What are the characteristics of the best psychological fiction books?

These books may often have unreliable narrators. This is a common characteristic in psychological fiction. By having an unreliable narrator, it makes the reader question what is real and what is just in the character's mind. For instance, the narrator's perception of events might be distorted by their own psychological traumas or desires. So, the reader has to piece together the true story while also understanding the psychological state of the narrator.

One characteristic is the in - depth exploration of characters' inner thoughts. For example, in 'Mrs. Dalloway' by Virginia Woolf, we get to peek into the minds of the characters as they go about their day, with their memories, fears, and desires all laid bare. Another is the use of unreliable narrators. 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov has an unreliable narrator which makes the reader constantly question the truth and the psychological state of the storyteller.

Psychological books fiction often focuses on the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters. For example, they might explore how a character's past traumas shape their present behavior. They can also be very character - driven, with the plot revolving around the psychological development or decline of the main character.

Psychological fiction books typically have complex characters with hidden motives. They might not be what they seem at first glance. In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', Dorian's true self is gradually revealed as the story progresses. Also, these books often use unreliable narrators. In 'Lolita', Humbert Humbert's narration is suspect, which adds to the psychological depth. They also tend to be thought - provoking, making readers question human nature and society.

Good psychological crime fiction often blurs the lines between right and wrong. The characters may not fit into the typical moral categories. In some novels, the detective or the main character may have their own psychological flaws that affect their investigation. This adds depth and realism to the story. It's not just about solving a crime, but about understanding the human mind behind it.

I think 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is a great psychological book. It's full of twists and turns that keep you guessing about the characters' true motives and mental states. The complex relationship between Nick and Amy is a study in psychological manipulation. Then there's 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' by Lionel Shriver. This novel examines the mind of a mother trying to come to terms with her son's violent actions. It makes you question nature vs. nurture and the psychological makeup of a person capable of such horror. Also, 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins has strong psychological elements as the unreliable narrator tries to piece together a mystery while dealing with her own personal demons.

Some of the top psychological fiction books include 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis. It offers a disturbing look into the mind of a serial killer. 'Never Let Me Go' by Kazuo Ishiguro is also great. It makes you think about the nature of humanity and the psychological impact of a very unique situation. 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt is another good one. It has elements of loss, guilt, and the search for meaning, which are all explored through the psychological lens of the main character.

One characteristic is the use of unreliable narrators. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the alternating perspectives of the two main characters, both of whom have their own secrets and motives, keep the reader guessing. Another is the exploration of the dark side of human nature. In 'American Psycho', the protagonist's violent and misogynistic tendencies are deeply explored. Also, a sense of psychological isolation is often present. In 'The Shining', the family is isolated in the hotel, which exacerbates the psychological breakdown.

Good psychological books fiction often has complex characters. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', the characters like Gatsby himself are full of contradictions, which makes readers dig deep into their motives and inner worlds. Another characteristic is the exploration of deep emotions. In 'Wuthering Heights', the love and hatred between Heathcliff and Catherine are so intense that it reflects the complexity of human emotions. Also, they usually have thought - provoking themes, like in 'Brave New World' which makes us think about the impact of technology on human nature.

Bestselling psychological fiction books often have complex characters. For example, in 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides, the main character Alicia is a mystery herself. Her silence after a crime is what draws readers in, and we get to explore her psyche as the story progresses.