Books Like...

'Offline' by Kealan Patrick Burke is a short story that delves into the dangers of online relationships and the potential consequences of trusting strangers on the internet. The narrative unfolds through a series of Facebook chat conversations, creating a modern and engaging storytelling format. Readers are drawn into the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere as they follow a group of teenagers who mysteriously fall ill, highlighting the themes of deception and hidden dangers lurking behind online interactions.

The author, Kealan Patrick Burke, skillfully utilizes the limitations of the messenger format to craft a compelling and suspenseful story that keeps readers hooked until the unexpected ending. Through the use of online chat logs, Burke effectively conveys the evolving relationships between the characters and builds tension as the true intentions of the individuals involved are gradually revealed. The plot unfolds rapidly, offering a quick yet impactful read that serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of connecting with strangers in the digital age.

Ghoster by Jason Arnopp is a thrilling novel that delves deep into themes of tech addiction and social media obsession. The story follows Kate, a paramedic who moves in with her boyfriend only to find him vanished, leaving behind only his phone. As Kate unravels the mystery of Scott's disappearance, she encounters eerie supernatural occurrences in the apartment, leading her on a suspenseful journey filled with twists and unexpected revelations. Arnopp's writing style expertly blends elements of horror, mystery, and psychological thriller, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through the complexities of social media and technology in today's society.

The Visible Filth by Nathan Ballingrud is a dark and disturbing horror novella that follows the main character, Will, as he navigates through a series of eerie events starting from noticing cockroaches in the bar he works at to finding a cell phone that leads him on a strange personal journey. The story is described as subtle horror that gathers momentum through each perfectly drawn scene, conveying a pervasive sense of dread and evil creeping into the protagonist's world.

Nathan Ballingrud's writing style in The Visible Filth has been praised for its ability to combine the chill of urban legends with a deep literary sensibility, providing a profound character study of an aimless bartender who finds his life unraveling after a fateful encounter with mysterious individuals at his bar in New Orleans. The novella seamlessly blends elements of mystery, thriller, and weird fiction, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers on edge.

"Scanlines" by Todd Keisling is a dark tale that delves into themes of suicide, depression, and the haunting consequences of watching a disturbing video. The story follows a group of teenage boys who come across a haunting video clip online, leading to a descent into madness as they are haunted by the image of a dead congressman. The writing style is described as beautifully written and sensitive to the topic of depression, with the author incorporating personal insights into the narrative. The plot revolves around the characters' struggle to understand the eerie events unfolding around them, creating a sense of suspense and unease throughout the book.

'Rabbits' by Terry Miles follows the story of K and his friend Chloe as they navigate through a mysterious game named Rabbits that poses a risk they know they shouldn't be involved in. The game presents enigmatic challenges, coincidences, and altered realities that pull the characters into a world of uncertainty, where the consequences of losing are dire. As the plot unfolds, the boundaries between reality, gaming, and mysticism blur, leading K and Chloe on a quest to save the world from impending doom caused by disruptions within the game. The narrative weaves elements of alternate realities, conspiracy theories, and the influence of ley lines, creating a thought-provoking and intriguing storyline that keeps readers guessing until the end.

The writing style of Terry Miles in 'Rabbits' has been described as engaging, with a mix of sci-fi, mysticism, and pop culture references that add depth to the storyline. The author's ability to create a world where the game of Rabbits becomes a mind-bending experience for the characters and readers alike, showcases a unique blend of storytelling that challenges perceptions and immerses the audience in a complex web of reality and fantasy.

The Sluts by Dennis Cooper is an extreme portrayal of the lives of a group of gay male escorts and their pimps, narrated through wildly unreliable sources. The writing style changes to mimic texts, escort websites, and forums, making the story even seedier and uncomfortable. The novel follows an escort known as Brad over the course of a year, along with his clients and possibly his pimp, through a series of forum posts detailing some pretty nasty aspects of the sex trade.

'Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke' by Eric LaRocca is a horror novella that unfolds through email correspondence and AIM chat logs set in the early 2000s. The story revolves around two young women, Agnes and Zoe, who form a dark and twisted bond after meeting in an online forum. The plot delves into their increasingly disturbing interactions, exploring themes of submission, degradation, and self-destructive relationships. The narrative takes readers on a macabre journey as the characters succumb to their most horrific desires, leading to a chilling and inevitable conclusion.

The writing style of the book is described as engaging and immersive, with a unique format that presents the story through a series of emails and chat room conversations. The author skillfully builds tension and suspense, creating a whirlpool of darkness that captivates readers and compels them to devour the book quickly. LaRocca's storytelling technique, coupled with the use of epistolary fiction, adds depth to the characters and effectively conveys the unsettling nature of their relationship, making for a gripping and intense read.

'The Last Days of Jack Sparks' is a gripping horror novel that follows the egomaniacal protagonist, Jack Sparks, as he delves into the supernatural world he once mocked. Through a mix of social media posts, interviews, and case studies, the book presents conflicting narratives that challenge Jack's skepticism and lead to a series of terrifying events. The writing style blends elements of dark satire, humor, and genuine fear, creating a narrative that keeps readers on edge and questioning reality.

The plot unfolds as Jack Sparks, a controversial figure in the world of paranormal investigation, faces the consequences of his arrogant disbelief in the supernatural. The story takes unexpected turns, with twists that confound expectations and deliver chilling payoffs. Readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of horror, comedy, and suspense, culminating in a shocking climax that leaves a lasting impact.

'Episode Thirteen' by Craig DiLouie is a ghost story that follows the Fade to Black team as they investigate the Paranormal Research Foundation's abandoned mansion, known for strange experiments in the 70s. The story unfolds through blog entries, raw footage transcripts, journals, emails, news articles, and more, creating a Blair Witch Project-style narrative. As the team explores the mansion, eerie encounters and bizarre discoveries lead to escalating tension and suspense, blurring the lines between reality and the paranormal. delves into themes of trust, character dynamics, and the evolving nature of the ghost story genre.

'Negative Space' by B.R. Yeager is a weird and creepy supernatural mystery that delves into a string of horrific suicides in a small town. The novel offers a unique approach to storytelling, blending elements of horror, occult, and cosmic themes. The narrative is non-traditional, with a focus on dark and intimate character exploration, as well as a mix of mundane ennui with cosmic horror. The writing style incorporates textual experimentation, shifting perspectives, and retrospective revelations, creating a chilling and thought-provoking reading experience.