Books Like...
In the novella "Black Dog" by Neil Gaiman, readers are taken on a journey with the familiar character Shadow Moon from the series 'American Gods'. The story delves into the encounter of Shadow with evil in its true nature, intertwined with themes of life and death. Gaiman's writing style captivates readers with its dark and disturbing elements, exploring ghosts, symbolism linked with depression, and the mystical figure of the Black Dog.
The novella is described as a continuation of the American Gods series, offering a short but intense narrative that leaves readers feeling uncomfortable yet intrigued. Gaiman skillfully weaves together elements of mythology, folklore, and modern storytelling to create a compelling and fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
If you liked Black Dog, here are the top 27 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: American Gods)
- #1
Save:This past February 4th, Neil Gaiman and Blackberry kicked off the joint #KeepMoving venture. For twelve hours, Gaiman released writing prompts through his Twitter account, themed for the twelve months of the year, with the intent of writing Calendar
... - #2
Save:'The Case of Death and Honey' is a collection of pastiches and stories inspired by Sherlock Holmes, featuring various authors' takes on the iconic detective. The stories range from traditional Holmes adventures to modern interpretations, with some focusing on Holmes and Watson while others take inspiration from their methods of deduction. includes a mix of mysteries, pastiches, and graphic novellas, providing a variety of perspectives on the Sherlock Holmes universe. The writing style varies from taut and grim pieces applying Sherlockian methods to more light-hearted and modern interpretations of the detective tales.
- #3
Save:'Pretty Monsters: Stories' by Kelly Link is a collection of short stories that blend elements of modern fairy tales with a creepy edge, appealing to the young adult audience while maintaining depth and complexity. Link's stories range from fantastical to supernatural, featuring unique and imaginative scenarios such as a handbag with a village inside, a monster negotiating eating a camper, and an undead babysitter. The writing style is described as spare yet convincing, seamlessly mixing reality and fantasy to create compelling and memorable worlds for readers to explore.
ALL OF THIS happened because a boy I once knew named Miles Sperry decided to go into the resurrectionist business and dig up the grave of his girlfriend, Bethany Baldwin, who had been dead for not qui... 'The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains' by Neil Gaiman is a paranormal horror short story that follows two men walking through Scotland around the time of the Jacobite rebellion. The story explores themes of family, grief, and the search for hidden treasure. The book is a multimedia experience, combining text by Gaiman, audio narration by Gaiman, illustrations by Eddie Campbell, and background music by the FourPlay String Quartet. The tale is dark and eerie, reminiscent of folklore stories, and the ending is described as dark and twisted, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.
The format of the book is unique, with a combination of text, audio narration, illustrations, and background music, creating a rich and immersive reading experience. The story revolves around a man's quest to find a cave in the black mountains that is said to be filled with gold but comes with a price of forever changing those who enter it.
- #5
Save:'The Sleeper and the Spindle' by Neil Gaiman is a dark and twisted retelling of the classic fairy tales Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. Gaiman weaves a tale where the Queen Snow White embarks on a journey with three dwarves to rescue a sleeping princess, subverting traditional gender roles and adding a modern twist to the story. The writing style is described as enchanting and eerie, with beautiful illustrations by Chris Riddell that enhance the narrative, making it suitable for both children and adults.
Gaiman's storytelling in 'The Sleeper and the Spindle' is characterized by its dark and eerie tone, reminiscent of the original fairy tales but with a modern and progressive perspective. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and a clever mashup of familiar fairy tale elements, creating a unique and captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged. The book is praised for its strong female characters, intricate details, and stunning illustrations that complement the text, making it a delightful and enchanting read.
- #6
Save:Stranger Things Happen by Kelly Link is a collection of short stories that are described as ghost stories without ghosts. The stories are eerie and surreal, blending elements of reality with the supernatural. The book covers a variety of themes and genres, including sci-fi, fantasy, fairy tales, horror, and comedy, creating a unique reading experience that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
Rachel Rook took Carroll home to meet her parents two months after she first slept with him. For a generous girl, a girl who took off her clothes with abandon, she was remarkably close-mouthed about s... - #7
Save:Neil Gaiman's "Click Clack the Rattle Bag" is a short, scary story that leaves readers eager for a second read. It is described as a fun and creepy story that would be suitable for older kids, making it a popular choice for middle schoolers in October. The story has an eerie quality that can stick with readers long after they have finished it, making it an excellent monster story that gives readers shudders.
- #8
Save:'White Cat' by Holly Black is the first book in the 'Curse Workers' series, introducing readers to a world where curse workers possess unique abilities that can influence dreams, luck, memories, and even kill with a touch. The story follows Cassel, a seventeen-year-old boy from a family of workers, who discovers his memories are being manipulated. As he delves into the criminal world his family is involved in, Cassel is torn between his desire to be good and the allure of his family's lifestyle. The book presents a blend of mystery, suspense, dark magic, and coming-of-age themes, set in a world reminiscent of our own but with supernatural elements.
The narrative is crafted in a way that keeps readers engaged with its intriguing plot twists, complex characters, and a mix of mystery and excitement. Through Cassel's perspective, readers navigate a world where trust is scarce, memories can be altered with a touch, and the consequences of using magic are deadly. With a focus on family dynamics, moral dilemmas, and the exploration of a society where curse work is both feared and sought after, 'White Cat' sets the stage for a series that promises a unique and immersive reading experience.
The night is quiet, the kind of hushed middle-of-the-night quiet that makes every shuffle or nervous panting breath echo. When the black outlines of trees overhead rustle, I jerk in surprise. My foot ... Neil Gaiman's collection of short fiction, 'Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances', offers a mix of dark and unique stories that showcase the author's wit and originality. The book includes tales featuring well-known characters like Doctor Who, Sherlock Holmes, and Shadow from 'American Gods', along with original stories that range from strange and edgy to creepy and thought-provoking. The writing style is described as engaging, imaginative, and inventive, with each story bringing a sense of unease or darkness that keeps readers on edge.
SHE HAD BEEN RUNNING for four days now, a harum-scarum tumbling flight through passages and tunnels. She was hungry, and exhausted, and more tired than a body could stand, and each successive door was...'Out There' is a collection of fifteen short stories that delve into bizarre and disturbing realities, exploring oddities within common experiences. The narratives range from interdimensional sleepwalking to reimaginings of Edgar Allan Poe, showcasing an over-caffeinated imagination that pushes boundaries. Each story presents a unique, speculative premise that challenges readers to consider how far the author, Kate Folk, is willing to take them into these surreal realms. The writing style is marked by a blend of humor and horror, often leaving readers captivated and unnerved, reminiscent of shows like Black Mirror.
Folk's stories are rich with character development, presenting relatable yet flawed individuals navigating absurd situations that reflect deeper truths about technology, desire, and morality. The collection's diversity in storytelling approaches and lengths keeps readers engaged, from quick, frenetic tales to more introspective narratives. With themes of magic realism and speculative fiction, the stories resonate with familiar sentiments while twisting them into unsettling reflections of alternate realities, making 'Out There' a thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.
