Books Like...
Set in late 19th century New York City, 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr follows a team of individuals, including the alienist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, crime reporter John Moore, and a few detectives, as they track down a serial killer targeting young boys and possibly young girls. The novel intertwines historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt with fictional characters to create a gripping psychological thriller. Through detailed historical research, the author recreates the atmosphere of the period, delving into the birth of American profiling and modern forensic science.
The book is a complex blend of mystery, thriller, and historical fiction, providing a rich historical portrait of New York City while also delivering a suspenseful detective story utilizing early psychological profiling techniques. The narrative is filled with chilling details and vivid descriptions that bring the city to life, immersing readers in the gritty yet intriguing world of criminal investigation in the late 1800s.
If you liked The Alienist, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Set in 1870s London, "The Crimson Petal and the White" follows the lives of various characters navigating the stark realities of both poverty and wealth during the Victorian era. The story revolves around Sugar, a prostitute striving to improve her circumstances, and William, a complex character whose actions disappoint and intrigue readers. Michel Faber's writing style immerses readers in the sights and sounds of London, offering a detailed portrayal of the time period.
Watch your step. Keep your wits about you; you will need them. This city I am bringing you to is vast and intricate, and you have not been here before. You may imagine, from other stories you’ve read,... - #2
"Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit" by John E. Douglas delves into the world of criminal profiling within the FBI, focusing on the psychological analysis of serial killers. It provides a detailed account of the formation and evolution of the FBI's criminal profiling unit in the 1970s, showcasing how real cases influenced popular culture portrayals of criminals like Hannibal Lecter. offers readers a dark and fascinating insight into the psychology of serial killers, exploring the methods used by the FBI to understand and catch these criminals.
That’s what I have to do. Think of one of those nature films: a lion on the Serengeti plain in Africa. He sees this huge herd of antelope at a watering hole. But somehow —we can see it in his eyes— th... - #3
Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood is a historical fiction novel based on the true story of Grace Marks, a servant convicted of a double murder in 19th century Canada. The story is told through Grace's own words to a doctor interested in her case, exploring themes of class structure, the legal system, and the blurred lines between innocence and guilt. Atwood weaves the narrative with flashbacks, quilt block patterns, and other hints about women's lives during that time, creating a psychologically interesting and haunting story.
Out of the gravel there are peonies growing. They come up through the loose grey pebbles, their buds testing the air like snails’ eyes, then swelling and opening, huge dark-red flowers all shining and... - #4
'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a medieval murder mystery set in a 14th-century Italian monastery where Brother William of Baskerville investigates charges of heresy as monks begin to die one by one. The book delves into the complexities of religious factions, beliefs, and conflicts during a time of political and religious unrest, with a central mystery surrounding rare parchments in the library. Eco's writing style combines elements of historical fiction, mystery, and intellectual discourse, exploring themes of doubt, belief, signs, meaning, and ambiguity.
ON AUGUST 16, 1968, I WAS HANDED A BOOK WRITTEN BY A CERTAIN Abbé Vallet, Le Manuscrit de Dom Adson de Melk, traduit en français d’après l’édition de Dom J. Mabillon (Aux Presses de l’Abbaye de la Sou... - #5
'One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd' by Jim Fergus is a historical fiction novel set in the USA West in 1875. The story revolves around the character of May Dodd, who becomes part of a government program where white women are sent to marry Cheyenne Indians as a means of assimilation. The narrative is presented in the form of journals written by May Dodd, detailing her experiences and the challenges faced by the women involved in this social experiment. explores themes of cultural assimilation, complex characters, and the harsh realities of life on the frontier.
- #6
"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson delves into two parallel stories set during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. One storyline follows the ambitious architect Daniel Burnham as he strives to create the greatest World's Fair ever seen, while the other narrative focuses on Dr. H.H. Holmes, who becomes the first mass murderer in U.S. history. intricately weaves together the challenges of organizing the fair with the chilling crimes committed by Holmes, creating a captivating blend of history and true crime. Readers are taken on a journey through the bustling city of Chicago, where the grandeur of the fair contrasts with the darkness of Holmes' actions, all presented in a narrative that reads like a suspense novel.
THE DATE WAS APRIL 14, 1912, a sinister day in maritime history, but of course the man in suite 63–65, shelter deck C, did not yet know it. What he did know was that his foot hurt badly, more than he ... - #7
'A Morbid Taste for Bones' in the series 'Chronicles of Brother Cadfael' follows the protagonist Brother Cadfael, a medieval monk and amateur sleuth, as he accompanies a group of monks on a journey to a Welsh village to retrieve the relics of a saint. The local community opposes the relocation of the saint's bones, and when a murder occurs, suspicion falls on the monks. Brother Cadfael takes it upon himself to investigate the murder and unravel the deception surrounding the crime, all while bringing justice to the Welsh village they have invaded.
The plot of the book combines historical fiction with mystery, featuring well-developed characters and intricate descriptions of the medieval setting. The narrative follows Brother Cadfael's intelligent and deft hand in solving the murder mystery, incorporating themes of justice, deception, and the clash between different cultures and beliefs.
ON THE FINE, BRIGHT MORNING IN EARLY MAY when the whole sensational affair of the Gwytherin relics may properly be considered to have begun, Brother Cadfael had been up long before Prime, pricking out... - #8
'The Third Witch' by Rebecca Reisert is a retelling of the classic story of Macbeth from the perspective of a young girl named Gilly. Raised by two older women in the forest, Gilly harbors a burning need for revenge against Lord Macbeth, whom she sees as the source of all her suffering. As the narrative unfolds, Gilly's quest for vengeance leads her to disguise herself as a boy and involve herself in Macbeth's dark deeds, all while exploring themes of love, identity, and the treatment of women in society.
Reisert's writing style weaves together elements of drama, suspense, and action, keeping readers engaged as they follow Gilly's journey of self-discovery and revenge. The novel offers a fresh take on the familiar tale of Macbeth, presenting a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of human emotion and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Nettle kicks me again. I pull my tattered wolfskin closer about my shoulders and curl into a tighter ball, scooting across the packed dirt of the floor to move as near as I dare to the embers in the f... - #9
Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem is a detective noir novel that follows the story of Lionel Essrog, an orphan from Brooklyn who suffers from Tourette's syndrome. The narrative is driven by Lionel's tics, both verbal and non-verbal, which add dark humor to the story. When Lionel's boss, Frank Minna, is murdered, Lionel sets out to solve the mystery, leading to a character study of Lionel and his group of misfit friends. The book is a mix of mystery, character exploration, and a unique portrayal of Brooklyn's streets.
The writing style of Motherless Brooklyn is praised for its use of language and the portrayal of Lionel's Tourette's syndrome. The book captures the essence of a classic hard-boiled detective story but with a unique twist, as the narrator's Tourette's adds a fresh perspective to the genre. The characters, particularly Lionel Essrog, are engaging, and the humor, pathos, and mystery elements blend together seamlessly, making it an intriguing and enjoyable read.
“Maufishful,” said Gilbert Coney in response to my outburst, not even turning his head. I could barely make out the words—“My mouth is full”—both truthful and a joke, lame. Accustomed to my verbal tic... - #10
'The Bat' in the Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbø follows the Norwegian detective Harry Hole as he investigates a murder in Sydney, Australia. The plot unfolds slowly, revealing Harry's struggles with alcoholism, his damaged past, and his interactions with the Australian police and local culture. The narrative combines elements of Australian mythology, dark crime thriller, and a touch of eeriness, culminating in a captivating final pursuit that keeps the reader engaged until the end.
“I’m fine,” Harry Hole had lied. It was more than thirty hours since he had taken off from Oslo via London, and after the change of planes in Bahrain he had sat in the same bloody seat by the emergenc...