Books Like...

Thin Air by Michelle Paver is a ghost story set in the Himalayas in 1935, focusing on an expedition attempting to climb Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. The story follows Dr. Stephen Pearce and his brother Kit, along with other expedition members, as they face challenges both from the elements and a haunting presence believed to be shadowing them. The narrative combines historical details, psychological terror, and sibling rivalry to create a chilling atmosphere that builds tension as the climbers ascend the mountain.

Dark Matter is a haunting ghost story set in the Arctic, following Jack's journal entries as he joins an expedition to a remote uninhabited area named Gruhuken. As Jack faces isolation and darkness during the Arctic winter, he begins to witness disturbing occurrences, building tension and fear among the characters. The book explores themes of loneliness, paranoia, and the unexplained, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers engaged.

The writing style of Dark Matter is atmospheric and suspenseful, drawing readers into the desolate Arctic setting and the psychological turmoil of the characters. Michelle Paver skillfully weaves a slow-burning narrative that delves into the depths of despair and the human need for companionship, while also incorporating elements of folklore and ghostly encounters to create a gripping tale of survival and fear.

'Cast A Cold Eye' by Alan Ryan is a ghost story set in rural Ireland, following an American writer named Jack Quinlan who travels to a small village to research the Irish Potato Famine for his book. Jack starts experiencing eerie encounters and apparitions, leading him to uncover the secrets and mysteries hidden within the town. The book is praised for its atmospheric descriptions of the Irish scenery, blending natural beauty with haunting elements, creating a sense of suspense and intrigue throughout the story.

Set in the early 1900s, "Wakenhyrst" by Michelle Paver is a gothic tale centered around Edmund Stearne and his daughter Maud. The story unfolds in an ivy shrouded English manor at the edge of a wild, marshy fen, where family secrets, folklore, and medieval history intertwine. As Maud navigates the repressive environment created by her father's obsessions and deteriorating mental state, she uncovers hidden truths and unravels her father's madness. The narrative seamlessly weaves between Maud's perspective and Edmund's diaries, building towards a climax that reveals the dark forces at play in the house and the fen.

"Snowblind" by Ragnar Jonasson is a Nordic Noir mystery set in a cold and isolated village in Iceland, where newly arrived policeman Ari Thor investigates two sudden deaths while navigating the complexities of the tight-knit community. The plot unfolds slowly, with red herrings and complex storylines coming together to reveal the motives behind the crimes, all while the atmospheric setting of the snow-covered village adds to the sense of isolation and darkness. The writing style is introspective and claustrophobic, with beautifully described settings and a focus on character development, creating a sense of intrigue and suspense.

The Lost Village by Camilla Sten is a modern Gothic novel that explores the mystery of an abandoned village in rural Sweden where the entire population disappeared, leaving behind only a dead woman and a newborn infant. The story unfolds through two interwoven timelines, one set in the present day following a young filmmaker and her crew as they investigate the village for a documentary, and the other set in 1959 detailing the events leading up to the disappearance. The book delves into themes of female isolation, psychological issues, and atmospheric horror, creating a chilling and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engaged.

Printer's Devil Court by Susan Hill is a short ghost story set in the early 20th century, featuring a doctor who becomes entangled in a sinister plan to defeat death. The plot twists and turns, with elements of resurrection, haunting, and a Frankenstein-esque tone. The writing style is atmospheric, evoking a sense of chill and suspense, reminiscent of classic ghost stories from the past.

The Ghost Writer by John Harwood is a modern gothic novel that follows the story of Gerard Freeman as he delves into the mystery of his mother's past and unearths dark secrets best left buried. The narrative is interspersed with Victorian ghost stories written by Gerard's grandmother, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the plot. The book is described as a wonderfully literary ghost story with a captivating atmosphere that keeps readers hooked until the end, despite some mixed opinions on the ending itself.

The novel 'The Silence of the Sea' by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir follows lawyer Thora Gudmundsdottir as she investigates the mysterious disappearance of a family on a yacht voyage from Lisbon to Reykjavik. The story alternates between the eerie circumstances on board the yacht and Thora's efforts, along with her secretary Bella, to unravel the mystery surrounding the missing family. As Thora delves deeper into the case, she uncovers conspiracies and underhanded dealings, leading to a suspenseful and chilling tale of psychological terror set against the backdrop of the seafaring community.

The book is praised for its fresh and unusual writing style, with readers highlighting the atmospheric elements of malevolence, sadness, curiosity, and helplessness that permeate the storyline. The characters, particularly the two young daughters of the missing family, are portrayed in a captivating manner that captures the readers' hearts. Despite some criticisms of certain characters and plot elements, 'The Silence of the Sea' is commended for its ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats with its clever and unexpected twists, making it a novel that stands out in the mystery genre.

'Wild Fell' by Michael Rowe is a haunting tale that delves into the lives of different characters, spanning generations and exploring dark secrets that refuse to stay buried. The story revolves around Jamie Browning, who purchases the eerie Victorian Gothic residence, Wild Fell, on Blackmore Island. As Jamie unravels the mysteries of the house and its vengeful ghosts, the narrative shifts between past and present, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. The atmospheric writing style creates a sense of unease, drawing readers into a world where secrets lurk beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.