Books Like...

'Gods of Howl Mountain' by Taylor Brown is a gritty country noir novel set in the Southern Mountains just after the Korean War. The story follows Rory, a young disabled Korean war veteran and moonshine runner, as he navigates the violent and atmospheric world of Howl Mountain. The plot revolves around Rory's involvement in moonshine trade, his interactions with colorful characters like Granny Mae and Eustace, and the unfolding consequences of Granny May's feud with a rival moonshiner. The writing style is described as beautiful and powerful, with finely layered characters and a setting that immerses the reader in the mountains of northwest North Carolina.

Set in rural Tennessee in the 1940s, 'The Long Home' by William Gay explores the timeless themes of nature, good, and evil through the intertwined lives of characters like Dallas Hardin, William Tell Oliver, and Nathan Winer. Gay's writing toggles between unadorned narrative and mystical lyricism, painting a vivid picture of a world filled with violence, human nature, and fortitude. The novel delves into the struggles of individuals battling evil forces with little more than their inner strength, creating a gripping and atmospheric Southern Gothic tale.

'Little Sister Death' by William Gay is a gothic novel that weaves together elements of atmosphere, ghosts, and the darkness of the human heart. The story follows a frustrated novelist who moves his family into a haunted location, reminiscent of 'The Shining', where a previous owner committed a gruesome act. The writing style is described as poetic yet clear, with robust characterizations and a precise sense of the uncanny. The narrative draws inspiration from real-life legends, such as the Bell Witch, and has been compared to the works of Stephen King, showcasing the author's talent as an excellent storyteller.

The book has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, gothic elements, and the way it captures the essence of classic ghost stories. Despite some opinions about the book feeling unfinished, there is recognition of the author's skill in creating a dark and twisted narrative that keeps readers engaged. The biographical information on William Gay provided in the introduction is also appreciated by fans, adding depth to the reading experience.

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.

A Choir of Ill Children by Tom Piccirilli is a gothic horror novel set in the American Southern town of Kingdom Come, focusing on the life of middle-aged Thomas, who is the most important man in the town. The narrative delves into the dark and twisted secrets of Thomas's family, including his conjoined triplet brothers, as well as a cast of characters ranging from witches to drug addicts. The plot is described as a mix of film noir detective yarn, supernatural revenge tale, and farcical mystery, all set against a backdrop of a looming thunderstorm and a haunting carnival.

The writing style of the book is praised for being lyrical, poetic, and haunting, capturing a Southern Gothic atmosphere that is described as dreamlike, sensual, and oppressive. Despite the use of first-person present tense, which some readers typically dislike, Piccirilli's narrative method is commended for working effectively and drawing readers into the eerie and mysterious world of Kingdom Come.

In "Winter's Bone" by Daniel Woodrell, the story follows Ree Dolly, a strong 17-year-old girl from the Ozarks, who takes on the responsibility of caring for her family when her parents fail. Her father has skipped bail, leaving the family at risk of losing their home. Ree sets out to find him, dead or alive, delving into the harsh poverty and dangerous world of the Ozarks. The novel portrays a stark and gritty existence, filled with violence, poverty, and a code of silence that dominates the community. Woodrell's writing is intense and powerful, painting a vivid picture of Ree's struggle for survival and the complex characters she encounters.

The book is a raw and tragic coming-of-age story set in a world that is both familiar and brutal, where Ree must navigate through backwoods crime and betrayal to protect her family. Woodrell's storytelling captures the harsh realities of life in the Ozarks, with lyrical descriptions of the landscape and characters that feel real and complex. The novel unfolds with a compelling plot, driven by a strong female protagonist facing challenges that test her resilience and strength in a world where family bonds are paramount.

'Wise Blood' by Flannery O'Connor is a novel that delves into the existential crisis of the characters, particularly Hazel Motes, who returns from the war to create a new religion, The Church of God Without Christ. The story follows Motes as he navigates through a world filled with bizarre and unlikable characters, all set in a Southern gothic backdrop. The writing style is described as direct, disturbing, and darkly comic, drawing parallels to authors like Cormac McCarthy and Nathanael West.

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.

In the novel 'The Heavenly Table' by Donald Ray Pollock, set in 1917, readers are introduced to the Jewett family, particularly the three young sons, Cane, Chimney, and Cobb, who turn to a life of crime after their father's sudden death. The story also follows Ellsworth Fiddler, a farmer swindled out of his life savings, and a wealthy young man struggling with his sexual identity as they navigate their own challenges. The author skillfully weaves these narratives together, introducing a cast of quirky and dangerous characters, providing dry humor, sudden bursts of violence, and a mix of lively adventure and vulgar satire.

The Heavenly Table is a gritty and imaginative novel that delves into themes of poverty, crime, suffering, and redemption in a vividly drawn setting of 1917 America. With multiple perspectives, the story follows characters on independent paths that ultimately converge, creating a raw and abrasive narrative that keeps readers engaged with its unpredictable plot twists and unapologetically bold storytelling style.

The Devil All the Time by Donald Ray Pollock is a dark and gritty novel set in southern Ohio and West Virginia, spanning the years after WWII through the 60s. The story follows a cast of disturbing and unsavory characters, including traveling serial killers, crooked sheriffs, traumatized veterans, and religious fanatics. As their paths intersect, the narrative delves into themes of violence, depravity, redemption, and the dark underbelly of rural life. The writing style is described as captivating, brutal, beautifully written, and with a folksy tone that adds depth to the characters and plot.