Books Like...

Desmond Bagley's 'High Citadel' is a thrilling adventure novel set in a fictional South American country where an airplane carrying a small group of passengers is hijacked and crashes in the high Andes. The survivors must fight off well-armed Communist rebels using homemade medieval weapons made from scrap found in an abandoned mine camp. The plot, although somewhat unrealistic, keeps readers engaged with its suspenseful storyline and unique setting. Bagley's writing style is described as fast-paced, action-packed, and well-researched, creating a captivating narrative that appeals to readers of all ages.

In another tale within the book, 'Landslide', readers follow the protagonist who, after nearly dying and losing his memory in an auto accident, returns to the town where the incident occurred to uncover his past. He finds himself entangled in a battle with a local tycoon family while also facing a looming threat of a dam collapse. The story is filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Bagley's ability to create larger-than-life characters and put them in challenging situations adds depth to the narrative and makes for an exciting read.

Many readers found "We Need to Do Something" by Max Booth III to be a dark and unnerving horror novella that centers around a dysfunctional family trapped in a bathroom during a tornado. The book explores themes of dark magic, tension, claustrophobia, and family dynamics, with a writing style that keeps the readers glued to the pages and delivers a mix of supernatural and psychological horror elements.

Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone is a gripping mystery novel that follows the narrator, Ernest Cunningham, as he attends a family reunion at a ski resort. The Cunningham family is full of secrets and conflicts, with each member having a dark past involving murder. When a dead body is discovered during a storm at the resort, Ernest is forced to navigate through a web of deceit and suspicion to uncover the truth. The book seamlessly weaves together past and present timelines, creating a cleverly constructed and atmospheric story that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

A group of friends from Oxford and their significant others spend the New Year's holiday in a secluded Lodge in Scotland. One ends up dead, sparking suspicions among the group. The narrative toggles between the days leading up to the murder and the aftermath, gradually revealing the victim and the killer. The characters are complex, harboring resentments, secrets, and conflicts, adding layers to the locked room mystery set in a snowbound hunting lodge. The author, Lucy Foley, crafts a suspenseful tale with a cast of unlikeable characters, keeping readers guessing until the end.

Set in the 1800s, 'The Terror' by Dan Simmons follows the ill-fated expedition of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror as they search for the Northwest Passage through the Arctic. The story is a blend of historical fiction and supernatural elements, incorporating themes of survival, exploration, and the mysterious creature that stalks the crew, creating a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere. Simmons intricately weaves in elements of Inuit mythology, adding depth and a fresh perspective to the well-known historical event.

Simmons' writing style in 'The Terror' is described as detailed, immersive, and atmospheric, capturing the harsh conditions of the Arctic and the psychological struggles of the characters with precision. The novel keeps readers engaged with its mix of historical accuracy, nautical elements, and fantastical elements, making it a unique and captivating read that blurs the lines between reality and myth.