Books Like...

Billy O'Callaghan's debut novel, "Dead House," tells the haunting story of Maggie Turner, an artist seeking solace in an isolated cottage in Ireland after a brutal assault. As Maggie restores the cottage, she unwittingly brings the past to life, leading to a series of otherworldly events that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural. O'Callaghan's prose beautifully weaves Irish legends, ghostly elements, and a sense of impending doom, creating a chilling and atmospheric narrative that delves into themes of belief, isolation, and the consequences of delving into the unknown.

'Circe' by Jessica Penot is a psychological thriller set in a haunted psychiatric hospital in Alabama. The story follows a newly hired psychiatrist who becomes entangled in the dark and mysterious world of the asylum, leading to a descent into madness. The plot is suspenseful and intriguing, with well-crafted descriptive detail and complex, believable characters. The author's writing style keeps readers engaged, although some found the ending to be rushed and the book in need of better editing.

House of Windows by John Langan is a haunting tale that follows Veronica Croydon as she narrates the strange events unfolding at Belvedere House, where she lives with her husband Roger. The story delves into the complexities of their relationship, Roger's obsession with his dead son, and the eerie occurrences that defy rational explanation. Through Veronica's detailed and unconventional narration, readers are drawn into a web of supernatural elements, family drama, and psychological turmoil, all set within a unique and unsettling haunted house.

Langan's writing style in House of Windows is characterized by intricate storytelling, a blend of literary and horror fiction, and a focus on character development. The narrative unfolds through Veronica's stream of consciousness, offering a deep dive into her thoughts, fears, and experiences as the tension and mystery surrounding Belvedere House escalate. The book weaves together elements of suspense, wonderment, and psychological horror, keeping readers engaged and immersed in the eerie atmosphere of the story.

'In Absentia' in the 'Black Acres' series by Ambrose Ibsen follows the story of Julian and Kim, a young couple who purchase a house called the Beacon Estate at a ridiculously low price. As they begin renovations on the old house, strange occurrences start happening, such as doors shutting on their own and discovering that the previous owners disappeared without a trace. The plot unfolds with a mix of mystery and horror elements, keeping readers engaged with a suspenseful storyline and vivid imagery. The writing style is described as spooky, well-written, and enthralling, drawing readers into a world where not everything is as it seems.

'Wild Fell' by Michael Rowe is a haunting tale that delves into the lives of different characters, spanning generations and exploring dark secrets that refuse to stay buried. The story revolves around Jamie Browning, who purchases the eerie Victorian Gothic residence, Wild Fell, on Blackmore Island. As Jamie unravels the mysteries of the house and its vengeful ghosts, the narrative shifts between past and present, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. The atmospheric writing style creates a sense of unease, drawing readers into a world where secrets lurk beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.

Printer's Devil Court by Susan Hill is a short ghost story set in the early 20th century, featuring a doctor who becomes entangled in a sinister plan to defeat death. The plot twists and turns, with elements of resurrection, haunting, and a Frankenstein-esque tone. The writing style is atmospheric, evoking a sense of chill and suspense, reminiscent of classic ghost stories from the past.

Kevin, a Florida native, decides to find a fixer-upper in the Midwest to renovate in 30 days with daily video updates on his internet channel. The house he chooses is in a Detroit neighborhood completely abandoned, and even the nearby graveyard garners no attention or maintenance. Despite the house being a steal, there are very real troubles, as the house is infested with more than just termites. As Kevin works on the renovation, he starts experiencing terrifying encounters with spirits inhabiting the house, leading to a haunting and disturbing conclusion.

The book follows protagonist Kevin Taylor, a likable and driven character who is a successful home repair and renovation genius with aspirations of hosting a TV network series. As he delves into renovating the haunted house, he faces increasing terror and challenges, ultimately leading to a chilling and unexpected ending.

Kill Creek by Scott Thomas is a haunted house story that follows four horror writers invited for an interview at the infamous Finch House on Halloween night. The novel delves into themes of writing, grief, and buried trauma while exploring the maintenance and circulation of horror. The characters, especially the four main authors, are well-developed and represent various facets of the horror genre. The house itself becomes a malevolent entity, adding an extra layer of suspense to the plot.

Set in a creepy Victorian-era estate, "The Silent Companions" follows Elsie Bainbridge, a young widow who discovers eerie wooden figures that seem to have a life of their own. As Elsie delves into the secrets of the house, she uncovers a history of supernatural occurrences and dark mysteries spanning centuries. The narrative shifts between different time periods, weaving a tale of suspense, horror, and family secrets that keep the reader on edge. Laura Purcell's writing style is described as atmospheric, vivid, and slow-burning, creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the book.

"Sweetheart, Sweetheart" by Bernard Taylor follows the story of David Warwick, who returns to England after the sudden deaths of his twin brother Colin and Colin's wife. As David investigates the circumstances surrounding their deaths, he inherits their cottage and moves in with his fiancee. However, he soon starts feeling a mysterious presence in the cottage, leading to a chilling ghost story with elements of madness, murder, and betrayal. The writing style is described as English, understated, and creepy, with a focus on creating a sense of foreboding and developing a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge.