Books Like...

SINEATER is a novel that delves into the dark and disturbing tale of a perverse form of Christianity practiced in the mountains of Virginia. The story follows Joel, the son of the town's sineater, as he navigates through a series of deaths and struggles to find his place in a world where his family is shunned. The book explores themes of blind faith, human interactions, and the changing traditions of a small town, all set against a backdrop of rural superstitions and eerie depictions of the Appalachian mountains.

'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.

Bearskin by James A. McLaughlin is a thrilling novel set in the mountains of Virginia, following the protagonist Rice Moore as he takes on the role of caretaker for a private reserve facing the issue of bear poaching. The book weaves together multiple storylines, including Rice's criminal past along the Mexican border, the hunt for bear poachers, and the dynamics between various characters involved in the preservation of the forest. The writing style is described as descriptive and captivating, with a mix of beautiful language and tense action sequences that keep the reader engaged until the very end.

'The Hum and the Shiver' by Alex Bledsoe revolves around Private Bronwyn Hyatt, a war hero returning to her hometown in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, inhabited by the secretive and enigmatic Tufa people. Bronwyn must navigate her obligations to her people, her family, and her own identity while facing mysterious omens, family tragedies, and the pull of her heritage's music. Set in a contemporary Appalachian setting, the novel delves into themes of war, power, family obligations, and the struggle to find one's place in a unique and magical community, all with a touch of magical realism.

In a rural Tennessee town in the 1950s, 'Twilight' by William Gay tells the story of a teen brother and sister seeking revenge on an undertaker who desecrates the dead. The siblings discover the undertaker's dark secret and attempt to blackmail him, leading to a twisted chain of events involving hired killers and a chase through the Harrikin, a heavily wooded area. The prose in the book is described as having a Southern Gothic style, with a lack of punctuation for dialogue adding to the stark and dark atmosphere of the narrative.

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.

'The Auctioneer' by Joan Samson is a chilling tale set in a small rural town, where a mysterious outsider, Perly Dunsmore, arrives and starts holding auctions that gradually take a sinister turn. The story delves into themes of greed, corruption, and the invasion of the idyllic countryside by malevolent forces. Through a slow burn plot and well-realized characterizations, the book explores the tensions between rural and urban America, portraying the struggles of the townspeople against the manipulative auctioneer who threatens to strip them of everything they hold dear.

Devil's Day by Andrew Michael Hurley is a chilling tale set in the rural farming community of the Briardale Valley known as the Endlands. The story follows John Pentecost as he returns to his childhood home with his pregnant wife, Kat, to attend his grandfather's funeral. The narrative delves into the harsh life of the farmers, ancient folklore, and traditions intertwined with the mysteries of the moorlands and forests. The eerie atmosphere, rich descriptions of the landscape, and the slow-building tension create a sense of unease that lingers throughout the book.

The novel explores themes of isolation, rural life, family secrets, and the supernatural, as the Endlanders perform rituals on Devil's Day to protect themselves from the malevolent forces believed to inhabit the moors. Andrew Michael Hurley's writing style is described as atmospheric, gothic, and immersive, drawing readers into a world where reality blurs with folklore, and the line between good and evil becomes increasingly ambiguous.

Horns by Joe Hill is a dark and twisted tale that follows the protagonist, Ignatius Perrish, who wakes up one morning with horns growing out of his head. The story delves into themes of love, loss, revenge, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Through a mix of horror, humor, and suspense, Hill weaves a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Ig navigates his newfound abilities and seeks to uncover the truth behind his girlfriend's murder.

The book is characterized by its intricate plot, unique premise, and well-developed characters that bring depth to the story. As Ig grapples with his inner demons and uncovers dark secrets, the narrative unfolds in a way that blends elements of horror, thriller, and paranormal genres. Hill's writing style is described as vivid, engaging, and at times disturbing, drawing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems and where the line between reality and fantasy is blurred.

'The Hungry Moon' by Ramsey Campbell is a horror novel set in the secluded English town of Moonwell, where strange occurrences and ancient legends intertwine. The plot revolves around an American evangelist who stirs up religious fervor in the town, leading to mysterious events and a battle against evil forces lurking in the depths of a cave. As the supernatural influence grows, the town becomes isolated and the residents turn against each other, resulting in a suspenseful and creepy narrative that keeps readers engaged. The book features a diverse ensemble of characters, each with their own perspective on the unfolding events, adding depth to the story and creating a sense of mounting dread.

The writing style in 'The Hungry Moon' is described as eerie, atmospheric, and fast-paced, with a focus on psychological horror and supernatural elements. Ramsey Campbell skillfully weaves together a complex plot filled with disturbing imagery, subtle storytelling, and a touch of cosmic horror, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the chilling conclusion. Despite some pacing issues and a large cast of characters, the novel delivers a blend of traditional horror tropes and unique twists that make it a captivating and memorable read for fans of the genre.