Books Like...

"The Association" by Bentley Little revolves around a couple who moves into a gated neighborhood controlled by a homeowner's association with extreme rules and consequences. The story delves into the sinister nature of the association, where breaking rules could lead to death or worse, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. Bentley Little's writing style in this book takes a simple concept like a homeowner's association and turns it into a thrilling and bizarre tale that challenges the readers' perception of security and control.

"The Store" by Bentley Little is a horror novel that explores the sinister takeover of a small Arizona town by a malevolent retail chain store, reminiscent of Walmart. The story delves into the impact of corporate greed on local businesses and the manipulation of the community by The Store, leading to mysterious disappearances and a sense of impending doom. Little weaves a tale of suspense and horror, drawing parallels to real-world issues of consumerism and the erosion of small-town values, while maintaining a sense of eerie plausibility in the face of supernatural elements.

Little's writing style in "The Store" is praised for its inventive juxtaposition of horror elements with political concerns like retail incentives and the consequences of corporate dominance. Readers appreciate the way Little creates a chilling atmosphere through his storytelling, even though some parts of the narrative may feel rushed. Overall, the book is commended for its fresh take on the theme of evil corporations threatening personal liberties, with a narrative that keeps readers engaged and unsettled.

The Town by Bentley Little revolves around the Tomasov family who moves back to McGuane, Arizona after winning the lottery. As they settle into their new home, strange and violent occurrences begin to happen in the town, leading to the community blaming Gregory's family for the chaos. The book explores themes of superstition, family dynamics, and the consequences of ignoring warnings, all set in a small Arizona town filled with bizarre deaths and eerie happenings.

The narrative delves into the transformation of the main character, Gregory, from a good guy to someone unrecognizable, as the family faces the haunting presence in their new house. Bentley Little weaves a chilling tale that keeps readers guessing with its great characters, engaging plot, and elements of horror that escalate as the story progresses.

'Fires of Eden' by Dan Simmons is a thrilling tale set in Hawaii, where a multi-millionaire tries to sell his resort to Japanese businessmen, only to face the wrath of ancient Hawaiian deities. The story intertwines two narratives - one involving the current events at the resort with missing guests and strange occurrences, and the other through journal entries from the past detailing the encounters of a young Samuel Clemens with similar horrors. The writing style combines elements of thriller, humor, and historical references, creating a fast-paced and engaging storyline with a touch of campiness.

Readers have described "The Collection" as a diverse anthology of 32 short stories by Bentley Little, showcasing a wide range of themes from thought-provoking to downright nasty. The stories vary in quality, with some being memorable hits like "The Sanctuary," "The Phonebook Man," "Life With Father," and "The Idol," while others are considered misses. Bentley Little's writing style is praised for its ability to deliver creepy and entertaining tales that delve into bizarre and terrifying concepts, often with a touch of dark comedy.

'Weekend' by Christopher Pike is a teen thriller that revolves around a group of friends gathering at an isolated beach house in Mexico, owned by Lena Carlton's family. The vacation quickly turns into a nightmare as the friends realize someone among them wants revenge for a past incident involving poisoning. The plot unfolds with mysterious occurrences, volatile relationships, and a series of twists that keep the readers engaged. Pike's writing style combines elements of everyday occurrences with the supernatural, creating a gripping narrative that explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and secrets.

A group of tourists from all over come together to party in Thailand, then end up on a not so deserted island with no way to escape. Ancient creepy things come for them, resulting in a full-on fight to survive. The story follows Ana and her sister, who, along with other party-goers, find themselves stranded on the island infested with humanoid creatures seeking human sacrifices for their god. The plot is fast-paced, delving quickly into action and maintaining a high level of intensity throughout, with a mix of horror, gore, and cosmic elements.

The writing style of David Sodergren is described as top-notch, with vivid imagery that is easy to understand even for non-native English readers. The book features strong female leads, engaging plot development, and a mix of horror, humor, and suspense that keeps readers hooked. The narrative includes elements of body horror, gore, and cosmic horror, creating a terrifying and thrilling reading experience.

'Island' by Richard Laymon is a psychological thriller that follows the story of eight people who find themselves stranded on a tropical island after a boating accident. As they struggle to survive, a crazed murderer begins hunting them down one by one in gruesome ways. The book is narrated from the perspective of a teenage boy named Rupert, who not only describes the terrifying events unfolding but also delves into his own sexual fantasies and obsessions with the female characters. The writing style is described as fast-paced, filled with suspense and shocking twists, making it a page-turner for readers.

Deadfall Hotel by Steve Rasnic Tem is a unique blend of fantasy and horror, focusing on the journey of a widower and his daughter as they move to the mysterious Deadfall Hotel. The book is structured as a series of interconnected stories, each delving into the supernatural occurrences within the hotel and the struggles of its inhabitants. The writing style is described as slow-paced, sentimental, and emotionally evocative, with a focus on exploring themes of loss, grief, and hope amidst a backdrop of eerie and unsettling events.

'Cruel Summer' by Wesley Southard is a chilling tale that delves into a family vacation gone terribly wrong. Melissa, along with her son Patrick and her abusive boyfriend Hoyt, embarks on a trip filled with anger, possession, and deep undercurrents of danger. As tensions rise and dark secrets unravel, the vacation turns into a nightmare, with each character facing their own demons. The plot takes unexpected sharp turns, keeping readers on edge and immersed in a story of survival, horror, and the power of family bonds.

The writing style of Wesley Southard in 'Cruel Summer' is highly praised for its ability to create vivid and relatable characters that evoke strong emotions in readers. The author skillfully weaves a narrative that is both terrifying and unexpected, with elements of ancient mythology, family dynamics, and chilling set pieces that keep the readers engaged from start to finish.