A new kind of book is quietly staking its claim on the literary landscape—a genre that deserves its own name because it’s unlike anything else. These are domestic psychological thrillers told from the intimate, often unsettling perspective of a single woman’s mind. They’re not about high-octane action or sprawling mysteries; instead, they’re about the slow, claustrophobic unraveling of a psyche, the tension simmering beneath the surface, and the unreliable narrator whose grip on reality is slipping away. These books are short, intense, and best devoured in one sitting. Read on for Tracy Caruso’s book recommendations for those who dare delve into the complexities of the human mind, plus one movie, for those who need more.
As someone who loves peeling back the layers of human complexity, I want to spotlight some of the best examples of this emerging genre, books that plunge deep into the disturbed inner lives of women whose worlds are quietly collapsing.
Looker by Laura Sims (2025)
In Looker, we follow an unnamed woman whose husband has recently left after a long, painful struggle with infertility. Her life is unraveling—her marriage, her career, her sense of self—and she obsessively fixates on a glamorous actress neighbor who seems to have everything she lacks. Told in a sharp, darkly witty voice, this novel explores envy, loneliness, and madness. The narrator is deeply unreliable, and as her obsession grows, so does the tension, culminating in a tragic, poetic ending. It’s a masterclass in psychological storytelling that keeps you on edge without a single chase or scream.
The Guest by Emma Cline (2023)
Emma Cline’s The Guest is a quietly unsettling story told through the eyes of a woman whose life is marked by disconnection and longing. The narrative dwells on the internal, the emotional fractures, and the subtle shifts in perception that make you question what’s real. It’s less about external drama and more about the slow-burning tension inside the narrator’s mind, a hallmark of this genre. The best part is that it takes place in the Hamptons and offers a rare glimpse into today’s modern Gilded Age New York.
My Husband (2023) and Make Me Famous (2025) by Maud Ventura
Maud Ventura’s novels, My Husband and Make Me Famous, fit snugly into this category. They focus on women whose inner lives are fraught with suspicion, jealousy, and a growing dread. Ventura’s narrators are unreliable in the best way—drawing you into their fractured realities and making you complicit in their unraveling. The books are concise, intense, and psychologically rich, perfect for readers who want to experience a complete descent into madness in just a few hours. My Husband was my favorite book in 2024.
The Stepdaughter by Caroline Blackwood (1976/reissued 2024)
Caroline Blackwood’s The Stepdaughter is a classic precursor to this genre. It is a raw and intimate portrayal of a woman’s troubled psyche. It’s a deep dive into alienation and mental instability, with a narrative voice that’s both compelling and disconcerting. Though older, it perfectly captures this storytelling style’s tension and drama. Initially published in 1976, this book won critical acclaim and was reissued in August 2024. This slim novel of just 100 pages is unforgettable. The author’s own life is fascinating. This book, described in one review as “mean-spirited,” is darkly funny and unputdownable.
Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025)
Though I haven’t read Audition yet, it’s highly anticipated for its psychological intensity and unreliable narration. Kitamura’s work promises to continue this tradition of intimate, unsettling domestic thrillers exploring the mind’s darkest corners.
And just for fun—M3gan 2.0 (2025 movie)
While not a book, M3gan 2.0 fits this vibe perfectly and follows M3gan (2022), which has its cult following. It’s a chilling exploration of control, identity, and the uncanny, all through the lens of a female protagonist grappling with her sense of reality and agency. It’s a reminder that this genre’s tension and psychological depth aren’t confined to the page.
What ties all these works together is their focus on the internal over the external, the slow-burning psychological tension, and the unreliable female narrator whose mind becomes a labyrinth of obsession, jealousy, and sometimes madness. They’re not about what happens out there but what’s happening in the mind, heart, and quiet spaces no one else sees.
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