Books Like...

'The Hunger' by Alma Katsu is a historical novel that retells the journey of the Reed Donner Party in 1846, adding a supernatural element to the story. The book delves into the horrors faced by the pioneers, including disease, starvation, and cannibalism, while also incorporating a supernatural twist that heightens the tension and fear within the narrative. Through well-done characterization and vivid descriptions, the author brings to life the interactions and struggles of the moving community, making the story a captivating blend of historical fiction and horror.

The plot of 'The Hunger' follows the ill-fated Donner Party as they face a series of mishaps, poor decisions, and supernatural threats while attempting to cross 1800's America from east to west. The author skillfully weaves together elements of historical events with supernatural horror, creating a gripping and eerie tale that keeps readers on edge. The book explores themes of despair, survival, and the malevolent nature of the surrounding environment, making it a haunting and immersive read that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

'The Fervor' by Alma Katsu is a historical supernatural horror novel that weaves together three plot strands around the central theme of the jorogumo, a Japanese spider demon that can shape-shift into a beautiful woman. Set against the backdrop of the US Japanese internment camps of WWII, the story delves into the overwhelming hatred towards the unseen enemy, mirroring real-world issues like racism and nationalism. As a contagion breaks out in the camp, the narrative takes a chilling turn with government medical teams, sinister chain of events, and a blend of demons, historical accuracy, and imaginative plot.

The book captures the atmosphere of WWII in America, exploring themes of fear, racism, and hatred through a mix of characters dealing with conspiracies, impossible creatures, and the dark history of internment camps. Alma Katsu integrates various plot threads seamlessly, creating a genuinely scary and relevant story that holds a mirror to the past and present societal issues, while also providing insights into historical events like the Fu Go incendiary balloons deployed during WWII.

'From Below' by Darcy Coates is a gripping deep sea horror thriller that alternates between the present-day dive to investigate the wreck of the SS Arcadia and the events that led to its sinking in 1928. The novel expertly weaves together two timelines, creating a sense of creeping dread and claustrophobia as the characters face mysterious dangers lurking beneath the ocean's surface. The writing style is immersive, building tension effectively and transporting readers to the eerie underwater setting where the horror unfolds.

Blood Cruise is a horror thriller that takes place on a 24-hour cruise from Sweden to Finland, where a vampire virus begins spreading among the 1200 passengers onboard the Baltic Charisma. The story unfolds with brutal and gory scenes, with no true happy ending for the characters involved. The narrative switches between multiple passengers, each with their own distinct backstory, as the tension and suspense build up to the inevitable horror that ensues on the ship. The plot is fast-paced, filled with gore, violence, and heart-wrenching moments amidst the blood and carnage.

The author, Mats Strandberg, expertly crafts a terrifying tale with believable characters and a relentless storyline. Despite some criticisms of pacing and character development, Blood Cruise is described as a rollercoaster of action and carnage once it gets going, leaving readers on the edge of their seats with a desire for more. The book is praised for its entertainment value, well-written narrative, and engaging plot that keeps readers hooked until the very end.

'Sea Sick' by Iain Rob Wright is a zombie horror novel that follows Jack Wardsley, a British policeman, who finds himself on a cruise liner where a cold-like virus turns passengers into violent zombies. Jack realizes he is reliving the same day over and over, and must find a way to prevent the zombie pandemic from spreading to the mainland. The plot unfolds with a mix of zombie apocalypse and Groundhog Day elements, keeping readers engaged with its unique take on the genre.

The writing style of the book is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with suspense, as readers follow Jack's journey to uncover the mystery behind the virus and the daily resets. The characters are well-rounded, and the story raises thought-provoking questions about survival, trust, and the consequences of one's actions in dire situations.

"The Dead Sea" by Tim Curran is a horror novel that follows a group of men stranded in a mysterious fog after their ship encounters strange creatures and crashes. The survivors must navigate the darkness, bizarre creatures, and each other's conflicts while trying to make sense of their situation and survive. The story is described as eerie, Lovecraftian in tone, and full of tension and atmospheric dread, making it a chilling and thrilling read for fans of horror.

All the White Spaces by Ally Wilkes is a chilling novel set in the Antarctic during the early 1900s. The story follows a young woman named Jonathan who identifies as male and stows away on an all-male Antarctic expedition led by the legendary explorer James Australis Randall. As disaster strikes, the crew must seek shelter in an abandoned cabin to survive the brutal Antarctic winter. The novel expertly weaves elements of horror, survival, and gender exploration, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere as the crew faces both the unforgiving elements of the Antarctic and a paranormal presence that threatens their lives.

The writing style in All the White Spaces is described as vivid and realistic, with well-developed characters and a dark, eerie tone that keeps readers on edge. The plot unfolds with a mix of intimate character moments, scenes of survival, and paranormal encounters, culminating in a gripping narrative that delves into themes of grief, loss, and the struggle for survival in the face of unimaginable horror.

"The Deep" by Peter Benchley is a thrilling novel that follows Gail and David Sanders on their honeymoon in Bermuda. While scuba diving near their hotel, they discover a glass ampule filled with a mysterious yellow liquid, setting off a chain of events that leads them to work with a wreck diver named Treece in a dangerous quest for Spanish treasure. The story is filled with suspense, underwater settings, and dark secrets, creating a gripping plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Benchley's writing style in this 1976 publication is noted for its improvement from his previous works, with a straightforward narrative that focuses on scary underwater events and the protagonists' struggle against local threats.

'Day Four' by Sarah Lotz is a horror novel set on a cruise ship, following the perspectives of various passengers and crew members as strange events unfold. The plot revolves around eerie experiences, paranormal activities, and the breakdown of the ship's systems, leading to chaos and anarchy among the characters. The storytelling style includes different chapters focusing on individual characters, with elements of mystery and suspense building up throughout the narrative.

The author, Sarah Lotz, creates a tense and unsettling atmosphere in the novel, incorporating creepy occurrences strategically placed at the end of each chapter. The book delves into themes of horror, thriller, and action, with a touch of cosmic horror towards the end. Lotz's writing draws readers into the story, making them curious about the unfolding events and the mysteries surrounding the characters and the ship.

In 'The Devil and the Dark Water' by Stuart Turton, set in the 17th century, the story follows Samuel Pipps, a renowned detective, and his loyal bodyguard Arent Hayes, as they embark on a perilous journey to Amsterdam. Strange occurrences plague their ship, including mysterious symbols, deaths, and whispers of unholy miracles. As the plot unfolds, secrets from the past resurface, creating a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Turton weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, and the supernatural, delivering a complex and gripping tale filled with twists and surprises.

The narrative is rich in historical details, portraying life aboard a merchant vessel and the superstitions of the 17th century with vivid imagery. The characters, ranging from strong-willed women to clever detectives, add depth to the story, while the intricate plot keeps readers engaged till the end. Turton's writing style blends elements of locked room mystery, Sherlock Holmes homage, and swashbuckling sea adventure, creating a unique and immersive reading experience that transports readers to a world of intrigue and suspense.