A Must-Read Guide for Every Thriller Fan
If you’re captivated by psychological thrillers, twisty plots, and characters that feel like they could walk right off the page, Lisa Jewell is the author for you. Renowned for her novels that blend gripping suspense with complex emotional depth, Lisa Jewell has built a reputation as one of today’s must-read thriller authors. Whether you’re looking to start with her earliest works or dive into her latest releases, here’s an ultimate ranking of Lisa Jewell books by publication year.
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Then She Was Gone (2017)
Then She Was Gone is among Lisa Jewell’s most celebrated works and a favorite with her fans. The story revolves around Laurel Mack, a mother whose daughter Ellie went missing ten years ago. Laurel’s life changes when she meets a charming man whose daughter bears an eerie resemblance to Ellie. This unsettling psychological thriller keeps you questioning every character’s motives, making it one of the best books by Lisa Jewell to date.
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The Family Upstairs (2019)
A recent standout, The Family Upstairs, takes readers into a chilling world of family secrets and mystery. When Libby Jones turns 25, she inherits a mansion with a dark, sordid past involving mysterious deaths and a bizarre family cult. As Libby begins uncovering the layers of her family’s history, the suspense grows with every chapter. The Family Upstairs is considered a pinnacle among Lisa Jewell’s best books for its multi-layered plot and masterful suspense.
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I Found You (2016)
In I Found You, Lisa Jewell combines mystery and emotional depth to tell a story about identity and loss. The novel begins in a small British seaside town where Alice Lake finds a man with no memory of who he is. Meanwhile, in London, Lily Monrose’s husband has gone missing, and she’s desperate to find him. As the stories intersect, Jewell weaves a plot that keeps readers guessing. This book’s unique premise and masterful execution make it a top choice for Lisa Jewell books ranked among her best.
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Watching You (2018)
In Watching You, Jewell transports readers to a seemingly perfect neighborhood hiding dark secrets. The story opens with a murder, and from there, we rewind through the intricate lives of its characters to uncover what led to the crime. This thriller is filled with tension and suspicion, making it one of Lisa Jewell’s best books for readers who enjoy a good neighborhood mystery with unexpected turns. The writing is immersive, and the suspense builds with every page, right up to the explosive finale.
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Invisible Girl (2020)
One of Jewell’s most recent thrillers, Invisible Girl centers on Saffyre Maddox, a young woman who has gone missing. With multiple character perspectives and an exploration of hidden obsessions, Invisible Girl is a deeply psychological read. The novel delves into the unseen struggles of each character, adding layers of mystery and moral complexity that make it an unforgettable entry in the list of Lisa Jewell books ranked highly by fans and critics alike.
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The Night She Disappeared (2021)
As Lisa Jewell’s newest book, The Night She Disappeared is already praised for its atmosphere and intricately woven plot. The story revolves around the disappearance of a young couple and unfolds in both past and present, leading readers through clues that hint at what happened that fateful night. This novel exemplifies Lisa Jewell’s skill in creating slow-building suspense that culminates in a shocking ending, making it a perfect addition to her collection of bestsellers.
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The Truth About Melody Browne (2009)
An earlier work, The Truth About Melody Browne isn’t a thriller per se, but it’s a moving novel that explores themes of memory and self-discovery. Melody Browne has no memory of her life before her ninth birthday, and when a house fire forces her to confront her past, she begins piecing together the mysteries of her own identity. This novel showcases Jewell’s gift for emotional storytelling and is a must-read for fans looking to explore the diversity in Lisa Jewell books.
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Ralph’s Party (1999)
Lisa Jewell began her career writing contemporary women’s fiction, and Ralph’s Party is where it all started. This debut novel is a humorous and heartwarming story about love and friendship, following the quirky dynamics between roommates in London. Although different in tone, it’s still one of the best Lisa Jewell books for fans who want to see her early storytelling style. The novel is an engaging blend of romance and wit, showcasing Jewell’s versatility as a writer.
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The House We Grew Up In (2013)
A powerful family drama with a dark, psychological twist, The House We Grew Up In is a story about the Bird family, whose idyllic life unravels after a traumatic incident. Lorelei Bird, the eccentric matriarch, becomes increasingly isolated and begins hoarding memories in their family home. Years later, her adult children return to sort through the remnants of their shared past, uncovering painful secrets along the way. Jewell’s exploration of family bonds, loss, and forgiveness makes this one of the most emotionally resonant books by Lisa Jewell.
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After the Party (2010)
This novel revisits the characters from Ralph’s Party a decade later, giving fans of Jewell’s early work a satisfying follow-up. In After the Party, we meet Ralph and Jem, now married with kids, navigating the realities of long-term commitment and the pressures of parenthood. Although it departs from the thriller genre, it’s a touching and honest portrayal of relationships, showcasing Jewell’s keen understanding of human emotions and the complexities of love. This book is perfect for fans curious about Jewell’s range beyond thrillers.
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The Making of Us (2011)
In The Making of Us, Lisa Jewell delves into themes of identity and the search for family. The story follows three strangers, each dealing with life-changing events, who are linked by a shared past they didn’t even know about. As they come to terms with their intertwined lives, they each confront who they are and what family means to them. This novel is a heartwarming yet bittersweet tale about human connection and self-discovery, and it adds another layer to the Lisa Jewell books that fans adore for their emotional depth.
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Vince and Joy (2005)
Vince and Joy is a delightful love story following two characters who meet as teenagers and reconnect later in life. While this book isn’t a thriller, it captures Lisa Jewell’s knack for writing complex, relatable characters. Readers journey through the ups and downs of Vince and Joy’s relationship, making it a nostalgic, heartfelt read that showcases Jewell’s romantic storytelling roots. It’s a must-read for fans interested in her transition from romance to suspense, providing a glimpse of her early writing style.
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31 Dream Street (2007)
In 31 Dream Street, Lisa Jewell returns to her London roots, crafting a charming story about community, friendship, and life’s unexpected twists. The novel is set in a dilapidated mansion filled with quirky characters, each with their own dreams and struggles. This lighthearted tale has an almost magical quality, blending humor and heartfelt moments as these residents discover the importance of connection. For fans interested in Lisa Jewell books beyond thrillers, 31 Dream Street is a hidden gem that celebrates the beauty of finding family in unexpected places.
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One-Hit Wonder (2000)
One of Lisa Jewell’s earlier novels, One-Hit Wonder, tells the story of Ana Wills, a young woman who learns about the sudden death of her estranged half-sister, Bee. As Ana investigates Bee’s life and the people who knew her, she uncovers hidden aspects of her sister’s past and begins to see her in a new light. Although not a thriller, One-Hit Wonder explores themes of family, identity, and fame, showcasing Jewell’s flair for storytelling and character development.
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Roommates Wanted (2008)
Originally published as 31 Dream Street in the UK, Roommates Wanted is a humorous and heartwarming novel about Toby, who inherits a crumbling house and fills it with eccentric housemates. Through the chaos of daily life, Toby and his tenants form a family of their own. This novel is another of Jewell’s early works that paints an endearing picture of people coming together and finding comfort in unlikely friendships. Fans of her lighter work will find this book a warm, uplifting read.
What Makes Lisa Jewell an Exceptional Author?
Lisa Jewell’s talent lies in her ability to create intricate stories that explore both the light and dark sides of human nature. Each of her novels draws you into a world of relatable characters and spine-tingling suspense, where nothing is as it seems. While her early work started in the realm of contemporary fiction, her shift into psychological thrillers has proven her versatility and deepened her fan base. From bestsellers to her latest releases, Lisa Jewell’s books keep readers hooked from start to finish.
Which Lisa Jewell Book Should You Read First?
If you’re new to Lisa Jewell, Then She Was Gone or The Family Upstairs are excellent starting points, showcasing the suspenseful, twist-filled stories she’s known for. For those already acquainted with her thrillers, The Night She Disappeared, Lisa Jewell’s newest book, is a riveting read that promises to keep you up late. And if you want a glimpse of her lighter side, Ralph’s Party offers a delightful contrast to her thrillers.
No matter where you start, Lisa Jewell’s books are sure to captivate, with their unforgettable characters and engrossing plots. Each novel is a journey into the unknown, where mysteries unfold page by page, and reality might be far more twisted than it appears. So, choose a title, get cozy, and prepare for a reading experience you won’t soon forget.
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