Into the Water by Paula Hawkins & 16 Popular Thriller Books
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins came out around the same time as a few other thrillers that were wildly popular. Girl on The Train was received far better than this book but, I actually like Into the Water by Paula Hawkins much more because I am not always a fan of the unreliable narrator (never mind a narrator that I can’t stand).
Since I couldn’t help comparing Hawkins’s new book to Girl on the Train. I thought we could recommend some other popular thriller books you might love. So, if you love suspense and a great psychological thriller, here are 16 more books like Into the Water that you will love.
*Popular thriller books post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some items have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
This thriller is a fast-paced book that leaves you guessing until the very end. Two women are dead and the question is whether it was murder or suicide. The story is told from many points of view, which adds to the unpredictability but is a little confusing at first.
I quickly adjusted and immersed myself in the novel. Into The Water by Paula Hawkins has character development, surprise, and suspense. I read it in 2 days and was left asking what?! Really?!….Wow!!!
It’s on our list of popular thriller books for a reason!
Popular Thriller Books Made Into Movies
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
This is a psychological thriller book that almost everyone had heard of when it became a hit movie. It is the perfect example of what happens when a marriage goes terribly wrong. You will be questioning this book from the first page to the last.
On her fifth wedding anniversary, Amy Dunne mysteriously disappears. At the top of the suspect list is her husband Nick who seems perfect to the outside world. But, Nick and Amy are not who they appear to be.
There are so many twists and turns in this book that is the epitome of a domestic thriller and, if you love unreliable narrator books, this one is right up your alley. You may end up hating the characters, but this is one of the most popular thriller books ever written.
Find this book in Domestic Thriller Books / Best Mystery Books / Unreliable Narrator / Popular Thriller Books
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
This book is Liane Moriarty at her finest. It’s all about a group of mothers in a community who share some big lies. Their friendships take center stage, but there is a fair amount of family drama as well in this domestic noir.
This novel was recently turned into a show on HBO starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, and more. If you have not read this popular thriller book, we definitely recommend it.
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 book.
Find this book in Unreliable Narrator Books / Psychological Thriller Books / Books About Mental Illness
Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
I could not put this story down when I first read it. It takes place in a suburban suburb of Philly and explores the vicious habits of the old money elite.
There are so many big reveals in this book but beware – there is a trigger-inducing rape scene in the story that is difficult to read. The author drew from her own experience when writing it so proceed with caution if that’s a trigger for you. The Netflix book adaptation stars Mila Kunis and was produced by Reese Witherspoon.
The Dinner by Herman Koch
Two couples, one family out for dinner- what can happen? The family has come together because they must help their children after a horrific act. What follows is anything other than a fun family meal.
Did popular thriller book was recently adapted into a movie starring Richard Gere and Laura Linney.
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
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.
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. If you have not read this book, it is a perfect book for fall.
Find this book in Best Mystery Novels / Popular Thriller Books / Unreliable Narrator Books / Best Classic Books
Popular Thriller Books like Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
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 is a psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat and question what you think you know!
Find this book in Unreliable Narrator Books / Popular Thriller Books
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
This popular thriller book was Michaelides’s debut novel and sold over 65 million copies for good reason. This psychological thriller sucked me in immediately – a woman murders her husband and then doesn’t say a word for 10 years.
Convinced he can help, a psychologist named Theo transfers to the facility where Alice is staying to try to get the real story behind the fateful night of the murder.
Soon, he will become obsessed with Alice and finding out the truth behind the murders.
Find this book in Unreliable Narrator Books / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Best Psychological Thriller Books
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Shortly after being burglarized, a travel journalist boards a small luxury cruise liner to cover its inaugural voyage. When she thinks she sees a passenger thrown overboard – but everyone is still accounted for – she has to decide if what she saw was real or only in her head.
This book wasn’t as creepy as some of Ware’s others, but it still kept me on the edge of my seat. This book has an unreliable narrator which also makes a perfect psychological thriller. You just might want to wait until you are off a boat to read this one! If you love thriller novels, this book is a must-read.
Find this book in Sailing Novels / Isolation Books / Psychological Thriller Books / Unreliable Narrator Books
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
November 2019 GMA Book Club Pick
I love Lisa Jewell. As I read her books I find each one creepier than the last. This book starts with Libby’s 25th birthday when she inherits a multi-million dollar home. She knows that she was adopted at 10 months old but, she doesn’t know the truth about what happened to her family. She is shocked to find that the story that she was told is not what happened to her family.
25+ years ago Henry, his sister, and his parents are living a very privileged life. When he is 12 years old, things change when David moves into the house with his wife and kids with no plans to leave. He is charismatic and alluring to everyone except Henry. The story moves between past and present until the two stories come together and you finally understand what happened in the house all those years ago. I love listening to full cast audiobooks and this popular thriller book was no exception. If you love Lisa Jewell, check out our post: The Best Lisa Jewell Books Ranked: Complete List
I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
This domestic thriller grabbed me, shook me, and then gently put me down. I was given a ride and wasn’t sure what hit me. This book had a few things that I was not expecting and I loved it.
The book begins with a mother’s worst nightmare. Her son slips out of her grip and into the street where he is struck and killed by a car. This happens almost immediately. This was important to me so that it would not be too heart-wrenching. This is one of the best psychological thriller books I have ever read.
Find this book in British Mystery Books / Popular Thriller Books
The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
I did not see this ending coming. I was so freaked out that I finished this thriller in 2 days, maybe because I visited my own overnight camp while reading this summer camp book.
I just needed to know how it ended! Other people have told me they were shocked at the twists and turns too. It’s a truly excellent popular thriller and a perfect pick for lake books.
You can also find it on our list of books set at camp. And if you love to read Riley Sager, check out our post The Best Riley Sager Books Ranked by Super Fans.
Popular Thriller Books Chosen by Celebrity Book Clubs
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
June 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
I’ve just read THE thriller
The murder sets the scene and then we get the story in flashbacks without knowing who is murdered until the end. I’ve become very picky about thrillers recently and this one is hands down my favorite of the year so far. It also made our Best of 2020 list!
Can you guess who the killer is? I can’t wait to see this added to the list of Hulu book adaptations.
Find this book in Locked Room Mysteries / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Best British Mysteries / Books Becoming Movies in 2024
Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman
June 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Another former Reese Book Club pick, this thriller was a slow build with an explosive finish. When two newlyweds find something in the water on their honeymoon, the story picks up the pace and I couldn’t put it down.
I really loved how the heroine changes over the course of the book. It felt very realistic based on the circumstances.
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
May 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
I raved about this book when I read it earlier this month! Well-chosen, Reese! The story of a stepmother and her daughter as they try to find the girl’s father after his abrupt departure. This is a powerful book about motherhood.
This mystery has so much heart as you see Hannah bond with and try to protect her new stepdaughter, Bailey. I did not see the ending of this book coming, but absolutely adored it. This is one of the mystery books that will keep you turning the page.
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
December 2017 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
I read this popular thriller book because it was a Reese Witherspoon pick AND because I heard wonderful things about it. Unfortunately, I read The Wife Between Us back 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, 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. If you are looking for a very readable psychological thriller book, this is a great pick.
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How many of these popular thriller books have you read?
Ultimate List of Thrillers
Love these popular thrillers? We created this list and carefully divided it by sub-genre. These will definitely keep you on your toes.
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