What do a manipulative psychiatrist, estranged best friends, two cut-throat actresses, sisters with secrets, and a woman with a plan for vengeance have in common? They round out the protagonists in these six novels that examine the dark side of female relationships. They also represent powerful, confident women who, despite their shadowy dispositions, are three dimensional and true to life. Because, let’s be honest, we all have a little “bad girl” beneath our polished façades.

An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen (St. Martin’s Press)

When Jessica Farris signs up for a psychology study on ethics and morality, all she wants is the generous compensation promised to her by the enigmatic Dr. Shields. Instead, Jessica finds herself entangled in a web of deceit. This stirring sophomore novel—from the authors of the chart-busting bestseller, The Wife Between Us—is wrought with suspense and passion.

The Last Time I Saw You by Liv Constantine (Harper)

Kate English’s mother, Lily, has been murdered in her swanky suburban home in Baltimore, and her former best friend from high school, Blaire, shows up at the funeral. Despite their falling out fifteen years earlier, all is forgiven, and Blaire adopts the role of Kate’s staunch protector and unrelenting investigator, as Lily’s killer looms. This novel is transfixing and full of twists and turns that will leave you breathless.

Temper by Layne Fargo (Gallery Books)

Kira, an ambitious actress, has finally landed the role of a lifetime. Unfortunately, she still has to work with the theater’s co-founder, Joanna, who considers Kira a threat to her own foiled artistic ambitions, her perverse relationship with volatile director Malcolm, and the scandalous secret she’s been hiding about the show. With opening night approaching, readers will realize that Malcolm’s perilous disposition is nothing compared to what Kira and Joanna are capable of.

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Girls’ Night Out by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke (Lake Union)

Psychological suspense fans will devour this unnerving novel about three estranged friends who all have something to hide. And what better place to mend old wounds than the idyllic setting of Tulum, Mexico? When one friend goes missing, the other two are sent on a wild goose chase to decipher what happened that fateful night. As the clock ticks and suspicions run deep, you’ll be on the edge of your seat. Right up to the shocking twist at the end.

The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll (Simon & Schuster)

From the author of the instant New York Times Bestseller, Luckiest Girl Alive, this dark and delicious thriller follows five hyper-achieving women who agree to appear on a reality show called Goal Diggers. The novel examines the lengths that women will go to in their relentless pursuit to look young and stay relevant. What the producers didn’t expect, is that the season would end with a murder.

The Night Before by Wendy Walker (St. Martin’s Press)

Rosie is the steady one with an idyllic family life. Laura is the one haunted by her unsettling past. When Laura disappears on the heels of a blind date, Rosie makes it her mission to find her. Executed in dual timelines—the night before and the day after—this entrancing novel follows two sisters with opposite circumstances. The question is: did Laura survive the night before?

Featured image: In the Studio by Alfred Stevens, 1888

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