If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with a supernatural twist, then you’re in for a treat. The genre is filled with spine-chilling narratives that keep you on the edge of your seat, much like the movie The Sixth Sense. Here are 15 books that capture that same eerie, mind-bending essence.
Books Similar to The Sixth Sense
1. The Shining by Stephen King
The Shining is a classic horror novel that delves into the supernatural. The story follows the Torrance family as they move into the isolated Overlook Hotel, where the father, Jack, descends into madness. The hotel itself has a dark history and young Danny Torrance’s psychic abilities reveal its terrifying secrets. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves psychological horror.
2. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
This novel is a masterclass in psychological terror. It tells the story of four individuals who come to stay in a haunted mansion, each with their own reasons. The house’s eerie atmosphere and unexplained phenomena slowly drive them to the brink of insanity. The Haunting of Hill House is perfect for readers who enjoy a slow-burning, unsettling narrative.
3. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
While not supernatural, Gone Girl is a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. The story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne and the subsequent suspicion that falls on her husband, Nick. The book’s intricate plot and unreliable narrators make it a compelling read for fans of mind-bending mysteries.
4. Bird Box by Josh Malerman
In Bird Box, the world is plagued by unseen entities that drive people to madness and suicide upon sight. The protagonist, Malorie, must navigate this terrifying new reality while blindfolded to protect herself and her children. This novel’s tense atmosphere and unique premise make it a thrilling read for those who enjoy apocalyptic horror with a psychological edge.
5. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
This psychological thriller follows Rachel, an alcoholic who becomes entangled in a missing person investigation. Her unreliable memory and obsession with the case lead to shocking revelations. The Girl on the Train is a gripping tale of deceit and obsession, perfect for readers who enjoy intricate and suspenseful narratives.
6. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
The Silent Patient centers around Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who shoots her husband and then stops speaking. The story unfolds through the eyes of Theo Faber, a psychotherapist determined to get her to talk. This novel’s psychological depth and unexpected twists make it a compelling read for fans of dark, psychological mysteries.
7. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
Christine Lucas suffers from amnesia, waking up every day with no memory of her past. As she starts to piece together her life with the help of a journal, she realizes that not everything is as it seems. Before I Go to Sleep is a thrilling exploration of memory and identity, ideal for readers who enjoy psychological suspense.
8. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
In Sharp Objects, journalist Camille Preaker returns to her hometown to cover the murders of two young girls. As she investigates, she is forced to confront her own traumatic past. This novel’s dark atmosphere and complex characters make it a gripping read for those who appreciate psychological depth and suspense.
9. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
Anna Fox, an agoraphobic woman, spends her days watching her neighbors from her window. Her world turns upside down when she believes she witnesses a crime. The Woman in the Window is a thrilling psychological mystery that keeps readers questioning what is real and what is imagined.
10. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
The Lovely Bones tells the story of Susie Salmon, a young girl who watches from the afterlife as her family copes with her murder. The novel explores themes of grief, loss, and the supernatural. Its poignant narrative and emotional depth make it a compelling read for those who appreciate a blend of psychological and supernatural elements.
11. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
In Shutter Island, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels investigates the disappearance of a patient from a mental institution on a remote island. As he delves deeper into the case, he begins to question his own sanity. This novel’s intricate plot and psychological twists make it a must-read for fans of mind-bending thrillers.
12. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
This psychological thriller revolves around the disappearance of a baby while her parents are at a dinner party next door. As secrets unravel, the true nature of the couple’s relationship comes to light. The Couple Next Door is a fast-paced, suspenseful read that keeps you guessing until the very end.
13. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
Behind Closed Doors is a chilling psychological thriller about a seemingly perfect couple, Jack and Grace. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that their marriage is far from idyllic. This novel’s tense atmosphere and shocking revelations make it a gripping read for fans of domestic thrillers.
14. The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
In a post-apocalyptic world, a young girl named Melanie possesses extraordinary abilities. As the story progresses, the true nature of her gifts and the fate of humanity are revealed. The Girl with All the Gifts combines psychological suspense with a unique take on the zombie genre, making it a fascinating read.
15. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
Dark Places follows Libby Day, the sole survivor of a family massacre, as she revisits the crime years later. With the help of a secret society obsessed with solving notorious crimes, she uncovers shocking truths about her past. This novel’s dark atmosphere and intricate plot make it a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers.