Books Like...

'The Man in the Moss' by Phil Rickman is a Celtic-themed horror story set in a small English village in the Pennines. The discovery of a mummified body, known as The Man in the Moss, leads to a series of supernatural events and a fundamental fight between good and evil. The villagers believe that the bogman needs to be reburied before Samhain to prevent a supernatural evil from taking over the village. The book is filled with rich folklore, eerie atmosphere, and a slow, sinister build-up to a climax where the lines between the living and the dead become blurred.

The writing style of Phil Rickman in 'The Man in the Moss' is described as excellent, captivating, and atmospheric. The author seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery, supernatural, and Celtic lore, creating a story that keeps readers engaged and on edge. The characters are well-developed, the plot is intricate, and the setting of the isolated village adds to the overall sense of unease and tension.

The Wine of Angels by Phil Rickman introduces readers to Merrily Watkins, a unique vicar with investigative abilities, as she navigates the mysteries and supernatural elements of the historic village of Ledwardine. The book delves into ancient secrets, murder, and a blend of spirituality and the supernatural, all while portraying realistic characters and dialogue. Rickman's writing style weaves together complex subplots, a large cast of characters, and a mix of mysterious and murderous elements, creating an entertaining and compelling read that leaves readers wanting more.

'December' by Phil Rickman is a haunting tale set in an old abbey where a group of musicians attempt to record an album on the night of John Lennon's death. The story unfolds over two timelines, exploring the tragic events that occurred during the recording session and the repercussions faced by the musicians years later. Rickman's writing style evokes a sense of eerie atmosphere, blending elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural with a focus on music and Welsh history.

The narrative delves into themes of psychic abilities, haunted pasts, and the lingering impact of historical tragedies on individuals. Rickman intricately weaves together a complex plot involving a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their own demons and haunted by the events of that fateful December night. Through layers of suspense and dark storytelling, the book explores the battle between good and evil, culminating in a near-perfect ending that leaves readers intrigued and captivated.

'City of Masks' in the 'Cree Black' series by Daniel Hecht follows the paranormal detective Cree Black as she navigates the haunted city of New Orleans. The narrative seamlessly weaves together Cree's personal struggles with her profession as a ghost-hunting psychologist, creating a dark and intriguing thriller that explores themes of mystery, ghosts, and the supernatural. The author's detailed descriptions of the city and the ghostly menace within Beauforte House bring the setting alive, while the well-drawn and sympathetic characters drive the story forward, keeping readers engaged till the end.

In "Mean Spirit" by Will Kingdom, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with suspense, mystery, and supernatural elements. The story follows police detective Bobby Maiden as he investigates a series of murders and uncovers dark secrets within a small Welsh town. With a cast of unique and well-developed characters like the enigmatic Cindy Mars Lewis, the plot unfolds with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style of the author, Phil Rickman, expertly weaves together elements of the paranormal with realistic dialogue and contemporary settings, creating a gripping and atmospheric tale that delves into the chilling evil lurking beneath the surface.

"Too Many Ghosts" is a charming ghost story that revolves around Paradine Hall, an old country club plagued by a series of ghostly phenomena. The narrative follows Alexander Hero, a psychic investigator, who is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the spectral occurrences that disturb the guests at the hall. While the plot weaves together elements of mystery and the supernatural, it maintains a light-hearted tone, making it suitable for younger readers as well. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of humor and intrigue that showcases Gallico's ability to create memorable characters and captivating situations.

The story is not just a simple ghost tale; it delves into the rational explanations behind the hauntings, revealing that many so-called paranormal phenomena may stem from the imagination of those who believe in them. Gallico's narrative style is smooth and accessible, drawing readers into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural is playfully blurred. The book's blend of humor, mystery, and engaging storytelling makes it a delightful read for anyone seeking a light yet captivating tale.

'A House of Ghosts' by W.C. Ryan is a historical mystery set during the winter of 1917 at Blackwater Abbey, the residence of arms manufacturer Francis Highmount. The story revolves around a house party gathering on an island where guests attempt to contact the spirits of Highmount's two deceased sons who died during the war. Among the guests are undercover intelligence agents, a former fiancée, a psychic, and a mix of paranormal mystery, spy thriller, and historical novel elements. The plot unfolds with secrets, espionage, hidden passages, and a touch of romance between the main characters, Kate Cartwright and Captain Donovan, while ghosts play a significant role in the atmospheric setting of the haunted mansion.

'The Cold Calling' is a complex murder mystery that intertwines the lives of several characters against the backdrop of the Welsh borderlands. The plot revolves around a series of ritualistic murders committed by a serial killer known as The Green Man, who sacrifices victims at ancient British Stone Age sites. The narrative follows Bobby Maiden, a police detective with unique insights into the case, who is drawn into the investigation after surviving a near-death experience. Alongside him are characters such as Sydney Cindy Mars Lewis, a transsexual shaman, and Grayle Underhill, an American journalist searching for her missing sister. The story combines elements of contemporary realism with the supernatural, creating a rich tapestry of suspense and intrigue.

The writing style reflects Phil Rickman's ability to blend humor, character development, and the eerie atmosphere of the setting. His characters are vividly defined and memorable, each contributing to the unfolding mystery. The dialogue is engaging and authentic, enhancing the reader's connection to the characters. While some readers find the plot a bit complicated, the deep exploration of themes such as existential angst, spirituality, and the human psyche keeps the narrative compelling. The book’s structure allows for multiple storylines to converge, culminating in a gripping climax that keeps readers engaged until the end.

'Tropic of Night' by Michael Gruber follows the protagonist Jane Doe, a former anthropologist who goes into hiding under a new identity in Miami. As a series of ritualistic murders terrify the city, Cuban American police detective Jimmy Paz gets involved in the investigation, leading to a cataclysmic battle between good and unimaginable evil. The plot weaves through Africa, Siberia, and Miami, blending elements of African sorcery, voodooism, and supernatural powers, creating an enthralling and gripping tale of mystery and horror. The narrative alternates between first-person accounts, historical diaries, and traditional third-person storytelling, providing a deep and broad exploration of voodoo, mysticism, and anthropological expeditions.