List of 26 with a twist books

1. The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey

What is this book about?

In a dystopian future ravaged by a fungal infection that transforms humans into flesh-craving creatures, humanity clings to survival in heavily fortified compounds. Within one such compound exists Melanie, a seemingly ordinary yet brilliant girl who yearns to understand the world outside the confines of her cell and the watchful eyes of Dr. Caldwell. Melanie, along with other children her age, possesses a dark secret: they are hybrids, born infected but retaining a semblance of human intelligence and emotion. When the compound falls, Melanie, her teacher Miss Justineau, the pragmatic Sergeant Parks, and Dr. Caldwell are forced to embark on a perilous journey, navigating a world overrun by "hungries" and grappling with the ethical complexities of Melanie's unique existence. As their journey unfolds, the lines between monstrous and human blur, challenging their perceptions and forcing them to confront the true potential of humanity's next generation.

Who should read this book?

Fans of dystopian fiction, zombie stories with a twist, and anyone who enjoys morally complex characters.

Awards

• Arthur C. Clarke Award
• Audie Award
• British Fantasy Award
• Tähtivaeltaja Award
• Goodreads Choice Award

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2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

What is this book about?

On the surface, Nick and Amy Dunne appear to have the picture-perfect marriage. But when Amy vanishes on their fifth anniversary, leaving behind a trail of staged clues and unsettling diary entries, Nick becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance. As the investigation unfolds, Nick's carefully constructed facade begins to crumble, revealing a web of lies, betrayals, and psychological manipulation. The narrative alternates between Nick's present-day perspective and Amy's diary entries, offering conflicting accounts of their seemingly idyllic marriage. As the lines between truth and fabrication blur, readers are left to decipher who is truly manipulating whom in this twisted game of cat and mouse, questioning everything they believe about love, marriage, and the lengths to which one will go to protect their secrets.

Who should read this book?

Readers who love psychological thrillers, unreliable narrators, and shocking twists.

Awards

• Barry Award
• Anthony Award
• Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award (RT Award)
• Shirley Jackson Award
• Edgar Award

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3. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

What is this book about?

Rachel, a troubled alcoholic struggling to cope with her recent divorce, becomes fixated on the seemingly perfect lives of a couple she observes from her daily train commute. Naming them Jess and Jason, Rachel constructs an idealized image of their relationship, finding solace in their perceived happiness. However, her world is shattered when she witnesses a shocking event that throws Jess and Jason's life into turmoil. Convinced that she holds the key to unraveling the truth, Rachel inserts herself into their lives, blurring the lines between reality and delusion as she grapples with her own demons and the unreliable nature of memory. As the investigation deepens, secrets unravel, and everyone, including Rachel, becomes a suspect in a chilling mystery that exposes the dark underbelly of seemingly idyllic suburbia.

Who should read this book?

• Fans of psychological thrillers
• People who like unreliable narrators
• Anyone looking for a suspenseful page-turner

Awards

• ITW Thriller Award
• Audie Award
• Australian Book Industry Award (ABIA)
• Goodreads Choice Award
• Waterstones Book of the Year

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4. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

What is this book about?

'Big Little Lies' delves into the seemingly perfect lives of three mothers in the wealthy seaside town of Monterey, California. Madeline, a force of nature juggling family and drama, Celeste, a beautiful woman trapped in a troubled marriage, and Jane, a single mother new to town with a mysterious past, find their lives intertwined when a shocking event occurs at a school fundraiser. As the story unfolds, secrets and lies simmer beneath the surface of their seemingly idyllic lives, leading to a dramatic climax that exposes the dark underbelly of their community and the complexities of the women's relationships.

Who should read this book?

• Fans of HBO's Big Little Lies
• Readers who like stories about female friendships
• Anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a dose of drama

Awards

• Davitt Award
• Australian Book Industry Award (ABIA)
• Goodreads Choice Award

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5. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

What is this book about?

'The Silent Patient' follows Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist determined to unravel the mystery of Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who has gone silent after shooting her husband six times. Alicia hasn't spoken a word since the tragedy, and Theo takes a job at the secure psychiatric facility where she lives, hoping to break through her silence and uncover the truth behind her motive. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's past and his own personal demons, the lines between patient and therapist blur, and he becomes obsessed with uncovering a web of secrets, hidden identities, and shocking betrayals that lead to a stunning climax.

Who should read this book?

• People who enjoy psychological thrillers
• Readers who like plot twists
• Fans of books with unreliable narrators

Awards

• Barry Award
• Goodreads Choice Award
• Book of the Month Book of the Year Award
• Barnes & Noble Book of the Year Award

6. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

What is this book about?

'Sharp Objects' follows Camille Preaker, a troubled journalist who returns to her stifling hometown of Wind Gap, Missouri, to cover the murders of two preteen girls. Still haunted by her own traumatic past and a history of self-harm, Camille struggles to maintain her composure while navigating the town's secrets, her overbearing mother, and a disturbingly close relationship with her half-sister. As Camille delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers disturbing truths about the victims, the town, and her own family, leading to a chilling conclusion that exposes the darkness lurking beneath the surface of Wind Gap.

Who should read this book?

• Fans of Gillian Flynn's other novels
• Readers who like dark and suspenseful stories
• Anyone who enjoys complex and flawed characters

Awards

• Barry Award
• CWA New Blood Dagger
• Edgar Award
• CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger

7. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

What is this book about?

'Behind Closed Doors' introduces us to seemingly perfect couple Jack and Grace, who appear to have it all—a beautiful home, a loving relationship, and an enviable life. However, behind their carefully curated facade lies a dark and twisted reality. Grace is trapped in a terrifying and manipulative marriage, held captive in her own home by her controlling husband. As the story unfolds, we see the world through Grace's terrified eyes, witnessing the psychological torment she endures and her desperate attempts to escape Jack's clutches. The tension mounts as the reader unravels the secrets hidden within the walls of their seemingly idyllic home, culminating in a shocking climax that exposes the true nature of Jack's sinister game.

Who should read this book?

• Fans of domestic suspense
• Readers who enjoy books with shocking twists
• Anyone looking for a quick and gripping read

Awards

• Goodreads Choice Award

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

What is this book about?

'The Woman in the Window' centers around Anna Fox, an agoraphobic woman living alone in her New York City townhouse. Confined to her home, Anna spends her days drinking wine, watching old movies, and observing her neighbors from afar. When she witnesses a shocking crime in the building across the street, her world is thrown into a tailspin of paranoia and uncertainty. As Anna tries to piece together what she saw, her grasp on reality weakens, and she begins to doubt her own sanity and the trustworthiness of those around her. The lines between truth and illusion blur as Anna fights to unravel the mystery and convince herself, and others, that what she witnessed was real.

Who should read this book?

• Fans of psychological thrillers
• Readers who enjoy unreliable narrators
• People who like twisty and suspenseful stories

Awards

• Goodreads Choice Award
• Book of the Month Book of the Year Award

9. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

What is this book about?

'Before I Go to Sleep' tells the story of Christine, a woman suffering from severe amnesia after a traumatic incident. Each morning, she wakes up with no memory of her life beyond her early twenties. Her husband, Ben, patiently explains her situation and helps her navigate her daily routine. However, Christine begins to uncover fragments of memories that contradict Ben's version of events, leading her down a path of doubt and fear. As she pieces together her shattered past, she must confront the terrifying possibility that someone close to her is manipulating her reality and uncover the truth about who she really is and what happened to her.

Who should read this book?

• Fans of suspense with a psychological twist
• Readers who like unreliable narrators
• Anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a shocking reveal

Awards

• Barry Award
• Macavity Award
• Anthony Award
• CWA New Blood Dagger
• CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger

10. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

What is this book about?

'The Couple Next Door' throws Anne and Marco’s life into disarray when their newborn baby goes missing during a dinner party at their neighbors’ house. As the police investigate, suspicion falls on everyone, including the seemingly perfect couple next door, secrets and lies begin to unravel, and the search for the missing child becomes a desperate race against time. Anne and Marco are forced to confront their own vulnerabilities and the possibility that they may not know those closest to them as well as they thought.

Who should read this book?

• Fans of twisty thrillers
• Readers who like fast-paced mysteries
• Anyone who enjoys stories about suburban secrets

Awards

• Goodreads Choice Award

11. The Girl Before by J.P. Delaney

What is this book about?

'The Girl Before' weaves together the stories of two women, Emma and Jane, four years apart, who both find themselves living in the same minimalist, ultra-modern house designed by the enigmatic architect, Edward. While both women are drawn to the house and Edward's captivating personality, they soon discover that the house has a dark history and that their lives are becoming eerily similar in unsettling ways. As Emma investigates the disappearance of the previous tenant, Jane, she uncovers a web of obsession, control, and deadly secrets that link her fate to the girl who came before.

Who should read this book?

• Readers who like psychological thrillers
• People who enjoy stories with alternating timelines
• Fans of books that explore dangerous obsessions

Awards

• Goodreads Choice Award

12. The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

What is this book about?

'The Last Mrs. Parrish' follows Amber Patterson, a cunning and ambitious young woman determined to escape her humble beginnings by infiltrating the glamorous and wealthy world of the Parrish family. Setting her sights on marrying into the family, Amber targets Jackson Parrish, the charming and unsuspecting heir apparent. She skillfully manipulates those around her, weaving a web of lies and deceit to discredit her rivals and secure her position as the future Mrs. Parrish. However, Amber's carefully constructed facade begins to crumble as her true intentions are challenged, and she must fight to maintain her grip on the life she so desperately craves.

Who should read this book?

• Readers who love stories about con artists
• Fans of books with unlikeable but compelling characters
• Anyone who enjoys a suspenseful tale of ambition and deceit

13. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

What is this book about?

'The Light Between Oceans' takes place on a remote island off the coast of Western Australia where Tom, a lighthouse keeper haunted by his experiences in World War I, and his wife, Isabel, yearn for a child but face heartbreak and loss. Their isolated life takes an unexpected turn when a boat carrying a dead man and a crying baby washes ashore. Faced with an impossible choice, Tom and Isabel decide to raise the baby as their own, igniting a chain of consequences that will test the boundaries of love, loss, and the true meaning of family. Their decision to keep the child sets in motion a heart-wrenching journey of secrets, sacrifices, and the enduring power of forgiveness.

Who should read this book?

• Readers who enjoy historical fiction with emotional depth
• Those who appreciate stories about moral dilemmas
• Fans of beautifully written books that explore themes of love and loss

Awards

• Australian Independent Booksellers Indie Book Award
• Australian Book Industry Award (ABIA)
• Women's Prize for Fiction
• Goodreads Choice Award
• HWA Debut Crown

14. The Girl Who Lived by Christopher Greyson

What is this book about?

'The Girl Who Lived' is a captivating psychological thriller that follows Kendall, a young woman struggling to piece together the fragmented memories of a traumatic night that left her best friend dead and Kendall as the sole survivor. Haunted by guilt and plagued by disturbing visions, Kendall becomes convinced that someone is stalking her and manipulating her memories. As she delves deeper into the past, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to expose a dangerous truth, putting her own life in jeopardy. With each passing day, Kendall must confront her fears and unravel the mystery of that fateful night to finally escape the clutches of her past.

15. The Girl in the Ice by Robert Bryndza

What is this book about?

'The Girl in the Ice' introduces Detective Erika Foster, a woman grappling with a tragic past and now facing a chilling new case. When a young woman is found brutally murdered and encased in ice, Erika is called in to lead the investigation. As Erika digs deeper, she uncovers a disturbing pattern of similar murders, each victim a beautiful and successful woman. The race is on to catch the killer before he strikes again, but Erika finds herself wrestling with her own demons and facing a killer who is always one step ahead.

Who should read this book?

• Fans of crime fiction and police procedurals
• Readers who enjoy a strong female protagonist
• Anyone looking for a suspenseful page-turner

Awards

• Goodreads Choice Award

16. The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

Contributor: Reg Keeland(Translator)

What is this book about?

'The Girl Who Played With Fire', the second book in Stieg Larsson's Millennium series, sees Lisbeth Salander, the brilliant but troubled hacker, framed for the murders of a journalist and a prominent researcher who were investigating a sex trafficking ring. While on the run and fighting to clear her name, she crosses paths with Mikael Blomkvist, the investigative journalist who has become an unlikely ally. Together, they delve into a dangerous underworld of secrets, violence, and powerful individuals who will stop at nothing to protect their interests. As the body count rises, Lisbeth and Mikael find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse, racing to expose the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Who should read this book?

• Readers who enjoyed "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
• Fans of Scandinavian crime fiction
• Anyone who likes complex plots and compelling characters

Awards

• Anthony Award
• Dilys Award
• CWA International Dagger
• Svenska Deckarakademins pris för bästa svenska kriminalroman
• Goodreads Choice Award

17. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Contributor: Reg Keeland(Translator)

What is this book about?

'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' introduces Mikael Blomkvist, a disgraced journalist, and Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant but troubled hacker, who find themselves entangled in a forty-year-old mystery. Blomkvist is hired by a wealthy industrialist to investigate the disappearance of his niece, convinced that she was murdered by a member of his own family. As Blomkvist delves deeper into the family's dark history, he enlists the help of Salander, whose unique skills uncover a series of disturbing clues and a trail of violence that stretches back decades. Together, they face danger and expose a chilling network of corruption and evil that goes far beyond what they could have imagined.

Who should read this book?

• People who enjoy intricate mysteries
• Fans of strong female characters
• Readers who like Scandinavian noir

Awards

• Barry Award
• Macavity Award
• Anthony Award
• Glass Key Award
• CWA International Dagger

18. The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye by David Lagercrantz

Contributor: George Goulding(Translator)

What is this book about?

'The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye', the fourth book in Stieg Larsson's Millennium series (continued by David Lagercrantz), thrusts Lisbeth Salander into a dangerous new adventure when she uncovers a sinister conspiracy while investigating the death of a prominent artificial intelligence researcher. As she delves deeper into the world of cutting-edge technology and corporate espionage, she finds herself targeted by a ruthless enemy who will stop at nothing to silence her. Meanwhile, Mikael Blomkvist, facing a crisis of conscience and a threat to his journalistic integrity, finds his path once again intersecting with Lisbeth's as they race to expose the truth and protect those they care about.

Who should read this book?

• Fans of the Millennium series
• Readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers with international intrigue
• Anyone who likes stories about hackers and conspiracies

19. The Girl Who Lived Twice by David Lagercrantz

Contributor: George Goulding(Translator)

What is this book about?

In 'The Girl Who Lived Twice' the sixth installment in Stieg Larsson's Millennium series (continued by David Lagercrantz), Lisbeth Salander finds herself drawn into a web of espionage and international intrigue when a close friend becomes the target of a shadowy organization with ties to her own troubled past. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a sinister plot that threatens the lives of countless innocents, forcing her to confront her own demons and risk everything to protect those she cares about. Meanwhile, Mikael Blomkvist, facing a journalistic crisis and personal turmoil, finds himself once again drawn into Lisbeth's world, realizing that their fates are forever intertwined.

Who should read this book?

• Dedicated readers of the Millennium series
• Fans of globe-trotting thrillers and espionage
• Those who enjoy Lisbeth Salander's unique character

20. The Girl Who Was Taken by Charlie Donlea

What is this book about?

'The Girl Who Was Taken' centers around the intertwined fates of two women: Megan, kidnapped a decade ago and recently escaped, and Nicole, a young woman who vanished ten years prior and was presumed dead. As Megan tries to adjust to life after captivity and piece together fragmented memories, a true-crime TV show reopens Nicole's case, uncovering shocking new details that link the two abductions. The lines between truth and manipulation blur as both women struggle to reclaim their lives and uncover the identity of the person who shattered their worlds.

Who should read this book?

• Readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers
• Fans of stories about survival and resilience
• Anyone intrigued by true crime and its impact

21. The Girl Who Came Back by Susan Lewis

What is this book about?

'The Girl Who Came Back' delves into the shattering consequences of a young woman's disappearance and the ripple effects that resurface years later. When Lola returns home after vanishing ten years prior, her family is torn between relief and suspicion. While Lola claims to have no memory of her abduction, her homecoming unearths old wounds and long-held secrets. As her family grapples with the joy of her return and the shadows of doubt, a determined detective uncovers unsettling truths that threaten to unravel their carefully reconstructed lives.

Who should read this book?

• Fans of domestic suspense with emotional weight
• Readers who enjoy complex family dramas
• Anyone intrigued by stories about memory and identity

22. The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow

What is this book about?

'The Girl Who Fell From the Sky' tells the story of Rachel, the biracial daughter of a Danish mother and an African American father, who tragically survives a family tragedy that leaves her marked both physically and emotionally. Sent from her home in Denmark to live with her strict grandmother in Portland, Oregon, Rachel struggles to navigate her new surroundings, grapple with her grief and trauma, and forge a sense of identity in a world where she feels caught between two worlds. Through Rachel's journey, the novel explores themes of race, family, and the search for belonging.

Who should read this book?

• Readers interested in stories about coming-of-age
• Those who enjoy character-driven narratives
• People who appreciate explorations of race and identity

Awards

• Goodreads Choice Award
• Carnegie Medal
• PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction

23. The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King

What is this book about?

'The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon' follows the harrowing journey of Trisha McFarland, a nine-year-old girl who becomes hopelessly lost in the vast wilderness of the Appalachian Trail. Separated from her arguing mother and older brother during a family hike, Trisha must rely on her wits, dwindling supplies, and a Walkman tuned to Red Sox games to survive the elements and evade unseen dangers. As her ordeal stretches from days into weeks, Trisha's grip on reality begins to slip, blurring the lines between the real and the imagined, and she finds solace and terrifying inspiration in her hero worship of Red Sox relief pitcher, Tom Gordon.

Who should read this book?

• Stephen King fans, especially those who like his coming-of-age stories
• Readers who enjoy suspenseful tales of survival
• Anyone who appreciates the psychological aspects of fear and isolation

Awards

• Lincoln Award

24. The Girl Who Died by Ragnar Jónasson

Contributor: Victoria Cribb(Translator)

What is this book about?

'The Girl Who Died', the first book in Ragnar Jonasson's chilling Dark Iceland series, plunges readers into the isolated, unforgiving landscape of a small Icelandic village during the bleakest months of winter. When a young teacher is found dead in her home, seemingly from a tragic accident, newly arrived police officer Ari Thor Arason suspects foul play. As a blizzard cuts the village off from the outside world, Ari Thor must unravel a tangled web of secrets, lies, and long-held grudges within the small community to uncover the truth behind the young woman's death.

Who should read this book?

• Fans of atmospheric Scandinavian mysteries
• Readers who enjoy isolated settings and small-town secrets
• Anyone looking for a chilling and suspenseful read

25. The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick, Jayne Ann Krentz

What is this book about?

In 'The Girl Who Knew Too Much', set in 1930s Hollywood during the golden age of cinema, former police officer-turned-screenwriter, Irene Glasson, stumbles upon a deadly conspiracy while working on a mystery film. When a cast member turns up dead on set, Irene suspects the murder is connected to a real-life crime that has been shrouded in secrecy. Teaming up with the enigmatic private investigator, Jack Travis, Irene must use her knowledge of storytelling and detective work to navigate a world of glamorous facades, dangerous secrets, and ruthless ambition to uncover the truth and catch a killer.

Who should read this book?

• Readers who enjoy historical mysteries with a touch of romance
• Fans of classic Hollywood settings and intriguing plots
• Anyone who likes a strong, independent female protagonist

26. The Girl Who Wasn't There by Vincent Zandri

What is this book about?

'The Girl Who Wasn't There' follows Detective Ryan Quinn as he investigates a string of bizarre murders in which all evidence points to a killer long thought dead: the infamous Kristine Dahl, notorious for her reign of terror decades earlier. As Quinn delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of shocking secrets, eerie connections to the past, and a chilling possibility—Kristine Dahl may not be a ghost story after all, or perhaps a new killer has emerged, inspired by her dark legacy.

Who should read this book?

• Readers who enjoy fast-paced police procedurals
• Fans of mysteries with a supernatural or eerie twist
• Anyone who likes a determined detective facing a baffling case