Books Like...
'The Meaning of Night' by Michael Cox is a Victorian mystery novel that begins with a confession of a murder committed by the protagonist. Set in the 19th century, the novel unravels a complex tale of murder, deception, revenge, and intrigue in the backdrop of Victorian England. The writing style is described as authentic to the period, with detailed descriptions and dialogue reminiscent of Victorian melodramas and detective novels, evoking the styles of authors like Wilkie Collins and Dickens.
If you liked The Meaning of Night, here are the top 94 books to read next:
'Dust and Shadow: An Account of the Ripper Killings by Dr. John H. Watson' by Lyndsay Faye is a Sherlock Holmes pastiche that follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the Jack the Ripper murders in Victorian London. The book is praised for its exciting investigation, satisfying solution, good period detail, and well-presented characters, including a strong portrayal of Dr. Watson. The author, Lyndsay Faye, stays true to the Sherlock Holmes universe, maintaining the tone and style of Conan Doyle while crafting a plausible and engaging solution to the unsolved mystery of the Ripper killings.
It has been argued by those who have so far flattered my attempts to chronicle the life and career of Mr. Sherlock Holmes as to approach them in a scholarly manner that I have often been remiss in the...- #2
In 'The Seance' by John Harwood, Constance Langton inherits the haunted Wraxford Hall and delves into the dark history of the house, uncovering mysteries of disappearances and deaths. The story is narrated from multiple perspectives, intertwining tales of fraudulent mediums, broken families, and eerie occurrences. As Constance seeks to uncover the truth behind the sinister events, she is drawn into a web of secrets and dangers, leading to a chilling climax that ties together the threads of the story.
The book combines elements of a gothic mystery with themes of family heritage, the supernatural, and curses set in Victorian England. Through intricate storytelling and atmospheric descriptions, the author creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged as they unravel the haunting secrets of Wraxford Hall and its inhabitants.
If my sister Alma had lived, I should never have begun the séances. She died of scarlatina, soon after her second birthday, when I was five years old. I remember only fragments from the time before sh... - #3
'Mary Reilly' by Valerie Martin is a unique retelling of the classic story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, narrated from the perspective of Mary Reilly, the housemaid in Dr. Jekyll's household. The book delves into the themes of morality, evil, redemption, and hidden desires, offering a fresh and gothic take on the original horror tale. Valerie Martin's writing style is praised for its ability to breathe new life into the familiar story while staying true to the essence of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic.
It wasn’t the first time I’d been shut up in the closet, if closet isn’t too grand a word for the little cupboard under the stairs. I was ten and small for my age, but I had to fold myself up into a p... - #4
In the book "Mayhem" by Sarah Pinborough, readers are taken back to the dark and chilling atmosphere of late 19th-century London, where the infamous Jack the Ripper is not the only serial killer terrorizing the city. The story follows Dr. Thomas Bond, a police surgeon involved in investigating both the Ripper case and the Thames Torso Murders, where female victims are gruesomely dismembered and decapitated. Pinborough skillfully weaves together historical facts with a supernatural twist, creating a gripping tale of murder, mayhem, and the slow descent into the unknown. The narrative unfolds with a focus on the gritty details of society, the tension between social classes, and the eerie backdrop of a city plagued by unsolved mysteries and dark forces.
The book "Mayhem" is praised for its atmospheric and engrossing storytelling that seamlessly blends real-life events with supernatural elements. Readers are drawn into the grim world of Victorian London, where characters like Dr. Thomas Bond navigate the horrors of the Torso Murders and the looming presence of Jack the Ripper. Pinborough's attention to detail, especially in setting up the historical context and character dynamics, adds depth to the narrative, keeping readers engaged and intrigued until the very end. The novel presents a unique take on the Victorian horror genre, offering a fresh perspective on well-known historical events through a dark and suspenseful lens.
He was quite handsome. A little thin, perhaps, and there was a strange mottled hue to his skin that made her think the consumption might have made a claim on him, but he had his own teeth and the air ... - #5
'Hyde' by Daniel Levine is a Victorian gothic masterpiece that delves into the untold story of Mr. Hyde's half existence, based on Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. The book fills in gaps between Jekyll's meeting with Utterson and Carew's murder a year later, offering a backstory that is both terrifying and tragic. Through an impeccably imagined Hyde perspective, the novel expertly explores themes of identity, responsibility, and the dangers of advancement and ambition, while seamlessly fitting in with the original novella.
I whisper the words and then listen, as if I’ve dropped a stone into a well and await the plunk and splash . . . But inside my head there is only silence. All around me a chorus of celebratory noises ... - #6
Things in Jars by Jess Kidd is a Victorian supernatural mystery following Bridie Devine, a flame-haired detective in London, as she investigates the kidnapping of a strange and supernatural child. With the help of her unusual entourage including a seven-foot housekeeper and the ghost of a tattooed boxer, Bridie navigates through a dark and atmospheric world filled with folklore, oddities, and mysteries from the past.
The narrative of Things in Jars shifts between two timelines, exploring Bridie's investigations into the missing child as well as her complex relationships with her companions. Set in a magical realism version of Victorian England, the book weaves together elements of myth, anatomy, and specimen collecting, creating a richly atmospheric tale that delves into the supernatural while maintaining a compelling mystery at its core.
The raven levels off into a glide, flight feathers fanned. Slick on the rolling level of rising currents and down-draughts, she turns her head, this way and that. To her black eye, as black as pooled ... - #7
"Girl in a Blue Dress" by Gaynor Arnold revolves around the life of an abused wife, Dodo, and her cruel and egotistical husband, Augustus. The story delves into the complexities of their relationship, showcasing the deterioration of their marriage over the years. Through the perspective of Dodo, the protagonist, readers are taken on a journey through the challenges faced by women in society during that time period, as well as the struggles of being married to a master manipulator. also sheds light on the life of Charles Dickens, father of a large family and a prolific author, exploring the unknown aspects of his personal life and the impact it had on those around him.
The writing style of the book is described as well-researched, engaging, and true to the period. The alternating time periods are well presented and easy to follow, contributing to the overall immersive experience. Despite some readers finding the book lengthy and dragging at times, the descriptive writing and character development are highlighted as strong points, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction and the life of Charles Dickens.
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'The Seven Days of Peter Crumb' by Jonny Glynn is a dark and twisted tale following the protagonist, Peter Crumb, as he embarks on a week-long spree of violence and debauchery in inner-city London. The story is narrated in a first-person account, delving into Crumb's disturbed mind and split personality that drives him to commit gruesome acts, leading to a chilling climax where his alter ego plans to kill him.
The writing style of the book has been compared to a mix of Edgar Allan Poe and Chuck Palahniuk, with a focus on grotesque descriptions, twisted dark humor, and a narrative that delves deep into the mind of a psychotic individual. The book is described as suspenseful, disturbing, and thought-provoking, leaving readers both fascinated and horrified by the intense and graphic portrayal of Crumb's descent into madness.
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Based on the opinions, 'Arthur & George' by Julian Barnes is a historical novel that delves into the true story of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's involvement in the case of George Edalji, a man wrongfully accused of crimes in early 20th century England. The book alternates between the lives of these two characters, exploring their unlikely relationship and the events that led to the creation of the Court of Appeals. The writing style is described as well-researched, engaging, and alternating between the perspectives of the two protagonists, providing a glimpse into the social and moral codes of the time.
He was able to walk, and could reach up to a door handle. He did this with nothing that could be called a purpose, merely the instinctive tourism of infancy. A door was there to be pushed; he walked i... - #10Droodby:
'Drood' by Dan Simmons is a captivating historical literary mystery that delves into the friendship and rivalry between Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. The story is narrated through the eyes of Wilkie Collins, who recounts the final years of Dickens' life after a near-fatal train accident and his obsession with a mysterious figure named Drood. The novel weaves a tale of intrigue, darkness, and madness, exploring the complexities of Dickens and Collins' relationship and the haunting inspiration behind Dickens' unfinished work, 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood.'
I was out of town on the day of my friend’s disaster at Staplehurst, so it was a full three days after the accident that I received a message from my younger brother, Charles, who had married Dickens’...