Books Like...

'The Secret Keeper' by Kate Morton is a historical fiction mystery that unfolds over multiple time periods, primarily focusing on the lives of family members from the 1940s to 2011. The storyline revolves around family secrets, plot twists, and a daughter's quest to uncover her mother's hidden past. The narrative skillfully weaves between different time frames, revealing a tale of friendship, betrayal, and the impact of a long-held secret on the characters' lives. As the protagonist, Laurel, delves into her mother's history, she unravels a complex web of relationships and mysteries that culminate in a surprising and touching conclusion.

The Distant Hours by Kate Morton is a gothic mystery novel that follows the journey of London book editor Edie Burchill as she unravels the long-buried secrets of the eccentric and reclusive Sisters Blythe at Milderhurst Castle. Set against the backdrop of WWII and the present day, the story weaves together family legacies, jilted lovers, and mysterious letters that lead to a haunting exploration of the past. The narrative alternates between timelines, revealing dark corners of the story and capturing the emotional struggles of the characters as they navigate secrets and tragedies.

The book is praised for its compelling plot, stunning setting, and well-written narrative that effortlessly blends historical fiction with modern suspense. Readers are drawn into the atmospheric tale of intertwined lives, lost love, and family mysteries, as Edie delves into her mother's past and uncovers the hidden truths that connect her to the enigmatic Sisters Blythe. With intricate storytelling and complex characters, The Distant Hours offers a captivating journey filled with surprises, twists, and emotional depth.

Upon learning that her beloved grandmother Nora has suffered a severe fall, Jess rushes to Sydney from London. In a semi-conscious state, Nora mutters a few garbled phrases that send Jess on a quest to untangle family history long hidden by lies and subterfuge. The plot is intricate and becomes more so over the course of reading the book. It is actually a very interesting and well-thought-out plot. The last third of the book was wonderful as pieces began to fit together and questions and speculation became more easily answered.

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton is a captivating novel that weaves together multiple generations and time periods to unravel the mystery surrounding an abandoned child. The story unfolds through the perspectives of various characters, revealing family secrets, betrayals, and the quest for identity. Set in enchanting locations like Cornwall and Australia, the book beautifully integrates elements of historical fiction, romance, mystery, and fairy tales. Morton's writing style is described as descriptive, poetic, and engaging, keeping readers absorbed in the intricate plot that spans decades.

The Lake House by Kate Morton is a captivating mystery novel that weaves together the stories of Detective Sadie Sparrow and elderly crime writer Alice Edevane. The plot revolves around a 60-year-old unsolved missing persons case that tore apart the Edevane family. With intricate storytelling, alternating perspectives, and a mix of past and present timelines, the novel delves into family secrets, suspense, and the art of plotting the perfect crime. Set in Cornwall, the book explores themes of love, loss, family relationships, and the unraveling of mysteries, creating a compelling and suspenseful narrative.

Set in a grand English country house, 'The House at Riverton' follows the life of Grace Bradley, a former servant, as she reflects on the mysterious death of a young poet that occurred during a society party in 1924. Through Grace's reminiscences, readers are taken on a journey back to the early 20th century, exploring the intertwined lives of the aristocratic Hartford family and the secrets that have been kept hidden for decades. The narrative weaves together themes of love, loyalty, class distinctions, and the impact of past events on the present, creating a rich historical mystery that slowly unravels to reveal unexpected truths.

The writing style of 'The House at Riverton' is described as beautifully crafted, engaging, and evocative, transporting readers to a bygone era filled with drama, tragedy, and intricate relationships. The novel skillfully blends elements of gothic fiction with historical accuracy, offering a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of the human experience, the societal norms of the Edwardian era, and the enduring power of secrets and memories.

'The Canterville Ghost' by Oscar Wilde is a humorous and charming story about an American family, the Otis family, who moves into a haunted English house. The ghost of the house, Sir Simon, tries to scare the family but fails as they are not afraid of him. Instead, the family turns the tables on the ghost and starts playing tricks on him. The story explores themes of humor, satire, and the clash between American practicality and British traditions, all written in Wilde's witty and engaging style.

The plot revolves around the interactions between the Canterville ghost, Sir Simon, and the Otis family, showcasing how the family's unconventional approach to dealing with the ghost leads to comedic and heartwarming moments. Oscar Wilde's writing style in this novella combines humor, social commentary, and a touch of sentimentality, creating a light-hearted yet thought-provoking narrative that challenges traditional ghost story tropes and offers a fresh perspective on the supernatural.

'A Beautiful Poison' by Lydia Kang is a historical mystery set in 1910s New York, revolving around three childhood friends who reunite to solve a murder mystery involving poison, radium, and the Spanish Influenza. The story delves into the lives of the characters - Allene, Jasper, and Birdie - as they navigate through dark themes of murder, class differences, and the harsh realities of the time period. The author seamlessly weaves together real history with fictional events, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and educational in terms of forensics, chemistry, and medicine.

A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb is a unique tale of two souls, Helen and James, who are trapped between earth and heaven and fall in love. They inhabit human bodies, unraveling their past identities and forming a deep connection. The novel is a fast-paced and engrossing read that delves into themes of life, death, religion, and love, with a poetic and lyrical writing style that captures the emotions and struggles of the characters. The plot revolves around the impossible love affair between two spirits from different generations inhabiting modern-day teen bodies, dealing with typical teen issues alongside their haunting past lives.

The story unfolds as Helen, the protagonist, navigates being a ghost for 130 years and finds solace in her love for James, leading to a poignant exploration of the enduring nature of love. The book beautifully blends supernatural elements with themes of redemption, loss, and first love, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers. The author's prose is described as ethereal, atmospheric, and intense, with references to poets and writers adding depth to the storyline, making it a haunting and emotional journey.

In "In an Instant," author Suzanne Redfearn crafts a gripping narrative centered around a tragic and deadly accident during a weekend ski trip. The story unfolds through the unique perspective of 16-year-old Finn, who narrates from the afterlife. Readers are drawn into the aftermath of the accident, where a group of individuals grapple with their actions and decisions made in the face of tragedy. The writing style evokes raw human emotion, offering a compelling exploration of grief, survival, and the complexities of human nature.