Books Like...
'If There Be Thorns' in the 'Dollanganger' series by Virginia Andrews continues the story of the Dollanganger family, focusing on Cathy and Chris living with their two sons, Jory and Bart. The plot revolves around the family's struggles as Bart shows signs of mental instability, influenced by their mysterious new neighbor and her butler. Secrets from the past resurface, causing turmoil within the family and leading to dangerous consequences. The narrative is told from the perspective of Cathy's children, providing a different view on the family dynamics and the unfolding events.
If you liked If There Be Thorns, here are the top 16 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Dollanganger)
- #1
In the book "Game" by Barry Lyga, the protagonist Jazz Dent is called to New York City to assist the NYPD and FBI in catching a serial killer known as the Hat Dog Killer. Jazz, who has a unique insight into the minds of killers due to being raised by a notorious serial killer, navigates the gruesome crimes alongside his girlfriend Connie and friend Howie. The book is filled with suspense, intricate plot twists, and cliffhanger endings that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The story delves into Jazz's inner struggle as he battles his own demons while trying to solve the murders in New York City. The writing style captures the dark and intense atmosphere of the plot, with gory details and unexpected revelations adding to the suspense. Readers are taken on a thrilling journey as Jazz and his companions unravel the mysteries surrounding the Hat Dog Killer, leading to a gripping conclusion that sets the stage for the next installment in the series.
Well, it didn’t matter. Not anymore. Not right now. Names were labels for things, the killer knew. Nouns. Person, place, thing, idea—just like you learned in school. See this thing I drink from? I giv...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series I Hunt Killers ) - #2
"Blood of My Blood" by Barry Lyga is the thrilling conclusion to the "I Hunt Killers" series. The story follows Jazz, the son of a notorious serial killer, as he navigates a dangerous journey to save his mother from his twisted father, Billy. The plot is filled with suspense, twists, and intense moments that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is described as captivating, addicting, and emotionally gripping, offering a unique perspective into the mind of a killer and his son.
And she wasn’t dead, Jazz knew, both in and out of the dream. She wasn’t dead; she was alive, and he’d said that would make him happy, but now he was hurt and he was angry and he was also—damn it!—hap...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series I Hunt Killers ) - #3There goes Aggie again. Bang and crash and scrape all night. Where she gets the energy from I don’t know. The wrong side of eighty, she is. And she wants this room, my room. But she has a room. We all...
Four English sisters share a terrible family secret in this novel from "the suspense writers' suspense writer" and author of Trick or Treat ( Harper's Bazaar ).
Winner of the Somerset Maugham and Betty Trask Awards
In a decaying house along the
... - #4
"After the First Death" by Robert Cormier is a gripping tale about a group of terrorists who hijack a summer camp bus full of children. The story follows the intertwining lives of three teenagers - a bus driver, a hijacker, and the son of a general who is used for negotiating. The narrative delves into the complexities of the characters, showcasing their multi-layered personalities and the moral dilemmas they face. The author's writing style effectively portrays the terror, deception, and inner struggles of the characters, making the readers empathize with even the most flawed individuals in the story.
The book is a dark and brutal reflection of the real world, presented in a literary form. It explores themes of guilt, fear, secrecy, and loyalty, exposing the harsh realities faced by the characters as they navigate through a terrifying ordeal orchestrated by the terrorists. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping the readers engaged and intrigued as they witness the characters' desperate attempts to survive the harrowing situation.
I keep thinking that I have a tunnel in my chest. The path the bullet took, burrowing through the flesh and sinew and whatever muscle the bullet encountered (I am not the macho-muscled type, not at fi... - #5
Placed in a seemingly ideal foster home after running away from her addict mother, young Dani discovers a terrible secret about her adoptive father that compels her to kidnap her infant sister. Reprint.
... - #6
The Ninth Life of Louis Drax by Liz Jensen is a psychological thriller that revolves around Louis, a young boy who is accident-prone and ends up in a coma after a tragic incident during a picnic. The story is narrated through the perspectives of different characters, revealing the complexities of their relationships and hidden secrets. The writing style includes elements of magical realism and a touch of dark humor, keeping the readers engaged with twists and turns in the plot.
Little boys love sea monsters. If I had a son, I’d take him to see the giant squid that’s just arrived in Paris, fifteen metres long and pickled in formaldehyde. I saw a photo in Nouvel Observateur: a... - #7
Published in 1976, The Story of the Weasel is author Carolyn Slaughter's debut novel. It won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize the following year. Published as Relations in the United States, it has been praised for its 'sensitive treatment of fr
... - #8
"Beyond the Chocolate War" delves deeper into the dark and disturbing world of Trinity High and its students, particularly focusing on the aftermath of the chocolate sale stunt and the reign of terror orchestrated by the secret society, the Vigils. The plot revolves around themes of revenge, manipulation, and power struggles among the characters, with a particular emphasis on the evolving dynamics between key figures like Archie, Obie, and Brother Leon. The writing style is described as intense, creepy, and unflinching, providing a gritty and realistic portrayal of high school life and the complexities of teenage emotions and relationships.
Obie was in love. Wildly, improbably, and wonderfully in love. The kind of thing he thought happened only in the movies. Can’t eat, can’t sleep love. Daydream in class love. Can’t concentrate on your ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Chocolate War ) - #9
Fade by Robert Cormier is a captivating novel that follows the life of Paul Moreaux, a young boy who discovers he has the unique ability to fade or disappear at will. As Paul navigates the challenges of adolescence, his newfound power leads him to uncover dark secrets within his town and within himself. The book seamlessly weaves together coming-of-age themes, elements of sci-fi thriller, and a touch of horror, creating a literary mystery that keeps readers spellbound until the end. Through multiple perspectives and timelines, Cormier explores the struggles of being an adolescent, the complexities of human emotions, and the eternal battle between good and evil.
The plot of Fade delves into the consequences of possessing a supernatural ability, the impact of family history on individual lives, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. Cormier's writing style is both nostalgic and realistic, capturing the essence of youth while delving into the deeper complexities of adulthood. The novel skillfully balances tenderness and violence, realism and fantasy, intimacy and disorientation, offering a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience.
At first glance, the picture looked like any other in a family album of that time, the sepia shade and tone, the formal poses, the men in solemn Sunday suits and the women, severely coiffed, in long s... - #10
Heroes by Robert Cormier is a dark and gripping novel set during World War II, following the story of Francis Joseph Cassavant, a young war hero who returns home without a face. The book delves into Francis's quest for revenge against his childhood hero, Larry LaSalle, who committed a heinous act that changed Francis's life forever. Through flashbacks and suspenseful storytelling, the author explores themes of heroism, betrayal, and the impact of war on individuals' lives.
Oh, I have eyes because I can see and eardrums because I can hear but no ears to speak of, just bits of dangling flesh. But that’s fine, like Dr. Abrams says, because it’s sight and hearing that count...