I've read so, so many terrible psychological thrillers. Even the ones called 'literary', which suggests they'vd got a bit more depth, mystery, originality – or at least are written well, have been disappointing. The most obvious build up to a twist, comically bad dialogue, tropes piling up until you can't even fathom the characters and story being real and unpredictable. Romance that is too romantic and fantastical, dastardly husbands with secrets that are too dastardly, florid over description of body language – 'she drew breath in a sharp gust, her heart hammering as he drew closer to the study. She could hear his slow, masculine, threatening breathing as it breathed breathily across the cool tiles to her crouching, quivering form.'
I loved Gone Girl because even though it was a pulpy mass produced thriller with a twist to twist all the twists, it was well written, rich in weird crackling wit and wicked social analysis, the characters actually felt real. And it wasn't breathless and over dramatic about sex and romance – it was dark and sexy. It rang true. I've read all her novels but I haven't quite found anything else that satisfies that craving.
I would love to read something that feels unpredictable, sexy, raw, and WELL written. And God, not the silent patient please. That book was hauntingly bad. I'd prefer to read mein kampf or fun with dick and Jane rather than read it again
by marrymeintheendtime
7 Comments
The Push by Ashley Audrain was an unsettling read. Stands out against the typical tropes as you described.
I really enjoyed the shards
What are some of the more literary ones you’ve tried already but didn’t like?
Filicia’s Journey by William Trevor
Try The Strange Case of Jane O. It’s a little divisive, but I really loved it!
I love The Guest List by Lucy Foley.
Novels by Barbara Vine aka Ruth Rendell (British). Very well-written. Not explicitly sexual, however.