Books Like...

Southern Gods by John Hornor Jacobs is a horror novel set in the Deep South of Arkansas in the early 1950s, blending elements of Southern gothic and Lovecraftian horror. The story follows Bull Ingram, a former marine, as he is hired to track down a mysterious blues musician named Ramblin' John Hastur whose music is rumored to have supernatural powers. Meanwhile, Sarah Williams returns to her ancestral estate, uncovering dark family secrets that intertwine with the looming threat of ancient gods and forbidden music.

Jacobs weaves together a tale of suspense, mystery, and horror, introducing readers to a world where music can animate the dead, ancient gods lurk in the shadows, and sacrifices are made to prevent the return of an Elder God. The narrative unfolds through multiple viewpoints, blending elements of country blues, southern gothic, and Lovecraftian mythology to create a chilling and atmospheric story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Revelator by Daryl Gregory is a Southern Gothic horror novel set in the backwoods of Tennessee during the 1930s and 40s. The story follows Stella, a female bootlegger, who returns to her family's secluded mountain home after a tragic incident. There, she encounters a mysterious god named Ghostdaddy who communicates through chosen daughters known as Revelators. As Stella navigates family secrets, religious fanaticism, and the looming threat of losing their land to a national park, she must protect a young girl named Sunny from the same fate she endured. The dual timelines and intricate family relationships gradually reveal the dark and unsettling truths hidden in the cave where the god resides.

The Croning by Laird Barron is a chilling horror novel that follows Donald Miller, an elderly man experiencing signs of dementia and uncovering sinister secrets about his wife and her family. As Donald delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding his wife Michelle and her ancestral roots, he discovers disturbing truths that challenge his sanity. The story is a blend of modern storytelling and Lovecraftian cosmic horror, expertly crafted by Barron to create an atmospheric and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers on edge.

Barron's writing style in The Croning is described as beautifully descriptive and captivating, with a focus on intricate details and character relationships. The novel weaves together elements of family life, occultism, and psychological horror, creating a complex and engaging tale that explores themes of memory, evil, and the unknown. Through skillful storytelling and evocative descriptions, Barron immerses readers in a world where dark secrets and ancient cults lurk just beneath the surface of everyday life.

'The Ballad of Black Tom' by Victor LaValle is a Lovecraftian novella set in the 1920s, a period marked by racism and social unrest. LaValle reimagines Lovecraft's story 'The Horror at Red Hook' from the perspective of a working-class African American musician, offering a fresh take on themes of immigrants, poverty, and marginalization in early 20th-century New York. The book expertly combines elements of horror, racism, and cosmic terror, creating a story that gradually transitions from a realistic setting to supernatural occurrences, making the supernatural aspects feel all the more unnerving.

The narrative follows Charles Thomas Tester, a black man navigating through a white-dominated city while facing racism and police brutality. LaValle's writing style is praised for its masterful handling of setting and circumstances, as well as the complexity of the protagonist's character. The book delves into the horrors of racism and the Great Old Ones, intertwining Lovecraftian mythology with social commentary, creating a compelling and powerful story that resonates with readers.

The Fisherman by John Langan is a cosmic horror novel that offers a fresh take on the genre, focusing on the underlying horror of loss rather than existential dread. The story follows Abe and Dan, two men bonded by heartbreak and fishing, as they are drawn to Dutchman's Creek by a local legend. The narrative weaves together elements of cosmic horror, quiet horror, and psychological terror, creating a dark and brooding tale that explores themes of grief, obsession, and the consequences of seeking the unknown.

'John the Balladeer' in the 'Silver John' series by Manly Wade Wellman is a collection of short stories and novels that revolve around a fictional Appalachian folk hero named Silver John. Set in the Appalachian mountains, the stories are steeped in Appalachian folklore and music, with the protagonist using his silver-stringed guitar and hymns to battle evil creatures and supernatural forces. The tales are described as atmospheric, simple, and wonderful, evoking a sense of setting, culture, and Americana. is praised for its quick reads, light-hearted folk horror, and the way it establishes a strong sense of place and time.

'Lovecraft Country' by Matt Ruff is a collection of tightly interconnected stories set in 1950s Jim Crow America, following a black family dealing with both the horrors of racism and Lovecraftian supernatural forces. The plot revolves around the family members navigating through secret societies, magic, and eldritch horrors while facing the challenges of racism and discrimination. The writing style is described as a blend of historical fiction and old-style horror, seamlessly weaving together elements of Lovecraftian tropes with the harsh realities of Jim Crow laws.

'The Imago Sequence and Other Stories' by Laird Barron is a collection of horror stories that blend cosmic horror elements with a modern twist. Barron's writing style is described as fluid and captivating, drawing readers in with his masterful storytelling and ability to create eerie and unsettling imagery. The book explores themes of darkness, the uncanny, and the horrors of the ancients, while also delving into the internal struggles of the characters as they battle their own demons.

The stories in this collection range from cosmic horror to psychological terror, with Barron's unique style drawing comparisons to Lovecraft, Peter Straub, and other literary and horror writers. The book is praised for its thought-provoking narratives, realistic characters, and the way Barron creates his own unique cosmos that is both insightful and entertaining. Overall, 'The Imago Sequence and Other Stories' is seen as a captivating and intriguing read that pushes the boundaries of the horror genre.

Set in the small community of Babylon in the Florida panhandle near the Styx River, 'Cold Moon Over Babylon' by Michael McDowell is a chilling Gothic horror novel that unfolds a tale of supernatural revenge after a young girl named Margaret is murdered. The story delves into the lives of the Larkin family, particularly Grandma Evelyn, Jerry, and Margaret, who are trying to make ends meet by selling blueberries at the local market. As the mysterious murders unfold, an evil presence makes itself known, seeking justice and retribution, leading to a thrilling combination of crime and horror genres. McDowell's writing style intricately weaves together the elements of small-town life, sudden deaths, shocking violence, and supernatural occurrences, creating a vivid and textured narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The Boatman's Daughter by Andy Davidson is a dark and eerie tale set in the bayou along the Prosper river. The story follows Miranda, the boatman's daughter, who inherits her father's job of running drugs in the bayou. As she navigates the treacherous waters, she encounters crooked law enforcement, witches teaching black arts, and a cast of eccentric and flawed characters. The book blends elements of Slavic folklore with Southern Gothic, creating a heady mix of black magic, crazed preachers, and nightmarish visions. The writing style is described as immersive, atmospheric, and vivid, painting a rich tapestry of the bayous and woodlands.