Blog Post

The Best Books with Plot Twists

Hayley DenningsJun 22 2023

As a reader, it can be difficult to find a book with a truly unexpected twist that completely reframes the story.Fortunately, Reddit users have shared some of their favorite books with mind-bending twists that will leave you stunned. Whether you enjoy psychological thrillers, horror, classic literature, novellas, or biographical memoirs, there's something on this list for everyone.One Reddit user suggested looking for recommendations where people say, "Read this book, but don't look up anything about it." These recommendations often lead to some of the most enjoyable and surprising reads. Another user admitted to having a poor memory and purposefully adding book suggestions to their "To Be Read" list and forgetting about them until they pick them up again, which can enhance the element of surprise.

What is the difference between thriller and horror?

According to Neil Chase Film, "horror is focused on eliciting a feeling of fear in the viewer or reader, while thrillers are designed to generate suspense and excitement." It's safe to assume that the genres overlap and that's where some of the best thriller/horror movies come in.

What defines a psychological thriller?

The psychological thriller subgenre is separate from the rest of the thriller and horror genres by its commitment to exploring the darkest parts of the human mind and pushing the unreliable narrator and a psychologically tormented character.

What books have good plot twists?

Here are the best psychological book thrillers with mind-bending twists that will completely reframe everything:

Gone Girl

By Gillian Flynn

This rollercoaster of a thriller is known for its twist that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book's intricately woven plot will leave you guessing until the very end.

Behind Her Eyes

By Sarah Pinborough

This thriller reinvents the modern love triangle and has a twist that is practically impossible to guess. The genre shift adds an extra layer of surprise and will leave readers in awe.

Shutter Island

By Dennis Lehane

Set in a mental institution, Shutter Island is a is a gripping and atmospheric psychological thriller where nothing is quite what it seems. It carries the reader into a nightmare world of madness, mind control, and CIA Cold War paranoia.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

By Agatha Christie

Christie’s third Poirot novel made her a household name. Consistently ranked among Christie’s best works, in 2013 it was voted as the best crime novel ever written by the 600-member Crime Writers’ Association of the United Kingdom.

House of Leaves

By Mark Z. Danielewski

This unique and unsettling novel combines horror and mystery elements in a mind-bending narrative. The book's unconventional structure and intricate layers will challenge your perception of reality.

Ender's Game

By Orson Scott Card

This science fiction classic surprises readers with its unexpected twists and turns. The book is full of strategic maneuvers and thought-provoking revelations that will leave you questioning everything.

Piranesi

By Susanna Clarke

This beautiful and startling novel takes readers on a journey through a surreal and mysterious labyrinth.

Fingersmith

By Sarah Waters

Set in Victorian England and following and orphaned thief, this gripping and atmospheric novel is known for its multiple twists and turns. As the plot unravels, you'll be left stunned by the unexpected revelations.

The Silent Patient

By Alex Michaelides

A shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband—and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive.

The Fifth Season

By N. K. Jemisin

At the end of the world, a woman must hide her secret power and find her kidnapped daughter in this twisted Hugo Award winning fantasy novel of power, oppression, and revolution.

Remember, each reader's experience with a twist may vary, and what surprises one person may not have the same impact on another. However, these books have garnered praise for their ability to shock and reframe everything readers thought they knew.So, if you're in the mood for a mind-bending, earth-shattering twist, check out one of these highly recommended books. Just be prepared to have your expectations subverted and your perception of the story completely redefined.

Keep reading on Fable!

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By Hayley Dennings

Hayley Dennings is a queer, Black woman from the Bay Area in California. While finishing her French and English undergraduate degree from Loyola Marymount University, she also spends time on her YouTube channel, Pages of Hayley, where she discusses books and writing with over 45,000 subscribers. Because of reading, Hayley learns about experiences other than her own and gains empathy for those around her. Seeing people like her represented in books encouraged her to write her own books and pursue publishing. When Hayley is not working, she is spending time with her three dogs and baking.