Discover books similar to "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer"

Thomas Harris

The Silence of the Lambs

This book, like 'Perfume', features a socially isolated protagonist with a heightened sense of perception. While Hannibal Lecter is a cannibalistic serial killer, his analytical mind and ability to 'see' people in a unique way can be compared to Grenouille's olfactory obsession.

Caleb Carr

The Alienist

This historical thriller, set in the late 19th century New York City, follows a group of investigators trying to solve a series of gruesome murders. The attention to detail in portraying the time period and the psychological profiling of the killer is reminiscent of Süskind's 'Perfume'.

Markus Zusak

The Book Thief

Narrated by Death, this novel shares Süskind's exploration of the senses, in this case, the power of words and the sense of hearing. The atmospheric and immersive storytelling will appeal to fans of 'Perfume'.

Umberto Eco

The Name of the Rose

This historical mystery combines semiotics, biblical analysis, medieval studies and literary theory. The intricate plot and the detailed setting will appeal to readers who enjoyed the intellectual depth of 'Perfume'.

Donna Tartt

The Secret History

This novel about a group of classics students at a New England college who become involved in a murder shares the theme of the corrupting influence of obsession, as in 'Perfume'.

Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray

This philosophical novel explores the relationship between beauty, morality and the human condition, much like 'Perfume'. The themes of decay and the corrupting influence of beauty are also present.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Hound of the Baskervilles

This Sherlock Holmes novel shares 'Perfume''s gothic atmosphere and exploration of the darker side of human nature. The focus on tracking and hunting, in this case a hound, can be compared to Grenouille's pursuit of the perfect scent.

Matthew Pearl

The Dante Club

This historical thriller, set in Boston in 1865, follows a group of writers who are trying to solve a series of murders that re-create scenes from Dante's Inferno. The attention to detail in portraying the time period and the psychological profiling of the killer is reminiscent of Süskind's 'Perfume'.

Philippa Gregory

The Red Queen

This historical novel, set in the 15th century England, shares 'Perfume''s exploration of the senses, in this case the sense of touch and the power of fabric. The intricate plot and the detailed setting will appeal to readers who enjoyed the intellectual depth of 'Perfume'.

Jessie Burton

The Miniaturist

Set in 17th century Amsterdam, this novel follows a young bride who discovers that her husband's miniature replica of their home is eerily similar to their real one. The attention to detail in portraying the time period and the psychological profiling of the characters is reminiscent of Süskind's 'Perfume'.

Sarah Perry

The Essex Serpent

Set in 19th century England, this novel follows a widow who moves to a small village and becomes embroiled in the search for a serpent-like creature. The novel shares 'Perfume''s exploration of the natural world and the human condition, as well as its gothic atmosphere.