Best Psychological Fiction Books April 2025

The Secret Keeper

Laurel Nicolson’s idyllic childhood shatters when she witnesses a shocking crime involving her mother, Dorothy. Decades later, as her mother lies dying, Laurel is haunted by that memory. Determined to uncover the truth, she delves into Dorothy’s past, unearthing a tale of love, loss, and betrayal set against the backdrop of wartime London. With each revelation, Laurel questions everything she thought she knew about her family, leading her on a journey that will change her forever.

The Forgotten Garden

Nell’s life is forever changed when she discovers she was abandoned as a child on a ship bound for Australia. Decades later, her granddaughter Cassandra inherits a cottage in Cornwall, leading her on a quest to unravel Nell’s mysterious past. As she delves into a world of forgotten memories and family secrets, Cassandra uncovers a tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of storytelling. Morton’s lush prose weaves a spellbinding narrative that spans generations, leaving readers captivated until the very last page.

The House at Riverton

Kate Morton’s “The House at Riverton” is a haunting tale of secrets and betrayal. Set in Edwardian England, it follows Grace Bradley, a former housemaid, as she unravels the mysteries of her past. Morton’s vivid prose brings the grand Riverton estate to life, with its opulent rooms and shadowy corners. I was captivated by the intricate web of relationships and the way the story seamlessly weaves between past and present. The characters felt so real, I found myself thinking about them long after I finished reading.

The Mermaid Chair

Diving into the mystical waters of Egret Island, Sue Monk Kidd’s “The Mermaid Chair” weaves a tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. As Jessie Sullivan grapples with her mother’s erratic behavior, she finds herself drawn to a Benedictine monk on the brink of taking his final vows. The island’s legends and secrets slowly unravel, mirroring Jessie’s own journey of awakening. Kidd’s prose shimmers like sunlight on waves, inviting readers to explore the depths of the human heart and the power of transformation.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Kundera’s masterpiece weaves philosophy and passion into a haunting tapestry of love and politics. Set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring, it follows the intertwined lives of four characters grappling with the weight of their choices. Tomas, a womanizing surgeon, and Tereza, his devoted wife, navigate the complexities of fidelity and freedom. Meanwhile, Sabina, an artist, and Franz, her lover, explore the boundaries of commitment. Kundera’s prose is both playful and profound, challenging readers to ponder life’s deepest questions.

Behind Closed Doors

Grace thought she had it all: a handsome, successful husband and a perfect life. But behind the façade of their beautiful home lies a chilling secret. Jack isn’t the man she thought he was, and Grace finds herself trapped in a nightmare she can’t escape. As the truth unravels, she must find the strength to fight back before it’s too late. A gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Couple Next Door

I peered through the curtains, watching the new neighbors move in. Something about them seemed off. Sarah’s laughter echoed too loudly, Mark’s smile a bit too forced. As days passed, I found myself drawn into their world, unable to look away. Late-night arguments, hushed phone calls, mysterious visitors – what secrets were they hiding? I knew I should mind my own business, but curiosity got the better of me. Little did I know, my obsession would lead me down a dark path I never expected.

The Woman in Cabin 10

Lo Blacklock, a travel journalist, embarks on a luxury cruise assignment, hoping to escape recent traumas. One night, she hears a terrifying scream from the cabin next door and witnesses a woman being thrown overboard. But all passengers are accounted for, and the ship sails on as if nothing happened. Plagued by panic attacks and insomnia, Lo questions her sanity as she desperately tries to uncover the truth. With each passing day, the mystery deepens, and Lo realizes she might be the next target in this claustrophobic thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Woman in the Window

Anna Fox lives alone, a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her days drinking wine, watching old movies, and spying on her neighbors. Then the Russells move in across the street: a picture-perfect family. But when Anna sees something she shouldn’t, her world begins to crumble. What is real? What is imagined? In this diabolically gripping thriller, no one—and nothing—is what it seems. Twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end, leaving me breathless.

The Vanishing Half

Stella and Desiree, twin sisters from a small Southern town, flee their stifling hometown at sixteen. Years later, their lives have diverged dramatically. One sister lives with her Black daughter in the same town they once escaped, while the other secretly passes for white. A poignant exploration of identity, family, and the weight of the past, this novel delves into the lasting influence of our origins. Bennett’s lyrical prose weaves a tale that’s both heartbreaking and hopeful, leaving readers pondering the complexities of race and belonging long after the final page.