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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Denison chapter.

Hello! Need a break from life? Want to dive into someone else’s story for a little? Here’s a list of some of my personal brain wracking, puzzling novels that I’ve had the pleasure of exploring! 

  1. The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins
    1. If you have to decide which one to read it’s this one! I took this book with me on a flight to Europe and I literally consumed it all in one sitting
  2. A Simple Favor by Darcy Bell
    1. This started out a bit fluffy and slow in my opinion. I was ready to shelf this one away halfway through but the plot picks up towards the end. The story still feels like there is a lot of holes in it but enjoyable enough if you need to pass time on the beach.
  3. Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
    1. Yes, this is the same person that wrote Big Little Lies. The reason why I’m not putting Big Little Lies on the list is that I feel like it’s gotten a lot of recognition already so I’m putting her other story here because I feel that it is also good!
  4. The Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
    1. Not gonna lie, the protagonist was unlikeable. Ani was condescending, irritable, and selfish. I know that she’s been through unspeakable trauma (no spoilers) but there are people that go through it and come out of the fire without casting judgment on those that don’t even deserve it. But, the writing is strong and if you’re curious about what unfolds, check it out. It’s not a complete waste of your time.
  5. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
    1. Okay, if you haven’t even seen the movie yet then you’re just flat out missing out. 
  6. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn 
    1. I actually watched the HBO show before I checked out this book. It’s CREEPY. SPINE-CHILLING. I COULDN’T SLEEP. PREPARE YOURSELF.

These are just a few out of the many crime/mystery novels I have yet to devour—may have lost a bit of sleep over these thrillers but getting a chance to learn about the plot and characters that these authors have wonderfully crafted out onto the page makes it all worth it. Next time you get a chance, I highly suggest you take a chance to look through these. Even if you don’t, make sure you’re taking care of yourselves—you don’t have to say yes to everything, time to yourself is perfectly validated. You’re doing enough <3

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