80 books like The Club

By Ellery Lloyd,

Here are 80 books that The Club fans have personally recommended if you like The Club. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of And Then There Were None

Karl Bjorn Erickson Author Of The Blood Cries Out

From my list on fiction across all genres by Christian authors.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been deeply moved by how people of substantiative faith translate it into literature. After all, an important difference exists between Christian fiction and fiction by Christian authors. The author, who understands that this life is not everything, is able to infuse so much more depth, emotion, and truth into the narrative than his counterpart.  Shortly after watching the movie The Song of Bernadette in Oxford, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote to his son in the RAF to say, “My mind and heart are still filled with Bernadette Soubirous, and long may they be so. Every quality of a ‘fairy story,’ plus truth and sanctity, is an overwhelming mixture.” 

Karl's book list on fiction across all genres by Christian authors

Karl Bjorn Erickson Why did Karl love this book?

This may be one of my favorite mysteries; I could barely put the book down. Granted, this title is not full of examples of faith precisely, but Agatha Christy was a devout Anglican (like C.S. Lewis). If one is going to write mysteries, one must appreciate Agatha Christy. She was an incredibly prolific author of some truly high-quality fiction. 

This was the first title I read of hers, and it set me on a path to begin collecting her books. This tale has so many elements that build tension and create a great mystery—from the isolation of the setting to suspicion and general confusion. It is a masterpiece of a whodunit.

By Agatha Christie,

Why should I read it?

18 authors picked And Then There Were None as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Agatha Christie's world-famous mystery thriller, reissued with a striking new cover designed to appeal to the latest generation of Agatha Christie fans and book lovers.

Ten strangers, apparently with little in common, are lured to an island mansion off the coast of Devon by the mysterious U.N.Owen. Over dinner, a record begins to play, and the voice of an unseen host accuses each person of hiding a guilty secret. That evening, former reckless driver Tony Marston is found murdered by a deadly dose of cyanide.

The tension escalates as the survivors realise the killer is not only among them but…


Book cover of The Guest List

Kaira Rouda Author Of Best Day Ever

From my list on thrillers to take with you on vacation.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love to take destination thrillers with me on vacation. It’s like a double whammy of travel. I also love to write destination thrillers and have written quite a few, including my first book, set in a charming lakefront community on Lake Erie, Ohio. My other destination thrillers include Beneath the Surface, set on a luxurious super yacht on a trip to Catalina Island from Newport Beach, California, and my latest, Under the Palms, set at a fabulous Laguna Beach luxury resort. I love to write about grown-ups behaving badly. Dropping the characters into a beautiful resort or vacation setting increases the suspense. 

Kaira's book list on thrillers to take with you on vacation

Kaira Rouda Why did Kaira love this book?

This island mystery is set on a chilly resort off the coast of Ireland, so you won’t need sunscreen here, but you will need stamina as you’re once again trapped.

I loved this cast of characters attending the wedding of a glamorous and famous bride and groom. Media celebrities are so much fun to read about. But the real star of the show is the hostile setting and the menacing characters who are all there for something, some cleverly hiding their true motives until the very end.

A fast, propulsive read. 

By Lucy Foley,

Why should I read it?

12 authors picked The Guest List as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

*The brand new thriller from Lucy Foley - THE PARIS APARTMENT - is available to pre-order now*

The No.1 Sunday Times bestseller

*Over 1 million copies sold worldwide*
*One of The Times and Sunday Times Crime Books of the Year*
*Goodreads Choice Awards winner for Crime & Mystery 2020*

A gripping, twisty murder mystery thriller from the No.1 bestselling author of The Hunting Party.

'Lucy Foley is really very clever' Anthony Horowitz
'Thrilling' The Times
'A classic whodunnit' Kate Mosse
'Sharp and atmospheric and addictive' Louise Candlish
'A furiously twisty thriller' Clare Mackintosh

On an island off the windswept Irish…


Book cover of Wrong Place Wrong Time

Erin La Rosa Author Of The Backtrack

From my list on for anyone who still wonders, "What if...?".

Why am I passionate about this?

I wanted to write my book (below) because I often wonder, “What if?” about many things in my life. What if I’d stayed in-state for college? What if I’d never moved to California? What if I’d stayed together with my high school boyfriend? This book answered those questions for me, and I know that reading any of the books below will not only do that for you but also bring lots of reading joy.

Erin's book list on for anyone who still wonders, "What if...?"

Erin La Rosa Why did Erin love this book?

Wow! Wowie! To be honest, I am not someone who ever knows the ending of a thriller. I guess whatever part of the brain decides if you'll be good at solving mysteries, I don't have it! And every time I thought I knew where Gillian was leading me, the reader, I was always very wrong.

I really loved the powerful message of the strength of mothers throughout this book. I liked that this was time travel, but not so complicated that I couldn't follow it. I loved how this book explored the idea of "what if" and second chances in a really unique and compelling way. It was absorbing and fast-paced, and it definitely went down easy for me.

By Gillian McAllister,

Why should I read it?

10 authors picked Wrong Place Wrong Time as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

CAN YOU STOP A MURDER WHEN IT'S ALREADY HAPPENED?

'Perfection, every word, every moment. One of the best books I've ever read' LISA JEWELL
'Ingenious. A book to blow your mind and break your heart' ERIN KELLY
'Extraordinary' HARRIET TYCE
'I am totally in awe. This is one story I will not forget' HEIDI PERKS
'Genre-bending and totally original. A tour de force!' CLAIRE DOUGLAS

PRE-ORDER THE BOOK EVERYONE HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT
_________

It's every parent's nightmare.

Your happy, funny, innocent son commits a terrible crime: murdering a complete stranger.

You don't know who. You don't know why. You…


Book cover of Disclaimer

Karen Osman Author Of The Perfect Lie

From my list on thrillers that keep your heart pumping with action.

Why am I passionate about this?

Like most writers, I read a lot, and throughout my life, reading has gotten me through the highs and lows, providing a much-needed break! As an award-winning novelist, I’ve written three psychological thrillers, two of which were number 1 bestsellers, and my mission is to write gripping thriller novels that entertain my readers, allowing them a little time each day to relax and escape to another world. My love of writing thrillers stems from a love of reading them. As a writer, this genre is exciting but also challenging to write, which I love. I hope you enjoy the books on this list as much as I have!

Karen's book list on thrillers that keep your heart pumping with action

Karen Osman Why did Karen love this book?

I recommend this book because the premise is so fascinating; imagine picking up a book only to discover it’s about you and your darkest secret. There were so many twists, turns, and unexpected surprises in this novel, it’s difficult not to be absorbed by it completely. It’s also a constant guessing game with the two main characters as to their motives and I really enjoyed the twist at the end – incredibly well done. 

By Renee Knight,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

IMAGINE IF THE NEXT THRILLER YOU READ WAS ALL ABOUT YOU . . .

THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER

'An addictive novel with shades of Gone Girl' Sunday Times

SHORTLISTED FOR THE THEAKSTON'S OLD PECULIER CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2016
LONGLISTED FOR THE DESMOND ELLIOTT PRIZE 2016

When an intriguing novel appears on Catherine's bedside table, she curls up and begins to read.

But as she turns the pages she is horrified to realize she is a key character, a main player.

This story will reveal her darkest secret.

A secret she thought no one else knew .…


Book cover of After Dark

Karen Osman Author Of The Perfect Lie

From my list on thrillers that keep your heart pumping with action.

Why am I passionate about this?

Like most writers, I read a lot, and throughout my life, reading has gotten me through the highs and lows, providing a much-needed break! As an award-winning novelist, I’ve written three psychological thrillers, two of which were number 1 bestsellers, and my mission is to write gripping thriller novels that entertain my readers, allowing them a little time each day to relax and escape to another world. My love of writing thrillers stems from a love of reading them. As a writer, this genre is exciting but also challenging to write, which I love. I hope you enjoy the books on this list as much as I have!

Karen's book list on thrillers that keep your heart pumping with action

Karen Osman Why did Karen love this book?

Personally, I love a mix of genres and nothing more so than a thriller with a dystopian vibe and that’s exactly what this book gives you. As a female reader, it’s refreshing to read a novel where women are in power too! The world-building by the author is really well done and is really immersive. I found it to be an unpredictable storyline too which only added to the drama and suspense. Finally, this is a great choice for a book club as it brings up lots of interesting conversation and differing opinions. 

By Jayne Cowie,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

'An original, if unsettling, debut' The Sun

'So timely, so relevant and so remarkably written, it's going to live with me for some time to come' John Marrs, #1 bestselling author of The One

WELCOME TO A WORLD WHERE WOMEN HOLD THE POWER.

They dominate workplaces, public spaces and government.

They are no longer afraid to cross a dark car park, catch the last train, or walk home alone.

With the Curfew law in place, all men are electronically tagged and must stay at home after 7pm.

It changed things for the better. Until now.

A woman is murdered late…


Book cover of The Wild Girls

Marion Todd Author Of See Them Run

From my list on locked room mysteries.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a huge fan of logic puzzles and can find myself wasting hours on these. A locked room mystery is similar to a logic puzzle. We are presented with a limited number of characters and a setting where no one can arrive or leave. Thus, the killer must be one of these characters, leaving the reader to try and find the guilty person before the end of the book. As Sherlock Holmes said, "Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth." I love to try my hand at being Sherlock both as a reader and a writer.

Marion's book list on locked room mysteries

Marion Todd Why did Marion love this book?

During lockdown I was invited to take part in an online event with three other authors, one of whom was Phoebe Morgan.

I read all three authors’ books in preparation and was quickly drawn into The Wild Girls. The locked room in this case is a luxury lodge in Botswana, the cast of characters four friends who have avoided each other for the past couple of years.

And then one of the four invites the others to celebrate her birthday with a trip to Africa, all expenses paid. But when the trio arrives the hostess is nowhere to be seen. Nor are there any staff and the lodge itself is isolated.

And then the promised party becomes a nightmarish fight for survival.  

By Phoebe Morgan,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Wild Girls as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

FOUR FRIENDS.
A LUXURY RETREAT.
IT'S GOING TO BE MURDER.

'An exhilarating, read-in-one-sitting ride' Louise Candlish
'A deadly cocktail of lies, secrets, obsession' T.M. Logan
'A heart-stopping rollercoaster of a read' B A Paris
'This is great. Kept me gripped!' Jane Fallon
'Hold your breath!' Jane Corry

In a luxury lodge on Botswana's sun-soaked plains, four friends reunite for a birthday celebration...

THE BIRTHDAY GIRL
Has it all, but chose love over her friends...

THE TEACHER
Feels the walls of her flat and classroom closing in...

THE MOTHER
Loves her baby, but desperately needs a break...

THE INTROVERT
Yearns for…


Book cover of The Fury

Kaira Rouda Author Of Best Day Ever

From my list on thrillers to take with you on vacation.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love to take destination thrillers with me on vacation. It’s like a double whammy of travel. I also love to write destination thrillers and have written quite a few, including my first book, set in a charming lakefront community on Lake Erie, Ohio. My other destination thrillers include Beneath the Surface, set on a luxurious super yacht on a trip to Catalina Island from Newport Beach, California, and my latest, Under the Palms, set at a fabulous Laguna Beach luxury resort. I love to write about grown-ups behaving badly. Dropping the characters into a beautiful resort or vacation setting increases the suspense. 

Kaira's book list on thrillers to take with you on vacation

Kaira Rouda Why did Kaira love this book?

This quirky and original thriller is set on a fabulous private island off the coast of Mykonos.

Friends gather for a weekend getaway at a former movie star’s home. Sounds fun, right? It is for the reader but not so much for the characters in the story. As the winds batter the island, cutting off access to the mainland, the luxurious estate becomes the scene of a crime.

I loved the setting, the writing style, and being transported to a Greek island. 

By Alex Michaelides,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

**THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**

“Alex Michaelides hits the trifecta with his third novel, The Fury. The highly original story presents the reader with the king of all unreliable narrators, enough twists and turns to power two novels, and a host of characters that bleed right on the page. ” ―David Baldacci

A masterfully paced thriller about a reclusive ex–movie star and her famous friends whose spontaneous trip to a private Greek island is upended by a murder ― from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient

This is a tale of murder.

Or maybe…


Book cover of One Perfect Couple

Kaira Rouda Author Of Best Day Ever

From my list on thrillers to take with you on vacation.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love to take destination thrillers with me on vacation. It’s like a double whammy of travel. I also love to write destination thrillers and have written quite a few, including my first book, set in a charming lakefront community on Lake Erie, Ohio. My other destination thrillers include Beneath the Surface, set on a luxurious super yacht on a trip to Catalina Island from Newport Beach, California, and my latest, Under the Palms, set at a fabulous Laguna Beach luxury resort. I love to write about grown-ups behaving badly. Dropping the characters into a beautiful resort or vacation setting increases the suspense. 

Kaira's book list on thrillers to take with you on vacation

Kaira Rouda Why did Kaira love this book?

I’m a huge fan of Ruth Ware–the heir apparent to the Agatha Christie crown–and this book is a perfect example of why.

Five couples are stranded on a storm-swept island as a killer stalks among them–what could be better? The story is told through the eyes of Lyla and her boyfriend Nico as they make their way toward Ever After Island to compete against four other couples to win cash prizes.

But of course, everything goes wrong. Lyla finds that the TV show is all too real–and the stakes are life and death. 

By Ruth Ware,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Pre-order the new edge-of-your-seat thriller from the bestselling author of The It Girl, the R&J pick.

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE meets THE TRAITORS

Five beautiful couples.
One deadly game.
Who will escape alive?

Lyla Santiago has spent months working on a research project that could be the key to getting a permanent job in her field.
So, she can't really drop everything to go to a desert island with her actor boyfriend Nico to film One Perfect Couple, a new reality TV show that Nico is sure will lead to his big break - can she?

Two weeks later,…


Book cover of The Hanover Square Affair

Grace Burrowes Author Of A Gentleman Fallen on Hard Times

From my list on mysteries with gorgeous prose and delightful sleuths.

Why am I passionate about this?

History has always interested me, in part because it helps explain how we got where we are. I have a bachelor of music in music history, which is where I first became aware of how small things—the invention of the quill pen—can ripple into huge consequences. Tack onto that an inclination toward political science and law, plus a family full of bench scientists, and it’s easy to see how stories set in the past that focus on whodunit, how, and why fascinate me. Both reading and writing against that tapestry educates me, entertains me, and gives me a glimpse of our capacity to transcend all difficulties for the sake of truth and justice.

Grace's book list on mysteries with gorgeous prose and delightful sleuths

Grace Burrowes Why did Grace love this book?

I find the Georgian era fascinating (kinda shows, right?) particularly in the years immediately after Waterloo.

Gardner (a pseudonym for prolific author Jennifer Ashley) presents us with a sleuth who is a former officer recently returned from the war. He’s limping in body and spirit, and the puzzles he solves take us from the slums and alleys to high society, and a lot of interesting places in between.

Lacey is grouchy, astute, sweet, and tenacious, I doubt I will ever tire of reading of his exploits. (And if he’s your jam too, you will doubtless enjoy Gardner’s Gladiator Mysteries, and her Belowstairs Mysteries.) 

By Ashley Gardner,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Hanover Square Affair as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

London, 1816
Cavalry captain Gabriel Lacey returns to Regency London from the Napoleonic wars, burned out, fighting melancholia, his career ended. His interest is piqued when he learns of a missing girl, possibly kidnapped by a prominent member of Parliament. Lacey's search for the young woman leads to murder, corruption, and dealings with a leader of the underworld. At the same time, he struggles with his transition from a soldier's life to the civilian world, redefining his role with his former commanding officer, and making new friends--from the top of society to the street girls of Covent Garden.

Book 1…


Book cover of Still Life with Murder

KJ Sweeney Author Of The Body at Back Beach

From my list on adventures of female amateur sleuths.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve loved murder mysteries since I first discovered the genre. As a child, I loved watching Morse, Miss Marple, and other detectives as they got to the bottom of whodunit. I was hooked. It wasn’t long before I started to read books starring these detectives. I really love the way that female amateur detectives often have far more ideas of what’s going on and why things have happened than the men who populate the books. What woman can’t resist reading about another woman who just gets to the bottom of it all? I know I can’t, but these books are some of the very best in the genre.

KJ's book list on adventures of female amateur sleuths

KJ Sweeney Why did KJ love this book?

I fell in love with this book almost instantly when I first read it over ten years ago. It contains many of my favorite things about murder mysteries. I really enjoy books that have a strong sense of place or time, which this one does.

I also love people who almost reluctantly start investigating a murder but can’t help but try to get to the bottom of it. This story has the added bonus of a love interest, which I also really enjoy. I’ve read and reread this book so many times I’ve lost count now.

By P.B. Ryan,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Still Life with Murder as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“What a thoroughly charming book! A beautiful combination of entertaining characters, minute historical research, and a powerful evocation of time and place.” —NYT bestselling author Barbara Hambly

Boston, 1868: The dawn of the Gilded Age, an era of burgeoning commerce and invention, of unimaginable new fortunes and lavish excess—for some. Born into poverty, young Nell Sweeney scratches by on her wits and little else until fortune blesses her with a position as nursery governess to the fabulously wealthy Hewitts. But she soon learns that ugly secrets lurk beneath the surface of their gold-plated world.

The Hewitts’ eldest son, William, a…


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