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Lloyd Alexander Books

13 Books Like Joy Ellis for Crime Thriller Fans

Posted on March 1, 2025 by Michael Everhart
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If you’re a fan of crime thrillers and detective mysteries, you’ve probably devoured all of Joy Ellis’s gripping novels. Her books are known for their intricate plots, compelling characters, and the atmospheric setting of the English Fens. If you’re on the hunt for more authors who can offer that same thrill, here are thirteen books that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Books Similar to Joy Ellis

1. The Dry by Jane Harper

Set in a small Australian town during a severe drought, The Dry follows Federal Agent Aaron Falk as he investigates the murder-suicide of his childhood friend. The scorching heat and palpable tension create an atmosphere as gripping as any of Joy Ellis’s novels. Harper’s debut novel is a masterclass in suspense and character development.

2. In the Woods by Tana French

In the Woods is the first book in Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad series. It follows detective Rob Ryan as he investigates a young girl’s murder that eerily mirrors a mysterious incident from his own past. French’s lyrical prose and psychological depth make this a must-read for fans of complex, character-driven mysteries.

3. Still Life by Louise Penny

Louise Penny’s Still Life introduces Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec. When a beloved schoolteacher is found dead in the woods, Gamache is called to the quaint village of Three Pines to solve the case. Penny’s writing is rich in atmosphere and character, making it a perfect pick for those who love Joy Ellis.

4. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a dark, intricate thriller that introduces readers to Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant hacker with a troubled past. This novel combines a gripping mystery with social commentary, making it a compelling read for fans of complex narratives and strong characters.

5. The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith

Written by J.K. Rowling under a pseudonym, The Cuckoo’s Calling follows private detective Cormoran Strike as he investigates the suspicious death of a supermodel. The book’s intricate plot and well-drawn characters make it a satisfying read for those who enjoy Joy Ellis’s detailed storytelling.

6. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient is a psychological thriller about Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who stops speaking after being accused of murdering her husband. As her psychotherapist tries to unravel the mystery, shocking secrets come to light. Michaelides’s debut novel is a page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end.

7. The Widow by Fiona Barton

Fiona Barton’s The Widow tells the story of Jean Taylor, whose husband was accused of a terrible crime before his death. Now, Jean is ready to tell her side of the story. This novel’s unique narrative perspective and suspenseful plot make it a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers.

8. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

Before I Go to Sleep is a psychological thriller about Christine Lucas, who loses her memory every night. As she tries to piece together her past, she discovers that not everything is as it seems. Watson’s debut novel is a gripping exploration of memory and identity that will captivate fans of suspenseful, twisty plots.

9. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

Gillian Flynn’s Dark Places follows Libby Day, the sole survivor of a family massacre, as she revisits the crime decades later. Flynn’s dark, atmospheric writing and complex characters make this a must-read for fans of gritty, psychological thrillers.

10. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

The Couple Next Door is a domestic thriller about a couple whose baby goes missing while they are at a dinner party next door. As secrets and lies unravel, the tension mounts. Lapena’s fast-paced narrative and shocking twists make this a gripping read for fans of suspenseful mysteries.

11. The Reversal by Michael Connelly

In The Reversal, defense attorney Mickey Haller switches sides to prosecute a high-profile case. Connelly’s intricate plotting and legal expertise make this a compelling read for fans of courtroom dramas and crime fiction. The character-driven story and suspenseful twists will keep you hooked.

12. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train is a psychological thriller that follows Rachel, an unreliable narrator who becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation. Hawkins’s skillful use of multiple perspectives and her exploration of memory and perception make this a must-read for fans of twisty, suspenseful narratives.

13. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies delves into the lives of three women whose seemingly perfect lives unravel to reveal dark secrets. The novel’s blend of humor, drama, and suspense makes it a compelling read for fans of character-driven mysteries and domestic thrillers.

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