Books Like...

In 'The Shrine' by James Herbert, a young deaf mute girl has a vision of the Virgin Mary in a field next to a church and is miraculously healed. This event leads to people from far and wide visiting the shrine seeking healing. However, all is not as it seems, with an underlying evil ready to exact its terrible revenge. The book is described as a page-turner horror story that leaves readers shivering with fear but unable to put it down. The plot is a slow build-up but ultimately a very good read, with a writing style that keeps readers engaged and wanting to read more.

Midnight Mass by F. Paul Wilson is a vampire tale where vampires have taken over the world, including major cities in the United States, with the help of collaborators known as cowboys. The story follows an unusual group of humans - a nun, a disgraced priest, his gay niece, and a rabbi - as they resist and fight back against the advancing horde of vampires in a small New Jersey town. Wilson's writing style is described as accessible, fluid, and fast-paced, with a well-flowing story that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.

Devil's Creek by Todd Keisling is a horror novel that delves into the dark themes of religion, cults, and the consequences of small-town beliefs. The story follows the town of Stauford, Kentucky, where a secluded religious cult once worshipped an evil God underground. As the past of the cult resurfaces, the characters, including the Stauford Six who suffered under the cult leader Jacob Masters, must confront the trauma and evil that threatens to engulf the town once again. The writing style of the book is described as detailed and immersive, drawing readers into the eerie atmosphere of the story with vivid descriptions and impactful scenes.

'Father of Lies' by Brian B.K. Evenson is a harrowing and disturbing novel that delves into the extreme harm caused by objectification within religious patriarchal structures. The story follows a church official who is a sexual predator, preying on children under the guise of trust and authority. The plot unfolds to reveal the manipulation and psychological imbalance of the protagonist, leading to a brutal climax that keeps readers engrossed till the end.

Evenson's writing style in 'Father of Lies' is described as slow-burn horror, gradually setting the scene before plunging readers into dark and twisted territories. The narrative switches between different perspectives, unlocking psychological profiles and ensnaring readers in the uncertainties of reality. The author's concise and hard-hitting approach provides a clear look at the disturbing actions of the characters, making it a gripping and compelling read.

The Children of Red Peak by Craig DiLouie is a chilling tale of five survivors of a religious cult who reunite after one of them takes her own life. As the group pieces together their traumatic past at Red Peak, they are drawn back to confront the horrific truth they had long buried. The novel delves into themes of trauma, cult fanaticism, and the blurred lines between good and evil, with a narrative that jumps between past and present, revealing the characters' struggles to cope with their haunting memories.

'A Brief History of Seven Killings' is a dense and intricate novel that delves into the music and crime scene in Jamaica during the era of reggae icons Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. The narrative unfolds from Jamaica to New York, following the lives of underworld figures and exploring themes of gang politics, drugs, and violence. The storytelling style is described as intense, violent, and challenging due to the multiple narrators and the use of Jamaican patois, providing a gritty and insightful look into Jamaican history and gang violence.

The book is a masterful work that weaves together a complex web of characters and perspectives, creating a fully inhabited and authentic portrayal of Jamaica. Despite the challenging language and violent content, the novel is praised for its ambition, scope, and the way it immerses readers into the culture and politics of 1970s Jamaica and beyond.

'The Wakening' by J.G. Faherty is a dark and terrifying story set in Hastings Mills, New York, where a haunted house starts to show signs of demonic possession. The narrative unfolds through various points of view and different time frames, following documentary filmmaker Stone Graves and his crew as they delve into the supernatural. The plot involves a retired priest, a powerful Prince of Hell, urban legends, psychic twins, a defrocked priest, and a ghost hunting reality TV star, all caught in a battle of good versus evil. The writing style is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and complex, keeping readers on edge and questioning their beliefs about faith and the supernatural.

Jerusalem's Lot by Stephen King is a short story written in an epistolary style that delves into the eerie and mysterious events surrounding a deserted village. The narrative unfolds through letters and journal entries, creating a chilling atmosphere reminiscent of Lovecraftian horror. The story is set in the 1850s and follows a man and his friend as they are haunted by their new house and the neighboring town, uncovering dark secrets and encountering supernatural entities along the way.

The book is described as a Victorian-style tale with creeping things in the walls and cults of dark deities in the Northeast forest. It is praised for its unsettling and disturbing qualities, particularly in its portrayal of the town's history and the presence of cosmic horror elements. Readers appreciate the atmospheric and Lovecraftian nature of the story, with some comparing it favorably to other works by King that explore similar themes.

'Revival' by Stephen King follows the story of Jamie Morton and Rev. Charlie Jacobs, whose lives intertwine over nearly five decades. The book delves into themes of religion, music, addiction, illness, and death, with a touch of horror and existential despair. King's writing style is described as riveting, fascinating, and utterly terrifying, with detailed character development and a unique take on the afterlife.

Usher's Passing by Robert R. McCammon is a modern-day gothic tale that follows Rix Usher, the estranged black sheep of the wealthy Usher family, as he returns to their compound in North Carolina. The story unfolds with a mix of historical fiction elements and supernatural twists, revealing the dark secrets and mysterious past of the Usher family. As Rix delves deeper into his family's history, he uncovers a web of family intrigue, supernatural occurrences, and a chilling mystery surrounding the abductions of children by a mythical figure known as the Pumpkin Man.

The novel intricately weaves together elements of horror, suspense, and family drama as Rix navigates through the complexities of his family's legacy, the supernatural forces at play, and the sinister truths that have been hidden for generations within the Usher family. With a blend of historical anecdotes, character development, and unexpected plot twists, Usher's Passing offers a gripping and immersive reading experience that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion.