Let’s talk about domestic thrillers. A sub-genre of the psychological thriller which is a sub-genre of the mystery/thriller genre, domestic thrillers have been tremendously popular especially the last ten years when books like “Gone Girl” have been made into movies. Obviously, these books have a long history and haven’t just been popular in recent years, but they have certainly found a following recently with many new authors writing in this sub-genre. A good example of an older domestic thriller is a 1958 novel by Celia Fremlin called “The Hours Before Dawn.” As you might guess, domestic thrillers center around the home and close relationships that either get ripped apart by outside forces or where someone in the relationship is being threatened usually by the significant other or some family member or want-to-be family member.  These books are full of twists and turns and secrets and “no don’t do that” moments, and feelings of “that could be me or someone I know.” One way or another, these books are not going away so if you love being driven to distraction by people making poor decisions get ready.

Reading right now:

Canadian author Shari Lapena’s “The End of Her” just came out and it continues her streak of twisty domestic thrillers. Stephanie and Patrick, the perfect young couple with a new baby, face accusations from the husband’s past. Did Patrick kill his first wife?

 

On hold right now:

Gilly MacMillan’s latest “To Tell You the Truth” comes out in September. Her last book was “The Nanny.” MacMillan loves secrets and her latest holds many secrets. Lucy’s husband is keeping secrets and when he goes missing, she wonders if her past is repeating itself. Could her husband’s disappearance be tied to her brother’s disappearance when she was a child?

South African author Tarryn Fisher’s “The Wrong Family” comes out in December and centers around retired therapist Juno who moves in with a family that seems to have the perfect life only to find that they have secrets, but so does Juno.

“The Dilemma” by B.A. Paris came out this year and is all about secrets and shame. Livia and Adam have been married for many years, but they are both hiding things from each other. When Adam throws a birthday party for his wife, it turns heartbreaking. If you haven't read Paris, you may want to start with some of her other books such as "Behind Closed Doors." "The Dilemma" was not one of her best reviewed books.

“Invisible Girl” by Lisa Jewell comes out in October. When Saffyre goes missing, everyone thinks that her neighbor Owen is responsible but maybe someone much closer is really guility.

 

Other Mysterious Things:

If you haven’t read some of the great domestic thriller books that have come out the last few years take a look at the following authors: Mary Kubica with “The Good Girl” and “The Other Mrs” and a new book coming out May 2021; Chevy Stevens hasn’t written a book since “Never Let You Go” but has something coming out next August; Clare Mackintosh’s “I Let You Go” will keep you guessing; J.T. Ellison has written many mysteries and her latest comes out next March (“Her Dark Lies”); Cate Holahan; Sophie Hannah; Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen’s latest came out in March (“You are Not Alone); and don’t forget Ruth Ware (her most recent isn’t really a domestic thriller, but plenty others are). Make sure the doors are locked and the lights are on when you read these.