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'Second Child' by John Saul tells the story of Teri, a teenage girl who moves in with her father, stepmother, and half-sister Melissa after the tragic death of her parents in a fire. As Teri settles into her new life of wealth and luxury in a small town on the Maine coast, she becomes entangled in a web of jealousy, manipulation, and dark family secrets. The novel delves into themes of abuse, dysfunctional families, and the supernatural, keeping readers on edge with its suspenseful plot and well-developed characters. John Saul's writing style is described as clear, eloquent, and captivating, drawing readers in with a blend of psychological and paranormal elements that create a thrilling reading experience.

If you liked Second Child, here are the top 45 books to read next:

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  1. #1

    Comes The Blind Fury by John Saul
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    "Comes The Blind Fury" by John Saul tells a chilling tale of a young girl named Michelle who moves to Paradise Point with her family, only to get caught up in a century-old curse that affects her dramatically. The story unfolds as Michelle starts experiencing eerie occurrences and encounters a ghostly presence that seems to be seeking revenge. As the plot progresses, the narrative weaves elements of supernatural mystery, family dynamics, and dark secrets, keeping the reader engaged in the eerie atmosphere created by the author.

    The writing style in "Comes The Blind Fury" is described as suspenseful, thrilling, and psychologically engaging. John Saul intricately delves into the psyche of the characters, particularly Michelle, and creates a realistic setting that immerses the reader in the haunting world of Paradise Point. The story is filled with twists and turns, building up the suspense and tension as Michelle navigates through the dark mysteries surrounding her new home and the enigmatic figure of Amanda, the blind girl from the past.


  2. #2

    Brain Child by John Saul
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    'Brain Child' by John Saul is a gripping and suspenseful story that follows the life of Alex Lonsdale, who survives a horrific accident but loses his ability to feel emotions. As he tries to navigate his new life, strange and frightening events begin to occur, leading to a series of mysterious deaths. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. John Saul's writing style is described as complex, creating a world that is both believable and impossible, with a touch of horror that puts readers on edge.

    La Paloma was the kind of town that absorbed change slowly. Tucked up in the hills above Palo Alto, it had grown slowly for more than a hundred years, yet its focus remained as it had always been, the...

  3. #3

    The Unloved by John Saul
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    When Kevin Devereaux finds out his elderly mother Helena is dying, he decides to go back home to Sea Oaks, a mansion which is on a secluded island off the South Carolina coast for a brief stay with his family. The setting of the old, run-down mansion creates a sinister and disturbing feel, adding to the atmosphere of the book. As the family arrives, they are met with a cast of characters, some likable and some detestable, which sets the stage for mysterious events to unfold. The plot revolves around Kevin's decision to turn the decrepit mansion into a hotel, leading to a series of deaths and disappearances that keep the reader engaged and curious about what will happen next.

    She was in the darkness somewhere, moving slowly toward him. Though he couldn’t see her—he never saw her, never until the last minute—he could feel her coming. It was almost as if he could smell her, ...

  4. #4

    Sleepwalk by John Saul
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    'Sleepwalk' by John Saul is a compelling and thrilling story set in Borrego, a seemingly ordinary New Mexico town with a dark secret. The plot revolves around a conspiracy to control the minds of the local residents, especially targeting teenagers. When Judith Sheffield, a high school math teacher, discovers that the mandatory flu shots given to students are not what they seem, she teams up with refinery worker Frank Arnold, his son Jed, and Brown Eagle to uncover the truth behind the sinister takeover bid for the oil refinery. The novel expertly combines elements of mystery, horror, mysticism, romance, and social commentary to create a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

    John Saul's writing style in 'Sleepwalk' is described as well-written, intriguing, and captivating. The author skillfully introduces and develops characters, setting up a suspenseful background that eventually leads to a thrilling and satisfying story. Despite some initial slow pacing, once the plot picks up, readers are drawn into the mystery and horror elements woven seamlessly throughout the narrative. Overall, the book offers a unique blend of genres, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns as the story unfolds.

    Judith Sheffield felt the familiar tightening in her stomach as the final bell rang. All that was left of her day was the walk to the parking lot, accompanied, as always, by the prayer that today the ...

  5. #5

    Creature by John Saul
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    'Creature' by John Saul revolves around a small town called Silverdale in Colorado, where the Tanner family moves to after Blake Tanner is promoted. The town is controlled by a company called TarrenTech, which runs a mysterious sports clinic named Rocky Mountain High. The clinic offers experimental treatments to enhance physical abilities, particularly in young athletes. As the Tanner family settles in, they start to uncover the dark secrets of the town, including the dangerous experiments being conducted on the children. The plot delves into themes of corporate corruption, unethical experimentation, and the lengths people will go to in pursuit of physical perfection, all while maintaining suspense and mystery throughout the narrative.

    John Saul's writing style in 'Creature' is described as suspenseful and mysterious, with a slow build-up that intensifies as the story progresses. The author skillfully weaves together elements of horror, ethical dilemmas, and human nature's darker side, creating a thought-provoking narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. explores the consequences of pushing boundaries in the name of progress, with a focus on the impact on individuals and families caught in the midst of a sinister plot.

    The alarm went off with a soft buzz, and Mark Tanner lazily reached over to turn it off. He wasn’t asleep—hadn’t been for at least ten minutes. Rather, he’d been lying awake in bed, gazing out his win...

  6. #6

    Darkness by John Saul
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    In a swamp somewhere in Florida, danger lurks more deadly than the alligators and snakes that live there. Tales of strange humans living in the area are whispered by the town's people. A troubled teen, Kelly, moves to the town with her family and discovers something sinister happening to the children of the swamp. As Kelly and a new friend investigate, they uncover the mysteries of the swamp and the enigmatic figure known as the Dark Man. The book is set in the swamps of the coast of Florida and follows the journey of Kelly as she navigates through hallucinations, mysterious connections, and dark secrets.

    The plot revolves around Kelly's experiences with the old, sinister man from her dreams, her struggles with fitting in, and her connection to the mysterious occurrences in the swamp. The writing style captures the eerie atmosphere of the dark, murky swamps, creating a suspenseful and engaging read that keeps the readers hooked till the end.

    In her dreams, his face would come to her out of the darkness of sleep, leering at her, horrible features twisted into a malicious smile, his fingers—the clawed talons of a carnivorous bird—stretching...

  7. #7

    Nathaniel by John Saul
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    Nathaniel by John Saul is a gripping horror novel that tells the story of a widow, Janet Hall, and her son, Michael, who move to the small town of Prairie Bend following a tragic accident involving Janet's husband. As they settle into their new home, they uncover dark secrets about the town's past and the mysterious entity known as Nathaniel. The book weaves a tale of suspense, eerie atmosphere, and unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they delve into the Hall family's connection to Nathaniel and the sinister forces at play in the town.

    The writing style in Nathaniel is described as straightforward, easy to read, and gripping from the first few pages. Readers praise John Saul's ability to create visceral reactions to characters and situations, making them immediately invested in the story. The book is noted for its perfect blend of creepiness and suspense, with a plot that builds slowly towards a surprising ending, leaving readers thoroughly engaged and eager to uncover the mysteries lurking within Prairie Bend.

    Michael Hall gazed uncertainly up into the weathered face. He had never seen the man before, yet he recognized him as clearly as if he were looking into a mirror. He tried to keep his voice steady, tr...

  8. #8

    The Manhattan Hunt Club by John Saul
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    "The Manhattan Hunt Club" by John Saul is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark and terrifying world beneath the streets of Manhattan. The story follows Jeff Converse, a college student falsely convicted of a crime, who is thrust into a deadly game of survival in the underground tunnels of New York City. Hunted by a group of wealthy Manhattanites, Jeff forms an alliance with a psychotic murderer as they navigate the treacherous tunnels to escape their pursuers. The book weaves together intense action, suspenseful twists, and a chilling portrayal of the secret subterranean city inhabited by the homeless and the insane.

    The novel is praised for its fast-paced plot, vivid characters, and the masterful way John Saul creates a sense of terror and darkness throughout the narrative. Through multiple viewpoints and entwined plot lines, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Jeff's harrowing journey through the underground labyrinth, facing unimaginable threats and uncovering shocking truths along the way.

    Not the kind of face you'd expect to see on a monster. Indeed, nothing about Jeff Converse's pleasing appearance hinted at the cruelty that lay within. Not the dark, wavy hair, not the warm brown eyes...

  9. #9

    Suffer the Children by John Saul
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    'Suffer the Children' by John Saul is a chilling horror novel set in Port Arbello, where a dark history of disappearances and curses haunts the town. The story revolves around the Conger family, particularly focusing on the two sisters, Sarah and Elizabeth, as they navigate through a series of disturbing events involving missing children, family curses, and supernatural elements. The narrative is suspenseful and atmospheric, drawing readers into the coastal town and keeping them captivated with its morbid and unsettling storyline.

    The book combines elements of psychological horror, paranormal activity, and family drama, creating a gripping tale that explores themes of trauma, family secrets, and the consequences of past sins. John Saul's writing style is described as suspenseful, spine-tingling, and menacing, with a focus on character development and setting details that contribute to the overall eerie atmosphere of the story.

    Port Arbello perched snugly on the bluffs above the ocean, its trees flourishing the last of their fall finery with a bravado that belied the nakedness soon to come. The breeze off the Atlantic signal...

  10. #10

    Creature by Hunter Shea
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    Hunter Shea's 'Creature' is a horror novel that delves into the personal struggles of a couple, Kate and Andrew Woodson, as they face Kate's debilitating autoimmune diseases. The story unfolds as Andrew takes Kate on a retreat to a cabin in Maine in hopes of providing her with some relief. However, the peaceful getaway turns into a nightmare as they realize they are being stalked by a mysterious creature lurking in the woods. Shea's writing style captures the emotional journey of the characters, blending elements of body horror and psychological tension to create a gripping narrative that explores themes of love, illness, and fear.

    Her doctors hadn’t said as much the past few visits, but even she knew there was a limit to what a body could take. She had been in worse shape before. Much worse. Last rites and funeral arrangements ...

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