Books Like...
'Creature' by John Saul revolves around a small town called Silverdale in Colorado, where the Tanner family moves to after Blake Tanner is promoted. The town is controlled by a company called TarrenTech, which runs a mysterious sports clinic named Rocky Mountain High. The clinic offers experimental treatments to enhance physical abilities, particularly in young athletes. As the Tanner family settles in, they start to uncover the dark secrets of the town, including the dangerous experiments being conducted on the children. The plot delves into themes of corporate corruption, unethical experimentation, and the lengths people will go to in pursuit of physical perfection, all while maintaining suspense and mystery throughout the narrative.
John Saul's writing style in 'Creature' is described as suspenseful and mysterious, with a slow build-up that intensifies as the story progresses. The author skillfully weaves together elements of horror, ethical dilemmas, and human nature's darker side, creating a thought-provoking narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. explores the consequences of pushing boundaries in the name of progress, with a focus on the impact on individuals and families caught in the midst of a sinister plot.
If you liked Creature, here are the top 19 books to read next:
'Sleepwalk' by John Saul is a compelling and thrilling story set in Borrego, a seemingly ordinary New Mexico town with a dark secret. The plot revolves around a conspiracy to control the minds of the local residents, especially targeting teenagers. When Judith Sheffield, a high school math teacher, discovers that the mandatory flu shots given to students are not what they seem, she teams up with refinery worker Frank Arnold, his son Jed, and Brown Eagle to uncover the truth behind the sinister takeover bid for the oil refinery. The novel expertly combines elements of mystery, horror, mysticism, romance, and social commentary to create a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
John Saul's writing style in 'Sleepwalk' is described as well-written, intriguing, and captivating. The author skillfully introduces and develops characters, setting up a suspenseful background that eventually leads to a thrilling and satisfying story. Despite some initial slow pacing, once the plot picks up, readers are drawn into the mystery and horror elements woven seamlessly throughout the narrative. Overall, the book offers a unique blend of genres, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns as the story unfolds.
Judith Sheffield felt the familiar tightening in her stomach as the final bell rang. All that was left of her day was the walk to the parking lot, accompanied, as always, by the prayer that today the ...- #2
'Second Child' by John Saul tells the story of Teri, a teenage girl who moves in with her father, stepmother, and half-sister Melissa after the tragic death of her parents in a fire. As Teri settles into her new life of wealth and luxury in a small town on the Maine coast, she becomes entangled in a web of jealousy, manipulation, and dark family secrets. The novel delves into themes of abuse, dysfunctional families, and the supernatural, keeping readers on edge with its suspenseful plot and well-developed characters. John Saul's writing style is described as clear, eloquent, and captivating, drawing readers in with a blend of psychological and paranormal elements that create a thrilling reading experience.
When Polly MacIver awoke just before dawn that morning, she had not the slightest presentiment that she was about to die. As her mind swam lazily in the ebbing tide of sleep, she found herself gigglin... - #3
"Stinger" by Robert R. McCammon is a sci-fi horror novel set in a small Texas town named Inferno. The town is facing economic hardships and is on the brink of collapse when an alien spacecraft crash-lands, bringing with it two alien entities - one hostile and one benign. The townspeople must band together, overcoming their differences, to fight off the hostile alien named Stinger. The novel combines elements of alien invasion, possession, and monsters, set against the backdrop of a crumbling town and a diverse cast of characters.
The purple light took on a tint of orange. Muted gray and dull brown gave way to deep crimson and burnt amber. Stovepipe cactus and knee-high sagebrush grew violet shadows, and slabs of rough-edged bo... - #4
'Christine' by Stephen King is a horror novel that revolves around a high school outcast named Arnie who becomes infatuated with a 1958 Plymouth Fury named Christine. As Arnie restores and obsesses over the car, it becomes clear that Christine has a malevolent spirit and a possessive nature, leading to a series of chilling events. The story is narrated by Arnie's friend Dennis, who provides insights into the characters' motivations and actions. King's writing style in 'Christine' is described as suspenseful, character-driven, and engaging, with a focus on developing realistic characters and maintaining a sense of dread throughout the narrative.
This is the story of a lover’s triangle, I suppose you’d say—Arnie Cunningham, Leigh Cabot, and, of course, Christine. But I want you to understand that Christine was there first. She was Arnie’s firs... - #5
'Four Past Midnight' by Stephen King is a collection of four novellas that delve into the realms of horror and the supernatural. From time travel to childhood trauma, each story weaves a tale of suspense and terror that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. King's writing style is detailed and immersive, creating a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the stories are finished. The plots are a mix of eerie scenarios and dark themes, showcasing King's ability to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche.
Brian Engle rolled the American Pride L1011 to a stop at Gate 22 and flicked off the FASTEN SEATBELT light at exactly 10:14 P.M. He let a long sigh hiss through his teeth and unfastened his shoulder h... - #6
In "Welcome to Dead House," Amanda and Josh move to the town of Dark Falls with their parents, inheriting an old house that seems cold, dark, and creepy. The children start experiencing strange occurrences, like seeing people in their house and hearing odd noises. As they uncover the mysteries of Dark Falls, they realize the town and its inhabitants are not what they seem, leading to a chilling and suspenseful story that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is simple and easy to understand, making it a quick but enjoyable read for both children and adults who appreciate a good scare.
“It’s hard for kids,” my mother added, smiling at Mr. Dawes, her hands shoved into her jeans pockets as she continued up to the front door. “You know. Leaving all of their friends behind. Moving to a ... - #7
The novel "Little Heaven" by Nick Cutter is a sprawling horror epic that follows the adventures of three mercenaries hired to investigate a religious settlement in the New Mexico wilderness. The story toggles between two timelines, 1965 and 1980, and features elements of religion, supernatural entities, and intense action scenes. The book delves into the characters' pasts, their encounters with evil, and their ultimate confrontation with malevolent forces at Little Heaven.
The little aphid did, though at a register too high for any human ear to perceive. It toiled in the root system of a cactus plant growing on the edge of the New Mexico desert. An insect so small that ... - #8
Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare is a YA horror novel set in the town of Kettle Springs, where teenager Quinn Maybrook moves with her father for a fresh start after a tragedy. The story revolves around the town's creepy mascot, Frendo the clown, who goes on a homicidal rampage during a high school party in a cornfield. The book balances a slow build-up with intense action in the second half, delivering a gory and bloodthirsty tale reminiscent of 80s slasher movies. The characters, especially Quinn, are well-developed and the small-town setting adds depth to the plot, making the fear palpable and keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Quinn Maybrook watched, helpless, as her dad flung himself against the side of the truck. He steadied himself on the running board. His stringy forearms tensed, gripping the side mirror, climbing up t... - #9
'Summer of Night' by Dan Simmons is a horror story set in the fictional town of Elm Haven, IL in 1960. It follows a group of young boys as they embark on summer adventures, unaware of an ancient force trying to resurrect itself in their town. As mysterious deaths occur, the boys must band together to fight off this malevolent entity and prevent it from wreaking havoc on their community. intricately weaves elements of horror, coming of age, and supernatural genres, providing a nostalgic yet chilling tale of friendship, courage, and the battle against evil.
Girls played with dolls in the shadows of her classrooms and corridors and later died in childbirth. Boys ran shouting through her hallways, sat in punishment through the growing darkness of winter af... - #10
Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon is a slow-burning gothic horror story set in the rural village of Cornwall Coombe, where ancient fertility cult rituals and sinister traditions lurk beneath the surface. The novel follows the Constantine family's move to the village, where they encounter eerie superstitions and unsettling mysteries surrounding the corn crop and the secretive Harvest Home ceremony. As the family delves deeper into the village's traditions, they uncover dark secrets that challenge their perceptions of the idyllic small town life they initially sought.
I awakened that morning to birdsong. It was only the little yellow bird who lives in the locust tree outside our bedroom window, but I could have wrung his neck, for it was not yet six and I had a han...