“Sometimes it’s just easier to go along with things. It’s easier than breaking it all up and starting from scratch.”
If you couldn’t get enough of the dark, twisted thrills in My Lovely Wife, you’re certainly not alone. Samantha Downing’s gripping bestseller about a seemingly ordinary suburban couple with a murderous secret took readers by storm, blending psychological tension with shocking twists. Whether it was the unreliable narration, the macabre dynamics between husband and wife or the heart-pounding suspense of the narrative, My Lovely Wife is a prime example of the addictive power of a thrilling page-turner. Thankfully, at What We Reading we have you covered with the best books like My Lovely Wife filled with dysfunctional marriages and the cunning lies, secrets, plots and betrayals that help make them an irresistible package of dark intrigue.
For Better And Worse – Margot Hunt
Kicking off our list of the best books like My Lovely Wife is Margot Hunt’s For Better and Worse. On their first date back in law school, Natalie and Will Clarke bonded over drinks, dinner and whether or not they would be able to get away with murder. Having tied the knot, they are forced to put this to the test as an unexpected danger in their community puts their son in danger.
When he discovers that his wife has taken things into her own hands, Will realises he has no other option but to play dirty too. But, he isn’t sure he recognises the woman he married so much in the aftermath. With the police prodding holes in their airtight plan, what will be the first thing to come crumbling down – their scandalous secret, or their whole marriage?
The Couple Next Door – Shari Lapena
Anne and Marco Conti appear to have the perfect life: a loving marriage, a beautiful home and an adorable six-month-old baby, Cora. But their world is shattered one evening when they attend a dinner party at their neighbours’ home and return to find their baby missing. Despite their claims of innocence, the couple find themselves at the centre of an investigation and all their secrets laid bare for all to see.
As the police dig deeper, Anne and Marco’s seemingly perfect facade is eroded away, revealing financial troubles, infidelity and hidden resentments. With each shocking reveal, the truth about Cora’s disappearance grows more sinister, leading to the couple questioning just how far they are prepared to go to protect their secrets. Like My Lovely Wife, Shari Lapena’s The Couple Next Door is a fast-paced thriller that keeps readers questioning everyone’s motives right up until the final page.
Check Out The Best Books Like The Couple Next Door
The Other Couple – Louise Candlish
When Clare befriends a new young woman at work, she and her partner Jamie are happy enjoying their lavish, albeit predictable, life in a grand home by the river. With their fiftieth birthdays not far away, they are ready to embark on new adventures; fortunately, Melia and boyfriend Kit promise to bring some much-needed youthful exuberance. Soon the couples are growing close.
Despite this, some stark differences between the couples are impossible to ignore – namely, how Melina and Kit’s debts are keeping them from the sort of life they deserve. The sort of life Clare and Jamie possess. Just as envy and desire reach boiling point, one of the partners disappears. Suddenly, both couples’ secrets are spilling out and a different, darker, version of their friendship is shockingly brought to light.
Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn
No list of books similar to My Lovely Wife would be complete without mentioning Gone Girl. Nick and Amy Dunne’s marriage seems idyllic; however, their fifth wedding anniversary takes a sinister turn when Amy vanishes under mysterious circumstances. As the media frenzy builds, Nick’s erratic behaviour and mounting lies point to him being the prime suspect. The evidence suggests foul play, but Nick swears he is innocent.
Delivered through alternating perspectives – Nick’s perspective in the present day and Amy’s diary entries – the story peels back the layers of this seemingly perfect marriage, revealing betrayals, financial struggles, and deeply embedded resentments. However, as shocking twists emerge, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems. Amy’s disappearance turns into a masterclass in manipulation and psychological warfare, leaving readers questioning who they can trust.
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The Arrangement – Kiersten Modglin
Ainsley and Peter are a married couple stuck in a rut, burdened by routine and a lack of excitement in their relationship. Desperate to save their marriage, they agree to a radical solution: an open relationship. Their only firm rule is that they will never discuss the details of their excursions with other people.
To begin, the arrangement appears to inject new life into their marriage. But, secrets and jealousy quickly spiral out of control. As lies pile up and boundaries are crossed, Ainsley and Peter discover that they don’t really know one another at all. When one of their dalliances takes a dark and dangerous turn, their carefully crafted plan unravels, leading to shocking consequences that neither of them could have seen coming.
Pretty Little Wife – Darby Kane
Lila Ridgefield appears to have it all: a beautiful home, a successful career and a seemingly perfect marriage. But, when her husband, Aaron, goes missing under suspicious circumstances, Lila’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel. What no one knows is that Lila had discovered Aaron’s dark secrets and planned for him to disappear herself – so why is his body missing now, and why does it feel like someone knows what she’s done?
As investigators dig deeper, they uncover shocking revelations about Aaron’s life and Lila’s motives. Meanwhile, Lila is drawn into a chilling game of cat-and-mouse with an unseen adversary who seems hellbent on destroying her. With its morally complex protagonist, gripping twists and sinister atmosphere, Pretty Little Wife is the perfect follow-up for anyone who loved My Lovely Wife.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
