Books Like...

"Hard Spell" by Justin Gustainis follows Stan Markowski, a detective working in the Occult Crimes Unit in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where supernatural beings coexist with humans. Markowski, a hard-bitten cop with a serious vampire vendetta, is forced to work with a new partner and navigate personal issues while solving crimes involving supernatural elements. combines urban fantasy with a traditional police procedural, offering a refreshing take on the genre. The plot is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with action as Markowski and his team tackle cases involving supernatural entities and a serial killer targeting vampires.

'Three Mean Streets' in the series 'Markhat Files' by author Frank Tuttle follows the adventures of Markhat, a finder in a magical world, as he solves three separate cases in a noir detective style. Markhat is described as a character with a soft spot for dogs and children, but also possesses the mean streak needed to track down and defeat villains who harm them. The stories are action-packed, filled with quick-paced mysteries involving trolls, vampires, ghosts, and other fantastical creatures, all set in a world where magic and industry coexist.

The writing style in 'Three Mean Streets' is described as fresh, original, and amusing, with a good blend of humor and drama. The stories are engaging and entertaining, with well-written characters and world-building that draws readers into Markhat's world. is praised for its quick action, quirky humor, and unexpected plot twists that keep readers hooked from beginning to end.

Anne Rice's Violin tells the story of two charismatic figures bound to each other by a passionate commitment to music as a means of rapture, seduction, and liberation. The novel revolves around a uniquely fascinating woman, Triana, and the demonic fiddler Stefan, a tormented ghost who begins to prey upon her, using his magic violin to draw her into a state of madness. Triana sets out to resist Stefan, and the struggle thrusts them both into a terrifying supernatural realm. The book is described as being abundant with history, drama, and romantic intensity, showcasing Anne Rice at her incomparable best. The writing style in Violin is praised for its poetic and vivid nature, creating music and art out of words in a way that few others have been able to do.

'The Lark and the Wren' by Mercedes Lackey follows the story of Rune, a girl with a passion for music who dreams of becoming a bard. The plot revolves around Rune's journey as she faces challenges and adventures to pursue her dream, from fiddling for a ghost to entering the Bardic Trials. The writing style is described as light and fluffy, with likable characters and a logical plot progression. The story is divided into different parts, each focusing on Rune's growth as she finds her wings, heart, and magic, all set in a fantasy world with elements of magic and supernatural creatures.

'Declare' by Tim Powers is a supernatural espionage thriller set during the Cold War period, blending elements of espionage, historical fiction, and dark fantasy. The story follows the involvement of three spies over 60 years in dealing with creatures known as djinn and fallen angels. The plot intricately weaves together British and Soviet military operations, espionage activities, and supernatural elements, creating a complex and detailed narrative that spans different time periods. The author's writing style combines spy novel tropes with Arabian Nights tales and Lovecraftian horror, offering a unique and engaging reading experience.

The book delves into the world of secret agencies working to recruit, control, or eliminate supernatural beings within their national spy agencies, adding layers of mystery and intrigue to the plot. Powers' meticulous research and incorporation of real historical events into the narrative provide a sense of authenticity, while his skillful storytelling keeps readers engaged with a blend of espionage, magic, and historical intrigue.

Gil's All Fright Diner by A. Lee Martinez is a humorous fantasy novel that follows the adventures of Earl, a vampire, and Duke, a werewolf, as they stumble upon Gil's Diner, which is no ordinary diner in a town plagued by supernatural problems like zombie cows and rivers of blood. The duo ends up getting more than they bargained for when they try to help out at the diner and find themselves facing a teenage witch determined to bring back the old gods and destroy the world. The story is full of comedic touches, absurd situations, and lovable characters like Earl and Duke, who navigate through a mix of campy horror and humor in a light-hearted and entertaining tone.

The plot revolves around Earl and Duke's efforts to save the universe and the diner from the teenage witch's sinister plans, with elements of Lovecraftian horror mixed with present-day wit and humor. The book features quirky characters, such as a ghostly guardian of a graveyard and her ghostly dog, along with humorous situations like vampire turkeys and a magic eight ball with a rude attitude. The narrative balances creepy moments with heavy humor, turning typical horror tropes on their heads while maintaining a refreshing take on the genre that offers a fun and enjoyable read.

"Jaws" by Peter Benchley is a famous story that revolves around a shark terrorizing people in a seaside resort. The plot follows a group of individuals, including local police and a legendary fisherman, as they come together to combat the dangerous shark. is noted for its suspenseful and thrilling narrative, capturing the fear and tension surrounding the shark attacks. While some readers found the book to be different from the movie adaptation, they appreciated the depth of the story and character development present in the novel. The writing style is described as engaging, gripping, and capable of evoking a sense of terror and suspense, keeping readers on edge throughout the story.

"Meddling Kids" by Edgar Cantero follows the story of former kid detectives who reunite as troubled adults to re-investigate their last case, which is the root of their dysfunction. The narrative is a self-aware mishmash of genres, blending elements of teen detectives like Scooby Doo with Lovecraftian horror. The characters, damaged by their early experiences, embark on a journey filled with nostalgia, supernatural forces, and unresolved mysteries from their past, leading to a fast-paced and action-packed adventure.

The writing style of Cantero in "Meddling Kids" is described as unique and engaging, featuring meta-textual references, witty dialogues, and a blend of humor and dark themes. The author's ability to create compelling characters, incorporate nods to classic childhood mysteries, and infuse the narrative with elements of horror and humor makes the book an entertaining and captivating read for fans of the genre.

'Lovecraft Country' by Matt Ruff is a collection of tightly interconnected stories set in 1950s Jim Crow America, following a black family dealing with both the horrors of racism and Lovecraftian supernatural forces. The plot revolves around the family members navigating through secret societies, magic, and eldritch horrors while facing the challenges of racism and discrimination. The writing style is described as a blend of historical fiction and old-style horror, seamlessly weaving together elements of Lovecraftian tropes with the harsh realities of Jim Crow laws.