Riding the subway or reading in a cafe? Pick up these books for everyone around you to take a look at the cover and think “what is she reading?!?!”
WHEN I WAS YOU BY MINKA KENT
I read this so long ago but I remember feeling so creeped out and it was hard to put this book down. The cover gripped me as well & I feel I don’t see this book talked about that often. Surely will make everyone around you wonder what you’re reading 🤪
RIPE BY SARAH ROSE ETTER
This is one of those books I think everyone should read because it offers such unique perspectives. I also rarely see this book talked about & I think the cover/synopsis is super intriguing
A CERTAIN HUNGER BY CHELSEA G. SUMMERS
I mean cmon… this cover and the premise of this book is so mysterious. If I saw someone reading this in public I’d be so curious what the book was about. Despite that, it’s also SUCH an insane book to read, it will definitely keep you hooked!
Plan on adding any of these to your TBR? Let me know in the comments ◡̈
... Read moreOkay, so you've seen my initial picks for books that make you look effortlessly mysterious while reading in public – think 'When I Was You' and 'A Certain Hunger' with their gripping plots and unhinged characters. But I know some of you are craving even deeper dives into the shadowy corners of literature! If you're like me and love a read that truly makes people wonder what you're devouring, let's explore some more categories that hit those 'dark psychology,' 'murder mystery,' and even 'books like Unhinged' vibes.
First up, for those obsessed with dark psychology books and narratives where characters walk a truly dark and desperate path, I've got some ideas. Beyond the psychological thrills of a stolen identity saga, I find books that delve into the human mind's darker recesses absolutely captivating. Think 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides. It's a masterclass in psychological suspense, with a mute artist accused of murder and a psychotherapist determined to uncover the truth. The twists are genuinely shocking, and you'll find yourself questioning everyone's motives. Another one that comes to mind for its exploration of complex psychological states, even if not a direct "thriller," is 'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Moshfegh. While not a murder mystery, it features a truly unique and somewhat unhinged female main character and her eccentric journey of self-imposed hibernation. It’s certainly a book that will make passersby do a double-take at its intriguing cover and content.
Next, let's talk about murder mystery books and the best detective novels that keep you guessing until the very last page. If you enjoyed the intense mystery feel of my previous recommendations, you'll love sinking your teeth into these. For a classic, unbeatable experience, you can't go wrong with Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None.' Ten strangers, an isolated island, and a killer among them – it's the ultimate whodunit that will have you completely engrossed. For something more contemporary, 'The Guest List' by Lucy Fokley offers a modern take on the locked-room mystery, set at a lavish wedding with secrets galore. These are the kinds of books where you'll be so absorbed, you won't even notice the world around you, which ironically makes you look even more mysterious! And for those looking for best YA murder mystery books, don't underestimate titles like 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' series by Holly Jackson – they’re incredibly addictive and well-plotted, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Finally, for those who seek out the truly unconventional, perhaps even the 'dirtiest books to read' in terms of their morally ambiguous themes or intense subject matter, and are looking for books like Haunting Adeline or OUABH (Once Upon A Broken Heart), we're venturing into darker romance and morally gray territory. While I won't recommend anything explicitly explicit, books that feature complex, often unhinged female main characters like the one in 'A Certain Hunger' or explore challenging power dynamics definitely fit the bill. 'Verity' by Colleen Hoover is a prime example of a psychological thriller with dark romance elements that pushes boundaries and leaves readers stunned. It’s not your typical romance, delving into truly disturbing secrets and twisted love. These are the reads that make you feel like you're peeking behind a forbidden curtain, and trust me, they make for some seriously intriguing public reading material.
These expanded recommendations should give you plenty of material to choose from to cultivate that mysterious aura. Happy reading, fellow bookworms!
can I ask which Stephen King book that is in your pile?