Books Like...

In "Bride of the Rat God" by Barbara Hambly, the story is set in 1920s Hollywood where silent movie star Chrysande Flammande becomes entangled in the occult after receiving a cursed necklace, making her the Bride of the Rat God. The book blends elements of fantasy, mystery, and romance, with a touch of humor, as Chrysande navigates the dangers of being targeted by an ancient Chinese demon while being supported by her sister-in-law Nora, a cast of charming characters, and her beloved Pekingese dogs.

The writing style of the book is described as campy, authentic, and evocative of the early days of Hollywood. The plot unfolds with a mix of light mystery, romance, and fantasy elements, creating an entertaining and sometimes chilling romp through the world of silent movie era Hollywood, complete with mysterious murders, cursed jewelry, and ancient Chinese wizards.

"Expiration Date" by Tim Powers is a paranormal fantasy novel set in California at Halloween 1992. The story revolves around a group of ne'er do wells who survive by eating the ghosts of the recently deceased. The plot involves the pursuit of powerful ghosts like Thomas Alva Edison and Arthur Sullivan by various unsavory characters and entities. The novel combines elements of the real world with a ghost-ridden society, blending paranormal concepts with modern-day Los Angeles seamlessly. The writing style is described as intricate, with well-drawn characters and a complex plot that requires focus and patience to fully grasp.

Mirror by Graham Masterton is a horror novel that follows the story of Martin, who purchases an antique mirror previously owned by a child star named Boofuls. The mirror holds a dark secret realm where little Boofuls has been living, waiting for his chance. The plot involves a mysterious mirror, gruesome scenes, and a terrifying journey into the dark and seedy side of Hollywood. The writing style is described as descriptive, imaginative, and captivating, with elements of thrillers, mysteries, and horror that keep the reader engaged from start to finish.

The Devil's Playground is a multi-layered murder mystery set in the Golden Age of Hollywood, spanning different time periods such as the 1920s and the 1960s. The story revolves around a cursed film, The Devil's Playground, which was never released due to mysterious circumstances. The protagonist, Mary Rourke, a Hollywood fixer, gets entangled in a web of murder, deceit, and dark secrets surrounding the film and the glamorous world of the movie industry. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, combining historical details with elements of witchcraft, voodoo, and shady characters, creating an atmospheric and intriguing plot that keeps readers engaged till the end.

Brand New Cherry Flavor by Todd Grimson is a classic horror story set in a 1990's Los Angeles, filled with elements of sex, drugs, demons, cults, and white jaguars. The plot revolves around Lisa Nova, an indie director seeking revenge on her lover and producer, Lou, with the help of a mysterious figure named Boro who possesses voodoo powers. As Lisa's quest for retribution unfolds, she undergoes a series of shocking and horrific events, including receiving strange tattoos and experiencing uncontrollable changes in herself. The book delves into the darker side of human nature, blending elements of horror, magic, and the occult to create a twisted and complex narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The writing style of Todd Grimson in Brand New Cherry Flavor has been praised for its ability to vividly describe the carnage and chaos within a deranged LA lifestyle, capturing the essence of a dark and dirty world that is both intriguing and unsettling. The characters in the book are portrayed as original and flawed, adding depth to the storyline and enhancing the overall sense of suspense and horror. Grimson's storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with unexpected twists and turns that contribute to the book's intense and gripping atmosphere.

Greg Kihn's 'Horror Show' is a horror novel that pays homage to 1950s B movies and features a mix of supernatural elements and grisly scenes during the making of a film. The story revolves around Landis Woodley, a character inspired by Ed Wood, who faces supernatural forces while trying to finish his latest horror film in 1957. The book cleverly blends shlock moviemaking with the supernatural, offering a unique and creepy narrative that keeps readers on edge until the end.

The book also includes a framing device set in 1996, where a young reporter tries to interview the reclusive Woodley, adding an intriguing layer to the storyline. With detailed descriptions of Hollywood film production, fictionalized versions of iconic horror stars, and a mix of real and imagined horror elements, 'Horror Show' offers a nostalgic and entertaining experience for fans of 50s era horror films.

Coldheart Canyon: A Hollywood Ghost Story by Clive Barker is a novel that delves into the dark and twisted world of Hollywood, blending elements of horror, fantasy, and the supernatural. The story follows an actor named Todd Pickett who, after a botched cosmetic surgery, seeks refuge in a haunted mansion in Coldheart Canyon. As Todd explores the mysterious estate, he encounters ghosts, demons, and a secret room that holds a dark power. Barker's writing style is described as visceral and graphic, painting a vivid and unsettling picture of the horrors lurking within the canyon.

"Last Call" by Tim Powers is a complex and masterfully crafted urban fantasy novel set in Las Vegas, blending elements of magic, poker, and mythology. The story revolves around a battle for godlike power where characters race across the country trying to embody legendary personas while playing a high-stakes game of cards. Powers weaves a tale of myth meeting the mundane, combining the mystic with the banal in a gritty, American-style version of the Fisher King legend.

The writing style in "Last Call" is described as compelling and addictive, with intricate mythology, engaging characters, and a fast-paced plot. Powers skillfully incorporates elements like Tarot, poker, chaos theory, and Egyptian mythology, creating a world where the supernatural intersects with the everyday. The novel is praised for its depth, believability, and the way it explores themes of family, love, and the haunting nature of the past within a fantastical setting.

'Siren Queen' by Nghi Vo is a unique take on old Hollywood, blending magical realism with the gritty realities of the film industry in the 1920s. The protagonist, an American born Chinese girl, navigates the dangers of pursuing stardom while facing both magical and real-life challenges. The writing style combines beautiful and elegant prose to create a world filled with monsters, magic, and the complexities of love and ambition. However, some readers felt that the story's most interesting actions were often told through second-hand summaries, leaving certain aspects of the plot feeling distant and underdeveloped.

'20th Century Ghosts' by Joe Hill is a collection of short stories that range from horror to mainstream to the surreal. The stories feature disturbing and scary elements, often more by suggestion than outright gore. The settings are everyday and normal, adding to the overall disturbing atmosphere. Some stand-out stories include one about an autistic child creating mysterious mazes and another about a young boy who is an inflatable doll. Hill's writing style is described as varied, character-centered, and haunting, with each story presenting its own universe.