Books with Unreliable Narrators and Calculating Protagonists to Thrill Your Mind

If you were captivated by the intricate and calculated mind of Amy Dunne in Gone Girl, you're not alone. The allure of a well-crafted unreliable narrator can make for an engrossing read, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you decipher the layers of their psyche.

Here are some top picks if you're seeking books featuring similarly complex and calculating protagonists, with an engaging stream-of-consciousness style of writing.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

"Believe in your own lies, it's all going to come crumbling down."

This psychological thriller delves into the life of Rachel, an unreliable narrator whose perspective shifts between clarity and drunken stupor. As she becomes embroiled in a missing person's investigation, her observations and memories manipulate our understanding of the narrative. Hawkins deftly guides readers through the labyrinth of Rachel's mind, making us question what is real and what is merely a product of her volatile imagination.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

"Sometimes, it's better not to go back."

Another masterpiece by the author of Gone Girl, this novel introduces us to Camille Preaker, a newspaper journalist facing her own demons while investigating a series of murders. Flynn masterfully creates a protagonist whose psychological complexity and the dark atmosphere of her hometown will surely intrigue fans of calculated protagonists. Camille’s troubled past and self-destructive behavior are laid bare, urging readers to untangle the truth amidst the chaos of her unreliable narratives.

Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

"Every day I wake up, I have to figure out who I am, where I am, and who I can trust."

With a protagonist who loses her memory every day, this novel provides an intense narrative as we piece together the truth alongside her. Christine’s journal entries reveal a sense of constantly reevaluating what we think we know, mirroring the experience of following Amy Dunne’s story. Watson’s skillful storytelling makes the reader feel the disorientation and fear that come with Christine’s condition.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

"We did terrible things, but life is full of terrible things."

This novel offers a deep dive into a tight-knit group of college students whose intellectual hubris leads to murder. Told from the perspective of an unreliable narrator, the book explores themes of morality, obsession, and deception. The intellectual and manipulative characters will certainly appeal to Gone Girl fans. Tartt’s prose is both elegant and haunting, drawing readers into a world where the line between right and wrong is blurred.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

"Sometimes it's the little lies that turn out to be the most lethal."

While not a traditional thriller, this novel intertwines the lives of three women, each with secrets and complicated motives. The narrative style and the intricate plotting provide a similar gripping experience. Moriarty's handling of the characters' intertwining stories keeps the reader keenly engaged, offering a slow, tantalizing reveal of each secret. The nuanced portrayal of each protagonist keeps the tension palpable throughout.

Each of these books offers a unique twist on the theme of calculated and unreliable narrators, maintaining the psychological suspense that fans of Gone Girl will appreciate. Dive into these recommendations to experience complex characters and mind-bending plots that will keep you guessing until the final page.