Books Like...

'The Secret School' in the series 'Communion' by author Whitley Strieber is a unique exploration of the author's childhood encounters with aliens and the unconventional teachings he received from them. Through vivid storytelling and personal experiences, Strieber delves into the realms of UFOs, metaphysics, and the mysteries of the universe. The narrative provides insights into the possibility of human children being prepared secretly for significant events that will impact our lives, all while maintaining a dreamlike and colorful writing style that captivates the reader.

'Hunt for the Skinwalker' by George Knapp and Colm A. Kelleher delves into the mysterious phenomena experienced at a remote ranch in Utah, known as the Skinwalker Ranch. The authors explore the strange occurrences, including paranormal activities such as cattle mutilations, dog zapping orbs, and shape-changing interdimensional entities. Through a mix of personal experiences, investigations, and theories, the book attempts to confront the unexplained using a blend of science and folklore. The writing style combines storytelling with scientific inquiry, providing a glimpse into the eerie and enigmatic events that have taken place on the ranch.

'Operation Trojan Horse' by John A. Keel is a classic book in the field of ufology that delves into the mysterious world of UFOs and paranormal phenomena. Keel presents a historical study of extraordinary events that defy conventional explanations, drawing parallels between myths, folklore, and real-life experiences. The book explores the idea of UFOs as interdimensional beings, challenging readers to question their beliefs about the nature of these phenomena throughout history.

SINEATER is a novel that delves into the dark and disturbing tale of a perverse form of Christianity practiced in the mountains of Virginia. The story follows Joel, the son of the town's sineater, as he navigates through a series of deaths and struggles to find his place in a world where his family is shunned. The book explores themes of blind faith, human interactions, and the changing traditions of a small town, all set against a backdrop of rural superstitions and eerie depictions of the Appalachian mountains.

'The Haunted' in the series 'Ed & Lorraine Warren' by authors Ed Warren, Lorraine Warren, Jack Smurl, Janet Smurl, and Robert Curran is a chilling true story of the Smurl family, devout Catholics living in Pennsylvania, who find themselves tormented by a demon and other vengeful spirits. Despite not engaging in any occult practices, the family experiences extreme hauntings that escalate in intensity, leading to multiple exorcisms and a constant battle against the dark forces. The narrative style starts slow but gains momentum, providing a gripping account of the family's terrifying ordeal and the power of faith in the face of evil.

The writing in 'The Haunted' initially appears basic but evolves into a compelling and immersive storytelling experience as the haunting intensifies. Readers are taken on a journey that delves into the depths of supernatural horror, showcasing the resilience of the Smurl family in the face of unimaginable terror. not only explores the harrowing events that plagued the family but also delves into the spiritual and psychological impact of demonic infestation, offering a unique perspective on the battle between good and evil.

'The Bell Witch: An American Haunting' by Brent Monahan is a supernatural horror novel based on a true story set in 19th century Tennessee. It follows the haunting of a family by a malevolent spirit known as the Bell Witch, which is capable of killing and yet displays a witty and kind side. is described as intriguing, blending elements of horror and humor, but it falls apart at the end with a glib and predictable resolution. The story is written in a unique format, with one long chapter making it difficult to read in short sittings.

American Ghost: A Family's Haunted Past in the Desert Southwest by Hannah Nordhaus is a captivating exploration of the author's great great grandmother, Julia Schuster Staab. The book delves into Julia's mysterious life and death, intertwining personal and cultural history. Nordhaus meticulously investigates Julia's story through psychics, DNA tests, family journals, and visits to historical locations, creating a narrative that transcends a mere ghost story to become a profound journey of discovery and connection to the past.

Nordhaus skillfully weaves together the past and present, taking readers from Europe to the South West and back again. Through detailed research and captivating storytelling, she paints a vivid picture of Julia's struggles in a foreign land, while also reflecting on her own quest for identity and understanding. The book seamlessly combines elements of memoir, history, and journalism, offering a thought-provoking exploration of family legacy and the complexities of unraveling one's ancestry.

'John the Balladeer' in the 'Silver John' series by Manly Wade Wellman is a collection of short stories and novels that revolve around a fictional Appalachian folk hero named Silver John. Set in the Appalachian mountains, the stories are steeped in Appalachian folklore and music, with the protagonist using his silver-stringed guitar and hymns to battle evil creatures and supernatural forces. The tales are described as atmospheric, simple, and wonderful, evoking a sense of setting, culture, and Americana. is praised for its quick reads, light-hearted folk horror, and the way it establishes a strong sense of place and time.

The Old Gods Waken by Manly Wade Wellman is the first of the five novels in the Silver John series. The book follows John, a wandering folk singer and guitar player with silver strings, as he visits Luke Forshay and gets involved in a mysterious situation with new neighbors, the Voths, who are trying to claim land that doesn't belong to them. The story is a mix of fantasy and horror, filled with mountain dialect, folklore, and mystical elements. John, along with his friend Holly Christopher and Cherokee medicine man Chief Reuben Manco, must use their powers to overcome the evil plans of the Old World druids, the Voths, who seek to awaken pre-Indian spirits on Wolter Mountain.

'Majestic' by Whitley Strieber is a fiction novel that delves into the mysterious events surrounding the alleged Roswell flying saucer crash and subsequent cover-up in 1947. The book weaves together elements of government secrecy, UFO research, and deep cover intelligence from WWII, offering a new perspective on a story that has been widely discussed and dissected. Through a blend of true facts, documents, and fictional storytelling, Strieber presents a narrative that explores the idea of humans being manipulated by advanced beings and the consequences of contact with extraterrestrial life. The writing style of the book shifts between narrative grounded in reality to more abstract and speculative elements, captivating readers with its intriguing plot twists and thought-provoking ideas.