The Bookish Ashley

If you’re anything like me, you’ve binge-watched You on Netflix with wide eyes, sweaty palms, and a disturbing amount of sympathy for Joe Goldberg (don’t lie, it’s a safe space). That mix of psychological suspense, dark obsession, and messy romance is addictive—and when the credits rolled, I immediately needed more.

If you’re looking for books that will scratch that same itch, here are 7 picks you need to add to your TBR immediately:

1. You by Caroline Kepnes

Okay, let’s start with the obvious. If you haven’t read the original book series the show is based on, fix that. Caroline Kepnes’ writing is razor-sharp, hypnotic, and even darker than the Netflix version. Plus, you get even more of Joe’s disturbingly charming inner monologue.

2. The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose

This one is perfect if you love domestic suspense with a side of secrets and betrayal. When a defense attorney finds herself representing her own husband for the murder of his mistress… well, let’s just say trust no one.

3. Verity by Colleen Hoover

Twisted, creepy, sexy—Verity will make you question everything you thought you knew about the characters. It’s got the same “am I rooting for the wrong person?” energy that You fans love.

4. My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing

A suburban husband and wife who murder for fun? Sign me up. This book is a deliciously dark look at the secrets couples keep—and how far they’ll go to keep up appearances.

5. For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing

Yes, another Samantha Downing novel because she gets that messy, morally gray vibe. Set at a prestigious private school, this one involves teachers, murder, and the very messy business of reputation management.

6. The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

If you love manipulation and watching sociopaths play mind games, this is your next read. The slow unraveling of lies and ambition is so satisfying—and full of delicious, unexpected twists.

7. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

A classic for fans of unreliable narrators, psychological thrills, and the “can I even trust what I just saw?” tension. Bonus points for the moody atmosphere and plenty of gasp-worthy reveals.

Final Thoughts:

You isn’t just about a guy stalking women—it’s about obsession, delusion, and how terrifyingly easy it is to fall into the wrong person’s narrative. These books tap into that same unsettling magic. Whether you want a full-blown psychological spiral or a slow-burn descent into chaos, your next obsession is waiting.

Which one will you pick up first?

And most importantly… how soon is too soon to rewatch Joe Goldberg’s greatest hits?