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Books Similar to ‘My Lovely Wife’
Domestic thrillers with unreliable narrators like Samantha Downing’s bestseller.
Published on September 26, 2022
You
Caroline KepnesNo list about charming, yet shady narrators would be complete without “You.” Kepnes’ runaway hit is an unnerving novel about how easy it is to fall prey to stalking (or, to become a stalker yourself) in this hyper-connected digital age. Narrator Joe Goldberg will do whatever it takes to win — or worm — his way into Guinevere Beck’s heart. What’s even creepier, he believes he’s doing it all for love.
Luckiest Girl Alive: A Novel
Jessica KnollThe “My Lovely Wife” author recommends “Luckiest Girl Alive” in her article “Samantha Downing recommends 6 books with unsavory narrators” for The Week. Humiliated as a teen, hard-to-like narrator Ani spent years crafting the perfect, enviable life — but it’s built on a dark secret that could destroy everything. Like “Gone Girl” for fashionistas, with just as much satirical observation about modern femininity and a lot more pop culture flare, Knoll’s novel inspired a Netflix Original film starring Mila Kunis.
The Silent Patient
Alex MichaelidesIn Michaelides’ debut, painter Alicia is convicted of murdering her husband, but she refuses to talk after his death. Psychotherapist Dr. Faber is particularly determined to hear her side of the story. The story is told from Dr. Faber’s point of view, though we get another perspective via journal entries by Alicia. “The Silent Patient” has been a perpetual favorite since its 2019 release.
The Golden Couple: A Novel
Greer HendricksTherapist Avery Chambers has several unorthodox — some may say unprofessional — methods, including tailing patients to check up on them. When a married couple comes to him for help, the part-mental-health-professional, part-detective soon discovers their marital problems may possibly be tied to a murder. Fans of Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen will delight in this nail-biter that has the high-energy feel of the duo’s earlier work like “The Wife Between Us.”
Behind Her Eyes: A Suspenseful Psychological Thriller
Sarah PinboroughPinborough’s psychological domestic thriller made waves well before the divisive Netflix adaptation dropped in early 2021. It involves a meet-cute that immediately goes awry when Louise discovers the man she kissed at the bar last night is her new — married — boss. From there, readers are brought into a love triangle with an unforgettable twist.
The Other Woman: A Novel
Sandie JonesJones’ novel was one of Reese Witherspoon’s book club picks for a reason. Like “My Lovely Wife,” it’s a psychological domestic thriller, but instead of starring a killer couple, “The Other Woman” pits a would-be wife against a disapproving and conniving mother-in-law. This one will keep you guessing.
A Simple Favor: A Novel
Darcey BellWhat’s more suspenseful than an unreliable narrator? Three of them. Three dastardly characters reveal the dark discontent hiding underneath the happy sheen of suburban domesticity. The movie adaptation stars Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively.
Sometimes I Lie: A Novel
Alice FeeneyAmber Reynolds is trapped inside her own body after an accident leaves her in a coma, unable to speak or move, but fully alert. Now Amber must figure out what happened to her and whodunnit. She suspects her husband, but can she even trust herself?
Behind Closed Doors
B.A. ParisParis brings us another golden couple that has the whole neighborhood green with envy. Rich, gorgeous, and stylish, Grace and Jack seem like the ultimate #RelationshipGoals, but why are they never seen apart from each other? And why are there high-security shutters locking down their otherwise straight-out-of-a-magazine suburban home? Sometimes too good to be true can be deadly.