Books Like...

A friend told me once that she and her family had gone camping for a week with no contact with anyone else, and returned to discover the world had changed forever due to 9 11. So it is for Marlene, her sister in law Joni and 5 children, ranging in age from teenager to toddler, who have gone for a back to nature weekend in Shropshire. At first irritated by the lack of mobile signal, this turns to confusion, concern and then outright fear as they discover the world is now very much not as they knew it. Jo Furniss writes so beautifully bringing to life her characters and the horrific future facing them. There is a good balance of hope for the future alongside the realisation that the lives they previously had have now gone for good. And then there is that ending I'm not sure what I was expecting but it certainly wasn't that But I felt it was the perfect way to leave All The Little Children as I'm still thinking days later about Marlene and the rest of the characters we met here.

'The River at Night' by Erica Ferencik is a thriller that follows four middle-aged women who embark on a whitewater rafting trip in the Maine wilderness. The trip takes a dangerous turn when an accident leaves them stranded, forcing them to face both natural hazards and human threats. The story is described as a gripping tale of survival, filled with plot twists and turns, as the characters navigate through the remote wilderness while uncovering secrets about themselves and each other.

The book is praised for its atmospheric setting, intense survival theme, and the complex relationships between the four female friends. The writing style is noted for its descriptive nature, making the reader feel immersed in the wilderness alongside the characters. Despite some slow starts, the novel is considered a page-turner that keeps readers engaged with its suspenseful plot and character development.

"The End of the World Running Club" by Adrian J. Walker follows the story of Edgar Hill, who, after a series of asteroid strikes devastate the UK, is separated from his wife and children. Determined to reunite with his family, Edgar embarks on a 500-mile journey across a post-apocalyptic landscape with a group of survivors. The plot explores themes of survival, redemption, and personal growth as Edgar faces various challenges and encounters both helpful and dangerous individuals along the way. The writing style is described as engaging, pacy, and filled with twists and turns that keep the reader interested in the story.

'A Head Full of Ghosts' by Paul Tremblay is a psychological horror novel that delves into the blurred lines between reality and supernatural occurrences. The story follows the Barrett family, particularly focusing on Marjorie, a teenage girl whose behavior raises questions of whether she is suffering from mental illness or is truly possessed by a malevolent force. The narrative is presented through multiple perspectives, including Merry, Marjorie's younger sister, who recounts the events of their past, intertwined with elements of reality TV, exorcism, and the psychological unraveling of the family.

The writing style of 'A Head Full of Ghosts' is described as gripping and unsettling, with a multi-layered plot that keeps readers guessing until the shocking conclusion. Tremblay's ability to weave together themes of horror, family dynamics, and societal influences creates a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final page is turned. The narrative is structured in a way that challenges readers to question their perceptions of what is real and what lies beyond the realm of the tangible, making it a thought-provoking and immersive read.