The following 12 authors like Lisa Jewell masterfully weave psychological suspense and intricate character studies into their narratives.
Their compelling stories delve into the complexities of human relationships and hidden secrets, offering readers the same captivating experience found in Jewell’s works.
Whether you’re drawn to domestic dramas or twisty thrillers, these writers like Lisa Jewell provide a diverse array of novels that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
12 Authors Like Lisa Jewell
1. Gillian Flynn
Writing Style & Themes: Gillian Flynn crafts psychological thrillers that delve into the dark complexities of human nature, often featuring intricate plots and morally ambiguous characters.
Her narratives explore themes of deceit, trauma and the facades people maintain.
Notable Books:
- Gone Girl
- Sharp Objects
- Dark Places
Why Readers Will Love Her: Flynn’s gripping storytelling and deep psychological insights keep readers on the edge of their seats, unraveling mysteries that challenge perceptions of truth and morality.
Gillian Flynn’s Website: https://gillian-flynn.com/
2. Paula Hawkins
Writing Style & Themes: Paula Hawkins specializes in psychological thrillers featuring unreliable narrators and intricate plots that delve into themes of memory, trauma and the complexities of human relationships.
Notable Books:
- The Girl on the Train
- Into the Water
- A Slow Fire Burning
Why Readers Will Love Her: Hawkins’ suspenseful narratives and deep character explorations keep readers engaged, unraveling mysteries that challenge perceptions and reveal hidden truths.
Paula Hawkins’s Website: https://paulahawkinsbooks.com/
3. Shari Lapena
Writing Style & Themes: Shari Lapena crafts domestic thrillers set in everyday environments, focusing on secrets and lies that unravel within seemingly ordinary lives.
Her stories often explore the dark undercurrents of suburban life.
Notable Books:
- The Couple Next Door
- A Stranger in the House
- An Unwanted Guest
Why Readers Will Love Her: Lapena’s fast-paced plots and unexpected twists make her novels hard to put down, offering readers a thrilling glimpse into the hidden tensions of domestic life.
Shari Lapena’s Website: https://www.sharilapena.com/
4. B.A. Paris
Writing Style & Themes: B.A. Paris writes psychological thrillers that delve into the hidden darkness within relationships, often exploring themes of control, manipulation and the facades people maintain.
Notable Books:
- Behind Closed Doors
- The Breakdown
- The Therapist
Why Readers Will Love Her: Paris’s gripping narratives and exploration of psychological suspense offer readers a chilling look into the complexities of human behavior.
B.A. Paris’s Website: https://www.baparis.com/
5. Ruth Ware
Writing Style & Themes: Ruth Ware specializes in psychological thrillers often set in isolated locations that explore themes of trust, deception and the impact of past secrets on the present.
Notable Books:
- In a Dark, Dark Wood
- The Woman in Cabin 10
- The Lying Game
Why Readers Will Love Her: Ware’s masterful use of suspense and richly drawn settings immerse readers in thrilling narratives that keep them guessing until the final page.
Ruth Ware’s Website: https://ruthware.com/
6. Mary Kubica
Writing Style & Themes: Mary Kubica writes suspenseful mysteries that delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, often featuring ordinary people caught in extraordinary situations.
Notable Books:
- The Good Girl
- Every Last Lie
- The Other Mrs.
Why Readers Will Love Her: Kubica’s emotionally charged narratives and unexpected twists provide readers with a deep and engaging reading experience.
Mary Kubica’s Website: https://marykubica.com/
7. Megan Miranda
Writing Style & Themes: Megan Miranda specializes in psychological suspense, weaving intricate plots that explore memory, identity and the impact of past events on present lives.
Her narratives often feature ordinary individuals facing extraordinary circumstances.
Notable Books:
- All the Missing Girls
- The Last House Guest
- The Girl from Widow Hills
Why Readers Will Love Her: Miranda’s suspenseful storytelling and deep character development create immersive experiences that keep readers guessing until the end.
Megan Miranda’s Website: https://meganmiranda.com/
8. Samantha Downing
Writing Style & Themes: Samantha Downing crafts dark twisted thrillers that delve into the complexities of relationships and the sinister aspects of human nature.
Her stories often feature unexpected twists and morally ambiguous characters.
Notable Books:
- My Lovely Wife
- He Started It
- For Your Own Good
Why Readers Will Love Her: Downing’s gripping narratives and exploration of the dark sides of domestic life offer thrilling and thought-provoking reads.
Samantha Downing’s Website: https://www.samanthadowning.com/
9. Wendy Walker
Writing Style & Themes: Wendy Walker writes psychological suspense novels that explore themes of trauma, memory and the complexities of human relationships.
Her narratives often involve characters confronting dark pasts and unraveling intricate mysteries.
Notable Books:
- The Night Before
- Emma in the Night
- American Girl
Why Readers Will Love Her: Walker’s emotionally charged stories and unexpected plot twists provide a captivating reading experience that delves deep into the human psyche.
Wendy Walker’s Website: https://www.wendywalkerbooks.com/
10. Alex Michaelides
Writing Style & Themes: Alex Michaelides combines elements of classic psychological thrillers with modern twists, often setting his narratives in confined environments that heighten tension.
His stories delve into themes of trauma, therapy and the blurred lines between reality and perception.
Notable Books:
- The Silent Patient
- The Maidens
- The Fury
Why Readers Will Love Him: Michaelides’ masterful storytelling and deep psychological insights create compelling mysteries that keep readers entertained.
Alex Michaelides’s Website: https://www.alexmichaelides.com/
11. Riley Sager
Writing Style & Themes: Riley Sager specializes in suspenseful thrillers that often incorporate elements of horror and mystery.
His narratives frequently feature protagonists confronting past traumas and facing unexpected dangers.
Notable Books:
- Final Girls
- Lock Every Door
- The Only One Left
Why Readers Will Love Him: Sager’s ability to blend suspense with richly developed characters ensures a thrilling and immersive reading experience.
Riley Sager’s Website: https://www.rileysagerbooks.com/
12. Liane Moriarty
Writing Style & Themes: Liane Moriarty writes contemporary fiction that intricately explores domestic life, relationships and the secrets that lie beneath the surface.
Her stories often blend elements of mystery and drama set within suburban settings.
Notable Books:
- Big Little Lies
- Nine Perfect Strangers
- Apples Never Fall
Why Readers Will Love Her: Moriarty’s keen observations of human behavior and her ability to weave suspense into everyday scenarios make her novels both relatable and captivating.
Liane Moriarty’s Website: https://lianemoriarty.com.au/
Last Word on the Authors Similar to Lisa Jewell
If you’ve been searching for authors similar to Lisa Jewell to fill the void after finishing one of her addictive reads, this list offers a perfect place to start.
Writers like Gillian Flynn and Ruth Ware dive deep into psychological suspense, while Liane Moriarty and Shari Lapena masterfully explore the messiness of relationships and secrets behind closed doors.
With these authors like Lisa Jewell on your shelf, your next favorite thriller might be just a page away.