Why am I passionate about this?
I write psychological thrillers, and I find stories where the main character thinks they’re going crazy, particularly gripping, especially when it’s caused by (supposed) loved ones. I suspect it’s because these stories share an element of "this could happen to me." I’ve only written three books, but I’d say all of them have an element of gaslighting, probably because I sit down and think things like, What would it feel like if your best friend came back after many years, and you’re the only one who can tell it’s not her? It’s a deliciously creepy way to pass the time.
Nicola's book list on gaslighting by the people you love most
Why Nicola loves this book
Everybody's probably read this one, but I'll mention it anyway.This book could be titled Everyone is Lying All the Time. It's one of my favourites by McFadden.
Newlyweds Tricia and Ethan find themselves stuck in a house until the snowstorm passes. Everything about the house—the noises, things moving or appearing, secret doors—makes Tricia nervous, but Ethan has an explanation for everything.
The characters of Dr. Hale and her nemesis, EJ, are particularly compelling, and it’s saying something considering they are mostly "written" through the audiotapes that Tricia listens to, so there’s no description of their actions. Just pure dialog on the page, as if you were listening along to the tape.
It’s only at the end that you realise this novel is a series of magic tricks designed to make you look over here while the action was really happening over there.
3 authors picked Never Lie as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.
Newlyweds Tricia and Ethan are searching for the house of their dreams. But when they visit the remote manor that once belonged to Dr. Adrienne Hale, a renowned psychiatrist who vanished without a trace four years earlier, a violent winter storm traps them at the estate… with no chance of escape until the blizzard comes to an end.
In search of a book to keep her entertained until the snow abates, Tricia happens upon a secret room. One that contains audio transcripts from every single patient Dr. Hale has ever interviewed. As Tricia listens to the cassette tapes, she learns…
