The most recommended books about stalking

Who picked these books? Meet our 33 experts.

33 authors created a book list connected to stalking, and here are their favorite stalking books.
Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What type of stalking book?

Loading...
Loading...

Book cover of The Housekeeper

Marie Still Author Of We're All Lying

From my list on whiplash inducing twists.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a reader and a writer, I am drawn to the darker side of human nature. Dysfunctional families, toxic relationships, liars, murderers, bring on the bad. An avid reader of horror and thrillers, I love a jaw-dropping twist. I aim for that feeling in my own novels, opening up reader questions and slowly delivering satisfying answers until the final big reveal. While inside my head is very dark and murdery, outside I live a very normal, law-abiding life, in Tampa with my husband, our four kids, and two dogs.  

Marie's book list on whiplash inducing twists

Marie Still Why did Marie love this book?

Revenge is sweet, or is it? Claire has a bone to pick with Hannah, who she blames for ruining her life. She infiltrates Hannah’s picture-perfect life by posing as a housekeeper. All that glitters isn’t gold, and when Claire moves in with Hannah, her husband, and their newborn, she discovers she’s not the only one with secrets. I can blame a few sleepless nights on this book, as I furiously flipped pages to get to the end.   

By Natalie Barelli,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"...Dark and bitingly funny!"

She's a liar. She's a stalker. She's in your house.

When Claire sees Hannah Wilson at an exclusive Manhattan hair salon, it's like a knife slicing through barely healed scars. It may have been ten years since Claire last saw Hannah, but she has thought of her every day, and not in a good way. So Claire does what anyone would do in her position—she stalks her.

Hannah is now Mrs. Carter, living the charmed life that should have been Claire's. It's the life Claire used to have, before Hannah came along and took it all…


Book cover of Killing Women: The True Story of Serial Killer Don Miller's Reign of Terror

Alan R. Warren Author Of Murder Times Six: The True Story of the Wells Gray Murders

From my list on covering the criminal justice system in America.

Why am I passionate about this?

When writing about true crime it is important for me to write about the victim’s lives before, during, and even after the crime happened. Unlike the rest of us, after the trial ends, their life continues dealing with the after-effects including parole hearings for the murderer. I've written 12 true crime books and I am the host and producer of the popular true crime history radio show House of Mystery on NBC news talk radio network throughout the U.S. & Canada. I am autistic and I have a master’s degree in Music from the University of Washington in Seattle, and a bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. 

Alan's book list on covering the criminal justice system in America

Alan R. Warren Why did Alan love this book?

This is a relatively new book, but not only does it take you through the case of serial killer Don Miller it explains how difficult it can be for the survivors to move on with their lives. In general, most people think that once the trial is over  that everyone can move on with their lives, but that’s not always the case. Killers like don Miller come up for parole, and that’s when the second part of the journey continues for these survivors. It becomes really hard to move forward with their lives when they have to relive the murders at every parole hearing until either the killer is released or dies.

By Rod Sadler,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"Rod Sadler takes us through the twisted world of a serial killer, in a labor of love that pays respect to those lives the monster destroyed and reminding us why they should never be forgotten and he should never be free." - Dave Schrader, host of Darkness Radio and True Crime Tuesday, and host of The Travel Channel's 'The Holzer Files'

Will A Serial Killer Soon Walk The Streets Again?

Don Miller was quiet and reserved. As a former youth pastor, he seemed a devout Christian. No one would have ever suspected that the recent graduate of the Michigan State…


Book cover of Salt + Stilettos

Gia De Cadenet Author Of Not the Plan

From my list on helping romance lovers remember who they are.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a long-time expat in France, a creative and a Black woman, I get othered and rejected a lot. I’ve had to learn how to own my story – of starting over, of building something from nothing, of remembering where I’ve been, and reminding myself of where I’m going. I had to learn to reject the labels that others want to put on me and draft my own personal hype mantra then embellish it with a little bombshell sparkle. The books I’ve chosen are meant to entertain while giving you the chance to remind yourself of who you are and who you can choose to be.  

Gia's book list on helping romance lovers remember who they are

Gia De Cadenet Why did Gia love this book?

Not just anyone can grow up dirt poor, build a successful consulting business in Miami, survive being stalked, and keep the world in the dark about their crippling anxiety.

Brett Fontaine does it without letting a lock of hair get out of place – true bombshell style. A relationship with her new client, the media-clueless cinnamon roll chef Will Te’o, is completely ill-advised. So of course, that’s exactly what happens.

I adored this book because it so easy to identify with Brett. We all want to be together on the outside and respected in our fields. But there’s still the fear that we’re whatever weaknesses we may have had in the past.

Will helps Brett see the badass inside of her. Walden-West does the same for her readers.

By Janet Walden-West,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Trading her red-dirt roots for the title of Miami’s go-to image consultant, Brett Fontaine refuses to let anything jeopardize her new life.

…Not an influential client-turned-stalker who’s up for parole…

…Not post-kidnapping panic attacks…

…And certainly not the stubborn, attention-phobic chef with the tempting tataus she’s been challenged to transform into a celeb in ninety days.

Will Te’o can almost taste the dream he sacrificed American Samoa, culture, and cherished family ties for—opening a four-star restaurant in the most cut-throat culinary location in North America.

Unfortunately, that requires navigating its equally ruthless social scene.

When his first public performance ends…


Book cover of The Princes of the Golden Cage

Rachanee Lumayno Author Of Heir of Amber and Fire

From my list on awesome fantasy you may not have heard of.

Why am I passionate about this?

Fantasy is my favorite genre, and honestly, I’m pretty deep in it. Not only do I read a lot of fantasy, I also write fantasy novels. I’ve been an active TTRPG player for the last few years, even creating and running a few campaigns. In addition, I wrote a one-shot campaign set in the world of my fantasy series, the Gifted Lands, which people can get for free when they sign up for my newsletter on my website. So it’s safe to say, I like fantasy. :) If you check out any of these books, let me know what you think of them! 

Rachanee's book list on awesome fantasy you may not have heard of

Rachanee Lumayno Why did Rachanee love this book?

This one is just a good, fun read, great if you’re on vacation or want to read something entertaining.

Amir is one of many princes who lives with his myriad of royal brothers to basically be a spare. He and his brothers are given whatever they want, except their freedom.

Depending on who’s alive at any given time, the potential heir to the throne can change, so it’s not uncommon for factions to form and blood to be shed. But when this happens a little too often, Amir must figure out who’s killing off everyone.

With a great story and intriguing mystery, this one’s definitely worth a read.

By Nathalie Mallet,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Prince Amir lives in a lavish and beautiful cage. He shares a palace with over a hundred of his brothers, all barred from ever leaving until he, or one of his brothers, becomes the next Sultan. Living under constant threat of death at the hands of his scheming brothers, Amir has chosen a life of solitude and study. But his scholarly and alchemical pursuits bring him under suspicion when, one by one, his brothers are struck down by darkest sorcery.

Amir's monastic existence is also turned upside-down when he falls passionately in love with the beautiful Princess Eva, an exotic…


Book cover of Haunting Adeline

Dana Christy Author Of A Heart's Salvation

From Dana's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Educator Reader Musician Outdoorsy Mother of four

Dana's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Dana Christy Why did Dana love this book?

Haunting Adeline was tops. If you love dark romances, Adeline and Zade are it!

Adeline uncovers the murderous truths as she moves into her deceased Nanas mansion. The story twists through the gripping mystery of her Great-Grandmothers murder by a stalker.

Similarly, Adeline must deal with a stalker of her own, Zade. Torturously, I watched Adeline follow the same dangerous path, first fearing Zade but later falling for him. I love stories that take on winding roads of mystery and character development and shock me with every new chapter.

This story went further, taking a dark turn down the rabbit hole of the skin trade, and may not be for some readers, but for me, it was amazingly written and edgy. Often, I told myself, Only one more chapter,” but I ended up finishing the book in one day.

Its that enthralling! H.D.…

By H D Carlton,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The Manipulator

I can manipulate the emotions of anyone who lets me.

I will make you hurt, make you cry, make you laugh and sigh.

But my words don't affect him. Especially not when I plead for him to leave.

He's always there, watching and waiting.

And I can never look away.

Not when I want him to come closer.


The Shadow

I didn't mean to fall in love.

But now that I have, I can't stay away.

I'm mesmerized by her smile, by her eyes, and the way she moves.

The way she undresses...

I'll keep watching and waiting.…


Book cover of The Big Fix: Hope After Heroin

James Brown Author Of The Los Angeles Diaries: A Memoir

From my list on addiction and recovery from someone who has been there.

Why am I passionate about this?

I took my first hit of marijuana when I was 9. I had my first drink at 12 and my first shot of heroin at 14.  My brother and sister were also alcoholics and ended up taking their own lives. I abused drugs and alcohol for over 30 years, and after many failed attempts to turn my life around, I now have 15 years of continuous sobriety. I’ve also read almost ninety books on the topic of substance abuse and have written several myself about my personal struggles to get clean and sober and stay that way.  Addiction, sadly, is a subject I know all too well.

James' book list on addiction and recovery from someone who has been there

James Brown Why did James love this book?

Another underrated and underread book, this memoir traces one woman’s descent into heroin hell and, ultimately, her recovery and redemption. I’ve known many heroin addicts in my day, and I hate to say it, especially publicly, but very few have been able to turn their lives around. Mitchell is one of the exceptions, and she sets a wonderful example for others to follow and not lose hope. Many memoirists simply make a record of their lives, or, worse, glorify their drug addiction, but not Hanson. Her book is one of insight and soul-searching into the madness of addiction. She pulls no punches about the ugliness of the addict’s life, yet at the same time, she offers hope to the most seemingly hopeless among us. At the heart of this book is a powerful message of recovery by someone, who by all accounts, should be dead.

By Tracey Helton Mitchell,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

After surviving nearly a decade of heroin abuse and hard living on the streets of San Francisco's Tenderloin District, Tracey Helton Mitchell decided to get clean for good.

With raw honesty and a poignant perspective on life that only comes from starting at rock bottom, Tracey tells her story of transformation from homeless heroin addict to stable mother of three-and the hard work and hard lessons that got her there. Rather than dwelling on the pain of addiction, The Big Fix focuses on her journey of recovery and rebuilding her life, while exposing the failings of the American rehab system…


Book cover of Fear No Evil

Michael R. Lane Author Of The Gem Connection

From my list on African American mysteries.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an avid reader, I read a wide variety of books. Of the fiction genre mystery and suspense remain my favorite. From the classics to the gritty, a well-told mystery is a literary gem. As my mystery palette has aged—like my taste in wine—so are my demands of what makes a good mystery novel. The best mysteries for me contain more than a serpentine journey toward the hidden truth. They have intriguing characters, crisp dialogue, interesting settings, formidable foes, and of course indispensable heroes or anti-heroes. My writing goal is aimed at achieving the same level of literary penmanship of the mysteries I enjoy reading so much.

Michael's book list on African American mysteries

Michael R. Lane Why did Michael love this book?

Dr. Alex Cross and Detective John Sampson are preparing to leave on their “manly trip” into the Montana wilderness when they receive a call from Metro PD. A dead CIA officer puts a pause on their plans. During his investigation, Alex receives an unnerving text from the criminal genius known as “M” who has terrorized Cross and his family for years. Alex and John eventually make it to Montana. Their vacation takes a treacherous 360-degree turn as they venture deep into the rugged Montana wilderness. Two rival teams of trained assassins are hunting them. One controlled by “M”. The other by the cartel. Cross and Sampson are isolated and cut off in a life-or-death struggle. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. A thriller right up until the end.

By James Patterson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Fear No Evil as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Alex Cross enters the final battle with the all-knowing genius who has stalked him and his family for years.

Dr. Alex Cross and Detective John Sampson venture into the rugged Montana wilderness—where they will be the prey.
 
They’re not on the job, but on a personal mission. 
 
Until they’re attacked by two rival teams of assassins, controlled by the same mastermind who has stalked Alex and his family for years. 
 
Darkness falls. The river churns into rapids. Shots ring out through the forest. 
 
No backup. No way out. Fear no evil.

Book cover of Insomnia

Nichole Giles Author Of Water So Deep

From my list on YA fantasy you should have read ten years ago.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an author of Young Adult Fantasy fiction. When my oldest was six, I started reading Harry Potter to him. It was such a bonding experience that we both cherish. We still talk about the stories, even though he's all grown up and lives away from me most of the time. The thing about fantasy is that stories set in worlds or with people that don’t actually exist make it easier for us to swallow deep meanings, storylines with which we can identify, and that crawl deep down into our souls and nest there. It’s not just about escaping into a fantasy world, but about finding human experience in otherworldly situations and characters. 

Nichole's book list on YA fantasy you should have read ten years ago

Nichole Giles Why did Nichole love this book?

Every once in a while, when I’m under a lot of stress or experiencing emotional turmoil, I struggle to sleep. At one point a few years back. I went more than a week where I was only able to sleep around an hour or two per night. Needless to say, I was not myself. I love how this story explores the importance of sleep, the long-term effects of not getting a solid amount of it, and what it’s like to lose large chunks of time that you can’t account for. Plus, stalking. There’s a lot of fascinating psychology in this story, along with a best friend whose sense of humor brings valuable comic relief to the situation. Yeah. Another must-read!

By J.R. Johansson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Insomnia as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

Instead of sleeping, Parker Chipp spends each night trapped in the dream of the last person he’s made eye contact with. Every night he is crushed by other people’s fear and pain, by their disturbing secrets—and Parker can never have dreams of his own. The severe exhaustion from his brain never truly sleeping is crippling him. If nothing changes, Parker could soon be facing the real life nightmares of psychosis and even death.

Then he meets Mia. Her dreams, calm and beautifully uncomplicated, allow him blissful rest that is utterly addictive. There is no denying how badly Parker needs it.…


Book cover of Stalking Her Sweetly

Emma Bray Author Of Stalking Sophie

From my list on insta-love short reads with possessive alpha males.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've always loved reading romance, and something about those jealous, possessive, alpha males just always got my heart racing. I love a hero who's all in from the get-go and will do anything for the woman he loves. He knows what he wants and goes after it. I also get how crazy busy we can be. I don't know about you, but I don't always have time to sit down and read a super long novel. Insta-love romances are short and spicy and don't take more than an hour or two to read. You can count on my insta-love stories to be filled with heat, passion, and happily ever afters.

Emma's book list on insta-love short reads with possessive alpha males

Emma Bray Why did Emma love this book?

Once again, I'm a sucker for a good stalker romance, and boy is Silas a hot stalker. He's not a creepy-type stalker but one who's just totally obsessed with the woman he loves. Everything he does is to keep Jamie safe, even if it is totally over the top. And Jamie is such a cute, goofy heroine. It's hard not to love her. This book had a bit of mystery element to it too, which was really cool. And, of course, it had MINK's signature: a kitty cat co-starring as a character. The way she includes a fluffy feline in all her books really gives them all a sweet touch.

By MINK,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Silas

Am I stalking my neighbor Jamie? Yes. Is that necessarily a bad thing? Surely not. Look, I realize it sounds bad, okay? But I take care of Jamie’s problems whenever they arise. Just look at her ex-boyfriend, for example. He was trouble. Now he’s not around anymore. See? I solve problems. Whenever Jamie needs help, I’ll be there for her. It’s just who I am. Besides, if you aren’t obsessed with the one you love, are you even in love?

Jamie

Someone is stalking me. I can’t figure out who it is, but I know they’re out there. And…


Book cover of Is Mother Dead

Patricia Duncker Author Of Sophie and the Sibyl: A Victorian Romance

From Patricia's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Novelist Academic Crazy cat lady Opera fanatic Deep reader

Patricia's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Patricia Duncker Why did Patricia love this book?

Why isn’t there a question mark in the title? The bright cover caught my eye. Vigdis Hjorth is a leading novelist in Norway. She creates three vivid characters: Mother, Sister, Daughter, and this is a stalker story of familial retribution.

The abused and abandoned daughter is our compelling narrator: she seeks recognition and revenge. Hjorth uses the metaphors from Scandi-Noir crime fiction: the cabin buried in the forest, bitter cold turning to snow, a lone elk moving through the darkness.

The tension in this sinister emotional tale is almost unbearable, as the daughter stalks her prey: spying on her mother’s movements, visiting the father’s grave, hiding behind dustbins, plotting access to the flat. I felt completely involved in this terrifying drama and wolfed down every page. 

By Vigdis Hjorth, Charlotte Barslund (translator),

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

'To mother is to murder, or close enough', thinks Johanna, as she looks at the spelling of the two words in Norwegian. She's recently widowed and back in Oslo after a long absence as she prepares for a retrospective of her art. The subject of her work is motherhood and some of her more controversial paintings have brought about a dramatic rift between parent and child. This new proximity, after decades of acrimonious absence, set both women on edge, and before too long Johanna finds her mother stalking her thoughts, and Johanna starts stalking her mother's house.