18 Best Books with Stalkers for Fans of Netflix’s YOU
Netflix’s YOU, the series based on Caroline Kepnes’s stalker book of the same name, is arguably one of the most bingable shows on TV. While we wait for YOU season 5, we are anxiously reading all the books with stalkers we can to get ready for the big premiere.
If you love books with obsessive neighbors, creepy friends, stalker romance books, and just books about stalkers in general, this is the list for you!
*stalker books Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Stalker Books with Obsessive Neighbors
The Girl Before by JP Delaney
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 stalker books and haunted house stories you must read this one.
The Woman in the Window: A Novel by AJ Finn
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 stalker book. This popular thriller will leave you guessing until the end.
Girl on the Train
Author: Paula Hawkins
Year: 2015
Genre: Thriller
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Movie Starring Emily Blunt
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Rachel takes the same train every day and peers out the window watching people. She watched two people in particular as they led what appeared to be a perfect life until one day she saw something terrible while watching them.
She reports it to the police but, can they trust a dysfunctional alcoholic? This is a domestic thriller story that will have you questioning who is telling the truth from the beginning until the end. Unreliable narrators like Rachel make the best page-turners! You’ll never know what to believe!
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a thriller that is unexpected and original. The unreliable narrator is one of my favorite thriller tropes and Hawkins did it to perfection in this book.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved to hate Rachel. She is the perfect unreliable narrator and I never guessed what would happen next.
Find this book in: Books with Stalkers / Domestic Thrillers / Unreliable Narrators / Psychological Thriller Books / British Books / Nonlinear Narrative Novels
Stalker Books About Friends
Vladimir
Author: Julia May Jonas
Year: 2022
Genre: Literary Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
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
Social Creature by Tara Isabella Burton
This thriller was described, as Gone Girl Meets Gossip Girl and it didn’t disappoint! 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.
Tangerine by Christine Mangan
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? This stalker book about an obsessive friend will have you questioning everything until the end.
The Last Mrs. Parrish
Author: Liv Constantine
Year: 2017
Genre: Thriller
More info: December 2017 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
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
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 Novel / Stalker Books / Psychological Thriller Books / Fun Books for Teens
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:đź’‹
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
This one made our list of Halloween Thrillers.
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:đź’‹
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
I See You by Clare Mackintosh
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.Â
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.
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
The OG psychological thriller, Rebecca is a book set in Cornwall that will leave you checking behind you when you walk down a dark hallway. As unreliable narrator books go, this one is a must-read.
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.
One of the most acclaimed psychological thriller authors, this novel is Daphne Du Maurier at her best. 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. It’s on our list of books about stalkers because of the new Mrs. de Winter’s obsession with the deceased Rebecca.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
I was so hooked by this British murder mystery/thriller. 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 that is one of the best mystery books of all time. This is one of the books about stalkers you will not want to miss.
Books with Stalkers Who are Lovers and Exes
The Obsession by Jesse Q Sutanto
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.
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
Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda
This story mostly takes place during a car ride when a husband and wife are on their way up to their vacation home.
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 surprising stalker book if for you!
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
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. This unreliable narrator book will have you on the edge of your seat. This is one of our favorite stalker books!
Stalker Romance Books
Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James
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 and Mr. Grey’s behaviors definitely make it perfect for a list of stalker romance books.
Twilight (The Twilight Saga) by Stephanie Meyer
Twilight started a phenomenon and obsession with vampires in the same way that Harry Potter created an obsession with magic. This is obviously my opinion but I am sticking with it. This is a must-read young adult fantasy book.
This vampire series is definitely lacking the gore and fear factor and makes up for it with an amazing romance. When Bella Swan goes to live with her father, she is immediately drawn to Edward Cullen, a mysterious teenager with an old soul. Soon, she discovers he is a vampire. I will not ruin the rest of this cult-like pick from vampire books. But, if you have not read this vampire book yet, what are you waiting for?
It is an iconic urban fantasy series. But also EDWARD IS A STALKER WHO LITERALLY BREAKS INTO BELLA’s HOME AT NIGHT. So it’s a stalker romance book!
This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas
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. 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 mostly.) It’s one of our favorite stalker romance books.
Did you find any books about stalkers to add to your reading list?
Love thrillers? You’ll probably love this swag too!
Ultimate List of Thrillers
Love Stalker Thrillers? Find more on this list of thrillers divided. by sub-genre.
