20 best books on pathological liars – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you ready to dive into the twisted world of pathological liars? These individuals are masters of deception, spinning intricate webs of lies that can leave even the most astute reader questioning everything. If you’re fascinated by the psychology behind these manipulative characters, look no further than this curated list of the 20 best books about pathological liars. From gripping thrillers to psychological studies, each book offers a unique perspective on the minds of these deceitful individuals. Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of pathological liars!


The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the mysterious world of individuals who are masters of deceit, a book that uncovers the secrets and lies woven by those who possess a talent for manipulation.

The Girl on the Train

by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is a gripping psychological thriller that takes readers on a journey through the tangled web of lies and deceit. This electrifying novel revolves around the lives of three women, each with their own dark secrets and hidden agendas.

The protagonist, Rachel, is a troubled alcoholic who rides the same train every day, fixating on a couple she sees from her window. She creates an idyllic fantasy life for them, until one day she witnesses something shocking that shatters her illusion. As she becomes entangled in the investigation, Rachel’s own twisted past and unreliable memory come into play, blurring the lines between truth and fiction.

The Girl on the Train is a book about pathological liars, where every character seems to have something to hide. Hawkins skillfully weaves together multiple narratives, keeping readers guessing until the final, heart-pounding revelation. Her vivid descriptions and intricate plotting create an atmosphere of suspense that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

With its complex characters, intricate plot twists, and exploration of the dark side of human nature, The Girl on the Train is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Prepare to delve into a world of secrets, lies, and the dangerous allure of the unknown.

Big Little Lies

by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies is an electrifying and suspenseful novel by Liane Moriarty that delves deep into the lives of a group of women living in a seemingly picture-perfect coastal town. But don’t be fooled by the idyllic setting, because beneath the surface lies a complex and twisted web of secrets, lies, and betrayal.

This gripping tale revolves around three main characters – Madeline, Celeste, and Jane – who appear to have it all together on the outside, but are harboring dark and dangerous secrets within. Each woman is grappling with her own demons, haunted by past traumas, and desperately trying to keep up appearances.

As the story unfolds, we are drawn into a world of deceit and manipulation, where everyone is a suspect and no one can be trusted. The author skillfully weaves together multiple narratives, building an intricate puzzle of interconnected lives, and leading us down a path filled with twists and turns.

With its sharp wit, poignant observations, and razor-sharp characterizations, Big Little Lies is more than just a book about pathological liars. It is a powerful exploration of the complexities of human nature, the fragility of relationships, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

Prepare to be enthralled by this mesmerizing tale of suburban drama, where the line between truth and lies is blurred, and the consequences of deceit are far-reaching. Big Little Lies will keep you guessing until the very end, leaving you questioning everything you thought you knew about the people around you.

The Talented Mr. Ripley

by Patricia Highsmith

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith is an intriguing book on pathological liars. This captivating novel delves into the twisted mind of Tom Ripley, a cunning and manipulative character who will stop at nothing to achieve his desires. Set in the 1950s, the story unfolds as Ripley is given the opportunity to travel to Italy and retrieve a wealthy industrialist’s son, Dickie Greenleaf. However, what begins as a simple task soon turns into a treacherous game of deception and identity theft. Highsmith’s masterful storytelling brings to life the dark and complex nature of Ripley, making this a truly gripping book about pathological liars. Prepare to be immersed in a world of suspense, psychological tension, and moral ambiguity as you dive into this extraordinary pathological liars book.

The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair

by Joel Dicker

The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair by Joel Dicker is not just any book about pathological liars, it is a captivating literary masterpiece that delves into the twisted minds of those who weave webs of deceit. This gripping tale takes us on a thrilling journey through the dark secrets and hidden truths that lie beneath the surface of a small coastal town.

The Good Liar

by Nicholas Searle

The Good Liar by Nicholas Searle is a gripping and cunning tale that delves into the twisted minds of deceitful individuals. This riveting book explores the dark and intricate world of pathological liars, taking readers on a thrilling journey through manipulation, betrayal, and revenge.

The Lying Game

by Ruth Ware

The Lying Game by Ruth Ware is a gripping and suspenseful tale that delves into the twisted world of deceit and manipulation. Set in the idyllic coastal town of Salten, this thrilling novel revolves around a group of four women who share a dark and dangerous secret.

Years ago, Kate, Thea, Fatima, and Isa were inseparable. They were bound by their involvement in a chilling game, where lying was not only encouraged but essential. However, their game took a sinister turn when a tragedy occurred, forcing them to scatter and bury their secret deep within their souls.

Now, years later, the four women are brought back together when a body is discovered near the old boarding school they attended. As they reunite to face the consequences of their past, they must navigate a web of lies, hidden agendas, and potential betrayal.

The Lying Game explores the complex dynamics between the four friends, as they grapple with their own guilt, trust issues, and the fear of their secret being exposed. Ruth Ware expertly weaves together a tale of suspense and psychological intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

This book about pathological liars will leave you questioning the truth, the reliability of memory, and the lengths people will go to protect their darkest secrets. With its atmospheric setting, complex characters, and relentless tension, The Lying Game is a must-read for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers and the intricate world of pathological liars.

The Wife Between Us

by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

The Wife Between Us is a thrilling rollercoaster ride through the twisted minds of deceitful individuals. This gripping novel takes you on a suspenseful journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, leaving you on the edge of your seat.

Get ready to dive into the dark and complex world of cunning manipulators, as the authors, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, expertly weave a tale of obsession, revenge, and betrayal. This book about pathological liars will keep you guessing until the very end, questioning everyone’s motives and intentions.

Through their masterful storytelling, Hendricks and Pekkanen introduce us to a cast of characters who are not what they seem. Lies upon lies are skillfully layered, creating a web of deceit that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.

As the plot unfolds, you will find yourself immersed in a psychological game of cat and mouse, where the lines between truth and lies blur. With each chapter, new revelations come to light, shattering preconceived notions and leaving you astounded.

Prepare yourself for a heart-pounding read that will challenge your perception of reality. The Wife Between Us is a must-read for those who enjoy psychological suspense and crave a book on pathological liars. So buckle up and embark on this thrilling journey into the twisted minds of characters you won’t soon forget.

The Perfect Nanny

by Leïla Slimani

The Perfect Nanny: A Gripping Tale of Deception and Betrayal

Step into a world where appearances are deceiving, secrets lurk beneath the surface, and the line between truth and lies becomes dangerously blurred. In The Perfect Nanny by Leïla Slimani, prepare to immerse yourself in a chilling psychological thriller that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.

At first glance, Louise seems like the ideal nanny. With her impeccable manners and unwavering dedication to her job, she quickly becomes an indispensable part of the lives of the Massé family. However, beneath her seemingly perfect facade lies a web of lies and manipulation.

This captivating novel delves deep into the psyche of a pathological liar, exploring the extent to which one can go to maintain the illusion of normalcy. Slimani’s masterful storytelling compels readers to question their own perceptions of truth and trust.

As the narrative unfolds, the tension mounts, and the unsettling truth about Louise slowly unravels. With each turn of the page, readers are drawn deeper into a world where reality is malleable, and the consequences of deceit are all too real.

Through her meticulous character development and spine-tingling plot twists, Slimani creates an atmosphere of palpable unease. Her exploration of the dark corners of the human mind will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages to uncover the next shocking revelation.

With its thought-provoking themes and unflinching portrayal of the human capacity for deception, The Perfect Nanny is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Brace yourself for a gripping journey into the depths of pathological lies, where nothing is as it seems.

The Dinner

by Herman Koch

The Dinner by Herman Koch is an intriguing book that delves into the twisted minds of individuals who possess a talent for deception and manipulation. This riveting tale explores the depths of deceit and presents a chilling portrayal of individuals with a penchant for falsehoods. Koch masterfully crafts a narrative that unravels the layers of deception, drawing readers into a web of intrigue and suspense. Prepare yourself for a thrilling journey into the minds of those who excel in the art of falsehoods in this captivating novel.

The Woman in the Window

by A.J. Finn

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn is an electrifying psychological thriller that takes you on a suspenseful journey through the complex mind of a woman who finds herself trapped in her own home. This gripping novel explores the dark and twisted world of deception, as the protagonist, Anna Fox, a former child psychologist turned recluse, becomes embroiled in a web of secrets and lies.

Anna, a self-proclaimed agoraphobic, spends her days peering out of her window, observing her neighbors and their lives. But when she witnesses a shocking act of violence in the house across the street, she becomes a key witness in a police investigation. As the story unfolds, Anna’s credibility is called into question, and the line between reality and imagination begins to blur.

With its expertly crafted plot and unreliable narrator, The Woman in the Window keeps readers on the edge of their seats, questioning the motives and truthfulness of each character. Finn skillfully explores the themes of trust, perception, and the fragility of the human mind, making this novel a compelling page-turner.

If you’re a fan of books about pathological liars and enjoy unravelling intricate mysteries, The Woman in the Window is a must-read. Prepare to be captivated by the twists and turns, as you navigate the labyrinth of secrets hidden within the walls of Anna’s seemingly ordinary life.

The Kind Worth Killing

by Peter Swanson

The Kind Worth Killing:

Step into a world where deceit and manipulation lurk around every corner, as Peter Swanson weaves a gripping tale of obsession and revenge in his electrifying book on pathological liars. Brace yourself for an intense rollercoaster ride through the twisted minds of characters who stop at nothing to get what they want.

In this thrilling book about pathological liars, the lives of two strangers intertwine when they meet by chance at an airport lounge. Ted, a wealthy businessman, casually strikes up a conversation with Lily, a mysterious and alluring woman. As their conversation unfolds, they discover a shared fascination with murder and a mutual desire to rid the world of those they deem unworthy.

Lily, an enigmatic beauty with a dark past, entices Ted into a dangerous game of deceit and manipulation. As they embark on a treacherous journey, their lies become more intricate, blurring the lines between truth and fiction. With each turn of the page, you’ll find yourself questioning the motives of these pathological liars and wondering who will emerge victorious in this deadly game of cat and mouse.

As the plot thickens, Swanson expertly explores the depths of human nature, delving into the psyches of his characters. With every revelation, he challenges the reader’s perceptions, leaving you breathless and eager to uncover the next shocking twist. With its gripping narrative and morally ambiguous characters, this pathological liars book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Prepare to be captivated by The Kind Worth Killing, a masterfully crafted thriller that explores the dark corners of the human soul with a cast of pathological liars you won’t soon forget. Trust no one and immerse yourself in a world where nothing is as it seems, as Swanson’s intricate web of lies unravels before your eyes.

The Secret History

by Donna Tartt

The Secret History by Donna Tartt is an extraordinary foray into the minds of deceitful individuals, a mesmerizing tale that delves deep into the twisted psyche of a group of college students. This psychological rollercoaster takes readers on a thrilling journey through the dark underbelly of academia and immerses them in a world of obsession, manipulation, and ultimately, tragedy.

The Truth and Other Lies

by Sascha Arango

The Truth and Other Lies is a captivating novel about deceit that delves into the twisted mind of a master manipulator. This spellbinding book explores the dark and intricate world of pathological liars, where truth and lies intertwine in a web of deception.

The Hypnotist

by Lars Kepler

The Hypnotist by Lars Kepler is a gripping and intense thriller that delves into the twisted minds of individuals who manipulate and deceive with chilling ease. This spellbinding book uncovers the dark secrets of pathological deceivers, captivating readers with its intricate plot and pulse-pounding suspense.

The Book of Lies

by Brad Meltzer

The Book of Lies by Brad Meltzer is a riveting exploration into the intricate world of those who thrive on deception. Often hailed as a modern-day masterpiece, this mesmerizing novel delves deep into the twisted minds of individuals who possess an insatiable appetite for falsehoods.

Within the pages of this literary gem, readers are taken on a thrilling journey into the psyche of these cunning manipulators, shedding light on their motives, tactics, and the devastating consequences their lies can unleash. Meltzer’s masterful storytelling and meticulous attention to detail will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning each page to unravel the web of deceit.

With every twist and turn, The Book of Lies unveils the dark underbelly of the human psyche, exposing the intricate layers of deception woven by these pathological fabricators. As you immerse yourself in this harrowing tale, you’ll find yourself captivated by the intricate dance between truth and falsehood, questioning the very nature of reality.

Prepare to be captivated by this enthralling exploration of pathological liars, as Brad Meltzer takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the enigmatic minds of these manipulative individuals. Gripping, thought-provoking, and utterly addictive, The Book of Lies is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the intricate workings of the human mind and the power of deception.

The Liar’s Wife

by Samantha Hayes

The Liar’s Wife by Samantha Hayes is a heart-pounding thriller that delves into the twisted world of deceit and manipulation. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride as you follow the gripping story of a woman trapped in a web of lies spun by her husband, a master manipulator and pathological deceiver.

The Truth About Lies

by Tracy Darnton

The Truth About Lies is an intriguing and captivating novel that delves into the twisted minds of compulsive fibbers. Tracy Darnton’s masterful storytelling will have you hooked from the very first page, as she unravels the dark secrets of her characters who have a penchant for bending the truth.

This gripping book on pathological liars takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the intricate web of deceit woven by the main character, Jess. With each turn of the page, you’ll find yourself questioning everything you thought you knew, as the line between truth and lies becomes increasingly blurred.

Darnton’s expertly crafted narrative keeps you on the edge of your seat, as she expertly explores the psychological complexities of these pathological liars. Through Jess’ eyes, we witness the power and consequences of deception, as she navigates a world where trust is a scarce commodity.

Prepare to be mesmerized by Darnton’s ability to create multi-dimensional characters that are as flawed as they are fascinating. You’ll find yourself sympathizing with these individuals, even as they weave their intricate webs of deception. Darnton’s sharp and evocative prose will leave you breathless, as she peels back the layers of these pathological liars, exposing their vulnerabilities and motivations.

The Truth About Lies is not just a book about pathological liars; it’s a thought-provoking exploration of the human capacity for deception and the consequences that come with it. Darnton’s storytelling prowess shines through, making this a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone fascinated by the intricate workings of the human mind.

The Liar’s Room

by Simon Lelic

The Liar’s Room by Simon Lelic is a gripping journey into the twisted minds of deceitful individuals. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride through the twists and turns of a psychological labyrinth. This thrilling page-turner explores the dark and intricate world of compulsive fabricators and the chilling consequences that follow their every move.

The Liar’s Key

by Mark Lawrence

The Liar’s Key: Unlocking the Secrets of Deceit

Welcome, my dear reader, to a world where the truth is but a mirage and deception reigns supreme. Step into the gripping sequel to Mark Lawrence’s Prince of Fools and immerse yourself in a tale that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about trust and the art of lying.

In The Liar’s Key, Lawrence delves deeper into the treacherous realm of the Broken Empire, where deceit thrives and the boundary between truth and falsehood blurs. Our protagonist, Jalan Kendeth, is a man of many talents—and lies. He is a master manipulator, a rogue extraordinaire, and a pathological liar whose silver tongue can spin stories as easily as it can weave a web of deceit.

As Jalan embarks on a perilous journey, he finds himself entangled in a deadly game of power and deception. The key to unlocking the secrets lies in the hands of this cunning liar, as he navigates through a world riddled with treachery, magic, and ancient gods. In a desperate bid for survival, he must outwit his enemies and outmaneuver those who seek to control him.

The Liar’s Key is a spellbinding tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you accompany Jalan on a thrilling adventure filled with twists and turns. Lawrence’s masterful storytelling will transport you to a realm where lies are currency and betrayal is a way of life. Prepare yourself for a riveting journey into the dark heart of a pathological liar, where trust is a luxury and survival is the ultimate goal.

Conclusion

Whether you’re fascinated by the intricacies of the human mind or simply love a good psychological thriller, these 20 books about pathological liars are sure to captivate you from start to finish. With their gripping narratives, unreliable narrators, and shocking twists, these books will keep you guessing until the very end. So dive into the world of deception and manipulation, and prepare to be mesmerized by these masterpieces of storytelling.