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Emma WiltonDecember 10, 2024

10 Must-Read Books Like The Silent Patient

If you loved The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, chances are you’re on the hunt for your next gripping read. Known for its jaw-dropping twists, unreliable characters, and psychological depth, The Silent Patient has become a benchmark for modern psychological thrillers. Whether it’s the shocking revelations, the exploration of human psychology, or the slow unraveling of secrets that captivated you, this list has something for every fan of suspenseful, mind-bending fiction.


1. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Rachel Watson's life is far from perfect—she’s jobless, struggling with alcoholism, and clinging to the remnants of her past. But her daily train rides become a lifeline as she fixates on a seemingly perfect couple she sees from the window. When the wife goes missing, Rachel is pulled into a mystery that will leave you questioning everything. Much like The Silent Patient, this story thrives on an unreliable narrator, buried secrets, and a gripping plot that slowly reveals the truth.


2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Few books have mastered the art of the twist like Gone Girl. When Amy Dunne vanishes on her fifth wedding anniversary, all eyes turn to her husband, Nick. But as both Nick and Amy’s perspectives unfold, the story takes a dark turn into manipulation, lies, and psychological warfare. Fans of The Silent Patient will love the layered narrative, shocking twists, and exploration of toxic relationships.


3. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

To outsiders, Jack and Grace Angel are the picture of marital bliss. But behind the facade lies a chilling secret. Jack’s control over Grace’s life is absolute, and as the cracks in their “perfect” relationship begin to show, the story descends into a heart-pounding psychological thriller. With its claustrophobic tension and shocking reveals, this book will appeal to readers drawn to The Silent Patient’s themes of control and hidden truths.


4. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

When U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels arrives at Ashecliffe Hospital to investigate the disappearance of a patient, he’s drawn into a web of deception, paranoia, and madness. Set on a remote island with a foreboding atmosphere, Shutter Island delivers the same haunting psychological intensity as The Silent Patient. The unreliable narrative and jaw-dropping conclusion make this a must-read for fans of twisted mysteries.


5. The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

What begins as a straightforward story of a jealous ex-wife quickly turns into something far more complex. The authors expertly manipulate the reader’s assumptions, making this novel as unpredictable as The Silent Patient. With its themes of obsession, betrayal, and shocking plot twists, The Wife Between Us will keep you second-guessing every turn of the page.


6. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all—a happy marriage, a beautiful baby, and a comfortable life. But when their infant daughter goes missing during a dinner party, their world unravels. As lies, secrets, and betrayals surface, the suspense builds to a stunning finale. Like The Silent Patient, this domestic thriller explores the dark side of seemingly ordinary lives.


7. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Agoraphobic Anna Fox spends her days trapped in her home, observing her neighbors through her window. When she witnesses what she believes is a crime, no one believes her, leaving her to question her own sanity. This novel’s unreliable narration, psychological depth, and slow-burn suspense make it an excellent choice for fans of The Silent Patient.


8. An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Jessica signs up for a psychology experiment conducted by the mysterious Dr. Shields, but the study quickly veers into dangerous territory. As Jessica is drawn deeper into a web of lies and manipulation, the lines between right and wrong blur. Fans of The Silent Patient will appreciate the book’s exploration of psychological control and its tightly woven twists.


9. The Chestnut Man by Søren Sveistrup

This chilling Nordic thriller introduces a detective team investigating a series of murders connected by a sinister calling card—a doll made of chestnuts. As the case deepens, dark secrets from the past emerge, mirroring the layered storytelling of The Silent Patient. If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers with complex characters and shocking revelations, The Chestnut Man is a perfect pick.


10. The Therapist by B.A. Paris

When Alice and Leo move into an upscale gated community, they believe they’ve found their dream home. But the house harbors a dark secret, and Alice becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about its previous occupant. Packed with misdirection, psychological tension, and an eerie sense of unease, The Therapist offers the same kind of slow-burning suspense that fans of The Silent Patient will relish.


Why These Books Are Perfect for Fans of The Silent Patient

All of the books on this list share the key elements that made The Silent Patient a sensation—unreliable narrators, psychological complexity, and plot twists that leave you breathless. Whether you’re drawn to mysteries that unravel slowly, shocking endings, or dark explorations of the human psyche, these novels will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

So, grab your favorite blanket, brew some tea, and dive into one of these addictive psychological thrillers. You might just find your next obsession!


10 Gripping Psychological Thrillers Like The Silent Patient