Are you a fan of the dark, psychological thriller genre? If you loved American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis, you’re probably on the lookout for more books that delve into the twisted minds of their protagonists. Below, you’ll find a list of 14 books that capture the same unsettling atmosphere and psychological depth.
Books Similar to American Psycho
1. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
This novel follows a group of elite students at a small New England college who become entangled in a web of deceit and murder. Tartt’s writing is both beautiful and chilling, making it a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers. The slow unraveling of the characters’ dark secrets will keep you hooked until the very end.
2. Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
This modern classic explores the descent into madness of its unnamed protagonist as he forms an underground fight club. Palahniuk’s sharp, satirical style and the book’s exploration of identity and consumerism make it a must-read. If you enjoyed the psychological depth of American Psycho, you’ll find Fight Club equally gripping.
3. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Flynn’s bestseller is a masterclass in psychological suspense, revolving around the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne. The alternating perspectives between Amy and her husband Nick create an intricate narrative that keeps readers guessing. This book’s dark twists and complex characters make it a perfect follow-up to American Psycho.
4. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
This gripping thriller introduces readers to Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant hacker with a troubled past. Larsson’s intricate plot and well-developed characters make this book a standout in the genre. The dark themes and suspenseful narrative will appeal to fans of American Psycho.
5. Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
Harris’s novel features the iconic character Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant but twisted psychiatrist. The cat-and-mouse game between Lecter and FBI agent Clarice Starling is both thrilling and terrifying. The psychological manipulation and dark themes make this a must-read for fans of American Psycho.
6. American Sniper by Chris Kyle
This autobiography of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle delves into the psychological impact of war and killing. While not a thriller, the book offers a raw and unflinching look at the darker aspects of human nature. If you’re interested in psychological complexity, this book is worth exploring.
7. The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
Highsmith’s novel introduces Tom Ripley, a charming sociopath who will do anything to achieve his desires. The book’s exploration of identity and morality is both fascinating and disturbing. Fans of American Psycho will appreciate the psychological depth and suspense.
8. We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
This chilling novel is written as a series of letters from a mother to her estranged husband, detailing their son’s disturbing behavior. Shriver’s exploration of nature versus nurture and the psychological impact of motherhood is both thought-provoking and unsettling. The book’s dark themes and complex characters will resonate with fans of American Psycho.
9. The Shining by Stephen King
King’s classic horror novel follows the Torrance family as they move into the isolated Overlook Hotel, where supernatural forces drive the father to madness. The book’s exploration of psychological horror and familial breakdown makes it a gripping read. If you enjoyed the dark atmosphere of American Psycho, you’ll find The Shining equally compelling.
10. The Collector by John Fowles
Fowles’ novel tells the story of a socially awkward man who kidnaps a young woman to make her fall in love with him. The book’s dual perspectives offer a deep psychological insight into both the captor and the captive. The unsettling themes and character study make this a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.
11. The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
This novel retells the story of the Iliad from the perspective of the women captured during the Trojan War. Barker’s exploration of trauma, power, and survival offers a fresh and haunting perspective on a classic tale. The psychological depth and dark themes will resonate with readers who enjoyed American Psycho.
12. Bird Box by Josh Malerman
Malerman’s post-apocalyptic thriller follows a mother and her children as they navigate a world where unseen entities drive people to madness. The book’s tense atmosphere and psychological horror make it a page-turner. Fans of American Psycho will appreciate the suspense and dark themes.
13. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind
This novel tells the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man with an extraordinary sense of smell who becomes obsessed with creating the perfect scent. The book’s exploration of obsession and the lengths one will go to achieve their desires is both fascinating and disturbing. The psychological complexity and dark themes make it a compelling read for fans of American Psycho.
14. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Flynn’s debut novel follows journalist Camille Preaker as she returns to her hometown to cover a series of brutal murders. The book’s exploration of family dynamics and psychological trauma is both gripping and unsettling. The dark themes and complex characters will resonate with fans of American Psycho.