Books Like...

'Morning Ran Red' by Stephen Bowman is a fictionalized account of the Villisca Axe Murders of 1912, presenting an intriguing narrative that immerses readers into the setting of 1912 Villisca. Despite being based on true events, the book delves into a reimagined version of the murders, intertwining historical characters with a fresh storyline that explores the townspeople's interactions and motivations. The writing style captivates readers, painting a vivid picture of the events while also sparking contemplation about the characters' roles leading up to the tragic murders.

'The Drop' by Dennis Lehane is a gritty crime novel set in a working-class bar in Boston that is controlled by the Chechen mob. The story revolves around Bob, a lonely bartender, who finds an abandoned puppy that changes his mundane life. As Bob navigates through his routine life, unexpected criminal activities and encounters with various characters unfold, leading to a series of violent events and hidden secrets coming to light. The narrative style of the book combines elements of suspense, redemption, and a touch of hope amidst a dark and brutal world, capturing the essence of Lehane's signature storytelling.

Readers found 'The Atlantis World' to be the final installment in the Atlantis trilogy by A.G. Riddle. The book picks up where the last one left off and takes the readers through the conclusion of the story, providing all the answers the readers were looking for. The plot involves a detailed back story on the Atlanteans, their origins, why they chose Earth, and the greater unseen threat. The writing style in this book is described as ambitious, providing a believable and consistent world populated with characters that have substance. However, some readers noted that the pacing in this book felt choppy compared to the first two books in the series.

In "The Midnight Assassin: Panic, Scandal, and the Hunt for America's First Serial Killer" by Skip Hollandsworth, readers are taken back to late 19th century Texas, specifically Austin in the 1880s, where a series of brutal murders terrorized the city. The narrative unfolds with meticulous research, providing a detailed account of the unsolved crimes and the investigation that ensued. The book delves into the social and historical context of the time, painting a vivid picture of a city on the rise, grappling with fear and panic as the killer, dubbed the Servant Girl Annihilator, struck terror in the community.

Hollandsworth's writing style in "The Midnight Assassin" is praised for its historical accuracy and attention to detail, offering readers a well-investigated true crime story that captures the essence of Austin in the 1880s. The book provides insights into the unsuccessful search for the killer, the societal impact of the crimes, and the racial prejudices prevalent in the community. Despite the lack of a definitive conclusion, the narrative keeps readers engaged with its suspenseful storytelling and vivid portrayal of a city in turmoil.

The Murder House by James Patterson and David Ellis is a thrilling mystery set in the Hamptons, focusing on the investigation of brutal murders in an old, creepy mansion. The story follows former NYPD undercover detective Jenna Rose Murphy as she delves into the dark past of the mansion, uncovering a series of barbaric murders and facing unexpected twists and turns. The plot moves in a zig-zag pattern through different voices in a series of flashbacks, keeping the reader guessing right up to the surprise ending. The writing style features short chapters that make for easy reading, with well-developed characters and catchy dialogue that enhance the suspenseful atmosphere.

In 'Inheritance' by Jennifer Foehner Wells, readers are taken on a thrilling journey following the story of Darcy, a young woman who inherits the Druid gene, granting her remarkable fighting skills. Abducted by alien slave traders, Darcy finds herself training intensely with a mysterious fellow prisoner, Raub, before escaping with alien friends. The book is set in the Confluence universe and showcases a well-crafted plot filled with action, mystery, and complex inter-special relationships. Wells' writing style intricately weaves together scientific detail, diverse characters, and a captivating storyline, making it a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts.

The Atlantis Plague by A.G. Riddle is the second book in The Origin Mystery trilogy, a science fiction story following a genealogist out to save the human race from the brink of extinction. Dr. Kate Warner wakes up in Spain and discovers that a plague has wiped out billions of people worldwide in just a few days. The book delves into the conflict between two groups offering solutions, the Orchid group and Immari International, leading to a global war. As Kate uncovers the key to finding a cure, she also unravels the unimaginable history of human evolution, all while being pursued as a wanted woman.

Fluency by Jennifer Foehner Wells follows Dr. Jane Holloway, a linguist recruited to make contact with the inhabitants of an alien spacecraft discovered in an asteroid belt. As chaos unfolds, the crew must navigate trust issues and decide the true intentions of the alien presence. The book combines elements of first contact science fiction, romance, and mystery, with a focus on telepathic communication and complex world-building. The plot twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the end, while exploring themes of discovery, adventure, and interpersonal relationships within a futuristic setting.

In "Remanence" by Jennifer Foehner Wells, the crew led by Jane Holloway embarks on a mission to return a marooned alien navigator to his home world, uncovering the mystery behind a genocide that wiped out his original crew. The book delves into the intricate relationships between characters, the cultural aspects of alien worlds, and the challenges faced during their journey back to Sectilius. The writing style focuses on character development, complex communication dynamics, and the exploration of different alien species, creating a captivating and immersive sci-fi experience.

In "Valence," the fourth book in the Confluence series by Jennifer Foehner Wells, readers are taken on a journey that explores the aftermath of the Speroancora crew's departure from Earth. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, including that of Zara Hampton, providing insights into the Earthside events as new species are encountered in the vast Confluence Universe. The story intricately weaves together different storylines, introducing new characters like Darcy while continuing to develop existing ones like Jane Holloway and her crew, as they navigate through political challenges and galactic conflicts.

The book is praised for its engaging pace, well-developed characters, and complex storyline that keeps readers intrigued. The world-building in the Confluence Universe is highlighted as a standout feature, offering a rich tapestry of diverse races, cultures, and histories. Despite some minor criticisms about character growth and plot depth, "Valence" is described as a captivating space opera with unexpected twists, solid believability, and a unique universe that sets it apart from other sci-fi series.