Books Like...

In 'The Seance' by John Harwood, Constance Langton inherits the haunted Wraxford Hall and delves into the dark history of the house, uncovering mysteries of disappearances and deaths. The story is narrated from multiple perspectives, intertwining tales of fraudulent mediums, broken families, and eerie occurrences. As Constance seeks to uncover the truth behind the sinister events, she is drawn into a web of secrets and dangers, leading to a chilling climax that ties together the threads of the story.

The book combines elements of a gothic mystery with themes of family heritage, the supernatural, and curses set in Victorian England. Through intricate storytelling and atmospheric descriptions, the author creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged as they unravel the haunting secrets of Wraxford Hall and its inhabitants.

In "The Mermaid of Black Conch" by Monique Roffey, readers are transported to a Caribbean setting where they follow the tale of Aycayia, a mermaid who is captured by fishermen. The story delves into themes of love, loss, tradition, and the natural world, all while exploring the complexities of relationships between men and women. The writing style is described as lyrical, layered, and filled with vivid characterizations that bring the story to life in a magical and exciting way.

'Hyde' by Daniel Levine is a Victorian gothic masterpiece that delves into the untold story of Mr. Hyde's half existence, based on Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. The book fills in gaps between Jekyll's meeting with Utterson and Carew's murder a year later, offering a backstory that is both terrifying and tragic. Through an impeccably imagined Hyde perspective, the novel expertly explores themes of identity, responsibility, and the dangers of advancement and ambition, while seamlessly fitting in with the original novella.

Set in Victorian England, "The Essex Serpent" by Sarah Perry follows the story of Cora Seaborne, a widow who is determined to forge her own path in a time of changing social norms. The novel intricately weaves together themes of superstition, religion, science, and women's rights, all set against the backdrop of the Victorian era. As Cora navigates her newfound freedom, she becomes entangled in a web of relationships with a diverse cast of characters, from the vicar and his wife to a surgeon and a Marxist assistant. The narrative unfolds in the Essex countryside, where rumors of a mysterious sea serpent add an element of suspense and intrigue to the story.

'The Canterville Ghost' by Oscar Wilde is a humorous and charming story about an American family, the Otis family, who moves into a haunted English house. The ghost of the house, Sir Simon, tries to scare the family but fails as they are not afraid of him. Instead, the family turns the tables on the ghost and starts playing tricks on him. The story explores themes of humor, satire, and the clash between American practicality and British traditions, all written in Wilde's witty and engaging style.

The plot revolves around the interactions between the Canterville ghost, Sir Simon, and the Otis family, showcasing how the family's unconventional approach to dealing with the ghost leads to comedic and heartwarming moments. Oscar Wilde's writing style in this novella combines humor, social commentary, and a touch of sentimentality, creating a light-hearted yet thought-provoking narrative that challenges traditional ghost story tropes and offers a fresh perspective on the supernatural.

'The Mermaid' by Christina Henry is a historical fiction novel that follows the story of a mermaid named Amelia who becomes entangled in the world of P.T. Barnum's circus. The book explores themes of love, identity, and societal expectations as Amelia navigates her way through the human world while staying true to herself. Through rich prose and a blend of fantasy and historical elements, Christina Henry creates a captivating tale that delves into the complexities of human nature and the desire for acceptance.

'The Meaning of Night' by Michael Cox is a Victorian mystery novel that begins with a confession of a murder committed by the protagonist. Set in the 19th century, the novel unravels a complex tale of murder, deception, revenge, and intrigue in the backdrop of Victorian England. The writing style is described as authentic to the period, with detailed descriptions and dialogue reminiscent of Victorian melodramas and detective novels, evoking the styles of authors like Wilkie Collins and Dickens.

'Drood' by Dan Simmons is a captivating historical literary mystery that delves into the friendship and rivalry between Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. The story is narrated through the eyes of Wilkie Collins, who recounts the final years of Dickens' life after a near-fatal train accident and his obsession with a mysterious figure named Drood. The novel weaves a tale of intrigue, darkness, and madness, exploring the complexities of Dickens and Collins' relationship and the haunting inspiration behind Dickens' unfinished work, 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood.'

In the book "Mayhem" by Sarah Pinborough, readers are taken back to the dark and chilling atmosphere of late 19th-century London, where the infamous Jack the Ripper is not the only serial killer terrorizing the city. The story follows Dr. Thomas Bond, a police surgeon involved in investigating both the Ripper case and the Thames Torso Murders, where female victims are gruesomely dismembered and decapitated. Pinborough skillfully weaves together historical facts with a supernatural twist, creating a gripping tale of murder, mayhem, and the slow descent into the unknown. The narrative unfolds with a focus on the gritty details of society, the tension between social classes, and the eerie backdrop of a city plagued by unsolved mysteries and dark forces.

The book "Mayhem" is praised for its atmospheric and engrossing storytelling that seamlessly blends real-life events with supernatural elements. Readers are drawn into the grim world of Victorian London, where characters like Dr. Thomas Bond navigate the horrors of the Torso Murders and the looming presence of Jack the Ripper. Pinborough's attention to detail, especially in setting up the historical context and character dynamics, adds depth to the narrative, keeping readers engaged and intrigued until the very end. The novel presents a unique take on the Victorian horror genre, offering a fresh perspective on well-known historical events through a dark and suspenseful lens.

The Deep by Rivers Solomon, Jonathan Snipes, William Hutson, and Daveed Diggs is a novella that delves into the concept of a mermaid society descended from pregnant African slaves who were thrown overboard during the slave trade. The story follows the protagonist, Yetu, who carries the memories of her people's traumatic past, struggling with the burden of remembering while the rest of her society chooses to forget. Through poetic and beautifully written prose, the book explores themes of memory, history, trauma, and the conflict between personal preservation and community duty.