Best Books with Stalkers

The Woman in the Window: A Novel

Author: A.J. Finn

Year: 2018

Genre: Thriller

More info: New York Time Bestseller

Age Range:16+

Plot

If you love old movies, you will adore this book. It is a spin on Hitchcock’s Rear Window and features an agoraphobic narrator who is often unreliable.

Anna Fox lives alone in her house. She is agoraphobic and cannot leave, so she sits at her window and watches everyone in the neighborhood.

When she sees something across the street, she is sure there has been a crime but, what is real and what is imagined? Amy Adams stars in the Netflix adaptation of this book.

Why Kirsten loves it

I love the nod to Hitchcock. It puts a new spin on a classic!

Why Jackie loves it

I love the fact that I was never sure what was real and what was made up. This is a book with an unreliable narrator that I really liked/

Find this book in: Unreliable Narrator Books / Psychological Thriller Books / Books About Mental Illness / Popular Thriller Books / Amnesia Books

The Girl Before

Author: JP Delaney

Year: 2017

Genre: Thriller

More info: BBC and HBO Max 4-part series

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Emma is looking for somewhere to live so when she finds the house and One Folgate Street, it is perfect. She is unconcerned about the strange rules- like no personal effect like books or pictures. The book is meant to transform a person per the architect.

Jane needs a fresh start and when she finds the house on One Folgate Street she wants to move there immediately. She is unconcerned about the previous tenant who died in the house.

Why Kirsten loves it

The house the story was set in is utterly fascinating. The female characters I loved, but I hated the architect. He was creepy in such a subtle way, but it totally made my skin crawl.

I was compulsively turning pages and staying up late into the night to find out what happened to Emma and Jane. Oh, and the ending was perfection. I can’t wait to see this adapted to the big screen! If you love haunted house books, this is a must-read thriller.

Find this book in: Haunted House Books / Books with Stalkers

Stalker Books About Friends

The Last Mrs. Parrish

Author: Liv Constantine

Year: 2017

Genre: Thriller

More info: December 2017 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

I found this stalker book to be enjoyable if only because of the plotting of Amber Patterson. I adored being in the head of the villain.

Why Kirsten loves it

I read this popular thriller book because it was a Reese Witherspoon pick AND because I heard wonderful things about it. I had read another thriller in January so I completely predicted what was going to happen in this book. As with all thrillers, especially domestic thrillers, when the element of surprise is missing, it’s not as good a read. Still, if you are looking for a very readable psychological thriller book, this is a great pick.

Find this book in: Best Psychological Thriller Books / Best Domestic Thriller Books/ Popular Thriller Books

Vladimir

Author: Julia May Jonas

Year: 2022

Genre: Literary Fiction

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

When it comes to books with stalkers, this literary fiction has a vibe of its own. Vladimir is the hot new professor at a rural college. A recent literary success, he quickly becomes the obsession of a 58-year-old tenured female professor at the same school.

Said professor is our narrator and her inner dialogue was expertly crafted. She’s on the edge of scandal after her husband is accused of multiple affairs with students before those types of relationships are banned. She knew about these affairs and even had some of her own, but she didn’t want to be caught up in the fallout. Instead, she fixates on Vladimir, a man 20 years her junior.

Why Kirsten loves it

The subjects this novel explores are expertly navigated by Jonas, whose gifts as a writer shines in this debut. I would love to discuss this pick with my book club!

Find this book in: Books with Stalkers / Dark Academia Books / Beach Reads 2022 / Best Books Set in College

Tangerine

Author: Christine Mangan

Year: 2018

Genre: Thriller

More info: Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Alice has just arrived in Tangier with her new husband and is shocked when her estranged best friend, Lucy, also arrives in Tangier. While Alice is initially glad to reconnect with her friend who helps her feel more comfortable in a new city, she soon begins to feel that her husband and best friend are trying to control her life.

But are they both trying to control her? Is she having delusions or is something more sinister going on?

Trigger Warnings

Stalker

Why Kirsten loves it

This stalker book about an obsessive friend will have you questioning everything until the end. I could not guess where this book was going.

Find this book in: Stalker Books / Books with Color in the Title

Social Creature

Author: Tara Isabella Burton

Year: 2018

Genre: Thriller

More info: One of the Best Books of the Year

Age Range: 18+

Plot

An obsessive girl wants to live the life of her new friend and socialite. But is it enough to be her friend or does she actually want to replace her? This eerily creepy story is now one of my favorite books about stalkers

Why Kirsten loves it

This thriller was described, as Gone Girl Meets Gossip Girl and it didn’t disappoint!

Find this book in:

Ace of Spades

Author: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Year: 2021

Genre: YA Thriller

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Hello Dark Academia. Centered around Devon and Chiamaka, the only black students at an elite private school, this is one wild thriller. After being chosen by prefects on the first day of their senior year, Devon and Chiamaka quickly become the targets of the mysterious Aces – a dangerous gossip girl-type character out to ruin their lives.

Trigger Warnings

Racism

Why Kirsten loves it

I was on pins and needles as this thriller unraveled, addressing systemic racism in private institutions in the process.

Find this book in: Books Set in High School / Dark Academia Novels / Stalker Books / Psychological Thriller Books / Fun Books for Teens / Best Books of 2021

Books About Stalkers and Obsession

Goodnight Beautiful

Author: Aimee Molloy

Year: 2021

Genre: Thriller

More info: Most Anticipated Book by Buzz Feed, Popsugar, New York Post

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

I was in the mood for a good thriller for Halloween when I stumbled across this story about a therapist and someone who is obsessed with him. When Sam and his new wife, Annie move back to Sam’s hometown they are excited to start their new life. Until Sam spends most of his time treating patients in his downstairs office and Annie is left alone. Then one day, Sam doesn’t return home at all.

Why Kirsten loves it

I absolutely loved this one. There were many twists and turns that I just did not see coming! I gasped out loud on more than one occasion as I watched this creepy book unfold. It’s easily one of my favorite thriller books of the year. I did not see the ending coming at all!!! #gifted

Find this book in: Best Books with Stalkers / Halloween Thriller Books

The Doll Factory

Author: Elizabeth Macneal

Year: 2019

Genre: Thriller

More info: #1 International bestseller and The New York Times Editor’s Choice

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This historical fiction novel about art is part mystery, part love story, and part thriller. MacNeal’s debut takes place in Victorian England during the time of The Great Exhibition.

Iris dreams of learning to paint like a true artist, while she tolls away with her twin sister in a doll shop. Silas is a curiosity collector who can’t seem to get Iris out of his head after their chance meeting, and Albie is the rag-a-muffin street urchin I wanted to take home.

Why Kirsten loves it

Their stories weave together in a slow burn until the blood-pumping, heart-racing conclusion.

Find this book in: Best Books of 2019 / Best Books with Stalkers / Books Becoming Movies or TV Series in 2024 / Intriguing Novels About Art and Artists

Rebecca

Author: Daphne Du Maurier

Year: 1938

Genre: Thriller

More info: National Book Award Winner, 1938
Anthony Award Winner, 2000

Age Range: 14+

Plot

The OG psychological thriller book, Rebecca is a book set in Cornwall that will leave you checking behind you when you walk down a dark hallway.

The new Mrs. de Winter is haunted by her husband’s first wife, Rebecca. The deceit will have you second-guessing everything you read while you yell at the pages. It is a chilling novel about a naive second wife discovering the truth behind the wife who came before her.

The Netflix book adaptation stars Lily James and it reignited this popular thriller book’s success. If you have not read this book, it is a perfect book for fall.

Why Kirsten loves it

One of the most acclaimed psychological thriller authors, Daphne Du Maurier is at her best in this chilling psychological thriller. Everything about this gothic thriller will make you feel a little bit uncomfortable. I love Du Maurier and I have read this classic more than once.

Why Jackie loves it

I was at least 50 pages into this book when I called Kirsten and asked if I would ever learn the new Mrs. De Winter’s name. The fact that the main character remains nameless throughout the book adds to the thrill of the book. It is a classic that everyone should read at least once.

Find this book in: Best Mystery Novels / Popular Thriller Books / Unreliable Narrator Books / Best Classic Books / British Books / Best Psychological Thriller Books

And Then There Were None

Author: Agatha Christie

Year: 1939

Genre: Classic Mystery

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

A mysterious person is trying to right the wrongs of the past by luring unsuspecting criminals to a deserted island…and then murdering them one by one. But who is the killer? Why are they killing? And just how long have they been stalking their prey? You have to figure out whodunit in this unreliable narrator book.

Why Kirsten loves it

This Agatha Christie book is one of the best stories she has EVER written. It was fast-paced, totally engaging and I did not see the ending coming. Each murder was more clever then the one before. Check out the black and white movie based on the book. It’s great!

Why Jackie loves it

A classic for a reason, Agatha Christie broke the mold with this book. It’s one of the most well-plotted mysteries I’ve ever read.

Find this book in: Unreliable Narrator Book / Best Classic Novels / Historical Mystery Books / Agatha Christie Books in Order / Best Mystery Books / Locked Room Mysteries

I See You

Author: Clare Mackintosh

Year: 2017

Genre: Thriller

More info: New York Times Bestselling Author

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:

Plot

Zoe Walker takes the same train to work every day. When she sees a classified ad in the paper with her face staring back at her she is very concerned. When other women in the same ad start to disappear, she does not know what is going on and how much danger she is in.

Why Jackie loves it

I was so excited to read this stalker book. I absolutely loved Mackintosh’s other book: I Let You Go. This book is quite a different feel but is still a very good thriller.

I was left shocked and surprised to the last page. It was not predictable and had me thinking and questioning after I had finished the last page. It left me feeling creeped out for days after

Find this book in: Stalker Books

Books with Stalkers Who are Lovers and Exes

Rock Paper Scissors

Author: Alice Feeney

Year: 2022

Genre: thriller

More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This book by Alice Feeney is another great read. Her books always have me turning the pages. This novel starts with Adam and Amelia Wright headed to a weekend away in a remote Scottish getaway to save their marriage. It turns into a locked-room thriller that you will not be able to put down.

Told from the point of view of both Adam and Amelia, it is clear that one weekend away may not be enough to save what is left of their failing relationship. Each year of their marriage, Adam and his wife exchange traditional wedding gifts and she writes him a letter that she will not let him read.

When reading a thriller, you expect twists and turns because that is part of the fun and while I expected a few, some of the ones in this book were completely unexpected!

Why Jackie loves it

I love Alice Feeney as a writer. She never fails to surprise me with her books which is something I love. The twists never feel like they are too much, rather, I feel like I should have known all along!

Find this book in: Locked Room Mysteries / Domestic Thriller Books / Halloween Thriller Books / Hotel Novels

The Wife Between Us

Author:Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Year: 2018

Genre: Thriller

More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Everything that you think you know in this book is just an assumption. You can assume that you are wrong. I cannot say much about this book because I do not want to spoil anything but, it is such a perfect domestic thriller.

Warning: do not start it if you don’t have time to finish it. Nellie is so excited about her upcoming wedding that is just days away. She cannot shake the feeling that someone is following her. At first glance, this is a thriller about a jealous ex-wife and the woman who is replacing her.

Why Kirsten loves it

This is a psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat and question what you think you know! I love that the plot seemed clear and yet I could not shake the feeling I was missing something the entire time. I was definitely on the wrong track.

Why Jackie loves it

The plot seems pretty straightforward when you start reading the book but then there are hints that things are not exactly what they seem to be. I did not understand the full story until the end of this thrilling book and loved every minute.

Find this book in: Unreliable Narrator Books / Popular Thriller Books/ Best Psychological Thriller Books / The 20 Best Books of 2018

Best Day Ever

Author: Kaira Rouda

Year: 2017

Genre: Thriller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

This story mostly takes place during a car ride when a husband and wife are on their way up to their vacation home. From the outside, they seem to have the perfect life and the perfect marriage. But as the drive up to the vacation continues, the two wonder if they can trust each other.

Why Kirsten loves it

I can’t talk much more about what I loved about this book without giving away the plot. I will say that the narrator is unlike any I have read before and for all you fans of Gone Girl and Girl on the Train…this domestic thriller is perfect for you!

Find this book in: Books With Stalkers / Domestic Thrillers

The Obsession

Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto

Year: 2021

Genre: Thriller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

From the minute Logan lays eyes on Delilah, he thinks they are meant to be. He is certain that they are perfect for each other even though Delilah has no idea who Logan is. He plants a camera to learn everything he can about her because it is romantic, right?

This is one stalker book that is off the charts with its creep-factor. There are so many twists and turns as Delilah tries to hold onto her secrets and make Logan let go of his obsession.

Why Jackie likes it

The stalker aspect of this book is creepy, to say the least. It is a YA thriller that is perfect for fans of the Netlfix series YOU

Find this book in: Books with Stalkers

Stalker Romance Novels

Fifty Shades of Grey

Author: E. L. James

Year: 2012

Genre: Romance

More info: Fifty Shades of Grey #1 of 6

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Originally written as Twilight fan fiction, Fifty Shades of Grey tells the story of Anastasia Steele, an innocent young woman who quite literally falls at the feet of young billionaire Christian Grey.

Their up-and-down relationship had the world atwitter. He wanted a submissive, but Ana challenged him at every turn. And their red room of pain is the stuff of legend. This is the series that ignited the popularity of billionaire romance books.

Trigger Warnings

Graphic Sexual Content

Why Kirsten loves it

This is the book that made explicit content more mainstream rather than a dark secret. I love when a book can do that for the reading community.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved the billionaire romance even if I thought Christian was a little much sometimes. By the end of the three-book series, I was invested in the characters and the story.

Find this book in: Books with Colors in the Title / Books with Stalkers / Fifty Shades of Grey Books in Order / Billionaire Romance Books

Twilight

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Year: 2005

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: The Twilight Saga #1

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

When Bella Swan goes to live with her father in Forks, Washington, she needs to start a new school. As she begins to settle in and make friends, she is drawn to Edward Cullen, a mysterious teenager with an old soul.

But Edward and his family are keeping secrets – they are more dangerous than they look. Can Bella stay away or will she fall for Edward and risk her life in the process?

Why Kirsten loves it

The way I binged this book series…. it took over my life! When the movie came out, I decided to finally read this series I had heard so much about. I finished each book in about a day and then promptly dragged my husband to see it with me. I haven’t been this obsessed with a series since HP.

Why Jackie loves it

Twilight started a phenomenon and obsession with vampires in the same way that Harry Potter created an obsession with magic. It was addictive to read! This is my opinion but I am sticking with it. This is a must-read young adult fantasy book and it inspired Fifty Shades of Grey!

Find this book in: Fantasy Book Series / Books Set in High School / High School Romances / Twilight Books in Order / Urban Fantasy Books / Vampire Books / List of YA Fantasy Books / Best YA Romance Books

This Man

Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas

Year: 2013

Genre: Erotica

More info: This Man #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Looking for your next 50 Shades-style book boyfriend? Let me introduce you to Jesse Ward. He’s rich, handsome, controlling, and an ace in the sack. His love story with Ava is all cliches and “central Jesse Cloud 9s” and I was totally into it.

Ava is an interior designer eager to design The Manor, owned by handsome bachelor Jesse Ward. Their instant attraction is not what Ava wanted but Jesse is relentless in his pursuit of her!

Why Kirsten loves it

Look, sometimes we need a little fluffy palate cleanser and This Man is the perfect book series for that. Seriously, it’s 50 Shades 2.0 minus the kinky parts (well until the rest of the books in the series.)

Find this book in: Stalker Books / Books Like Fifty Shades of Grey / Billionaire Romances