Books Like...

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.

'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.

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 Clockmaker's Daughter' by Kate Morton is a multi-layered novel that intertwines stories from different time periods, all centered around Birchwood Manor. The plot follows characters linked by the house, from the tragic life of the clockmaker's daughter, Birdie Bell, to present-day archivist Elodie Winslow's quest to uncover the mysteries of the past. With elements of mystery, love, loss, and art, the book navigates through various timelines, offering a rich and complex narrative that keeps readers engaged as they piece together the connections between the characters and the house.

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.

'The Thirteenth Tale' by Diane Setterfield follows the story of Margaret Lea, a young biographer hired by the reclusive writer Vida Winter to pen her autobiography. As Margaret delves into Vida's mysterious past, she uncovers a gothic tale involving the Angelfield family, secrets, and ghosts. The narrative weaves together themes of family, mystery, and self-discovery, drawing parallels between the lives of the characters and the haunting stories they hold.

Setterfield's writing style in 'The Thirteenth Tale' has been described as beautifully written, captivating, and reminiscent of classic authors like Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters. The book is praised for its poetic prose, intricate storytelling, and the way it keeps readers guessing until the very end. With elements of gothic mystery, psychological depth, and a touch of realism that blurs the line between possibility and fantasy, this novel offers a compelling journey through dark secrets and unexpected revelations.

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.

'Sleeper's Castle' by Barbara Erskine follows the story of Andy, a woman who stays at Sleeper's Castle and starts to 'time slip' in her dreams, going back to the time of uprising and revolution between Wales and England. The plot intertwines the past and present, combining historical events with a fictional story, as Andy encounters characters from centuries ago like Catrin, Daffyd, and Joan. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of mystery, paranormal elements, and supernatural forces, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers intrigued. delves into themes of history, psychic connections, and the mysteries surrounding the characters, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and time slip novels.

"The Shell Seekers" by Rosamunde Pilcher is a family saga novel that follows the life of Penelope Keeling, a 64-year-old woman recovering from a heart attack. The story delves into Penelope's relationships with her three adult children, each with their own flaws and motivations. Set in England with flashbacks to World War II, the novel explores themes of family dynamics, inheritance, and the impact of the past on the present. The narrative weaves between different timelines, revealing the complexities of Penelope's life and the decisions she must make regarding her father's valuable painting, "The Shell Seekers."

The writing style of Rosamunde Pilcher in "The Shell Seekers" is described as beautifully descriptive, engrossing, and character-driven. Pilcher skillfully creates vivid settings, intricate relationships, and emotional depth in the story. The novel is praised for its lush settings, well-developed characters, and engaging plot that keeps readers immersed in the lives of the Keeling family across generations.

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley is a captivating blend of historical fiction and romance that follows Carrie McClelland, an author researching for her next novel set in Scotland. As she delves into the story of a Jacobite invasion in 1708, she finds herself mysteriously connected to her characters, experiencing ancestral memories that blur the lines between past and present. The novel seamlessly weaves together two timelines, offering a rich narrative that immerses readers in the landscapes of Scotland and the intrigues of its history.