The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides vs Hyperion

A famous painter shoots her husband five times in the face and then never speaks another word. A criminal psychotherapist becomes obsessed with uncovering her motive and getting her to talk. This psychological thriller is famous for its jaw-dropping twist that recontextualizes the entire story. Michaelides writes with a clinical precision that makes the obsession of the protagonist feel incredibly...

Dan Simmons' Hyperion is a structural marvel, modeled after The Canterbury Tales. Seven pilgrims travel to the distant world of Hyperion to seek answers from the Shrike, a terrifying, god-like creature. Each pilgrim shares their own story, creating a rich, multi-layered narrative that spans genres from horror to noir to hard sci-fi. The book is a brilliant exploration of time, religion, and the hu...