An apology. I’ve neglected my Substack readers and I’m sorry. It’s all about routine and actually, I’m rather bad at that. When I’m mid-book - which is most of the past year, as I’ve written four psychological thrillers so far - my head is one hundred percent in book writing. But of course I shouldn’t just be reaching out when I’ve got a new book out.
I’ve been pretty consistent with Instagram over the past few years, but blimey, there’s been a massive disengagement. It’s probably because I’m not making reels or stories or whatever else the algorithms demand. Have you experienced the same?
So I’m doing a couple of things:
I’ve sent up a readers group on Facebook called (unimaginatively!) Miranda Rijks’ Thriller Readers Group. If you haven’t already joined, perhaps you will? I’ll be sharing my bookish news, running giveaways and talking about thrillers that I’ve enjoyed reading. I hope to create a community where everyone will talk about their favourite reads.
I’m changing things up here on Substack. Readers who sign up for the free newsletter will carry on getting periodic emails with news. But what if you’re not jut a reader but a writer too? Or an aspiring writer? I’ve got so many tips to give to writers. Twenty-one books in, I have a process that allows me to write four books a year. If you’d like to learn more about how I do that, perhaps you’d be willing to support me by becoming a paid reader? If so, you’ll get my blueprint on how to write psychological thrillers. You’ll also get exclusive giveaways and a monthly short story. If you’d like to know more, please click Subscribe now.
My next psychological thriller, The Homemaker will be published this Sunday 22 October. As always, it’s 99c / 99p or free in Kindle Unlimited. It’s on pre-order now.
“Absolutely chilling... Miranda Rijks is known for her twisted plots and terrifying characters, and this book is further proof of why. I was immediately sucked into this sinister world where everyone has a secret and you aren't sure who is lying. A brilliant look into a dark, calculating, and completely unhinged mind, filled with uncertainty, terror, and absolutely unpredictable twists and turns. I haven't stopped thinking about this book since I finished it. An absolute must-read if you love horrifying psychological thrillers, family drama, and twists you won't see coming. Clear your schedule and prepare to devour this book in a day!”
-Kiersten Modglin, bestselling author of The Family Secret
Maria always wanted a family. Now she’s found one.
Imogen has never been so busy – she’s juggling two jobs, has a young family and now she’s pregnant again.
Enter Maria, the perfect housekeeper. Hard working and capable, she seems like the ideal solution to Imogen's chaotic life. But Maria isn’t at all what she seems – she has a sinister agenda of her own.
Little by little, she installs herself at the heart of Imogen’s family – doing the school run, cooking meals, caring for Imogen’s little girl.
But once she has won the family’s trust, Maria starts to do some digging. And discovers that Imogen has been keeping a terrible secret, a secret which Maria threatens to reveal unless Imogen starts to run this home the way Maria sees fit.
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Imogen has no choice but to comply.
A terrible mistake. Because as the full scale of Maria’s horrifying plan becomes apparent, Imogen realises that everything she holds dear – her marriage, her family, her friends – all may fall victim to The Homemaker.
I was recently asked, of all the psychological thrillers I’ve read this year, (about 90 and counting) which were my favourite. It was really difficult but I chose two:
Have you read them and do you agree? I think these books are perfect psychological thrillers, with believable characters that you root for, and gasp-inducing twists.
As always, thank you for subscribing and happy reading!
Miranda x