Deanna Madden Series Guide: Twisted Thriller Trilogy
If you love dark, psychological thrillers with morally complex characters, high-stakes tension, and a touch of the unhinged, A.R. Torre’s Deanna Madden series is a must-read.
This trilogy follows Deanna Madden, a woman with a violent past and an uncontrollable urge to kill. To keep the world safe from herself, she’s locked herself in an apartment for years. But when the outside world comes knocking, she’s forced to face dangers far greater than her own darkness. Equal parts psychological thriller, crime mystery, and character study, this series explores the fine line between predator and prey.
Want to explore more of her thrillers? Check out our A.R. Torre Reading Guide for a full breakdown of her books and where to start!
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Deanna Madden Series in Order
- The Girl in 6E (2014)
- Do Not Disturb (2015)
- If You Dare (2016)
Should You Read in Order? Yes! While each book has its own mystery, Deanna’s personal journey unfolds across all three books, so reading in order is highly recommended.
What is the Deanna Madden Series About?
The Premise
Deanna Madden is a woman with a dangerous secret—she wants to kill. To prevent herself from giving in to her urges, she’s spent three years locked in her apartment, working as a camgirl to support herself. She’s safe. The world is safe.
But when she begins to suspect that one of her clients is a real-life predator, she’s forced to leave her sanctuary, breaking the one rule that’s kept her from becoming a monster.
Each book in the series escalates the stakes, pulling Deanna deeper into a world of crime, obsession, and the darkest corners of human nature.
Meet the Main Characters
Deanna Madden
- Who she is: The protagonist of the series, Deanna is a highly intelligent, complex woman with violent urges. She lives in self-imposed isolation, working as a camgirl while suppressing her need to kill. But when her instincts tell her someone else is in danger, she steps outside her controlled environment—putting herself at risk.
- Personality: Sharp-witted, emotionally detached (at first), fiercely independent, and struggling with her own nature.
- Who could play her? Jessica De Gouw (Dracula, The Secrets She Keeps) or Alexandra Daddario (True Detective, Mayfair Witches)
Jeremy Pritkin
- Who he is: The delivery man who regularly drops off Deanna’s packages—and becomes her unexpected love interest. He’s kind, protective, and completely unaware of the monster Deanna is trying to suppress.
- Personality: Gentle, loyal, patient, and completely smitten with Deanna despite knowing little about her.
- Who could play him? Nicholas Hoult (The Great, Mad Max: Fury Road) or Jake Lacy (White Lotus, A Friend of the Family
Mike
- Who he is: Deanna’s “boss” in the camgirl industry, Mike handles the business side of things. He’s savvy, a little shady, but ultimately looks out for her.
- Personality: A businessman first, but he has a soft spot for Deanna.
- Who could play him? Oscar Isaac (Ex Machina, Moon Knight) or Taylor Kinney (Chicago Fire)
Agent Victor McKinney
- Who he is: An FBI agent investigating the missing girl Deanna gets involved with. He’s sharp, experienced, and suspicious of everyone.
- Personality: Dedicated, skeptical, and always on the hunt for the truth.
- Who could play him? Jon Bernthal (The Punisher, American Gigolo) or Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Walking Dead, Supernatural)
Ralph Baker (Antagonist in Book 1)
- Who he is: The client who sets off Deanna’s descent into the outside world—a man whose interests go beyond the acceptable.
- Personality: Creepy, manipulative, and a predator in every sense of the word.
- Who could play him? Michael Shannon (Knives Out, Boardwalk Empire) or Jared Leto (House of Gucci, Requiem for a Dream)
Book-By-Book Breakdown
The Girl in 6E (Book 1)
Psychological Thriller | Serial Killers | Dark & Gritty
Deanna Madden has built a carefully controlled life—never leaving her apartment, never allowing herself to harm anyone. But when she suspects a young girl is in danger, she has to break her own rules and step outside.
Why Read It?
- A unique anti-heroine with deadly impulses.
- A suspenseful plot that blends voyeurism, crime, and psychological tension.
- Twisted, fast-paced, and completely addictive.
Perfect for fans of You by Caroline Kepnes.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our The Girl in 6E by A.R. Torre book review
Do Not Disturb (Book 2)
Psychological Thriller | High-Stakes Suspense | Cat-and-Mouse Games
Now that Deanna has had a taste of the outside world, she’s trying to find balance. But danger has a way of finding her, and when she catches the attention of a violent man, she realizes she’s no longer the most dangerous person in the room.
Why Read It?
- Raises the stakes with a chilling new antagonist.
- Deanna struggles with her own dark impulses while facing external threats.
- Sharp tension and action-packed moments.
Perfect for fans of Dexter and Mindhunter.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Do Not Disturb by A.R. Torre book review
If You Dare (Book 3)
Crime Thriller | Mind Games | Psychological Breakdown
Deanna’s past comes back to haunt her when she’s accused of a crime she’s not sure she didn’t commit. As the evidence stacks up against her, she has to question whether she’s finally become the monster she’s fought to contain.
Why Read It?
- A gripping finale that keeps you guessing.
- More psychological depth as Deanna questions her reality.
- A satisfying yet chilling conclusion.
Perfect for fans of Gone Girl and Sharp Objects.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our If You Dare by A.R. Torre book review
If You Like the Deanna Madden Series, Read These Next:
Love Deanna’s dark, psychological edge? Here are some books that give off similar vibes:
- You by Caroline Kepnes – If you love an intelligent but dangerous protagonist with a questionable moral compass, Joe Goldberg is your guy.
- The Unraveling by Vi Keeland – A New York psychiatrist spirals into an unhealthy obsession with a man from her past—only to have him walk into her office as a patient. This dark, addictive psychological thriller explores ethics, control, and just how far someone will go to keep what they want.
- Sweet Pea by C.J. Skuse – Ever wanted a female version of Joe Goldberg with a dark sense of humor? Meet Rhiannon, a seemingly normal woman with a secret kill list. She’s unhinged, hilarious, and loves murder just as much as she loves snacks. Perfect for readers who like their serial killers witty and full of attitude.
FAQs About the Deanna Madden Series
Is the Deanna Madden series dark?
Yes. This series explores violent urges, voyeurism, crime, and psychological tension. It’s intense, but not overly graphic in a gore sense—though it does contain some disturbing themes.
Trigger Warnings for the Deanna Madden Series:
Potential triggers include:
- Graphic discussions of violence and murder
- Homicidal ideation
- Stalking and obsessive behavior
- Sexual content (including Deanna’s work as a camgirl)
- Child endangerment themes (The Girl in 6E)
- Assault and predatory behavior (The Girl in 6E)
- Psychological breakdowns and paranoia
- Death and trauma
If you’re sensitive to any of these themes, proceed with caution. While the books handle these topics in a thriller, not horror, style, they still dive into dark, unsettling territory.
Is there romance in the series?
There are relationships, but the focus is more on Deanna’s personal struggle and the thriller elements. Romance is secondary, and her relationships are complicated due to her murderous urges and self-isolation.
Does the series have a Happily Ever After (HEA)?
No, this is not a romance series with a HEA. The books are psychological thrillers first, meaning the endings lean dark, morally complex, and ambiguous. If you’re expecting a neatly wrapped-up happy ending, this isn’t that kind of series.
Is the Deanna Madden series finished?
Yes, the trilogy concludes with If You Dare, though A.R. Torre has hinted at possibly revisiting the character in the future.
About the Author
A.R. Torre is the thriller-focused pen name of Alessandra Torre, a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for dark psychological thrillers and suspenseful mysteries. While she first gained recognition in romance, her A.R. Torre books lean into the twisted, morally complex, and addictive side of storytelling.
Want to explore more of her thrillers? Check out our A.R. Torre Reading Guide for a full breakdown of her books and where to start!
If you love morally complex characters, dark thrillers, and stories that challenge the lines between right and wrong, this trilogy will keep you hooked. Deanna Madden is unlike any protagonist in the genre—a woman constantly battling her own mind while being pulled into dangerous real-world mysteries.
Have you read the Deanna Madden series? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
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