Pretty Girls is a book that #BookTokkers and #Bookstagramers have called “bone-chilling.” It’s about three sisters, one who goes missing, and the impact it has on the family and the fallout that happens 20 years later. It’s twisty and full of anxiety-inducing thrills.
‘Pretty Girls’ by Karin Slaughter.
William Morrow
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In honor of the deluxe sprayed-edges collector’s edition that was just released, I’m putting together a list of some of my favorite chilling summer thrillers. You’ll want to devour these books while you are at the beach, otherwise they’ll keep you up all night. Happy reading!
‘The Better Sister’ by Alafair Burke
‘The Better Sister’ by Alafair Burke.
Harper
Like Pretty Girls, this is a sister story (IFKYK) about one sister who steals the other sister’s life. But when a dead body turns up, so do all of the secrets. It was just turned into a limited series on Amazon, starring Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks, so read it before you watch it. It’s so good!
‘El Dorado Drive’ by Megan Abbott
‘El Dorado Drive’ by Megan Abbott.
G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Layer by magnetic layer, Abbott reveals the story of a family coming undone beneath the paralyzing weight of material pressures. Abbott is a skilled storyteller and El Dorado Drive is a smart, twisty and riveting family drama. But don’t take my word for it. This one is on many “Best of Summer” lists this year.
‘Close Your Eyes And Count To 10’ by Lisa Unger
‘Close Your Eyes and Count to 10’ by Lisa Unger.
Park Row
It’s a story about a single mom who travels to a remote island in the Atlantic to participate in an extreme game of hide-and-seek to try to win a million-dollar prize. But things go insanely wrong insanely fast — and it’s impossible to put down.
‘The Perfect Couple’ by Elin Hilderbrand
‘The Perfect Couple’ by Elin Hilderbrand.
Back Bay Books
In this murder mystery set in opulent Nantucket, when a body washes ashore during a family’s wedding, everyone is a suspect. And as the mystery unfolds, the façade of this seemingly perfect family begins to crack, revealing much darker truths. This was adapted as a limited series on Netflix and stars the transcendent Meghann Fahy and the equally stunning Nicole Kidman.
‘The Last Time She Saw Him’ by Kate White
‘The Last Time She Sawn Him’ by Kate White.
Harper
This one’s an exciting whodunit that has interesting, layered suspects, an intense plot and complex drama. The gripping, fast-paced murder mystery will keep you turning the pages.
‘The Unraveling Of Julia’ by Lisa Scottoline
‘The Unraveling of Julia’ by Lisa Scottoline.
Grand Central Publishing
The main character of this book loses her husband and parents at the same time — then finds out she has inherited a Tuscan Villa. When she goes to Tuscany to figure out who her benefactor is, things start to come undone. This is like the dark, demented, twisted little sister of Under The Tuscan Sun.
‘Chloe’ by Connie Briscoe
‘Chloe: A Novel of Secrets and Lies’ by Connie Briscoe.
Amistad
Angel is swept off of her feet by the charming, handsome and extremely wealthy Everett, and the two marry quickly. But as soon as Angel moves to his estate, Riverwild, she realizes that she may have jumped into the marriage too soon. It isn’t long before he becomes cold towards her, and then she learns that his ex-wife committed suicide. Now Riverwild feels more like a golden cage. Chloe is a fresh and thrilling take on Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca. If you loved the original you will love this version, too.
‘Jar Of Hearts’ by Jennifer Hillier
‘Jar of Hearts’ by Jennifer Hillier.
Minotaur Books
One of my go-to recommendations in the “bone-chilling” category, this is the story of three high school friends: one who was murdered, one who went to prison and one who’s been searching for the truth all of these years. When the remains of the missing friend turn up 14 years later, the long-buried truth comes along with it. This book has huge twists and turns and is all kinds of messed up. You’ll love it.
‘Ask For Andrea’ by Noelle W. Ihli
‘Ask for Andrea’ by Noelle W. Ihli.
Kensington
Another #BookTok sensation that I’ve only recently discovered. Three women who are all murdered by the same man and a plot for revenge. That’s all I can say without spoiling too much. This was a very fast-paced and exciting read.
‘The Hunting Wives’ by May Cobb
‘The Hunting Wives’ by May Cobb.
Berkley
The main character of this book has just left Chicago and moved her husband and son back to her small hometown in Texas. Lonely and bored, she quickly gets drawn into a wealthy, cliquey, toxic group of women who call themselves the Hunting Wives. As Sophie gets pulled deeper into the clique, things get more and more dangerous. Then a body shows up and Sophie finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. This is like a deranged Mean Girls set in the deep South — with guns. This also just came out on Netflix starring Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow, so read it before you watch it.