Books Like...

In "Mystery in White" by J. Jefferson Farjeon, a group of train passengers find themselves stranded on Christmas Eve due to heavy snowfall. Seeking shelter, they come across a deserted house with signs of recent activity but no occupants. As they try to uncover the secrets of the house, a murder occurs among them, leading to a suspenseful and spooky tale of intrigue and murder. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists, engaging characters, and a cozy Christmas setting that adds to the overall mystery and suspense of the story.

'The Christmas Killer' by Alex Pine is a murder mystery set in a small town in Cumbria during the festive season. The story revolves around DI James Walker who receives a chilling Christmas card that forewarns of twelve murders to come. As the bodies start to pile up, the detectives find themselves trapped in the snowbound village, racing against time to catch the killer. The book combines elements of a locked-room mystery with a modern twist, reminiscent of Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None'. Readers follow DI Walker as he navigates through red herrings, personal dilemmas, and a suspenseful race to unveil the Christmas Killer.

The writing style of 'The Christmas Killer' is described as fast-paced, engaging, and enjoyable. The narrative unfolds with a mix of cozy mystery and police procedural elements, creating a page-turner that keeps readers hooked. The book introduces a variety of characters, a snowy setting, and a series of murders that test the detective's skills and resolve, making it a thrilling read for fans of crime fiction.

The Sittaford Mystery by Agatha Christie is a standalone novel that follows a group of people snowed in at Sittaford House, where a harmless table turning session turns sinister when a spirit message announces the murder of Captain Trevelyan. The protagonist, Emily Trefusis, sets out to clear her fiancé's name, navigating through red herrings, suspicious characters, and a small English village to uncover the truth behind the murder. The book combines elements of a classic Christie whodunit with a touch of supernatural intrigue, set against the backdrop of a snowy Dartmoor village.

The plot unfolds with a mix of atmosphere, suspense, and engaging characters, showcasing Christie's talent for crafting intricate mysteries with unexpected twists. The narrative style is described as easy to read, with simple prose that belies the complexity of the plot, keeping readers guessing until the end. Despite being a departure from the usual Poirot or Miss Marple stories, The Sittaford Mystery captivates readers with its compelling storyline, strong female protagonist, and a blend of traditional mystery elements with a hint of the paranormal.

In the book 'Snow' by John Banville, Inspector St. John Strafford is called to investigate the murder of a Catholic priest in the library of Ballyglass House in 1950s rural County Wexford. The story unfolds with Strafford, an outsider in many ways, navigating through a closed and secretive community, exploring themes of post-War poverty, the class and religious divide, and the scandals of the Catholic church. The writing style is described as spare and bleak, mirroring the weather and setting, creating a blend of a classic whodunnit and a piece of literary fiction that delves into deep societal issues.

The Dead Mountaineer's Inn by Jeff VanderMeer, Josh Billings, Boris Strugatsky, and Arkady & Boris Strugatsky is a unique blend of science fiction and mystery set in an isolated inn in the mountains. The story follows police detective Peter Glebsky as he finds himself surrounded by eccentric characters in a haunted inn, trying to solve a murder mystery amidst practical jokes and strange occurrences. The writing style is described as skillfully crafted, with elements of humor, melancholy, and thoughtfulness, creating a light-hearted yet suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers engaged until the unexpected twist towards the end.

An English Murder by Cyril Hare is a classic English country house mystery set at Warbeck Hall during Christmas. The story unfolds as a group of guests, including a diverse mix of characters with political affiliations and historical backgrounds, become snowbound in the house. A murder occurs, leading to an investigation led by Dr. Bottwink, a Central European historian, and Sergeant Rogers, a Special Branch Detective. The plot is filled with subtle humor, diverse political views, and an ingenious mystery that keeps the reader engaged till the end.

In "Shiver" by Allie Reynolds, a group of former snowboarding friends reunite at an isolated ski lodge in the French Alps, where a mysterious death from their past resurfaces, leading to a series of chilling events and revelations. The narrative alternates between the present day and ten years ago, creating a tense atmosphere as secrets are unveiled, suspicions rise, and the characters' connections and tensions come to light. Reynolds' background in snowboarding adds authenticity to the competitive and dangerous world depicted in the novel, while the locked room mystery plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, questioning who to trust and what really happened to Saskia.

'An Unwanted Guest' by Shari Lapena is a classic murder mystery set in a remote mountain lodge during a snowstorm. A group of strangers find themselves trapped with no power or contact with the outside world, as bodies start piling up, suspicion and fear rise among the guests. The plot alternates between characters' perspectives, keeping readers guessing until the end, with a cleverly crafted atmosphere of isolation and tension reminiscent of Agatha Christie's style.

One by One by Ruth Ware is a fast-paced thriller set in a French chalet where an avalanche and blizzard cut off the inhabitants from the rest of the mountain, leading to a series of mysterious deaths. The story is told from alternating points of view, creating a suspenseful atmosphere reminiscent of Agatha Christie's works. The plot revolves around a group of co-workers from a music networking app company called Snoop who are trapped in the chalet, testing their relationships and revealing hidden motives as the body count rises.

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse is a suspenseful thriller set in a luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps, built on the site of a former TB sanatorium. The story follows Elin Warner, a British policewoman on leave, who gets involved in a murder investigation after her brother's fiancée goes missing. Trapped by a snowstorm and an avalanche, Elin becomes the key figure in solving the mysterious deaths that occur in the isolated hotel. The plot is filled with twists and turns, creating a tense atmosphere with a touch of violence, as Elin navigates through her own trauma and insecurities to uncover the truth behind the murders.