In the thrilling genre of time-travel crime fiction, Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister has captured the imaginations of many readers. If you’re craving more books that blend suspense, intricate plots, and a touch of the supernatural, you’re in luck. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 15 gripping novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Books Similar to Wrong Place Wrong Time
1. Before I Go to Sleep
Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson is a psychological thriller about Christine, who loses her memory every day when she falls asleep. Each morning, she has to piece together her life from scratch, relying on a journal she keeps hidden. This book is highly recommended for its tense, fast-paced narrative and unexpected twists.
2. The Time Traveler’s Wife
Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveler’s Wife tells the story of Henry, a man with a rare genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily travel through time, and Clare, his wife who has to cope with his unpredictable absences. This novel blends romance and science fiction, making it a compelling read for fans of complex love stories and time travel.
3. Dark Matter
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch follows Jason Dessen, a physicist who is abducted and wakes up in a parallel universe where his life is completely different. As he navigates through alternate realities, the book explores themes of identity and choice. It’s a must-read for those who enjoy mind-bending, thought-provoking narratives.
4. Recursion
Another masterpiece by Blake Crouch, Recursion delves into the concept of memory and reality. When people begin to experience false memories of lives they never lived, detective Barry Sutton and neuroscientist Helena Smith must uncover the truth. This book is recommended for its intricate plot and compelling characters.
5. 11/22/63
Stephen King’s 11/22/63 is a time-travel novel where Jake Epping, a high school teacher, discovers a portal to the past and attempts to prevent the assassination of JFK. The book is a fascinating blend of historical fiction and suspense, making it a riveting read for history buffs and thriller enthusiasts alike.
6. The Shining Girls
The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes is about Harper Curtis, a drifter who discovers a house that allows him to time travel. He uses this ability to track down and murder “shining girls” across different eras. This novel is recommended for its unique premise and chilling atmosphere.
7. Life After Life
Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life explores the multiple lives of Ursula Todd, who is born and dies repeatedly throughout the 20th century. Each life offers a different path and outcome, making it a fascinating exploration of fate and free will. It’s a thought-provoking read that keeps you questioning the nature of existence.
8. The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August
The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North follows Harry, who lives his life over and over again with full memory of his past lives. When he learns of a secret society of people like him, the narrative takes a thrilling turn. This book is recommended for its imaginative concept and engaging storytelling.
9. Replay
Ken Grimwood’s Replay features Jeff Winston, who dies and wakes up in his 18-year-old body, retaining all his memories. He relives his life multiple times, each with different outcomes. This novel is a compelling exploration of second chances and the impact of choices.
10. The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Stuart Turton’s The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is a unique blend of mystery and time travel. Aiden Bishop must solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle, reliving the same day in different bodies until he cracks the case. This book is highly recommended for its intricate plot and inventive storytelling.
11. Kindred
Kindred by Octavia Butler is a science fiction novel where Dana, a modern African-American woman, is transported back in time to a pre-Civil War plantation. She must confront the brutal realities of slavery while trying to find a way back to her own time. This book is a powerful exploration of history and identity.
12. The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells
Andrew Sean Greer’s The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells follows Greta, who undergoes electroconvulsive therapy and wakes up in alternate versions of her life in different eras. As she navigates through these lives, she gains new perspectives on her own. This novel is recommended for its emotional depth and imaginative premise.
13. The Time Machine
H.G. Wells’ classic The Time Machine is about a scientist who invents a machine that allows him to travel through time. He journeys to the distant future, discovering the fate of humanity. This foundational work of science fiction is a must-read for anyone interested in the origins of time-travel literature.
14. The Chronoliths
The Chronoliths by Robert Charles Wilson explores the sudden appearance of massive monuments from the future, commemorating victories that have yet to happen. The protagonist, Scott Warden, must unravel the mystery behind these structures. This book is recommended for its intriguing concept and suspenseful narrative.
15. Outlander
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon follows Claire Randall, a WWII nurse who is transported back to 1743 Scotland. She becomes entangled in historical events and a passionate romance with a Highland warrior. This novel is a captivating blend of historical fiction, romance, and time travel.