Fans pick 100 books like Mother Said So

By Jocelyn Dexter,

Here are 100 books that Mother Said So fans have personally recommended if you like Mother Said So. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of Behind Her Eyes

Charlotte Stevenson Author Of The Serial Killer's Son

From my list on plot twists that will leave your jaw on the floor.

Why am I passionate about this?

For years, I have been a voracious reader of dark psychological thrillers and psychological horror. I read several books every week, and I’m always overjoyed to be knocked sideways by an ingenious twist in a book. As a doctor, I am captivated by people and fascinated by the depths of the human mind. For me, humans are the scariest monsters of them all. In 2020, I decided to have a pop at writing a jaw-dropper myself, and my book was born. I only hope you don’t see that twist coming!

Charlotte's book list on plot twists that will leave your jaw on the floor

Charlotte Stevenson Why did Charlotte love this book?

I am partial to a soupçon of the paranormal in my psychological thriller, which I know isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I was gripped the whole time reading, but although I knew something shocking was coming, I had absolutely no idea what was going on until the final chapters.

The reveal at the end genuinely left me shaking. It is probably my favorite twist of all time. Outstanding.

By Sarah Pinborough,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Behind Her Eyes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Don't Trust This Book Don't Trust These People Don't Trust Yourself And whatever you do, DON'T give away that ending...

Louise

Since her husband walked out, Louise has made her son her world, supporting them both with her part-time job. But all that changes when she meets...

David

Young, successful and charming - Louise cannot believe a man like him would look at her twice let alone be attracted to her. But that all comes to a grinding halt when she meets his wife...

Adele

Beautiful, elegant and sweet - Louise's new friend seems perfect in every way. As she…


Book cover of Rock Paper Scissors

Charlotte Stevenson Author Of The Serial Killer's Son

From my list on plot twists that will leave your jaw on the floor.

Why am I passionate about this?

For years, I have been a voracious reader of dark psychological thrillers and psychological horror. I read several books every week, and I’m always overjoyed to be knocked sideways by an ingenious twist in a book. As a doctor, I am captivated by people and fascinated by the depths of the human mind. For me, humans are the scariest monsters of them all. In 2020, I decided to have a pop at writing a jaw-dropper myself, and my book was born. I only hope you don’t see that twist coming!

Charlotte's book list on plot twists that will leave your jaw on the floor

Charlotte Stevenson Why did Charlotte love this book?

I loved how claustrophobic and creepy this was. This is another story where I thought I had at least some of it figured out. But nope, I was wrong every time. The ending was not only jaw-dropping and ingenious but satisfying, too—something I think is tricky to achieve.

I was so wrong that I had to go back and read some of it again. I was shocked to find that all the breadcrumbs leading to the ending were indeed peppered throughout. So cleverly done.

By Alice Feeney,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Rock Paper Scissors as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Feeney lives up to her reputation as the “queen of the twist”…This page-turner will keep you guessing.” —Real Simple
Think you know the person you married? Think again…

Things have been wrong with Mr and Mrs Wright for a long time. When Adam and Amelia win a weekend away to Scotland, it might be just what their marriage needs. Self-confessed workaholic and screenwriter Adam Wright has lived with face blindness his whole life. He can’t recognize friends or family, or even his own wife.

Every anniversary the couple exchange traditional gifts--paper, cotton, pottery, tin--and each…


Book cover of Never Lie

Charlotte Stevenson Author Of The Serial Killer's Son

From my list on plot twists that will leave your jaw on the floor.

Why am I passionate about this?

For years, I have been a voracious reader of dark psychological thrillers and psychological horror. I read several books every week, and I’m always overjoyed to be knocked sideways by an ingenious twist in a book. As a doctor, I am captivated by people and fascinated by the depths of the human mind. For me, humans are the scariest monsters of them all. In 2020, I decided to have a pop at writing a jaw-dropper myself, and my book was born. I only hope you don’t see that twist coming!

Charlotte's book list on plot twists that will leave your jaw on the floor

Charlotte Stevenson Why did Charlotte love this book?

Freida is the queen of twists, in my opinion, and this is my absolute favorite of hers. I was completely gripped and it’s one of the only books I’ve ever read in one sitting.

I’ll always remember reading this book because about two thirds of the way through I was convinced I had it all figured out only to have the rug completely pulled out from under me. As an avid thriller reader, I find that a twist rarely blows me away quite as much as this one did. Brilliant.

By Freida McFadden,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Never Lie as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

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…


If you love Mother Said So...

Ad

Book cover of What You Made Me Do

What You Made Me Do By Barbara Gayle Austin,

Willem and Jurriaan have a miserable childhood thanks to their cruel, controlling mother—Louisa Veldkamp, a world-renowned pianist. Dad turns a blind eye. One day, Louisa vanishes without a trace during a family vacation.

Adoptee Anneliese Bakker survives a toxic childhood and leaves home, vowing never to return. While searching for…

Book cover of My Lovely Wife

Charlotte Stevenson Author Of The Serial Killer's Son

From my list on plot twists that will leave your jaw on the floor.

Why am I passionate about this?

For years, I have been a voracious reader of dark psychological thrillers and psychological horror. I read several books every week, and I’m always overjoyed to be knocked sideways by an ingenious twist in a book. As a doctor, I am captivated by people and fascinated by the depths of the human mind. For me, humans are the scariest monsters of them all. In 2020, I decided to have a pop at writing a jaw-dropper myself, and my book was born. I only hope you don’t see that twist coming!

Charlotte's book list on plot twists that will leave your jaw on the floor

Charlotte Stevenson Why did Charlotte love this book?

I loved the premise of this book. It’s dark, scandalous, and oh-so creepy. The story totally got under my skin.

For me, this book is the very definition of a ‘just one more chapter’ book. The twists and turns throughout kept me on the edge of my seat, and the ending—wow. I completely fell off the edge of my seat. I loved it. 

By Samantha Downing,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked My Lovely Wife as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

HOW WELL DO YOU REALLY KNOW THE ONE YOU LOVE THE MOST?

'The most gripping psychological thriller of 2019' Stylist

This is a story about a married couple. They met, fell in love, had two beautiful children. So far, so ordinary.

But they have a very dark secret.

It's a story with a twist. And then another. And another.

You might think you've read stories like this before.

You'd be wrong.

By the end of the first chapter you'll be hooked.

At page fifty you might not sleep until you finish.

And when you turn the last page, you'll ask…


Book cover of Monster Mama

Jean Abernethy Author Of Fergus and the Greener Grass

From my list on read-aloud fun for little folks and big folks together.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up on a farm in a musical, artistic family. Poetry, music, animals, and laughter were the fabric of daily life. I happened to be gifted with the ability to draw. With a particular passion for horses, I eventually earned my art degree and created the cartoon character Fergus the Horse. I truly believe that when extraordinarily skilled illustrations are combined with extraordinarily skilled writing to create a published work, then the projected age recommendation for readers becomes irrelevant.

Jean's book list on read-aloud fun for little folks and big folks together

Jean Abernethy Why did Jean love this book?

First and foremost, as an artist/illustrator, I maintain that as artists, it is our job to create work that evokes emotion. This book makes the mark.

I am a fan of Stephen Gammell’s illustration. He pulls out all the stops with colour and character. Liz Rosenberg’s simplistic yet delicate story hangs us in suspense between fear and love, made whimsical by Gammell’s illustrations.

I  think this is a very powerful book and a perfect match for Gammell’s artwork. 

By Liz Rosenberg, Stephen Gammell (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Monster Mama as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Despite the fact that his beloved Mama is a monster, Patrick Edward adores her, until, one day, when Patrick Edward is attacked by three bullies, he discovers that he might be more like his mother than he had thought.


Book cover of You Can't Candle the Truth

Paula Charles Author Of Hammers And Homicide

From my list on cozy mysteries with strong family ties.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a cozy mystery writer and reader who loves to suss out family dynamics in the books I’m devouring. My love of genealogy and turning family stories into fiction played a large role while writing my first book, Hammers and Homicide. Wherever my husband and I travel, we search for ancestors in ancient cemeteries and try to find out more about their stories. You’ll find a few of them between the pages of my books. I hope you’ll enjoy these books, all featuring some level of family ties, as much as I did! 

Paula's book list on cozy mysteries with strong family ties

Paula Charles Why did Paula love this book?

I adored Sarah E. Burr's book. Hazel and her Aunt Poppy each have their own magical “whim” that has been passed down in their bloodline. 

The characters are perfectly quirky, the setting is quaint, and the mystery has enough twists and turns to leave me satisfied. I loved that the book started out with Hazel and Poppy, but by the end, the family had grown. So, I won’t spoil anything; I’m not going to say more about that! It was a fantastic read, and I’ll be gobbling down the rest of the series. 

If you love Jocelyn Dexter...

Ad

Book cover of Make Her Pay

Make Her Pay By Miranda Rijks,

A twisty psychological thriller about beautiful, successful Leonie who has just met Markus, the man of her dreams. But Leonie has a secret. Ten years ago, she was involved in an accident in which another driver died. Leonie shouldn’t have been behind the wheel that night – so she fled…

Book cover of Longer Wacky Stories With Twist Endings

Rohit Prasad Author Of Moods Swings

From my list on story collections with unexpected endings.

Why am I passionate about this?

A banker by day and a cynical cartoonist-cum-blogger by night, I have traveled the world, have met many interesting people with compelling backgrounds, and have experienced many peculiar and beautiful things. I love getting inspiration from my experiences and spinning stories out of that. As an author, I always look out for the unconventional ending fueled by my fervid imagination. I prefer the medium of the short story as it keeps the author honest and sharp—no meandering into unrelated tangents. 

Rohit's book list on story collections with unexpected endings

Rohit Prasad Why did Rohit love this book?

Least known among the five, John M. W. Smith has made the short story with a twist in his niche, with an assortment of wacky stories and scary stories with surprising endings. What I liked most about the book is its simple writing and uncomplicated plots. However, despite the storylines being linear, the endings were unpredictable.

Interestingly, since the reader knows that the author is leading one towards a plot twist, the anticipation builds in a crescendo towards the climaxand on coming across the unexpected ending, the reader is left with awe at the dexterity of the handling. Of the lot, I found A Social Handicap and Every Dog Has Its Day the most endearing and satisfying.

By John M. W. Smith,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Longer Wacky Stories With Twist Endings as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Paula does not drink, so her friends think she is boring--but what happens when they manage to change her mind? Paula, beware!Mandy is in tears when someone steals her ‘phone on a crowded train--but then a handsome young man suddenly hands it back to her. What on earth is going on?Mrs Cheadle is being made unhappy by some very unpleasant people, and no one will help the frail old lady. But they simply don’t realise just how clever she is! Bella is so looking forward to her cruise holiday, but everyone is being so unhelpful-- until one young guy offers…


Book cover of The Day She Died

Wendy Church Author Of Knife Skills

From my list on plot twists that nail the art of surprise.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a thrill seeker when it comes to reading, and I want to be so immersed in a story that I have to read it in one sitting and then can be completely taken by surprise by a plot twist. It was extremely hard to pick only five titles, so to narrow it down, I 1) made an attempt to pick from a few different sub-genres and, 2) stipulated that Agatha Christie could populate the entire list. All of these titles blend wonderful writing with great twists, and I hope you enjoy them. I did my best to avoid spoilers in the descriptions, although by being on this list, it’s a little bit of a spoiler…

Wendy's book list on plot twists that nail the art of surprise

Wendy Church Why did Wendy love this book?

This is a psychological thriller about a woman who finds herself in a disturbing situation and isn’t really sure how she got there. Like all good plot-twisted novels, this one didn’t need the surprise revelation(s) at the end to be a compelling and immersive read, so when it comes, it feels like the cherry on top of a really creepy sundae.

The narrator's voice is compelling, especially if you enjoy Scottish-isms that feel fresh if you read mostly American authors. 

By Catriona McPherson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Day She Died as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Jessie Constable doesn't quite know why she began spending nights with Gus King and his family the day his wife left him and died in an accident. But she knows they need somebody to take care of them. And yet, she can't ignore unsettling questions. Why are strange men showing up when Gus isn't home? What happened to his wife's best friend? Why would anyone leave this beautiful cottage and these beautiful children?


Book cover of Solitary

Dana Christy Author Of A Heart's Salvation

From my list on romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Why am I passionate about this?

A lover of suspense thrillers and all things horror, my first introduction to romance novels was during book club. I love a good Rom-Com but as a reader, I used to shy away from erotica or meet-cute alpha male novels. Now I devour romance novels but they need very specific things. Strong heroines and suspense...and yes, great love scenes. Sparking my passion for the romance-suspense mash-up, I took a personal story and turned it into a suspense-driven romance full of angst. With 2 published novels, I continue to read and write romance thrillers hoping to change the stigma of romance as ‘fluff’ and ‘smut’ and show the strength in love.

Dana's book list on romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat

Dana Christy Why did Dana love this book?

This is the first book I read by Melissa Copeland, and it fits perfectly on my checklist for suspense and strong ladies. Her writing keeps you on the edge of your seat, dying to find out who Paige, the heroine, can trust. The plot twists were on point, and the chemistry between Paige and Sean had me over the moon. The strength she writes through Paige resonated with me and made it easy for me to accept all her choices. I highly recommend this novel as an example of a woman's survival and ability to find love in hard places.

By Melissa Copeland,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Solitary as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Everyone has an ex they regret. Mine just happens to be a notorious Dutch arms dealer. I've spent years running and hiding from David, but he's finally grown tired of tormenting me. Now he just wants me dead. With no more friends and family left alive, and no one out there I can trust, it's starting to look like my time has finally run out. Until I meet Noah, a persistent stranger with secrets of his own. My efforts to hide from David are failing. So when Noah offers his help, I'm not exactly in a position to decline. But…


If you love Mother Said So...

Ad

Book cover of The Vixen Amber Halloway

The Vixen Amber Halloway By Carol LaHines,

Ophelia, a professor of Dante, is stricken when she discovers that her husband Andy has been cheating on her with a winsome colleague. What follows is Ophelia’s figurative descent into hell as she obsessively tracks her subjects, performs surveillance in her beat-up Volvo, and moves into the property next door…

Book cover of Where the Truth Hides

Andrea Hintz Author Of Perception and Deception

From my list on when you need mystery and adventure in your life.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an author of spy and treasure-hunting books! As a Christian, I’m always looking for mysteries and adventures of all kinds that leave my heart pounding, but the story itself contains high morals and justice. I love a dash of mystery, a cup of comedy, a sprinkle of romance, and a dollop of drama. These are some of my favorite picks. They’re all incredibly different too, so if you like variety, this is the list to be visiting. The order was automatically randomized—they’re all fantastic! The authors all have true hearts of gold, so definitely go out and support their amazing work today! God bless! 

Andrea's book list on when you need mystery and adventure in your life

Andrea Hintz Why did Andrea love this book?

I'm a fan of intriguing mysteries that really leave me guessing from start to finish. I loved this book because I truly couldn't predict the ending. The story teaches the reader to really pay attention when something doesn't seem right. I felt complete shock with that twist ending.

By Liane Carmen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Where the Truth Hides as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Buried secrets can be deadly.

Becky Morgan has a life most women would envy until a car accident lands her in the hospital. She insists she’s fine, but it quickly becomes clear she’s changed. She’s forgetful, paranoid, short-tempered. Her husband wants to write off her change in personality to the IVF hormones she's taking in an attempt to get pregnant.

Becky's best friend, Jules Dalton, is a gorgeous, single woman, with a habit of sabotaging relationships. When Jules loses the man who could have been “the one,” she confronts the realization that being adopted at birth is contributing to her…


Book cover of Behind Her Eyes
Book cover of Rock Paper Scissors
Book cover of Never Lie

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,593

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in plot twists, alcoholism, and rehabilitation?

Plot Twists 50 books
Alcoholism 108 books
Rehabilitation 37 books