Books Like...

'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.

'Episode Thirteen' by Craig DiLouie is a ghost story that follows the Fade to Black team as they investigate the Paranormal Research Foundation's abandoned mansion, known for strange experiments in the 70s. The story unfolds through blog entries, raw footage transcripts, journals, emails, news articles, and more, creating a Blair Witch Project-style narrative. As the team explores the mansion, eerie encounters and bizarre discoveries lead to escalating tension and suspense, blurring the lines between reality and the paranormal. delves into themes of trust, character dynamics, and the evolving nature of the ghost story genre.

Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman is a horror novel following a young girl named Bela, who is haunted by a malevolent supernatural entity she calls Other Mommy. The story unfolds as Bela's family navigates the terror created by this strange presence, leading them to seek help from friends and family while attempting to escape the horrors within their own home. The plot starts off intriguingly, building tension and suspense, yet some readers found the pacing slow and the resolution unsatisfying, feeling the end fell flat in comparison to the earlier gripping narrative.

Malerman's writing style has been described as beautifully creepy, with an engaging flow that immerses readers despite some criticisms of the narrative voice not quite fitting the perspective of a child. His unique choice to write this novel in silence adds a layer of depth to the haunting imagery. However, some felt the experimental format distracted from the experience and the character development lacked coherence. Overall, while the book delivers chilling moments, opinions vary on its effectiveness as a horror story.

In the chilling novel 'Boys in the Valley' by Philip Fracassi, set in a Catholic orphanage in a remote valley of Pennsylvania during a harsh winter, a group of boys and priests find themselves trapped as a sinister force begins to possess and change the children. The story unfolds into an epic battle between Light and Dark, where faith is tested, sacrifices are made, and the characters must fight for survival against the demonic darkness that has infested St. Vincent's.

Fracassi masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and horror, skillfully developing characters that readers can root for or against, with a writing style that is both descriptive and immersive. The atmospheric setting, the tension between good and evil, and the ominous foreshadowing of events create a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, experiencing a range of emotions from fear to sadness to terror.

'The Last Days of Jack Sparks' is a gripping horror novel that follows the egomaniacal protagonist, Jack Sparks, as he delves into the supernatural world he once mocked. Through a mix of social media posts, interviews, and case studies, the book presents conflicting narratives that challenge Jack's skepticism and lead to a series of terrifying events. The writing style blends elements of dark satire, humor, and genuine fear, creating a narrative that keeps readers on edge and questioning reality.

The plot unfolds as Jack Sparks, a controversial figure in the world of paranormal investigation, faces the consequences of his arrogant disbelief in the supernatural. The story takes unexpected turns, with twists that confound expectations and deliver chilling payoffs. Readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of horror, comedy, and suspense, culminating in a shocking climax that leaves a lasting impact.

'The Case against Satan' by Ray Russell is a classic horror story that delves into the theme of demonic possession. The plot follows Susan, a 16-year-old girl who starts exhibiting bizarre behavior, leading her father to seek help from a priest. As the story unfolds, the narrative explores the complexities of faith, the supernatural, and the psychological aspects of possession. The writing style is described as succinct and poetically flowing, capturing the reader's attention with its engaging prose and well-developed characters.

'Seed' by Ania Ahlborn is a dark and chilling horror novel that follows the story of a young family in Louisiana haunted by a dark secret. The plot centers around Jack Winter, who is forced to confront a past he thought he had escaped when his daughter begins exhibiting strange behavior after a car accident. As the supernatural elements intensify, the family is plunged into a terrifying battle against evil, with themes of demonic possession, inherited curses, and the fear of repeating past mistakes woven throughout. The writing style is described as engaging, with well-developed characters and a slow-building sense of dread that culminates in a shocking and unpredictable ending.

Kill Creek by Scott Thomas is a haunted house story that follows four horror writers invited for an interview at the infamous Finch House on Halloween night. The novel delves into themes of writing, grief, and buried trauma while exploring the maintenance and circulation of horror. The characters, especially the four main authors, are well-developed and represent various facets of the horror genre. The house itself becomes a malevolent entity, adding an extra layer of suspense to the plot.

'Come Closer' by Sara Gran is a short novella that tells the chilling story of a woman named Amanda who is slowly being possessed by a demon. The book delves into the psychological aspects of possession, drawing parallels to mental illness like schizophrenia. The writing style is described as creepy, unsettling, and suspenseful, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged until the thrilling conclusion.

'How to Sell a Haunted House' by Grady Hendrix is a modern day Gothic ghost story that follows a protagonist contending with colorful family members and creepy dolls in a Southern setting. The book combines horror elements with outrageous humor and touches of sadness, creating a well-designed tale filled with shocking events and creepy puppets central to the plot. The author's writing style is praised for its unique blend of horror, dark humor, and exceptional storytelling that keeps readers hooked until the insane and brilliant climax.