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The Best Books with Plot Twists

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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 digital book - Fable

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 digital book - Fable

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 digital book - Fable

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 digital book - Fable

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 digital book - Fable

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 digital book - Fable

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 digital book - Fable

Piranesi

By Susanna Clarke

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

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters digital book - Fable

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 digital book - Fable

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 digital book - Fable

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!

Sharing a book with friends, family, and co-workers is a great way to enjoy the entire mental and physical benefits of reading. We call this “social reading.” The Fable app is built for social reading, with tools for sharing highlights, comments, insights, links, pictures, and videos as you read together.Find a book club to join for free!We also make it easy to launch your own free book club. With our platform, you can host every aspect of an online discussion at a single destination, to reach readers and build safe online communities regardless of location or time zone.Start your own book club today!You can sample our ever-growing collection of Folios, exceptional book recommendations from some of the world’s great tastemakers. Each Folio covers a critical theme, and some of our Folio curators include LeVar Burton, Paulo Coelho, Wolfgang Puck, and Jasmine Guillory. Discover great book recommendations!

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