Books Like...
'Brodmaw Bay' by F.G. Cottam is a chilling tale set in a small picturesque Cornish fishing village that seems too good to be true. The Greer family, going through upheavals, is drawn to the village where they are immediately accepted and made to feel at home. However, as they settle in, the village's welcoming facade starts to unravel, revealing something ancient and evil lurking beneath the surface. The story involves unseen horrors, ancient witchcraft, rituals, ghosts, and true evil, all woven together by Cottam's excellent storytelling style that gradually builds a sense of unease to shocking disbelief.
If you liked Brodmaw Bay, here are the top 82 books to read next:
- #1
The Moorstone Sickness by Bernard Taylor is a chilling horror novel that follows Hal and Rowan Graham, a couple trying to start fresh in the quaint village of Moorstone after the tragic death of their son. As they settle into the seemingly perfect village, they begin to uncover unsettling truths about the community and its residents. The slow-building plot expertly leads readers towards an astounding conclusion, filled with suspense and horrifying revelations that will change Hal and Rowan's lives forever.
Bernard Taylor's writing style in The Moorstone Sickness is described as elegant and charming, slowly guiding readers through the daily lives of the characters while expertly building suspense towards a shattering crescendo. The author's ability to create a sense of eerie atmosphere and develop well-rounded, believable characters adds to the overall immersive experience of the novel, making it a real page-turner for fans of intelligent horror.
Hal glanced briefly at Rowan in the seat beside him to see whether she too was aware of their nearness to the village. She was. Ten minutes ago her eyes had been closed; secured by her seat belt she h... - #2
Sentinel by Drew Starling is a chilling horror novel set in the eerie small town of Bensalem, where a young family, Aaron and Ellen Dreyer, move in with their son Caleb. As they settle into their new home, they uncover dark secrets and legends of the town, leading to a series of horrific events including the brutal murder of their neighbor and the mysterious disappearance of their son. The story unfolds over six intense days and nights, filled with gory scenes, complex characters, and a sense of dread that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Drew Starling's writing style is described as beautifully descriptive, immersive, and engaging, making it hard for readers to put the book down.
- #3
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.
It was a murky November evening with a fog off the river and a fuzzy halo round every street lamp, when the conversation, which had such a hideous outcome, took place. We had all four of us returned t... - #4
Season of the Witch by Natasha Mostert is a dark and alluring intellectual thriller that delves into historical and occult concepts. The story follows Gabriel Blackstone, a computer hacker with the ability of remote viewing, as he gets entangled in a Gothic witchcraft mystery involving the Monk House and two captivating sisters, Morrighan and Minnaloushe. The plot is a crescendo of sensuous thrills and academic exploration expertly weaved by Mostert, keeping readers on edge with weighty philosophical and occult themes.
The narrative of Season of the Witch unfolds through parallel realities, maintaining a credible and engrossing flow that captivates readers from the very first page. Mostert's writing style is described as hypnotic, original, and well-researched, seamlessly blending modern technology with Gothic mystery and witchcraft, creating a unique and enthralling reading experience that balances seduction with mysticism and academic exploration.
- #5
"Sweetheart, Sweetheart" by Bernard Taylor follows the story of David Warwick, who returns to England after the sudden deaths of his twin brother Colin and Colin's wife. As David investigates the circumstances surrounding their deaths, he inherits their cottage and moves in with his fiancee. However, he soon starts feeling a mysterious presence in the cottage, leading to a chilling ghost story with elements of madness, murder, and betrayal. The writing style is described as English, understated, and creepy, with a focus on creating a sense of foreboding and developing a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge.
As I lie here in the short-cropped grass with my eyes just half open a butterfly alights on the carved angel’s head. It stays only a few seconds—its wings opening and closing—then takes off, flutterin... - #6
'The Colony' by F.G. Cottam is a supernatural horror novel that follows an expedition to New Hope Island, where a colony of settlers mysteriously disappeared 200 years ago. Led by Alexander McIntyre, the group includes a diverse set of characters such as reporters, a virologist, a cosmologist, a psychic, an archeologist, and an exorcist. As they uncover the island's dark past and encounter supernatural entities, tensions rise among the group members, leading to a series of mysterious deaths. The novel expertly weaves together elements of suspense, horror, and mystery, creating a chilling and atmospheric narrative that keeps readers on edge.
The writing style of 'The Colony' has been praised for its vivid descriptions, well-developed characters, and suspenseful plot. The author, F.G. Cottam, is lauded for his ability to craft a story that is both engaging and terrifying, with elements of supernatural horror that grip the reader from start to finish. The book explores themes of good vs evil, the supernatural, and the unknown, drawing readers into a world where ancient mysteries and dark forces collide.
McIntyre sat in his screening room with a single malt at his elbow and Mahler’s 9 unfurling around him through the concealed speakers housed in the ceiling and walls. He decided that he would switch t... - #7
'The Stones of Muncaster Cathedral' by Robert Westall is a collection of two supernatural novellas that captivate readers with their eerie and suspenseful storytelling. The title story follows steeplejack Joe Clarke as he faces malevolent forces while working on the towers of Muncaster Cathedral, evoking a sense of ageless evil and anticipation that keeps readers on edge. The second tale, 'Brangwyn Gardens,' takes readers back to post-World War II London, where a student is haunted by the ghost of a woman left behind on her wedding day. Both stories masterfully blend realism with the supernatural, drawing readers into a world where the past and present collide in chilling ways.
- #8
The Narrows by Ronald Malfi is a horror novel set in the decaying rural town of Stillwater, where unexpected horrors begin to unfold after a recent flood. The story follows a deputy sheriff as he investigates animal mutilations, people disappearing, dead cattle, and reports of bats and other unsettling events. The book weaves together a tale of monsters, both human and non-human, in a steadily paced narrative that immerses readers in the eerie atmosphere of the small town. The writing style is described as intricately worded, with a focus on creating a world that envelops the reader and makes them feel part of the characters within.
The students in Miss Sleet’s sixth-grade class were reading quietly to themselves when one of the girls in the back of the room screamed. Heads whirled in the girl’s direction—it was Cynthia Paterson,... - #9
'Dracula's Demeter' by Doug Lamoreux is a gripping tale that delves into the untold story of Dracula's journey from Transylvania to England aboard the ship Demeter. The author masterfully weaves a narrative that captures the essence of Bram Stoker's original work while adding depth and intrigue to the iconic vampire's backstory. The book is a blend of horror, mystery, and historical fiction, set against the backdrop of a doomed voyage filled with terror and suspense.
The writing style of Doug Lamoreux in 'Dracula's Demeter' is praised for its attention to detail, vivid descriptions, and well-developed characters. Readers appreciate the author's ability to bring the setting to life, from the eerie atmosphere of the ship to the haunting presence of Dracula himself. The book maintains a high level of tension throughout, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow the fates of the crew and passengers aboard the Demeter.
Below in the country dark, the trees, the black ribbons of river, the rolling fields… turned into sparse, barren foothills, then rose to rugged peaks frowning down upon the beaten road heading northea... - #10
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.
I FIRST SAW THE PHOTOGRAPH ON A HOT JANUARY AFTERnoon in my mothers bedroom. She was asleep-so I thought-in the sunroom at the other end of the house. I crept in through the half-open door, enjoying t...