Books Like...

'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.

'Curfew' by Phil Rickman is a supernatural horror novel set in the sleepy border town of Crybbe, where ancient mysteries and eerie folklore come to life. The story follows the arrival of new age travelers in Crybbe, who unknowingly disrupt the town's defenses against an evil presence. As the plot unfolds, the book delves into the dark history of the town, blending elements of mystery, thriller, and supernatural horror. Rickman's writing style expertly weaves together multiple narratives, building suspense and introducing quirky yet engaging characters that add depth to the story.

A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher is a horror story with a unique twist, blending humor with creeping suspense. The plot follows Sam, an entomologist, who moves in with her mother in her deceased grandmother's house, only to discover eerie occurrences and changes in her family and surroundings. As Sam delves deeper into the mysteries of the house and its history, she uncovers unsettling truths that lead to unexpected dangers, all while maintaining a sense of realism and relatability in the characters' reactions and behaviors.

"Heart-Shaped Box" by Joe Hill follows the story of aging rockstar Judas Coyne who purchases a haunted suit online, unknowingly acquiring a vengeful ghost along with it. The book delves into themes of ghosts, malevolent spirits, and the consequences of one's past actions. The plot is filled with suspense and eerie moments, keeping readers engaged as the story unfolds. Hill's writing style is described as well-crafted, suspenseful, and full of vivid descriptions that create a chilling atmosphere throughout the book.

'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James is a psychological horror story that revolves around a governess who starts working in an old house with two children and encounters ghosts of the previous caretakers. The narrative delves into the governess's increasing paranoia and ambiguity surrounding the ghosts and the children's behavior, blurring the lines between reality and supernatural elements. The writing style is described as dense and antiquated, with long sentences and an overuse of commas, which some readers found challenging but others found rewarding in unraveling the psychological and sexual themes of the story.

'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a medieval murder mystery set in a 14th-century Italian monastery where Brother William of Baskerville investigates charges of heresy as monks begin to die one by one. The book delves into the complexities of religious factions, beliefs, and conflicts during a time of political and religious unrest, with a central mystery surrounding rare parchments in the library. Eco's writing style combines elements of historical fiction, mystery, and intellectual discourse, exploring themes of doubt, belief, signs, meaning, and ambiguity.

The novel 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' by Shirley Jackson is a haunting tale narrated by 18-year-old Mary Katherine Merricat Blackwood, depicting the lives of the Blackwood family living in isolation in a large house on expansive grounds. The story delves into themes of ostracism, mental illness, and family dynamics, with a touch of gothic elements. Through Merricat's perspective, readers are drawn into a world of eerie suspense and chilling ambiguity, where the line between reality and imagination is blurred.

Shirley Jackson's writing style in 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' is described as captivating, eerie, and suspenseful. With meticulous craftsmanship and a knack for building tension gradually, Jackson weaves a narrative that is both unsettling and compelling. The novel unfolds in a concise and graceful manner, with scenes that are delicately suspenseful yet warm and candid, showcasing the author's ability to cover a wide range of emotions and themes in a compact space.