The Greatest American "Psychological, Suspense, Fiction" Books Since 2010

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Psychological

The Psychological genre of books typically explores the inner workings of the human mind and emotions, often delving into complex and sometimes disturbing psychological states. These books may focus on mental illness, trauma, relationships, or personal growth, and often challenge readers to confront their own beliefs and perceptions. Psychological books may be suspenseful, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense, offering readers a deep and often unsettling glimpse into the human psyche.

Suspense

Suspense is a genre of literature that is characterized by a feeling of tension, uncertainty, and anxiety that keeps the reader on edge and engaged throughout the story. It typically involves a protagonist who is facing a dangerous or threatening situation, and the plot is driven by the anticipation of what might happen next. Suspense novels often feature unexpected twists and turns, and the reader is left guessing until the very end. This genre is popular among readers who enjoy thrillers, mysteries, and crime fiction.

Fiction

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  1. 1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

    This thrilling novel revolves around the sudden disappearance of a woman on her fifth wedding anniversary. As the investigation unfolds, all evidence points to her husband as the prime suspect. However, the story takes a twist as the wife's diary entries reveal a darker side to their seemingly perfect marriage. The narrative alternates between the husband's present-day perspective and the wife's diary entries, leaving readers in suspense about what truly happened. The book explores themes of deceit, media influence, and the complexities of marriage.

  2. 2. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

    The book follows the life of a young boy who survives a terrorist bombing at an art museum, which kills his mother. In the confusion following the explosion, he steals a priceless Dutch painting, The Goldfinch, which becomes his secret treasure and eventually draws him into the criminal underworld. The narrative explores themes of loss, survival, and the power of art to shape human destiny.

  3. 3. The Round House by Louise Erdrich

    A teenage boy navigates the complexities of life after his mother is brutally attacked on their reservation in North Dakota. As the legal system fails to bring justice due to jurisdictional issues, the boy takes matters into his own hands. The novel explores themes of tribal law, justice, and the transition into adulthood, all set against the backdrop of Native American culture and history.

  4. 4. 11 22 63 by Stephen King

    "11/22/63" is a science fiction novel by Stephen King that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal that leads to 1958. After being convinced by his friend Al to use the portal to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jake embarks on a journey through time to change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sadie and faces various obstacles that threaten to alter the timeline he is trying to change. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of trying to change the past.

  5. 5. Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer

    In the novel, a team of four women—an anthropologist, a surveyor, a psychologist, and a biologist—embark on an expedition into Area X, a mysterious and remote region cut off from civilization. The area is known for its strange occurrences and the disappearance of previous expedition members. As the team delves deeper into the wild and enigmatic landscape, they encounter bizarre creatures, cryptic signs, and the remnants of a lost civilization. The biologist, serving as the narrator, documents their discoveries and her own personal transformations, driven by the unseen forces of Area X. The novel explores themes of nature, mutation, and the unknown, as the expedition's members confront the limits of knowledge and the consequences of seeking to uncover the inexplicable.

  6. 6. The Changeling by Victor LaValle

    The novel is a dark fairy tale that explores themes of parenthood, identity, and the impact of technology on modern life. It follows Apollo Kagwa, an antiquarian book dealer from New York City, whose life is turned upside down when his wife, Emma, commits a horrific act and then disappears. As Apollo searches for answers, he is drawn into a world filled with mythical creatures, secretive societies, and ancient folklore. Along his journey, he must confront his own past and the dark history of his family while navigating a city that seems to harbor magical secrets. The story blends the fantastical with the everyday to create a narrative that examines the fears and anxieties of being a parent in the 21st century.

  7. 7. The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker

    In this psychological thriller, an FBI agent with a troubled past is on the hunt for a serial killer who believes he is on a divine mission to collect brides for God, leaving his victims posed as if in a serene marital bliss after their deaths. The killer's twisted theology and the agent's own personal demons intertwine as the investigation leads to a group of mentally ill patients who may hold the key to stopping the murderer. As the body count rises, the race against time intensifies, pushing the boundaries of sanity and redemption in a chilling game of cat and mouse.

  8. 8. Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

    The book centers on a teenage girl with a traumatic past, who was convicted of a heinous crime at a very young age—the murder of a baby. Now living in a group home and dealing with the complex dynamics within, she struggles with the weight of her past and the challenges of her present. As she contends with a society quick to label her as irredeemable, she seeks to uncover the truth and fight for a future that seems increasingly out of reach. Her journey is one of resilience and the quest for redemption, as she navigates a system that is often more interested in judgment than justice.

  9. 9. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

    The book revolves around a young woman with a troubled past who is given a second chance through a scholarship to an elite university, where she becomes involved with the secretive societies that practice magic and the occult. Tasked with monitoring their activities, she uncovers a series of supernatural crimes and mysteries that she must solve, using her own newfound magical abilities and wits. As she delves deeper into the university's hidden world, she confronts the dark power and privilege that fuel these ancient organizations, while also grappling with her own personal demons and histories.

  10. 10. Bird Box by Josh Malerman

    In a post-apocalyptic world, an unseen terror drives society to madness and suicide upon sight, leading survivors to navigate their lives blindfolded. The story follows a mother who must guide her two young children to safety on a perilous river journey to what she hopes will be a sanctuary. With the ever-present threat of the unseen horrors and the challenges of survival in a collapsed society, the novel is a tense exploration of fear, the unknown, and the lengths one will go to protect their family.

  11. 11. The Devil All The Time by Donald Ray Pollock

    "The Devil All The Time" is a dark and gritty novel that weaves together the lives of several deeply flawed characters in a small town in Ohio. Set in the aftermath of World War II, the story follows a troubled young man named Arvin Russell, whose path intersects with a corrupt preacher, a serial killer couple, and a corrupt sheriff. As their lives intertwine, the novel explores themes of violence, religion, and the consequences of one's actions, ultimately painting a disturbing portrait of the human condition.

  12. 12. Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand

    In this gothic novel, a 1970s British acid folk band retreats to an ancient country house to create their next album, only to find themselves enveloped by supernatural occurrences. As the young musicians are drawn into the eerie atmosphere of Wylding Hall, the strange environment fuels their creativity, leading to the creation of a legendary album. However, the summer takes a dark turn when the lead singer mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind a tangle of haunting memories and unanswered questions that persist for decades, until the surviving band members reluctantly confront their past in a series of interviews, revealing the chilling truth behind the disappearance.

  13. 13. An Untamed State by Roxane Gay

    This novel tells the harrowing story of a Haitian-American woman who is kidnapped for ransom while visiting her parents in Haiti. Despite her father's wealth, he refuses to pay the ransom, leading to her prolonged captivity and abuse. The narrative explores the protagonist's struggle to survive and recover, as well as the complex dynamics of privilege, poverty, and power.

  14. 14. You by Caroline Kepnes

    "You" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the twisted mind of a charming bookstore manager, Joe, who becomes dangerously obsessed with a customer named Beck. Through the use of social media and surveillance, Joe meticulously orchestrates a plan to infiltrate Beck's life, manipulating and controlling her every move. As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a chilling journey into the depths of Joe's disturbed psyche, blurring the lines between love, obsession, and possession.

  15. 15. Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

    "Eileen" is a psychological thriller about a troubled young woman working in a boys' prison in the 1960s. Eileen Dunlop is a disturbed 24-year-old woman who is stuck in a dead-end job at a boys' prison in New England. She suffers from low self-esteem and is trapped in a toxic relationship with her alcoholic father. Her life takes a turn when a new counselor, Rebecca, joins the prison staff. Eileen becomes infatuated with Rebecca, leading her into a world of crime and violence that ultimately forces her to leave her hometown.

  16. 16. The Destroyers by Christopher Bollen

    "The Destroyers" is a suspenseful novel set on the idyllic Greek island of Patmos. The story revolves around two childhood friends, one a wealthy inheritor of a construction empire and the other a struggling playboy, who reunite under mysterious circumstances. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into themes of wealth, friendship, betrayal, and identity, all against a backdrop of escalating danger and suspense. The protagonist finds himself embroiled in a web of deception and murder, as the seemingly paradise island reveals its darker underbelly.

  17. 17. The Cabin At The End Of The World by Paul Tremblay

    "The Cabin At The End Of The World" by Paul Tremblay is a gripping and suspenseful psychological thriller that follows a family's vacation turned nightmare. The story revolves around a group of strangers who invade a peaceful cabin in the woods, claiming that the world is about to end and they need the family's help to prevent it. As tension rises and trust is tested, the family must make impossible decisions to protect themselves and their daughter. With its intense atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, this book explores the depths of human nature and the lengths one will go to survive.

  18. 18. Heroine by Mindy McGinnis

    "Heroine" by Mindy McGinnis follows the story of Mickey Catalan, a talented high school softball player whose life takes a dark turn when she gets injured and is prescribed OxyContin for pain relief. As Mickey becomes addicted to the drug, she spirals into a world of deceit, desperation, and self-destruction, jeopardizing her relationships and future. This raw and gripping novel explores the devastating consequences of addiction and the resilience required to find redemption.

  19. 19. Dare Me by Megan Abbott

    This novel delves into the dark and complex world of competitive high school cheerleading, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and obsession. The story is centered around the intense and sometimes toxic relationships between the cheerleaders, particularly focusing on the bond between the team's captain and her best friend. The arrival of a new coach with a mysterious past brings about a dramatic shift in the team's dynamics, leading to a series of events that culminates in a shocking crime. As the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed, testing the limits of friendship and loyalty, and challenging the characters' understanding of themselves and each other.

  20. 20. Disappearance At Devil's Rock by Paul Tremblay

    This novel is a gripping and eerie tale that unfolds in a small town where a teenage boy mysteriously vanishes from a local park, Devil's Rock, during a night out with friends. The story delves into the harrowing aftermath of his disappearance, as his mother and sister grapple with the unknown, piecing together clues that emerge in the form of shadowy figures, inexplicable diary entries, and unsettling folklore surrounding the park. The narrative masterfully blends elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural, while also exploring themes of grief, family bonds, and the haunting nature of uncertainty. As the search intensifies, the community is drawn into a chilling quest for answers that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare.

  21. 21. The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

    In this science fiction novel, the protagonist, born in a world where travel between parallel universes is possible, is one of the rare individuals who can traverse these alternate realities due to her counterparts being dead in other worlds. The story delves into themes of identity, privilege, and survival, as she navigates complex relationships and a web of secrets. Her unique position allows her to gather intel across worlds, but it also places her in grave danger, leading her to confront her own past and the stark disparities between different versions of her life and society. As she moves through these spaces, she must grapple with the moral implications of her actions and the true meaning of having a place to call home.

  22. 22. The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey

    The book revolves around a brilliant scientist who specializes in cloning and genetic engineering. Her life takes a dark turn when she discovers that her husband has been having an affair with a clone she created—a replica of herself, but more compliant and tailored to his desires. When a violent incident leaves her husband dead, the scientist and her clone must dispose of the body and cover up the crime. As they work together, they grapple with complex questions of identity, morality, and the ethics of cloning, all while trying to outsmart a world that may not be ready to understand or accept their existence. The narrative delves into themes of betrayal, personal autonomy, and the very essence of what it means to be human.

  23. 23. Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King, Owen King

    In a small Appalachian town, an extraordinary event unfolds: women who fall asleep become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze. If disturbed, they awaken in a violent, primal state. Meanwhile, in this bizarrely evolving world, Evie Black, a mysterious woman with a unique immunity to the sleeping phenomenon, emerges as both a potential savior and a harbinger of doom. As tensions between men and women escalate, the town becomes a battleground for a deeper societal confrontation, with Evie at its center. This novel weaves a rich tapestry of character and conflict, exploring themes of gender, power, and survival in a world teetering on the brink of an unfathomable transformation.

  24. 24. A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

    In "A House With Good Bones," readers are plunged into a gripping tale of suspense and horror that revolves around Sam Montgomery, who returns to her childhood home only to confront unsettling family secrets and a sinister presence lurking within. As Sam delves deeper into her family's past, she uncovers dark truths that challenge her understanding of her mother's eccentric behavior and her own identity. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly ordinary house that harbors malevolent forces, this story masterfully blends elements of psychological horror with the complexities of familial relationships, leading to a chilling conclusion that questions the very nature of home and heritage.

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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