Books Like...

'City of Masks' in the 'Cree Black' series by Daniel Hecht follows the paranormal detective Cree Black as she navigates the haunted city of New Orleans. The narrative seamlessly weaves together Cree's personal struggles with her profession as a ghost-hunting psychologist, creating a dark and intriguing thriller that explores themes of mystery, ghosts, and the supernatural. The author's detailed descriptions of the city and the ghostly menace within Beauforte House bring the setting alive, while the well-drawn and sympathetic characters drive the story forward, keeping readers engaged till the end.

The Wine of Angels by Phil Rickman introduces readers to Merrily Watkins, a unique vicar with investigative abilities, as she navigates the mysteries and supernatural elements of the historic village of Ledwardine. The book delves into ancient secrets, murder, and a blend of spirituality and the supernatural, all while portraying realistic characters and dialogue. Rickman's writing style weaves together complex subplots, a large cast of characters, and a mix of mysterious and murderous elements, creating an entertaining and compelling read that leaves readers wanting more.

The Forgery of Venus by Michael Gruber is a gripping thriller set in the art world, where a contemporary artist finds himself mysteriously flashing back into the life of master painter Velasquez. The book delves into themes of authenticity, memory, and art, while providing fascinating insights into the world of expensive art and art forgery. With a complex plot and multi-layered characters, the story unfolds in various locations such as Venice, New York, Rome, and Madrid, offering a compelling exploration of the art world through the eyes of expert forgers, private collectors, and art dealers.

Gruber's writing style in The Forgery of Venus is described as engaging, thought-provoking, and immersive. Readers praise the depth and nuance he brings to the narrative, as well as his ability to weave together elements of reality, art, and illusion into a page-turning tale that is both enjoyable and informative. The book is commended for its original concept, intriguing plot twists, and the way it seamlessly combines historical references with contemporary themes, creating an atmosphere that captivates readers from start to finish.

"The Book of Air and Shadows" by Michael Gruber is a thrilling tale revolving around the discovery of a lost manuscript purporting to reveal unknown information about William Shakespeare. The story follows a group of characters who become entangled in a dangerous race to uncover the manuscript, leading to murder, mayhem, and even romance. With three intersecting storylines, the plot involves Russian gangsters, English professors, and cyphered letters that may lead to a lost Shakespearean play.

The book combines elements of mystery, historical intrigue, and literary detective work, with a mix of modern-day settings and 17th-century manuscripts. As the characters navigate through a web of deceit, fraud, love, and infidelity, the audiobook version is praised for its well-narrated performance, adding depth to the diverse cast of characters.

The Cold Calling by Phil Rickman, writing as Will Kingdom, weaves together multiple storylines set in the Welsh borderlands. The novel follows a hit-and-run victim brought back to life, a feud between a TV archaeologist and a retired teacher, and a series of ritualistic murders by a killer known as The Green Man. Characters like Cindy the shaman, Bobby Maiden the policeman, and Grayle Underhill the journalist are entangled in a plot that blurs the lines between reality and the paranormal, against the backdrop of a deeply evoked Welsh border country.

In "The Chalk Circle Man" by Fred Vargas, Chief Inspector Jean Baptiste Adamsberg investigates the appearance of blue chalk circles on the streets of Paris, which he believes hold a sinister purpose. Despite his unorthodox methods and peculiar personality, Adamsberg is determined to uncover the truth behind these mysterious circles and the crimes they lead to. The book introduces a cast of eccentric characters, a slow-burning plot filled with introspection, and a unique writing style that sets it apart from typical crime fiction.

'Nocturnal' by Scott Sigler is a fast-paced SF horror novel that blends the best of both genres with a police procedural and a decades-old mystery. The story follows Bryan Clauser, an experienced SF homicide detective, as he starts having dreams of a series of gruesome murders that turn out to be real. Alongside his partner, Pookie Chang, Bryan investigates these murders, which are somehow connected to the trials of a bullied 13-year-old kid. The plot accelerates through the pages, revealing twists and turns, complex character relationships, and a deep conspiracy that stretches through the city's underbelly to the highest offices.

The writing style of 'Nocturnal' is described as blending cop detective drama with monster fantasy. The author delves into character psyches, providing insight into their motivations and emotions, creating a dark and urban sci-fi setting with elements of horror that keep readers engaged. The novel features a mix of brutal murders, occult symbols, terrible nightmares, and a conspiracy that adds layers of excitement and dread to the narrative.

'Mean Spirit' by Phil Rickman, writing as Will Kingdom, follows the story of police detective Bobby Maiden as he continues his pursuit of his corrupt former boss who now leads a private security force. The book delves into a twisted narrative filled with supernatural elements, devious villains, and a chaotic supernatural finale. Rickman's writing style, set against the backdrop of the Welsh border, brings to life a gripping crime thriller with a touch of paranormal intensity, exploring themes of mystery, murder, and the supernatural.

'Night After Night' by Phil Rickman revolves around the eerie Knap Hall, which becomes the setting for a reality TV show called the 'Big Other' where celebrities with their own agendas are brought together. Grayle Underhill, the researcher, is tasked with investigating the haunted house, uncovering dark secrets and supernatural elements while navigating through the world of celebrity culture and paranormal challenges. The story slowly builds tension, blending reality TV drama with ancient secrets, creating a creepy atmosphere that keeps the reader engaged.

The plot of 'Night After Night' unfolds as Grayle delves deeper into the mysteries of Knap Hall, revealing the intertwined lives of the celebrity inhabitants and their hidden pasts. Phil Rickman's writing style intricately weaves together elements of horror, suspense, and character-driven storytelling, drawing readers into a world where reality television meets supernatural phenomena, culminating in a gripping narrative that balances modern pop culture with ancient mysteries.

The novel 'All Heads Turn When the Hunt Goes By' by John Farris is a Southern Gothic horror story that revolves around a prominent Southern family plagued by a voodoo curse. The plot kicks off with a ghastly wedding day tragedy in 1942, leading to a series of dreadful events that unfold within the accursed family. Farris skillfully weaves historic details, cultural tidbits, and voodoo lore into the narrative, creating a rich sense of time and place. The writing style is described as engrossing, gripping, and horrifying, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in a dark and mysterious atmosphere.