Top 10 Reads to Thrill You This Summer
Introducing the Lounge Chair Librarian
Hello! I am the Lounge Chair Librarian. When I’m not engrossed in a book, I’m an Uber driver for my children, ferrying them to their social lives and activities. In my “spare time,” I work as an elementary school teacher in Brooklyn, New York. The best part of my school day is when I get the chance to do a read-aloud to a class. It doesn’t matter if you’re in kindergarten, third grade, fifth grade, middle school, or high school—the power of a good book to capture you is beyond words. All it takes is one book to hook you as a reader.
Top 10 Psychological Thrillers
Although I read many different genres, my favorite is psychological thrillers with twists and turns I never see coming. Below, I’ve compiled some of my favorite psychological thriller books to help you along your reading journey. Stay tuned for other genres!
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides – This is the book I always recommend when someone asks what they should read. It tells the story of Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who shoots her husband and then goes silent, and the psychotherapist determined to get her to speak. Even after finishing it, you’ll want to go back and reread to catch all the clues you missed. The twists and turns will keep you reading well into the night!
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden (first book in a series) – Definitely a page-turner—I finished it in a day because I wanted to see who was guilty. It follows Millie, a young woman who takes a job as a housemaid for a wealthy family, only to discover the dark secrets hidden within the household. There’s a great twist in the middle of the book, and it’s told from different perspectives, which is always a favorite of mine.
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak –A little paranormal activity, a little murder mystery, a bit of romance, and a big twist I did not see coming—this book has it all! It centers on Mallory, a recovering addict who takes a nanny job and discovers eerie drawings by the young boy she cares for, leading her to a haunting mystery. I recommend reading the book instead of listening to the audiobook as the illustrations really bring the story to life and play an important role.
Keep it in the Family by John Marrs – I couldn’t put this psychological thriller down! This novel follows Mia and Finn, who discover a dark secret hidden in their new home, unraveling a sinister family history that intertwines with their own lives. There are so many twists and turns that I feel like I need to read it again with what I’ve learned. Marrs does a superb job throwing little nuggets along the way to try and get you off the trail of the serial killer, even when reading from the killer’s perspective.
All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda – Can you run away from your past? Can you take the girl out of a small town, or does her heart always belong there? Do you ever get over your first love? This was my first time reading this author, and I really liked her style. The story is uniquely told, beginning at day one, then jumping forward to day fifteen and working backward to day two, all to explain two murders.
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter –A family torn apart by a tragedy 20 years ago can’t seem to pick up the pieces until another tragedy ensues. Family, love, and loyalty are all tested in this gripping novel. Be aware that there are some very graphic scenes in this book!
Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena – A murder mystery that implicates all three children—they all have means, motive, and no alibi. A crazy illegitimate child, a nutty aunt, and wealth all make for a not-so-happy family.
Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica –Secrets big and small impact our lives in subtle and massive ways. The novel revolves around the mysterious disappearances of two women and a child over a span of 11 years, uncovering dark secrets and shocking twists. This amazing novel is told from three different perspectives, with lots of twists and turns along the way. It’s definitely one of those books to revisit after you know the truth!
The Cabin in the Woods by Sarah Alderson – A great domestic thriller that keeps you guessing till the end. The protagonist, Rose, has a terrible upbringing that she tries hard to overcome. She builds a new "perfect" life/persona that starts to crack when forced to confront her past and present demons. Told from Rose's perspective, jumping from the past to the present, one can't help but root for her survival.
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell –Would you want to meet your birthday twin? A person born on the same day in the same hospital as you? Would you let them into your life? Would you introduce them to your family? Would you believe everything they said? Lisa Jewell explores this scenario and how far someone would go to make you believe them.
You might ask why psychological thrillers? Why would a teacher and mother like me want to read about murder, mayhem, and everything in between? The question really should be, “why NOT?” Reading is an escape from reality for me. It takes me places I would never go or even imagine going, and at the end of the day, isn’t that what a good book should do?