Books Like...

'Within These Walls' by Ania Ahlborn is a psychological and supernatural horror novel that follows the story of a true crime author, Lucas Graham, who is offered an exclusive interview with a cult leader, Jeffrey Halcomb, in exchange for moving into the house where a ritualistic killing took place. The book alternates between the present, where Lucas investigates the cult and its rituals, and the past, where we witness Audra Avis being manipulated into the cult and the events leading to her demise. The novel explores themes of manipulation, redemption, and the power of charismatic personalities on vulnerable minds, drawing parallels to real-life cults like the Manson family.

Devil's Creek by Todd Keisling is a horror novel that delves into the dark themes of religion, cults, and the consequences of small-town beliefs. The story follows the town of Stauford, Kentucky, where a secluded religious cult once worshipped an evil God underground. As the past of the cult resurfaces, the characters, including the Stauford Six who suffered under the cult leader Jacob Masters, must confront the trauma and evil that threatens to engulf the town once again. The writing style of the book is described as detailed and immersive, drawing readers into the eerie atmosphere of the story with vivid descriptions and impactful scenes.

Shay Deroy, a housewife in Dallas, is pulled back into her dark past when her college friend Laurel dies under mysterious circumstances. With the help of her former best friend Jamie, a true crime podcast host, Shay delves into the secrets of their past, uncovering a web of trauma, cults, and mysteries that still haunt her. The plot twists and turns, keeping readers guessing and engaged until the very end. Ashley Winstead's writing style is described as dark, thorough, and captivating, with detailed descriptions that bring the characters and story to life.

The Children of Red Peak by Craig DiLouie is a chilling tale of five survivors of a religious cult who reunite after one of them takes her own life. As the group pieces together their traumatic past at Red Peak, they are drawn back to confront the horrific truth they had long buried. The novel delves into themes of trauma, cult fanaticism, and the blurred lines between good and evil, with a narrative that jumps between past and present, revealing the characters' struggles to cope with their haunting memories.

'Black Sheep' by Rachel Harrison follows the story of Vesper, a young woman who is disenchanted with her life working at a chain restaurant. After receiving a wedding invitation from her ex-boyfriend and best friend, she is intrigued to return home to a small village that is actually a Satanic cult called Hell's Gate. As she navigates her family dynamics, particularly her cold and non-loving mother who is a famous horror movie actress, Vesper begins to unravel her past and make realizations about her identity and desires. The plot unfolds delicately, revealing little tidbits that keep the reader wondering how they fit into the big picture, while the writing style combines elements of humor, darkness, and relatability.

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.

Little Eve by Catriona Ward is a Gothic horror novel set in a remote Scottish island. The story unfolds with a brutal, ritualistic murder during WWII, with conflicting accounts from two narrators flashing back to WWI. The narrative is complex, with intentional confusion that eventually clicks for the reader. The author excels in keeping the reader in the dark as the plot twists and turns, revealing a haunting and claustrophobic tale of delusion with unexpected turns and a chilling atmosphere of fear and paranoia throughout.

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.

'Last Days' by Brian B.K. Evenson is a dark and twisted tale following Kline, a detective who is forced to investigate a murder within an underground religious cult that glorifies amputation. The story delves into themes of extreme violence, body horror, and the exploration of religion taken to its most gruesome extremes. Evenson's writing style is described as intense, lean, and haunting, with a plot that unfolds in a chillingly realistic manner that keeps readers on edge.

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.