrible secrets and haunting mysteries that their group of friends is hiding from each other all along in this fantastic thriller novel!

The Guest List, by Lucy Foley (2020)

Within the beautiful sceneries of Ireland, a lovely couple is having the perfect day celebrating their wedding. With their loving friends and family around, they could ask for nothing more. However, things took a dark turn when their guest list was modified, because a dead person suddenly showed up on their premises. How will they be able to solve this surprising turn of events?

Read on as the bride, the best man, the plus one, the wedding planner, and the bridesmaid find their way into fixing a horrifying wedding experience.

The Silent Daughter, by Claire Amarti (2020)

The author's best-seller novel is a women's psychological thriller.

Sadie Kelly lost her best friend, Fiona, in high school and still hasn't fully recovered from the loss. Fast forward to the present day, Sadie has just lost her job at the reputable Horton College and is living with Fiona's mother.

She's having trouble finding a new work due to the circumstances of her job loss and has turned to Benzos to help her cope. On top of all that, one of her former students from Horton College has just gone missing, and Sadie has a personal tie to the missing girl's father.

The Silent Patient, by Alex Michaelides (2019)

The Silent Patient is the bestselling thriller novel about a woman who murders her husband and then becomes silent via psychotherapeutic treatment, in which her doctor, Theo, is obsessed with uncovering her motives.

Alex proves with this book, that psychological thrillers are more than just some twist in the story. This book has a style, it doesn't really want you to swallow anything, it simply shocks you when you don't expect anything.

I was blown away by this book and its cool twists and turns. It was a page-turner. Anyway, The Silent Patient is one of the most talked-about psychological thriller books of the last years.

The Silent Ones, by K.L. Slater (2019)

This book is a thrilling ride with full of twists and turns. The family drama in this book digs deep under your skin. The two girls' story captured us.

Juliet's shocked mother cannot forget because her smiling daughters Maddy and Brianna are responsible for such a shocking event. Where did Maddy and Brianna get the plans to commit the crime, and the community recoils in fear?

Life tumbles out of control as the small village's residents react to this stunning turn of events.

Trespassing, by Brandi Reeds (2018)

Trespassing is a 2018 novel, and it is a masterpiece of psychological suspense.

A young mother follows a perilous course to track her missing husband.

Veronica Cavanaugh's grip on the world is dropping. Her most recent round of fertility treatments not only failed but had side effects.

The book utilizes shorter chapter length, which makes you wonder all day long “What will happen next?”.

The Accident, by Natalie Barelli (2019)

Katherine will give anything to go back in time. If anyone ever found out about the crime, it would ruin her life. But nobody should find out, as Eve is present, too, and she'll do everything in her power to throw it under the rug.

It is a well written thriller: fast-paced, strong twists, and memorable characters. At a certain point in the book, we even felt sorry for Katherine. First, you think Katherine is a weak character but never find yourself at that position of Kathrine in life.

This psychological thriller book surprised us in a good manner.

The Butterfly Girl, by Rene Denfeld (2019)

Finally a heartbreaking story by Rene Denfeld who is a very popular author in our book club not accidentally. Rene puts us into the sad world of children who are trying to survive their everydays. Hope is a gift in this book, and Rene doesn't want us to lose it.

Rene Denfeld shares his compelling experiences with homeless children, clearly exploring what exactly getting a fast-food hamburger means to their lives. Taking things at face value, one terrible individual circles for his next victim.

An Anonymous Girl, by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen (2019)

Jessica takes part in a psychological study to earn some extra cash for her life.

When the study starts Jessica begins to question what kind of experiment she has become involved in. Reality becomes blurry and ethics isn't something that has any meaning in this story.

In my opinion, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen did extremely well with this novel.

This suspenseful psychological drama starred memorable characters and explored twists and turns that kept us hurtling through the pages.

Final Thoughts on Psychological Thriller Books

Every once in a while, it’s nice to tickle your mind for a bit and enjoy the well-written puzzles of books in this genre even if these books could be a little bit dark! With this list of the best psychological thriller books, you will surely find the perfect book that can pique your interests and leave you up all night.

If you are into thrillers, check out our all-time selection of the best thriller books.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post 23+ Psychological Thriller Books (Ordered) For 2023 – To Kill Your Nerves appeared first on Joelbooks.

In a small, tight-knit town where family legacies are revered, David finds himself torn between societal expectations and his own desires. Trapped in a house he never wanted, he becomes an unwilling participant in his family's oppressive tradition – a sinister and mysterious custom that demands unwavering obedience. As he delves deeper into this dark inheritance, David's unhinged aunt becomes both a catalyst and an obstacle, propelling him on a journey to uncover the truth behind their twisted legacy.

Amidst the chaos, he grapples with the blurred boundaries between right and wrong, seeking to unravel the true nature of good and evil. In this gripping tale of self-discovery and defiance, David must muster the strength to forge his own path, even as his hesitant brother, Mark, lacks the courage to defy convention. With the love of his life, Zari, hanging in the balance, he faces an impossible choice: should he succumb to the path dictated by his aunt and brother, or will he find the courage to break free from their dark influence?

As the stakes intensify, David's internal struggle mirrors the larger conflict within the town, unveiling hidden secrets and buried truths. The boundaries between reality and superstition blur, and he must navigate a treacherous game of power and manipulation to protect what he holds dear. In this riveting thriller novel, the battle for his identity becomes entwined with the fate of his beloved, as they both become pawns in a dangerous web of family secrets and deception.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Silenced by Kiontai Lawson appeared first on Joelbooks.

Following the events set seven years after a horrific car crash that forever changed the lives of two men. Keith lost his wife in the tragic accident and was put into a coma. The other man Jackson was sent to prison for gross vehicular manslaughter and has been haunted by the accident ever since.

Fresh out of his coma Keith decides to take revenge on the man who started it all, Jackson. Jackson who is already struggling with returning to his everyday life must now face the sins of his past. Will Keith show Jackson mercy? Or will vengeance consume Keith?

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post The Life Wrecker by Levi Kent appeared first on Joelbooks.

What if you could relive your past… and choose a different future?

Drew is broke, working a dead-end job, and on the cusp of his thirties, wondering where it all went wrong. When his beloved grandmother passes away and leaves him with his uncaring family, he passes out and finds himself in what appears to be a mysterious new plane of existence. He’s soon forced to relive his past, from his childhood with his unstable grandfather to his twenties with a family that constantly asks for money, all while he hits the grind as a rising podcaster, makes bold moves for fame and wealth, and struggles with alcohol.

As Drew phases in and out of vignettes from his past, he sinks deeper and deeper into a life he thought he understood and confronts his own mistakes, revealing new dimensions to his relationships and choices. Meanwhile, the enigmatic forces behind his journey have their own plans for him…. Will he identify his blind spot in life and move forward on a new path? Or will he remain who he’s always been?

Excerpt from U: Journey To Yourself © Copyright 2023 T.D. Roberson

Ch.1 — Cold Pill

I open up my bank account balance. That shit says     “-$23.82.”

My credit card payment is due. My rent was due last week. And I got fired yesterday. I walk over to the fridge. It’s empty.

I knew it was empty before I walked over here but I thought some groceries would magically pop up. I’m at that point right now. I haven’t eaten in a day and a half. Thirty-six (and a half) hours.

That’s my day so far.

I pick up my keys from the couch I was able to “buy” with one of those apps that basically lets you rent things on layaway. I stop, the ring of my keys hanging off my finger, to think about the last time I heard anyone use the word layaway…

A few weeks before Christmas in ’05 when I tagged along with my grandma to buy ornaments. That feels like so long ago.

I’m having an existential crisis and a financial crisis. In the back of my mind I’m panicking. What am I gonna do?

What the hell am I gonna do? What the fuck am I gonna do?!

I’m in my car now. The engine’s just running in the parking lot while my head’s on the steering wheel.

An old song is playing on the radio. Then, I hear a knock on my door.

I lift my head up and realize it’s my landlord. She has a piece of paper in her hand. She sticks it onto my window, then starts walking away.

I turn my keys to stop the engine and I hop out of the car. She put a three-day notice on my window. I don’t know why my first name, Drew, felt like it was the biggest word on the page.

“Claudia, what the fuck?!” I yell at her. “You could have just put this shit on my apartment door!” As soon as the words come out of my mouth they sound dumb.

I hope she’ll just take this one on the chin and walk away.

She starts turning around. “I thought it would be less embarrassing if I did that than put it on your door for everybody to walk past and look at.”

I rip the three-day notice, throw it, and get my ass back in the car. What am I gonna do?

I still have a full tank of gas thanks to a gas gift card I got as a Christmas gift last year. Can’t buy food though because my cards are over their limits.

It’s about nine o’clock at night. I’m driving down the Pacific coast Highway right now trying not to find a reason to drive off a cliff. My phone is sitting in the passenger seat. It’s ringing. It’s my girlfriend of a little over a year who’s been pressuring me to marry her for the last six months.

I’ve spent three of those months thinking about a way to get her to break up with me. I’d do it myself but her name is on my apartment.

I let the phone ring. The way I’m feeling right now, I can’t hold a conversation with that girl. I put my foot on the brakes. The traffic light is red. My head is pounding.

What the fuck is my life right now?

My phone lit up again. I peep out of the corner of my eye and see it’s an email from my alma mater. Which reminds me my deferment is up in two weeks.

I can feel my chest getting hot. I roll the windows down and scream. I feel like my head is gonna pop off. I slam my fist down onto the dashboard and yell, “FUCK,” with so much emphasis on the “U” that I think one of my lungs is gonna come up.

My phone starts ringing again. I look over and see my cousin’s name. Not my favorite cousin. The cousin who calls to ask for shit at the worst possible time. He’s funny though.

Something tells me not to pick up the phone. I pick it up anyway. “What’s up?” I say, trying to mask the depression in my voice.

“Hey, where you at?” Small talk. Great. “Driving right now.”

“Perfect. Dee just called”—my other cousin—“and he said Auntie passed out.” “Who passed out?” My heart is pounding.

“Auntie Donna,” he said, nervous. Donna is my grandma. “I’m on my way!” “She’s already at the hospital right now.”

“Send me the location,” I said, making a right off the PCH onto a cross street so I can turn back around.

I plug the address into Maps. The light turns green. I’m in such a panic worrying about what happened that it takes me a second to realize I’m blasting the song “All Night Long” by Mary Jane Girls. My grandma’s favorite song.

Tears are rolling down my eyes at this point. Angry tears. Frustrated tears. The road is getting blurry. I realize I’m not breathing anymore. My stomach gets tight. I can feel myself ready to vomit.

I pull my car over to the side of the hill, open my door, and throw up.

My heart’s pounding like a drum. I turn the corner and the only sound I hear is a heart monitor. My grandma is in a hospital bed surrounded by a doctor, two nurses, my cousin, my aunt, and my mom.

Tears are running down their faces.

“IS SHE ALRIGHT?!” I realize I was yelling after I see everyone in the room jump, startled. My aunt turns to me and she’s balling. I feel the tears rolling down my face. My ears are ringing. The doctor is talking but I don’t hear anything.

I see my mom hysterically crying. What’s happening right now?

I’ve never felt so useless in my life. I’ve never felt so out of control. My knees are wobbling. It feels like I’m about to fall.

“Is she…” My mouth is so dry it’s chalky, like my body is trying to force me not to say the rest. The doctor nods in agreement.

I walk over to my grandma in a panic. I move my mom out of the way while my cousin is trying to keep her on her feet by consoling her.

I look at my grandma’s face and all I can think about is how much time has passed. She looks so much older than I last remember.

I’m holding her face in my hands. I see a droplet land on her face. My body is so numb I don’t even realize I’m still crying.

This can’t be happening right now.

“Please don’t leave me,” I say while kissing her forehead. I know my request will be denied but I can’t help but hope that something will come out of the sky and bring her back. I’m looking at her face and every memory I’ve ever had of her is rushing through my mind. All of the love, sadness, and especially the anger.

I feel my chest getting hot.

“HOW COULD YOU LEAVE ME HERE WITH THEM?!” Yeah, my neuroses are flaring up. She is the only link I have left to my family. The only person in my family that I enjoy being around.

Now, I feel alone with people I haven’t had anything in common with since high school.

I’m making this about me. Because it is about me. Death is about all of us. When the generation before you dies, you just get bumped up the assembly line. You get the burdens they left behind. You have to step up. You have to grow up.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post U: Journey To Yourself by T.D. Roberson appeared first on Joelbooks.

TikTok has brought us sensational content, which is why I am a fanatic. On this platform, I discovered Jeneva Rose, the author of spectacular books. I love reading, but honestly, I consider thrillers the epitomes of book genres, and Jeneva is one of the rising star of gripping thrillers.

Who is Jeneva Rose?

Jeneva Rose born in Wisconsin and wanted to be author since her childhood.

She loves Colleen Hoover's books, Peter Swanson's The Kind Worth Killing and You by Caroline Kepnes.

She draws her book ideas from her interactions, meetings, or everyday events. These inspired also the plot of One of Us is Dead, while she was sitting in a salon chair in Wisconsin with her hair stylist.

She uses “J. R. Adler” as pen name for her crime thriller books.

She is currently living in Chicago with her husband Andy (best known about his funny videos), along with her English bulldog.

Most Important Jeneva Rose links

• Tiktok
• Website
• Instagram

I have read Jeneva Rose books and ordered them below in reverse chronological order. Most of her books are published under the her own name (“Jeneva Rose”), but she has the Detective Kimberley King series, which she published first under her pen name “J.R. Adler” (later re-published under her real name).

What are the Top Jeneva Rose Books?

(Check also Jevena Rose's upcoming books)

It's a Date (Again), by Jeneva Rose (2023)

In Jeneva Rose's heartwarming romantic comedy, a lovestruck woman named Peyton Sanders decides she's done with futile relationships and knows exactly who her heart belongs to. However, before she can confess her feelings to the man she loves, she is hit by a car and wakes up in the hospital with amnesia, forgetting everything about her love life. To her surprise, three men, each claiming to be her boyfriend, show up at her hospital bed: a ruggedly handsome contractor, a charming consultant, and a tattooed chef bearing homemade chocolates.

Caught in an unexpected predicament, Peyton's friends, Maya and Robbie, propose a unique solution – she should date each man again, with the hope that the process will help her recognize her true soulmate. As Peyton embarks on this wild, romantic, and incredibly amusing journey, she hopes her heart can lead her where her memory has failed. This adventurous narrative promises to entertain readers with its unique blend of romantic comedy and suspense.

You Shouldn’t Have Come Here, by Jeneva Rose (2023)

The novel is featuring the story of Grace Evans who is exhausted from the demands of life in the bustling city of New York. She books an Airbnb in Wyoming for a total escape from her busy life. She meets the owner of the ranch, Calvin Wells, who shows her his easygoing way of life.

However, Grace finds herself in a complicated web of lies as she discovers a lack of cell phone service, a missing woman, and a feeling that something is off with the ranch. Despite her uneasiness, she and Calvin start to bond and fall for each other, but things change for the worse as her departure date nears. Calvin's infatuation for her seems to have turned into obsession, and Grace grows wary of him as he fears that she's hiding something from him.

As their vacation fling turns more destructive, Grace and Calvin's relationship becomes more complicated, with Grace realizing that Calvin may not be the person he seemed to be. The book promises to be a thrilling read, with a suspenseful plot and complex characters.

One of Us Is Dead, by Jeneva Rose (2022)

Buckle up if you love mystery or a suspense thriller where you must keep guessing who, why, and how. This book is packed with twists and turns and characters you will cheer on, feel their sorrow, and some you will want to slap.

It is the story of six Buckhead females. Jenny owns Glow, the salon for the privileged. She knows all her client’s darkest desires and secrets. Keisha is Jenny’s friend, and one of her employees, Shannon, is an ex-wife seeking revenge. Crystal is a new wife in town who doesn’t know what she has gotten into by marrying Shannon’s husband. Karen is a realtor, and then there is Olivia, currently the leader of this group, who will use any trick to earn her place, manipulation or backstabbing.

Who will survive, and who will die? You can only find out by reading this book.

I loved how this book shows a different lens of friendships by showing that they can be deadly if we are not careful. This book schemes mean ladies, secrets, sex, and scandal, all wrapped up in luxury and privilege. Everything is to love.

The Girl I Was, by Jeneva Rose (2021)

If you loved the movie 13 Going on 30, The Girl I Was has a similar theme but is better. It is a time travel romance that will take you back to the 2000s pop culture, trends, technology, and entertainment.

This book will show you that you can learn from your mistakes and change your life for the better. It will have you thinking about your past relationships, remind you of the things you never appreciated enough, and how essential it is to love yourself.

 The Girl I Was begins with Alexis's problems and failures in her older age. She loses her relationship, job, and friends and has substantial college debt. She constantly blames her younger self and the world, convincing herself that she should have tried harder.

When she blacks out while trying to forget her problems, she wakes up back in her college town. Thinking she has a new chance at life, she encounters her 18-year-old self, Lexi. Dealing with Lexi will be difficult and troubling even as Alexis convinces her she is from the future.

Lexi and Alexis will have to learn how to get along and realize that they can change and better their lives together.

Last Day Alive (Detective Kimberley King Book 2), by Jeneva Rose (2021)

Last Day Alive continues the story of detective Kimberley King. If you are a thriller junkie, this one is for you. The sheriff’s department she now works in gets a call that a ten-year-old girl is missing. Piper, the missing girl, goes missing while heading to her friend Miley’s house for a sleepover.

Kimberley and Sam must start the search, but their leads are not fruitful. There are no witnesses to this case, darkness is falling, and Kimberley now begins to fear the worst might happen.

Piper’s body will be found, but Kimberley also receives a call that Miley is missing too. Desperate to find who has taken these girls, Kimberley tries all the leads- Piper’s downbeat uncle, who came to town when she disappeared, and the summer camp counselor who the girls worshipped.

This installment is packed with love and humor. It has no clear suspect, making it even harder to guess whodunnit.

The Perfect Marriage, by Jeneva Rose (2020)

If you love psychological thrillers, you will be in for a real treat with The Perfect Marriage. It is a twisty, compulsive read with an intriguing plot in which Jeneva highlights themes of betrayal and justice.

What would you do if your husband was accused of murdering his mistress? Would you be his attorney? This is the story of Sarah Morgan, a successful attorney living her best life. But her husband, Adam, doesn’t have everything going well for him.

Since Sarah is constantly working, he gets tired of their relationship and engages in a passionate affair with Kelly. Everything changes when Kelly is found dead, and Adam is arrested for her murder. Sarah will find herself playing Adam’s defender. Is he guilty or innocent?

This book delivers good, plausible suspects, suspense, and drama, and you will not even be ready for the ending. It put me at the edge of my seat and literally hooked to the last page.

Dead Woman Crossing (Detective Kimberley King Book 1), by Jeneva Rose (2020)

Dead Woman Crossing is an atmospheric and gripping thriller about a town whose community is left shaken after a murder. I loved how tense and full of action it was. Its lead character is Kimberley King, who leaves her job as a homicide detective to live in Oklahoma with her daughter, step-father, and estranged mom.

Kimberley was impregnated by a loser who ignored his responsibilities, leaving her daughter in a babysitter’s hands. In Oklahoma, she struggles with culture shock and discovers that her mom and step-father do not have a life in roses.

She will start a job under Sheriff Sam Walker, and they will build a relationship. But one of Kimberley’s friends is brutally murdered. The investigation will take a sad turn.

Dead Woman Crossing has themes of dysfunctional families but still illustrates that relationships are works in progress. I loved how it shows how vulnerabilities sometimes shape our character and environment.

My Favorite Jeneva Rose Book Quotes

She was a forgive-and-forget kind of person. I, on the other hand, always believed there was another option on the table. Forgive, forget, or fucking never let it go.

―Jeneva Rose, One of Us Is Dead

I always test people. If they can’t handle me at my worst, they don’t deserve me at my best…

―Jeneva Rose, The Perfect Marriage

That’s the funny thing about dreams. You always eventually wake up from them.

― eneva Rose, The Perfect Marriage

Final Thoughts on Jeneva Rose Books

Jeneva always delivers when it comes to giving a story an engaging thrill. She writes in a relatable and imaginable way, making her works excellent. You will not know what I am talking about unless you get hold of her books. But you now know where to begin.

If you like Jeneva's books check out also Colleen Hoover's books.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Top 6+ Gripping Jeneva Rose Books (In Order) 2023 appeared first on Joelbooks.

The best thriller books are like a roller coaster ride. It's fast, it's thrilling, and it takes you on a wild journey.

The best action movies in Hollywood or on Netflix are often based on great thriller novels. The best thriller books of all time offer an exciting, suspenseful reads and contains a lot of nerve wrecking action and suspense for you.

In this article we collected the best selling thriller books. These books are extremely well written and we believe that you will enjoy reading them as much as we did. We have included a few of our personal favorites, but there are many more to choose from.

Why Thrillers Are So Popular?

People love to be on the edge of their seats, not knowing what is going to happen next. Thrillers are usually full of suspense, mystery, and action. This combination makes for an exciting and thrilling read.

Some thriller book writers are very successful. James Patterson is one such writer. He has written dozens of best-selling thrillers, many of which have been turned into movies. Stephen King is another popular thriller writer with different voice and genre preferences. His books are often dark and suspenseful, keeping readers in uncertainty.

Thrillers are a very popular genre for a reason. They are exciting and fast-paced, leaving readers wanting more. If you are looking for a book that will keep you entertained from beginning to end, then a thriller book is the right choice for you.

Who Are The Most Prominent Thriller Book Authors?

There are many different thriller book authors that have made a name for themselves in the literary world. But there are several authors who are outstanding from the others:

• Stephen King,
• Dean Koontz,
• Ken Follett,
• Harlan Coben,
• John Grisham,
• and James Patterson

Stephen King is one of the most well-known authors in the genre. He has written over 50 novels, many of which have been adapted into films or television series. His work often deals with horror and suspense, and he has a knack for creating truly harrowing tales.

Dean Koontz is another hugely popular author in the thriller genre. He has written over 100 novels, and his work often features supernatural elements. He is known for creating stories that are both suspenseful and thought-provoking, and his books have sold millions of copies worldwide.

John Grisham is a well-known thriller book author. He has written many bestselling novels, such as The Firm and A Time to Kill. His books have been turned into successful movies, such as The Pelican Brief and Runaway Jury. In addition to being a successful author, Grisham is also a lawyer and philanthropist. He has given millions of dollars to charities, including literacy programs.

James Patterson is a world-renowned author, he has written many novels, including the famous “Alex Cross” series. Patterson's books are known for their fast-paced, suspenseful plotlines. Many of his novels have been made into movies, such as “Kiss the Girls” and “Along Came a Spider”. Patterson is one of the most popular authors in the world, with over 300 million copies of his books sold.

What Are The Most Popular Thriller Book Genres?

The thriller book genre has been around for many years and there are many different types of thrillers. We just collected the most important niches within thrillers:

• Mystery thriller books
• Action thriller books
• Crime thriller books 
• Heist thrillers
• Historical thriller books
• Occult horror thriller books
• Legal thrillers
• Financial thrillers
• YA thriller books
• Sci-fi thrillers
• Spy and espionage thrillers
• Techno-thrillers
• Psychological thriller books
• K-Dramas and Thrillers

One of the most popular thriller book genres is the mystery thriller. This type of thriller usually contains a crime that needs to be solved. Another popular type of thriller is the horror thriller. This type of thriller usually contains suspenseful and frightening scenes. The action thriller is also a very popular genre. This type of book usually contains a lot of action and adventure.

What Factors Do We Focused On When We Ranked The Best Thriller Books?

When we set out to rank the best thriller books, there were a few factors we knew were important.

• Factor 1: Age
• Factor 2: Plot uniqueness
• Factor 3: Suspense
• Factor 4: Popularity (Amazon, B&N)

First and foremost, the book must be a thriller. That might seem like a given, but you’d be surprised how many books are marketed as thrillers that don’t actually fit the bill.

The book should be extremely well-written. A poorly written book can be a chore to get through, no matter how thrilling the plot is.

The book should be suspenseful. A good thriller will keep you guessing until the very end.

In terms of age

With those criteria in mind, we set out to find the best thrillers of all time. We looked at both classics and modern novels, and we consulted with experts in the genre to make sure our list was comprehensive. We also took into account things like awards and critical acclaim when making our decisions.

What Are The Best Thriller Books of All Time?

Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn (2012)

Gone Girl is a masterpiece and one of the most acclaimed thriller books of all time.

The book opens on the fifth wedding anniversary of the golden couple, Nick and Amy Dunne. But Nick has questions when his wife suddenly gets lost under disturbing circumstances.

Nick is the top police suspect. Amy’s friends are saying that she was always afraid of him and hid things from him. However, Nick swears that it is a lie.

When the police examine his computer, they find strange search results, but Nick denies ever making them. His mobile phone constantly keeps ringing. But what happened to the beautiful Amy?

Win, by Harlan Coben (2021)

More than two decades ago, Patricia Lockwood was kidnapped when her family’s estate was robbed. She was locked in a cabin, but she and her captors escaped. All the stolen items were never recovered.

Later, a recluse also gets killed in his penthouse, and he lays next to two significant objects- a leather suitcase with the initials WHL3 and a stolen Vermeer painting.

These two objects point the police to one man. They belong to Windsor Horne Lockwood III, but he doesn’t know how the dead man got them.

A dead man’s secrets will fall into an antihero vigilante’s hands, and a dangerous road lies ahead.

Never, by Ken Follett (2021)

Pauline Green, the US president, always says that minor problems are what build up to become catastrophic.

There is a stolen US army drone, a shrinking Sahara Desert oasis, and an unoccupied Japanese island. But to top it all, there is a top country secret of stashed deadly chemical poisons. All these things are linked to promoting an escalating crisis.

Meanwhile, there is a group of people determined to stop the outbreak of a world war; a Jihadist undercover spy, a lady intelligence officer, and a Chinese spymaster. The president is also involved, but her populist election rival beleaguers her.

The Silent Patient, by Alex Michaelides (2019)

Alex Michaelides's psychological thriller, The Silent Patient, follows one woman's act of violence against her husband and the therapist obsessed with tracking down her reason.

Silent Patient is Alicia Berenson. Wife of renowned photographer Gabriel Berenson, she is an artist in her own right, able to fill galleries with her hyper-realistic artwork. She loves her husband more than anything, but then one day she hears gunshots and the police arrive and find her standing over his body with a smoking gun, his arms and legs wired down.

From that point onward, she does not speak.

Reminders of Him, by Colleen Hoover (2022)

After being released from prison, Kenna Rowan has come back home where everything first went wrong. She hopes to be reunited with her daughter.

All the people in her daughter’s life are set on shutting Kenna out despite how hard she tries to prove herself. Well, everyone except Ledger Ward. Ledger is a local bar owner and part of the few and final connections to Kenna’s daughter.

If anyone were to find out how he is gradually becoming a crucial entity in Kenna’s life, they would jeopardize the trust of all those who are important to them. Their romance will grow but so will the risk.

The Locked Door, by Freida McFadden (2021)

Nora Davis has no idea that her dad has been murdering women in their basement until the police show up.

Decades later, her father is already in prison, and Nora is a professional and successful surgeon who lives a quiet and solitary life. None of the people around her have an idea that her dad was a serial killer, and she hopes it can remain so.

Later on, Nora will find out about the murder of one of her female patients. The patient has been murdered in the same way her father used to do it. Someone now knows Nora’s identity, and they want her to take the crime’s fall. But Nora isn’t a killer, and the authorities can’t blame her for anything, provided they don’t check her basement.

I Am Watching You, by Teresa Driscoll (2017)

While on a train, Ella Longfield hears two young men flirting with teenage girls, but she chooses not to think about anything. She then realizes that these men just got out of prison. She goes on high alert, but something stops her from calling for help.

The following day Ella finds out about the disappearance of Anna, who is one of the teenage girls. A year goes by, Anna is not found, and Ella’s guilt is only wracking her. She keeps getting threatening letters causing her more fear.

An anniversary appeal then suggests that Anna’s family and friends hide something. Someone might know where Anna is, but they are only watching Ella.

The Maid, by Nita Prose (2022)

Molly Gray is different from everyone. She is brilliant, but she can’t quite make out the circumstances and people around her. She is a germaphobe and only comfortable in a routine setup. These traits make her perfect for a maid job in Grand Regency Hotel.

To her, there is nothing better than working at the hotel.

Molly will keep following this routine to perfection until one day. She finds the wealthy and infamous Charles Black dead in the hotel’s suite. The police target her as a suspect, and Molly finds herself in a deception web that she can’t untangle.

The Perfect Wife, by Blake Pierce (2018)

Jessie Hunt is sure that she has put her childhood darkness behind her and moved into a beach mansion with her husband, Kyle.

Kyle has gotten a job promotion, and Jessie is almost done with her education for a career in forensic psychology.

But Jessie will begin to notice strange developments that keep happening. Their neighbors seem to be keeping secrets. Kyle is also highly desperate and wants to join a yacht club packed with cheating spouses, mysterious and troubling rules. There is also a serial killer in the psychiatric hospital Jessie is studying in who knows a lot about her life.

As Jessie’s world unravels, she will question everything, including her sanity.

The Guilty Husband, by Stephanie DeCarolis (2021)

Vince Taylor is living the life. He has all that he ever dreamed of; a beautiful home, he is a New York firm’s CEO, but most importantly, his wife is Nicole- the one who stole his heart once he saw her. Nicole and Vince have built an almost perfect life, but a guilty secret is in its middle.

Layla, an intern at Vince’s firm, is found dead, and she had an affair with Vince. This secret could bring down his world, but Vince will do anything to keep it hidden.

The police will discover Vince’s lie and be convinced that he is the killer. If he didn’t disclose the affair, what else is he hiding, and what else could he be guilty of?

Then She Was Gone, by Lisa Jewell (2018)

Ellie Mack was like a jewel, and everyone loved her. But days before she could go on her idyllic summer vacation, she was gone.

Ten years down the line, Ellie hasn’t been found. Laurel Mack, her mother, is attempting to put everything back together. This time is also months from when a clue about Ellie’s case was brought to light.

Laurel meets Floyd, and they flirt, developing something deeper. She meets his daughters within no time, but Poppy is the most breathtaking. She looks like Ellie. Unanswered questions haunt Laurel even more, but Floyd and Poppy also raise questions.

If You Tell, by Gregg Olsen (2019)

For sisters Sami, Nikki, and Tori, the word ‘mom’ triggers memories they have kept secret since childhood. Until now.

Their sadistic mother, Shelly, has been living in their farmhouse for many years. She subjected the sisters to unimaginable torture, abuse, degradation, and psychic terrors. But that’s how the girls created a strong bond making them less vulnerable than their mother could ever imagine.

Other people in Shelly’s household kept being drawn to Shelly’s darkness and perverse web, but the girls were courageous enough to escape a nightmare that only brought about many murders.

Before I Go to Sleep, by S. J. Watson (2011)

Before I Go to Sleep is a story about how memories play a significant role in defining us.

Every time Christine sleeps, her mind erases all her adult memories, all that happens, or all she does in a day.

The next day she always wakes up like the previous one. She thinks she is still a child and has a whole lifetime ahead of her, one with many choices.

Christine forgets her identity, name, past, and her loved ones. But this situation is even worse because her husband, the only person she trusts, is lying. Is it for her good, or is he hiding something?

The Stand, by Stephen King (1990)

In a Defense Department Laboratory, a nanosecond of a computer error is how the world almost comes to an end. A million causal contacts are linked and form a chain death letter.

The day after, there is a new and bleak world. About 99 % of the population has been wiped out, and there are now no institutions. The survivors are only a handful, and if you are lucky to have survived, you are chosen or choose a side.

In this world, the good rides of Mother Abagail and the worst evil nightmares are embodied in the dark man, Randall Flagg. He has unspeakable powers and a lethal smile.

Mirror Image, by Sandra Brown (2019)

A Dallas-bound jet crash results in a tragedy for Avery Daniels, who works as a TV reporter. It becomes an act of fate, giving her an excellent opportunity to further her reporting career. Avery also becomes a critical player in a drama about deadly desires and violent passions.

She undergoes plastic surgery that completely transforms her face. She is now mistaken for Tate Rutledge’s wife.

Avery is helpless in the hospital when she discovers that someone close to Tate had a plan for his assassination. She now must save him, but to do so, she will have to live a different life, risking her own.

The Racketeer, by John Grisham (2012)

Judge Raymond Fawcett becomes the fifth dead judge in his country. Who is the Racketeer, and how is he involved with this untimely demise? Currently, it is Malcolm Bannister.

Malcolm knows who murdered Raymond and why but his situation on paper is wanting. The murder scene only reveals two dead bodies of the judge and his secretary. It doesn’t show any forced entry or struggle.

There is also an empty state-of-the-art safe, and the FBI wants to know what was inside. Malcolm would love to tell them, but such information demands a price.

The Girl You Killed, by Leslie Wolfe (2021)

Andrea Brafford lives a nearly perfect life. She is a marine biologist, married to Craig, and they have just moved into a new home in Houston’s suburbs to enjoy life.

Months later, a trial that polarizes the town they live in emerges. Craig has been named as a defendant in Andrea’s murder. The once peaceful serenity of this community is now in shatters.

Everyone is talking about Andrea. Her relationships have been exposed, and her case is all that everyone checks on the internet. Her life remains an unsolved puzzle. Was she happy, like everyone thought?

 The Last Nazi, by Andrew Turpin (2017)

Ex-CIA officer and war crimes investigator Joe Johnson unravels the connections between a dangerous British blackmail plot and the presidential campaign financing, the Nazi train.

But this mystery will only become more extensive and touch on Johnson’s personal life in ways he never expected; an SS Holocaust killer got out of his hands years before.

Criminal networks and a high intelligence agency combine their forces against Johnson in no time. Jayne Robinson, his exMI6 colleague, is also involved.

Johnson will find himself entangled in an incredibly challenging situation on a quest to seek justice and revive his dwindling career.

And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie (1939)

Agatha Christie hold the distinction of being the bestselling mystery writer of all time, having sold well over two billion copies of her 78 books. One of the best titles among her taut oeuvre is And Then There Were None.

In 1939, eight people, all strangers to one another, are invited to Indian Island off the English coast. Where they systematically begin killing each other.

For the survivors, it's now a race against time to find the killer among them, and the identity of their seemingly wealthy host.

The Count of Monte Christo, by Alexander Dumas (1844)

This is a tale of suffering and retribution and one that has a thrilling account of unexpected events that condemn a young man into misery.

Edmond Dantes is thrown in prison for a crime he did not commit. He does not even get the chance to go to trial, and he is soon forgotten.

There, he learns about a treasure on the Isle of Monte Christo. He gets firmly resolved on escaping and unearthing the treasure. He gets the help of a fellow prisoner he befriends and finally manages to escape.

He plans to use the treasure to destroy the men who brought about his incarceration. Edmond plots his revenge while faking his identity.

Final Thoughts on the Top Thriller Books of All Time

Thriller books are some of the most popular books on the market. They are perfect for anyone who loves a good suspenseful story with lots of action. If you're looking for your next read, be sure to check out one of these best sellers.

Looking for another genre? Check out our favorite sci-fi book collection.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Top 20 Thriller Books of All Time (Ranked) For 2024 appeared first on Joelbooks.

Nothing beats a good psychological thriller with scary accents. You have a bunch of characters that make you imagine the worst possible scenarios as you go through the book, but you also feel the tension associated with every scene. You know something bad is about to happen, yet you wish your character to be able to come out of it safely.

Throw in a bit of horror and the whole plot will go even darker. A few plot twists here and there will change everything you imagined about the action and everything starts all over again. Your heart keeps pounding throughout the entire book. If this is what you are after, here are some of the best psychological horror books released in the past years.

What Are The Top Psychological Horror Books to Read?

Ghost of the Gray, by J. Jones (2022)

Becca Olsen, a junior fish and wildlife project manager, is eager to prove herself to her dismissive boss through a successful wolf reintroduction campaign in the New Mexico desert. However, soon after the wolf release, mysterious problems arise: cattle are found dead and wolf tracking collars go missing.

Becca is unsure whether the culprits are angry ranchers or if the incidents are related to the local legend, Fantasma del Gris, the Ghost of the Gray. To resolve the situation, she teams up with the stern wildlife officer Daphne Bender and two local boys, embarking on a challenging search through the rattlesnake-infested desert terrain to locate the remaining wolves.

Unbeknownst to Becca and her team, a crisis is unfolding beneath the desert sands at a nearby nuclear waste disposal site. The site manager, Mel Martin, is desperate to conceal an accident that occurred in a room where special drums are stored, especially with the final shipment of these drums en route. Anxious to avoid scrutiny from government auditors or the owner of the special drums, Mel is searching for the sole witness to the accident. This search, guided by eerie sounds and shadows in the night, sets Mel on a collision course with Becca and her companions.

As tensions escalate, all parties involved come to a chilling realization: the wolves they are trying to protect may not be the most significant threat they face in the desert.

Hidden Pictures, by Jason Rekulak (2022)

Mallory Quinn, freshly out of rehab, secures a job as a babysitter for Ted and Caroline Maxwell, entrusted with the care of their five-year-old son, Teddy. She finds contentment in her new role, enjoying her own living space, nightly runs, and the newfound stability that she has longed for. Mallory quickly forms a sincere bond with Teddy, a sweet and shy boy who is constantly engaged with his sketchbook and pencil. Initially, his drawings are innocent, filled with images of trees, rabbits, and balloons.

However, a concerning shift occurs when Teddy begins to produce drawings that are increasingly sinister. One particular drawing depicts a man in a forest, dragging a woman’s lifeless body. His once simple stick figures begin to transform into detailed and lifelike sketches, alarmingly sophisticated for a five-year-old. Troubled by the implications of these drawings and pondering the possibility that they might be connected to a long-unsolved murder—and potentially conveyed by a supernatural force—Mallory, despite realizing how improbable her theory sounds, decides to investigate the eerie images further in a desperate effort to protect Teddy.

Peace, by Misan Akuya (2020)

This book can be described in a few different ways. It can be a supernatural story, as well as a thriller book or a horror release. No matter how you see it, it is definitely a graceful piece of work. It brings in a mix of different worlds, corruption, temptation, heaven and hell. The action takes place in 2020 and follows Richard Anders' story and challenges in life.

Richard is a new psychologist in Los Angeles. He is a fresh graduate and he gets straight into work. He has to face a challenge before he becomes experienced enough to handle it, as he ends up helping a young woman dealing with plenty of trauma. Then, his colleague seems to join in – a 32 year old lady with more experience.

The action moves to Sara Takimoto. Based in Tokyo, she is in her last year of high school. She has some issues with one of her best friends, but things go ugly when she witnesses a bus driver running over a demon. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Pacific Ocean Fiorella who is 22-year-old mother of twins gets a visit by a stranger to find out more about her real identity.

Things escalate pretty fast, and this is how the year of the demon begins, great plot creation by the author.

There’s Someone Inside Your House, by Stephanie Perkins (2018)

This is one of the best psychological horror books of the last year. The story begins in a mild and friendly way. The action takes place in the rural side of Nebraska. Makani Young ends up in a quiet and tranquil place, but her life was far from this type of atmosphere. She moves from Hawaii to Nebraska with her grandmother in order to leave her past behind.

Makani has a bunch of new friends now and things start to settle down. She even has a crush on a mysterious guy – Ollie Larsson. However, while she believes she can leave her past behind, it turns out that life has something else in store for her. In fact, her past will strike back in the most unexpected manner.

Students from a local high school end up dying one after another in some mysterious and gore murders. Makani feels like these murders have something to do with her. As her crush for Ollie intensifies, she realizes that she has to confront her past in order to move on.

The Outsider, by Stephen King (2018)

The Outsider is the kind of book that will make you feel the tension. It will hook you up and not let you go until you are done with it. It all starts with a murder. An 11 year old boy is found dead in a local park. His body shows sexual abuse as well. From DNA tests to fingerprints and witnesses, all the clues lead to Terry Maitland – one of the most popular people in town.

Terry seems to have the perfect life – he is married, has two children, teaches English and trains a small team. Detective Ralph Anderson steps in and orders an immediate arrest. The two have a past though, as Terry used to coach Ralph's son. However, the teacher has an alibi, yet further investigations regarding the fingerprints keep pointing at him.

One thing leads to another. New details show up and each of them is terribly gruesome. The suspense skyrockets during the second part of the book. All in all, no matter how good you are with psychological horrors or thrillers, the ending will shock you.

The Lamb Will Slaughter The Lion, by Margaret Killjoy (2017)

This book has so many plot twists that you will barely know what to believe. Go through half of it and no matter how obvious the story seems, you will be surprised. All in all, the story follows Danielle Cain. She is a traveler and she loves the queer punk rock style. She is moving from one place to another for over a decade now.

While she seems goalless, she actually has a purpose. One of her best friends was found dead. The verdict? Suicide. However, the death occurred out of nowhere and Danielle does not believe the result of the investigation is correct. Therefore, she goes to Freedom – a small town from Iowa – to begin her own investigation.

She ends up in Freedom at the wrong time. A local demon has been summoned by the locals to become their executioner and judge. But then, it seems this demon would rather have blood and no judgment at all. Danielle will have to choose between getting out alive and solving the mystery.

The Hunger, by Alma Katsu (2018)

The story introduces readers to the so called Donner Party train. However, it looks like things are going in the wrong direction and a series of unhappy incidents plague it and ruin its reputation. The only explanation? Tamsen Donner is probably a witch. The food is bad, drinks are limited and a little boy ends up dead, raising even more question marks.

There are no doubts about it – someone is causing all these issues. Some say it is a curse. Others claim on a conspiracy. All in all, there are 90 passengers on this train and the adventure aims to turn into a disastrous experience. Everyone is trying to survive – will they manage to do it before other people end up dead?

People disappear one after another. At some point, people ask themselves – is there something in the mountains? Is there something out there coming after them? Can they actually survive this unhappy experience?

Mongrels, by Stephen Graham Jones (2016)

There is a bit of everything in this book. You have a little humor, plenty of drama and some psychological horror accents that will keep your heart pounding. The story follows a little boy who was born in the wrong family. He is an outsider – everyone in his family shares the same fate. They are poor and they live in the shadows.

Living with his uncle and aunt, the two grownups are still pushing hard to establish some connections in a world that simply does not want them. They are mongrels. As the boy grows and learns about the other world, he has to make a decision. Will he settle on the road or will he build a future for himself in the real world?

The story keeps alternating between the past and future. The author hits you with one intense adventure after another, but he also drifts to the past every now and then to help you understand what caused the adventure.

My Best Friend’s Exorcism, by Grady Hendrix (2017)

Gretchen and Abby are best friends. They have been together for ages and always shared the same hobbies and passions. Their future seems bright and they can always rely on each other in their most difficult moments. But then, they start growing up. They end up in high school and this is when things go a bit ugly.

There are all kinds of strange coincidences occurring. Gretchen starts acting funny and she seems to suddenly adopt a bizarre entity. Abby finds it impossible to explain the change, but then, it hits her – Gretchen must be possessed. There is a demon inside her and her best friend has to do anything to take it out.

Abby manages to get a few people on her side and everyone embarks on a dark adventure to save her best friend. This is the first time in their lives when their long lasting friendship is actually challenged – is it powerful enough to survive?

Fellside, by M.R. Carey (2016)

This is one of the best psychological horror books out there and it features a bit of everything for a good dose of suspense. You have lots of addiction involved everywhere, loyalty and redemption. But then, there is a good dose of revenge as well and while horror does not always mean monsters and demons, there is plenty of it in the story.

Fellside is a prison with maximum security standards. People who get there must have done some of the most terrible things one can think of. Located in Yorkshire, it is a wild and cold place where no one wants to be. But this is where Jess Moulson ends up and based on the evidence, it seems she will spend the rest of her life in prison.

However, a devastating fire hits the prison and Jess is given the chance of redemption. She only has one chance. A little boy's voice aims to guide Jess, but it seems all the advice she gets is against her common sense. Will she follow through?

Her Body And Other Parties, by Carmen Maria Machado (2017)

There is a very fine line between science fiction and psychological realism and Carmen Maria Machado explores this line like no other author. She literally destroys every border between these two words in a book told with a unique voice. The story follows a husband and a wife. He wants to remove a green ribbon from around her neck, but she refuses. It sounds simple, but there is a meaning.

As things evolve, the readers end up in a shopping mall. A salesman finds an incredible discovery in some prom dresses. Then, you get into a different woman's life, who experiences severe reactions to a surgery meant to help her lose weight. It looks like there are no connections, but you will end up connecting all the dots eventually.

The book features horror accents, psychological issues, a bit of comedy and lots of death. There are moments of tranquility followed by exquisite violence and vice versa. It is the type of book that will make your heart tremble as you approach the ending.

The Changeling, by Victor LaValle (2018)

Apollo Kagwa suffers from sleep related problems. He has always had nightmares and strange dreams, without being able to explain what they mean. He deals with antique books and tries to raise his small business. He is now involved with his family and hopes to get rid of those dreams, but things take an unusual turn. At some point, his wife Emma starts acting strange – almost like she is a completely different person.

All clues lead to a post partum depression, especially as the bizarre behavior occurs after giving birth to their new baby boy. But then, it becomes pretty clear for Apollo that her problems go further than that. Unfortunately, he figures out something is wrong when it is already too late. Emma allegedly commits a horrific act and simply disappears. There are no clues regarding her disappearance – it looks like she has simply vanished.

This is when the action begins. Apollo's adventure takes him through a thriller experience in order to find his beloved wife. Things go even stranger when he runs into a stranger who seems to have some information about Emma. He ends up on a forgotten island, through a cemetery and over a forest, yet this is only the beginning. Will he manage to find his wife?

What Are The Most Frequently Used Themes of Psychological Horror Books?

Psychological horror is a sub-genre of horror that focuses on the instability or delusions of characters and their whirling paranoia and fear, rather than relying on external elements like monsters or supernatural events to evoke fear. This genre often plays with the minds of the readers, leaving them disturbed or questioning reality. Here are some of the most frequently used themes in psychological horror books:

1. Insanity and Mental Illness – One of the most prominent themes, this focuses on the mental disintegration of a character. It explores the fragility of sanity and what happens when it is lost.
2. Identity and Self-Discovery – These stories often follow characters who are trying to understand who they are. This can involve literal doppelgangers, or more metaphorical explorations of identity.
3. Isolation and Loneliness – Characters are often isolated from society, either by their own choice or by external forces. This isolation can be physical, psychological, or both.
4. Paranoia and Fear – Constant, intense, and irrational fear of something that may not even be real, driving the protagonist to extreme actions.
5. Reality Distortion and Unreliable Narrators – In these stories, the line between what is real and what is imagined becomes blurred. The narrator's account of events is suspect, and readers are left to puzzle out what is actually happening.
6. Obsession and Compulsion – Characters are consumed by a particular obsession or compulsion, which drives the narrative and their descent into madness.
7. Survivor’s Guilt and PTSD – Exploring the psychological aftermath of traumatic events, and how carrying that trauma affects a person’s perception of reality.
8. Existential Dread and Cosmic Horror – This theme taps into the fear of the unknown and the terror of the meaningless of existence, often in a vast, indifferent universe.
9. The Subconscious and Dreams – These stories often delve into a character's dreams or subconscious, using surreal, dream-like elements to create an atmosphere of horror.
10. Mind Control and Manipulation – This theme involves characters who are under the influence of a sinister force that is controlling or manipulating their actions and thoughts.
11. Body Horror and Transformation – While not exclusive to psychological horror, this theme can be used to explore characters' fear and disgust of their own bodies, especially as they change in horrifying ways.
12. Family and Inherited Trauma – These stories might explore the horror of familial relationships and the ways in which trauma can be passed down through generations.
13. Moral and Ethical Dilemmas – Characters are placed in situations where they must make a horrifying choice, often with no clear ‘right' answer, forcing them to grapple with their own morality.
14. Claustrophobia and Entrapment – Characters are trapped, either physically in a confined space, or metaphorically within their own mind or a stifling situation, increasing tension and fear.

These themes are effective in psychological horror because they tap into fundamental human fears and anxieties, making the horror deeply personal and relatable.

Final Thoughts on Psychological Horror Stories

Bottom line, these are some of the best psychological horror books released over the past years. If you are after thriller stories with horror hints and plenty of psychological action to keep your heart pounding, search no more. Any of the above mentioned titles will keep you hooked in all the way to the end.​

Check out also our favorite supernatural horror books.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post ​Top 10+ Psychological Horror Books To Race Your Heart (2023) appeared first on Joelbooks.

3 Psychological Thrillers That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat!

A psychiatrist working with patients who find their way into his life – with nail-biting suspense and spine-tingling twists, these gripping tales will keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning your own perceptions of sanity and truth.

This boxset includes three novels:

1. ALTERED
2. JADED
3. AVENGED

In the twisted depths of the human psyche…

lies the unsettling world of Dr. Justin Wright, a renowned psychiatrist whose life takes chilling turns with each new patient he encounters. Brace yourself for a riveting rollercoaster ride as Dr. Wright embarks on a harrowing journey through the labyrinthine minds of his patients, only to discover that he himself may be the ultimate enigma.

Justin Wright has dedicated his life to understanding the darkest corners of the human mind, but when his newest patient, Frank Devlin, arrives in ALTERED with a haunting secret, he becomes entangled in a web of obsession and deceit. As he unravels the layers of his fractured psyche, the line between patient and therapist blurs, and Justin finds himself on a perilous path where his own life, and that of his family, hangs in the balance.

But Frank is just the beginning. Each new patient (Jade Walker in JADED and Richard Davis in AVENGED) brings their own unsettling mysteries, and as Justin delves deeper into their twisted narratives, he realizes that their stories are inexplicably intertwined. As the boundaries between reality and delusion blur, he becomes consumed by a relentless pursuit of the truth, even if it means confronting his own darkest demons.

This 3-book series is a pulse-pounding exploration of the human psyche, where the line between predator and prey becomes uncertain. With nail-biting suspense and spine-tingling twists, the gripping tales will keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning your own perceptions of sanity and truth.

As the secrets of Dr. Justin Wright's patients unravel, the chilling truth becomes clear: sometimes, the most dangerous minds are the ones we thought we understood. Brace yourself for a mind-bending journey through the darkest recesses of the human soul, where nothing is as it seems and the boundaries between life and madness shatter with devastating consequences.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Justin Wright Suspense Boxset by Rob Kaufman appeared first on Joelbooks.

Immerse yourself in the tragic world of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, like never before with the Bionic Reading® Edition of this timeless Shakespearean masterpiece.

In this definitive Bionic Reading® Edition, the famed tragedy comes alive in a completely new and engaging way. The Bionic Reading® technique enhances the accessibility of Shakespeare's complex language, guiding your eyes in a natural and efficient movement across the page. This unique formatting allows for an increased reading speed and improved comprehension, enabling readers to dive deeper into the dramatic world Shakespeare has created.

The Tragedy of Hamlet is a renowned play written by William Shakespeare around the year 1600. Set in the Kingdom of Denmark, the story revolves around Prince Hamlet, who is tormented by the death of his father, King Hamlet, and the hasty marriage of his mother, Queen Gertrude, to his uncle, Claudius. Filled with themes of revenge, betrayal, and moral ambiguity, the play explores the psychological depths of its characters and their complex motivations.

As the play unfolds, Hamlet is visited by the ghost of his father, who reveals that he was murdered by Claudius, his own brother, and urges Hamlet to avenge his death. Hamlet, torn between duty and his own internal struggles, devises a plan to expose Claudius's guilt. Through his feigned madness and cunning maneuvers, Hamlet seeks to confirm Claudius's guilt while grappling with his own existential questions about life, death, and the nature of revenge.

The Tragedy of Hamlet delves into the intricate web of deceit and treachery, showcasing the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and the complexities of human nature. The play's climactic scene, a dramatic duel between Hamlet and Laertes, results in a tragic chain of events leading to the deaths of several characters, including Hamlet himself. Shakespeare's masterful storytelling and profound exploration of human psychology have cemented The Tragedy of Hamlet as one of his most celebrated works, resonating with audiences for centuries and continuing to captivate readers and theatergoers to this day.

Amazon Author's Amazon Page

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (Illustrated) Bionic Reading Edition by William Shakespeare and Din Asotić appeared first on Joelbooks.