Books Like...
'Pines' by Blake Crouch follows the story of Secret Service Agent Ethan Burke, who finds himself in the mysterious town of Wayward Pines, Idaho, after a car accident. As Ethan tries to investigate the disappearance of two fellow agents, he realizes that things in the town are not what they seem. With a mix of thriller, suspense, and a touch of sci-fi, the book keeps readers on edge as Ethan uncovers the dark secrets of the town and struggles to find a way out. The writing style is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and cinematic, with vivid descriptions that immerse readers into the eerie atmosphere of the story.
If you liked Pines, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'The Secret History of Twin Peaks' by Mark Frost is a novel that delves deep into the history behind the events surrounding the town of Twin Peaks from the TV show. The book uncovers the founding of the town, mysterious occurrences near a lake, the unique characters, and a blend of conspiracy theories ranging from UFOs to the Illuminati. Frost intricately weaves together real historical events with the fictional world of Twin Peaks, creating a companion piece to the TV show that offers details before and after the show's time frame.
Frost's writing style in 'The Secret History of Twin Peaks' is described as a mysterious dossier presented as an interactive work, following FBI Agent Tamara Preston's examination of the town's history. The book expands upon the information from the TV series and presents a complex narrative that intertwines the White and Black Lodges with UFO sightings, alien abductions, and government cover-ups. With a focus on the town itself, the book raises more mysteries, fills in blanks from the original series, and invites speculation and wonder, leaving readers contemplating the enigmatic world of Twin Peaks.
- #2
Save:Dark Matter by Blake Crouch is a mind-bending science fiction thriller that follows the protagonist, Jason Dessen, as he is kidnapped and thrown into a world of parallel universes. The book explores the consequences of choices, the concept of multiverses, and the intense journey of Jason trying to get back to his family through various alternate realities. The writing style is fast-paced, suspenseful, and thought-provoking, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns.
No one tells you it’s all about to change, to be taken away. There’s no proximity alert, no indication that you’re standing on the precipice. And maybe that’s what makes tragedy so tragic. Not just wh... - #3
Save:Recursion by Blake Crouch is a fast-paced science fiction thriller that delves into the concept of False Memory Syndrome, where people recall alternate events and lives they never lived. The story follows NYPD officer Barry Sutton and neuroscientist Helena Smith as they investigate and try to solve the mysterious syndrome. As their paths intertwine, they discover the implications of altering memories and the consequences it has on a personal and global scale. The writing style is described as mind-bending, thought-provoking, and emotionally moving, with a plot that explores the complexities of time travel and memory manipulation.
Barry Sutton pulls over into the fire lane at the main entrance of the Poe Building, an Art Deco tower glowing white in the illumination of its exterior sconces. He climbs out of his Crown Vic, rushes... - #4
Save:Upgrade by Blake Crouch is a futuristic science fiction novel that delves into the world of genetic enhancements and the potential consequences of tampering with human evolution. The story follows Logan Ramsay, a geneticist who becomes infected with a genetic upgrade that unlocks extraordinary abilities within him. As Logan navigates a world where genetic editing is criminalized, he must confront his own past and race against time to stop a mad scientist from unleashing a deadly genetic upgrade on the world population. The book is described as a fast-paced thriller with a cautionary tale about the future of humanity.
Before tonight, I had only seen him in INTERPOL photographs and CCTV footage. In the flesh, he was less impressive—five and a half feet in his artificially distressed Saint Laurent sneakers with a des... - #5
Save:Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon is a slow-burning gothic horror story set in the rural village of Cornwall Coombe, where ancient fertility cult rituals and sinister traditions lurk beneath the surface. The novel follows the Constantine family's move to the village, where they encounter eerie superstitions and unsettling mysteries surrounding the corn crop and the secretive Harvest Home ceremony. As the family delves deeper into the village's traditions, they uncover dark secrets that challenge their perceptions of the idyllic small town life they initially sought.
I awakened that morning to birdsong. It was only the little yellow bird who lives in the locust tree outside our bedroom window, but I could have wrung his neck, for it was not yet six and I had a han... - #6
Save:'Wool' by Hugh Howey is a post-apocalyptic drama set in an underground silo where survivors have lived for generations. The story revolves around the strict rules of the society, the mystery of the outside world, and the characters' struggles for survival. The writing style is immersive, with intricate plots, unexpected twists, and well-developed characters that keep the readers engaged throughout the book.
1 The children were playing while Holston climbed to his death; he could hear them squealing as only happy children do. While they thundered about frantically above, Holston took his time, each step m... - #7
Save:'American Elsewhere' by Robert Jackson Bennett is a gripping tale that delves into the discovery of self, familial relations, and the exploration of a mysterious town called Wink. The story follows Mona Bright, a drifter who inherits a house in Wink and starts unraveling the secrets of her long-deceased mother and the peculiar town. As Mona digs deeper, she uncovers the eerie truth about Wink and its inhabitants, leading to a suspenseful journey filled with cosmic horror and supernatural elements.
Bennett's writing style in 'American Elsewhere' is praised for its ability to seamlessly blend science fiction, supernatural, and mundane elements, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The book features well-drawn characters, a fascinating premise, and a perfect balance of mystery, horror, and suspense that unfolds in a beautifully crafted manner, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
Even though it is a fairly cool night, Norris is sweating abundantly. The sweat leaks out of his temples and the top of his skull and runs down his cheeks to pool around his collarbones. He feels litt... - #8
Save:'The Gone World' by Tom Sweterlitsch is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that follows NCIS agent Shannon Moss as she investigates crimes related to time travel and the impending doomsday event known as the Terminus. Moss travels through alternate futures, unraveling mysteries and trying to prevent the end of humanity. The book seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, mystery, and horror, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and compelling protagonist.
She gained her equilibrium before attempting to stand—her right leg still the lean, muscled leg of an athlete, but her left terminated in a conical mid-thigh stump, the end muscle and flesh there wrap... - #9
Save:'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer is a mysterious and eerie novel set in a landscape undergoing a transformation due to an outside agent, reminiscent of the Strugatsky brothers' work. The story follows the protagonist, a biologist, as part of an expedition into Area X, a zone being altered by something completely alien, leading to rapid disintegration of their mission and inevitable eerie encounters. The narrative style is described as straddling the line between science fiction and horror, with an unreliable narrator providing a vague description of Area X, leaving more questions than answers.
The tower, which was not supposed to be there, plunges into the earth in a place just before the black pine forest begins to give way to swamp and then the reeds and wind-gnarled trees of the marsh fl... - #10
Save:The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin is a chilling tale set in the well-insulated town of Stepford, where women are transformed into one-dimensional housewives. The book follows Joanna Eberhart as she uncovers the dark secret behind the town's perfect facade, leading to a suspenseful and eerie exploration of gender roles and societal expectations. The writing style is described as simple yet compelling, with a mix of horror, satire, and feminist themes that continue to resonate with readers.
The Welcome Wagon lady, sixty if she was a day but working at youth and vivacity (ginger hair, red lips, a sunshine-yellow dress), twinkled her eyes and teeth at Joanna and said, ‘You’re really going ...
