20 best books on toxic female friendship – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you ready to dive into the dark and complex world of toxic female friendships? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of the 20 best books about toxic female friendship that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of intense emotions, gripping plots, and unforgettable characters. From psychological thrillers to coming-of-age novels, these books will explore the complexities and nuances of toxic relationships between women. So, if you’re fascinated by the dark side of friendship, grab a cup of tea and get ready to indulge in these captivating reads!


The Girls

by Emma Cline

The Girls by Emma Cline is a captivating and chilling exploration of a toxic female friendship. Set in the late 1960s, this mesmerizing novel delves into the dark depths of a group of young girls who are drawn into a dangerous cult. Through the eyes of Evie, a vulnerable teenager searching for belonging, we witness the seductive power of manipulation and the destructive consequences of toxic female friendships.

The Burning Girl

by Claire Messud

A captivating tale of the complex and turbulent world of female friendships, The Burning Girl by Claire Messud delves deep into the intricacies of this intricate bond. With a narrative that is both gripping and thought-provoking, this book explores the intricacies and nuances of a toxic female friendship.

The Furies

by Katie Lowe

The Furies by Katie Lowe is a captivating and haunting exploration of the dark underbelly of female relationships. This gripping novel delves into the complexities of toxic friendships, unearthing the dangerous power dynamics that can exist between young women.

The Best Kind of People

by Zoe Whittall

The Best Kind of People by Zoe Whittall is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves deep into the complexities of female relationships. This book explores the dark and twisted world of toxic female friendships, shedding light on the hidden dynamics that can exist between women.

The Roanoke Girls

by Amy Engel

The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel is a captivating and haunting book that delves into the dark and twisted world of toxic female relationships. This mesmerizing novel unravels the secrets and scandals surrounding the Roanoke girls, a family plagued by a history of dark secrets. With its gripping narrative and deeply flawed characters, this book explores the complexities of toxic female friendships, where love and obsession blur the lines between right and wrong. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a web of manipulation, betrayal, and forbidden desires. Engel’s masterful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats, unable to tear themselves away from the disturbing and addictive world of the Roanoke girls. This is a must-read for anyone seeking a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of toxic female friendships.

The Other Woman

by Sandie Jones

The Other Woman by Sandie Jones is a gripping and suspenseful book that delves into the treacherous depths of a toxic female friendship. Prepare to be captivated by a tale of deceit, manipulation, and betrayal as the protagonist, Emily, realizes that her fiancé’s mother, Pammie, is not the loving and doting woman she initially appears to be.

As the story unfolds, Emily finds herself trapped in a web of Pammie’s calculated schemes, designed to sabotage her relationship and drive her away. With every turn of the page, you’ll be on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating the next twist in this thrilling tale of friendship gone terribly wrong.

The Other Woman is not just a book about toxic female friendship; it’s a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. Sandie Jones expertly captures the complex dynamics between Emily and Pammie, highlighting the dark underbelly of their relationship.

If you’re a fan of suspenseful novels that explore the intricacies of toxic relationships, then this is the book for you. Prepare to be enthralled by Sandie Jones’ storytelling prowess as she unravels the chilling truth behind the seemingly perfect facade of female friendship. The Other Woman is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling and thought-provoking tale of deceit and manipulation.

The Perfect Nanny

by Leila Slimani

The Perfect Nanny by Leila Slimani is an electrifying and chilling book on a twisted and captivating friendship between two women. This gripping thriller delves into the dark depths of a toxic female friendship, exploring the intricate dynamics and the unpredictable consequences that arise from it. Slimani masterfully weaves a suspenseful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, as the lines between trust and betrayal blur and boundaries are pushed to their limits. With its haunting prose and psychological intensity, this book about toxic female friendship will leave you questioning the nature of friendship itself. Prepare to be enthralled and disturbed as you delve into the complex world of these two women.

The Woman in the Window

by A.J. Finn

Discover the gripping world of deception and secrets in The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn. This thrilling novel delves deep into the intricate web of a toxic female friendship, where nothing is as it seems. Dive into the mind of an unreliable narrator, Anna Fox, as she becomes entangled in a world of manipulation, paranoia, and danger.

The Wife Between Us

by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

The Wife Between Us is a thrilling rollercoaster ride of a book that explores the intricacies of a toxic female friendship. This gripping psychological thriller, written by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, delves deep into the twisted dynamics between women, uncovering the dark secrets and hidden agendas that can lurk beneath even the closest of relationships.

The Girls at 17 Swann Street

by Yara Zgheib

The Girls at 17 Swann Street is a remarkable exploration of a toxic female friendship that will leave you captivated from beginning to end. This compelling novel delves into the intricacies of female relationships, highlighting the power dynamics, emotional struggles, and the destructive forces that can arise within these bonds.

The Other Mrs.

by Mary Kubica

The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark and intricate dynamics of a toxic female friendship. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to Sadie and Will Foust, who move to a small town in Maine to start anew. However, their lives take a sinister turn when their new neighbor, Morgan Baines, befriends Sadie. What initially seems like a harmless connection soon unravels into a web of secrets, lies, and manipulation. Kubica masterfully explores the complexities of toxic female friendships, examining the power dynamics, jealousy, and envy that can poison even the closest bonds. With its relentless suspense and chilling twists, this book is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the intricacies of toxic relationships.

The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the intricacies of a toxic female friendship. This spellbinding novel explores the dark and mysterious relationship between Alicia Berenson, a talented artist, and her therapist, Theo Faber. Alicia, who has been convicted of murdering her husband, refuses to speak a single word, leaving everyone baffled. As Theo becomes obsessed with unlocking the secrets behind Alicia’s silence, he unravels a twisted tale of manipulation, deception, and betrayal. This intoxicating tale of a toxic female friendship will keep you on the edge of your seat, turning the pages late into the night. Prepare yourself for a chilling journey through the depths of the human mind in this phenomenal book about the complexities of toxic relationships.

The Last Mrs. Parrish

by Liv Constantine

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine is an utterly gripping book about a toxic female friendship that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This addictive psychological thriller follows the lives of Amber Patterson and the glamorous Daphne Parrish. Amber, a cunning and manipulative opportunist, sets her sights on infiltrating Daphne’s seemingly perfect life, determined to take everything from her. As the story unfolds, secrets, lies, and betrayal come to light, leading to a thrilling and unexpected climax. Constantine expertly weaves a tale of jealousy, deceit, and revenge, leaving readers questioning just how far someone will go to get what they want. If you’re looking for a captivating and chilling exploration of toxic female friendships, this is the book for you.

The Woman in Cabin 10

by Ruth Ware

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware is a chilling and suspenseful thriller that explores the murky depths of a toxic female friendship. Brace yourself for a journey into a world where trust is shattered, secrets are buried, and danger lurks around every corner.

The Girl Before

by JP Delaney

The Girl Before by JP Delaney is a captivating psychological thriller that delves into the dark and twisted world of toxic female friendship. This gripping novel explores the complexities of a tumultuous relationship between two women, delving into themes of manipulation, obsession, and betrayal. With its cleverly crafted plot and well-drawn characters, the book takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and psychological intrigue. The toxic dynamic between the two protagonists is brilliantly explored, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds. Delaney’s masterful storytelling and sharp prose make The Girl Before a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone interested in examining the intricacies of toxic female friendships.

The Good Girl

by Mary Kubica

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica is a gripping and thrilling novel that delves into the complexities of a toxic female friendship. This page-turner explores the dark and twisted dynamics that can exist between two women, painting a chilling portrait of manipulation, deceit, and betrayal. With its expertly crafted plot and deeply flawed characters, Kubica’s book about a toxic female friendship will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the shocking truth. Prepare to be captivated by this psychological thriller as it unravels the intricate web of lies and secrets that bind these two women together, leaving you questioning the true nature of friendship.

The Girl on the Train

by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the twisted world of a toxic female friendship. This book explores the dark and complex dynamic between women, as it follows Rachel, a lonely and troubled alcoholic who becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she sees from the train window every day. When the woman from the couple goes missing, Rachel gets entangled in a web of deceit and betrayal, uncovering the sinister secrets that lie beneath the surface of their seemingly idyllic life. With its suspenseful plot, unreliable narrators, and exploration of toxic female relationships, The Girl on the Train is a thrilling page-turner that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The Poison Tree

by Erin Kelly

The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly is a captivating book on toxic female friendship that will leave you spellbound. This gripping novel explores the intricate dynamics of a twisted relationship between two women, delving into the depths of jealousy, manipulation, and betrayal. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque summer in London, the story follows Karen and Biba, two friends who become entangled in a web of secrets and deceit. As their friendship intensifies, it becomes apparent that something sinister lurks beneath the surface, leading to a shocking and devastating climax. With its masterful storytelling and complex characters, this book about toxic female friendship will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

The Drowning Girls

by Paula Treick DeBoard

The Drowning Girls by Paula Treick DeBoard is a captivating and chilling book that delves deep into the dark and treacherous world of toxic female friendship. This gripping novel explores the complex and destructive dynamics that can exist between women, as it follows the lives of three childhood friends who are bound together by a shared secret.

Set against the backdrop of a small, close-knit community, The Drowning Girls is a haunting tale of betrayal, jealousy, and manipulation. DeBoard skillfully weaves together past and present, slowly unraveling the layers of the girls’ toxic bond and revealing the shocking truth behind their troubled relationship.

With its richly drawn characters, atmospheric setting, and an intricate plot that keeps you guessing until the very end, The Drowning Girls is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling and thought-provoking book about the darker side of female friendships.

The Girls in the Garden

by Lisa Jewell

The Girls in the Garden by Lisa Jewell is a captivating book that delves into the intricate dynamics of female friendships gone awry. Set in a picturesque London neighborhood, the story revolves around a group of friends whose lives are shaken when an unthinkable event occurs in their idyllic communal garden. Jewell masterfully explores the complexities of toxic female friendships, unraveling secrets, envy, and betrayal along the way. With her vivid storytelling and sharp character development, she takes readers on a suspenseful journey that will keep them guessing until the very end. This compelling novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of the intricacies of female relationships.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 books about toxic female friendship offer a captivating exploration of the complexities and dynamics that can arise between women. From thrilling psychological thrillers to poignant coming-of-age stories, these novels delve deep into the dark side of female relationships. Whether you’re looking for a chilling page-turner or a thought-provoking tale, these books are sure to leave you captivated and craving for more. So, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy corner, and immerse yourself in the twisted world of toxic female friendship.