6 Psychological Thrillers to Read If You Loved “Behind Her Eyes”

Yes, we’re hearkening back to an oldie here. Not only was Lois Duncan the woman who brought us classics like “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “Killing Mr. Griffin,” but we wouldn’t be surprised if “Behind Her Eyes” was at least loosely inspired by her 1981 novel (updated in 2011), “Stranger With My Face.” The plotline follows a 16-year-old girl, unaware she has a long-lost twin, who’s told she’s been seen out and about when she hasn’t gone anywhere. There’s astral projection, psychological suspense, and plenty of twists and turns.

Set in the 1950s in Mexico, socialite Noemí Taboada is sent on a mission to see what’s up with her recently wed cousin who’s been sending strange letters. She ends up in a once-splendid mansion perched on top of foggy hill to figure it all out. Almost right away, she realizes that her dear cousin isn’t the only thing that feels off — the whole house reeks of paranormal oddities, and Noemi is determined to figure it all out. (Bonus: this one’s coming to Hulu in the near future, so you’ll be ready to watch if you read it now.)

You’ll definitely white knuckle your way through this already-bestselling 2021 psychological thriller by Nalini Singh. A wealthy young woman goes missing with millions in tow, only for her body to be found in the woods — wearing the same clothes — a decade later. Her tormented son sets out to find the truth and takes the reader on mind-bending twists along the way.

Author Paula Hawkins, who also brought us “Girl on the Train,” tells a dark and mysterious story in her 2017 novel titled “Into the Water.” At the center of the story is the Drowning Pool, a section of inky black river beneath a cliff that’s seen far too many deaths for it to just be a coincidence. True to Hawkins’ writing style, the story is told from a number of character’s perspectives as they investigate to find the answers to their questions.

Right out of the gate, you can tell this 2021 murder mystery by Sarah Gailey isn’t going to be like one you’ve read before. Famed, award-winning genetic researcher Evelyn Caldwall has a contentious relationship with her husband, Nathan. There’s a third wheel, though: Evelyn’s clone, Martine, who Evelyn created using her very own research. A kinder and sweeter version of Evelyn, Martine is having an affair with — you guessed it — the husband. And he winds up messily murdered. With all these twists in the primary plot, you know your head will spin uncovering the deeper story.

This one’s already a hit TV show on Amazon, but whether you’ve seen it or plan to watch, it’s totally worth reading the book. Penned by the modern queen of written suspense Gillian Flynn, “Sharp Objects” follows the story of a wayward newspaper journalist trying to uncover the mystery of two recently murdered young girls. Like “Behind Her Eyes,” the ending will leave you totally gob-smacked.