If you liked Gone Girl, Big Little Lies, or The Push—this dark little indie novel just wrecked me.

So I just finished a book called Wasps by J Grabell and I’m honestly kind of stunned it’s not everywhere.

It’s being compared to Gone Girl and Big Little Lies, but it’s not as flashy. It’s quieter. Smarter. Sadder. Meaner.

Starts off as a gardening club. Ends… differently. I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say it made me laugh and feel vaguely homicidal.

Here’s what I loved: • The characters are flawed, emotionally starved, and weirdly relatable • It’s got this dry, literary tone that reminded me a bit of Shirley Jackson or Ottessa Moshfegh • Domestic noir but with more soul—and way more psychological insight • Legitimately funny in that “I’m fine everything’s fine :)” kind of way • There’s a metaphor with wasps that hits hard by the end

If you’ve ever wanted something like: 🪓 The Push but more layered 🧤 We Have Always Lived in the Castle but modern 🌺 Big Little Lies if it didn’t care about being likable

…this is probably for you.

Would love other recs like this: dark, female-driven, slightly unhinged, emotionally devastating but with humour. Bonus points if there’s no clear villain—just people slowly cracking under life.