Books Like...

"Some Kind of Fairy Tale" by Graham Joyce is a contemporary urban fantasy novel that explores the mysterious disappearance of Tara, a young girl, and her unexpected return twenty years later. The book delves into the impact of Tara's absence on her family and friends, their reactions to her unbelievable story of living among fairies, and the psychological investigations that follow. The narrative weaves together elements of fantasy and realism, questioning the boundaries between reality and imagination. The story is told through multiple perspectives, offering a deep exploration of relationships, character development, and the blurred lines between truth and fantasy.

'The Stolen Child' by Keith Donohue is a dark and melancholy novel that explores the story of two changelings - one a human child who becomes a changeling and the other a changeling who transforms back into a human. The book delves into themes of identity, memory, and the loneliness experienced by both characters as they grapple with their past and present realities. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the two characters, providing a unique insight into their struggles and experiences.

The author, Keith Donohue, weaves a compelling tale based on the changeling myth, drawing inspiration from folklore and fairy tales. The story is intricately crafted, exploring the emotional depth of the characters and the evolving dynamics between humans and faeries. Donohue's writing style is subtle and evocative, gradually revealing key points that leave a lasting impact on the reader. The book offers a fresh take on old legends, making readers ponder on the mysteries of the past and the complexities of human nature.

'The Shadow Year' by Jeffrey Ford is a well-written novel that follows the reminiscences of the main character as he reflects on his boyhood's Shadow Year, filled with family troubles and dark incidents tinged with horror, the paranormal, and supernatural elements. The story reads like contemporary fantasy with a touch of magic realism, as the protagonist, along with his older brother and younger sister, navigates through a neighborhood plagued by a killer, a ghost, and other mysterious occurrences. The narrative unfolds slowly, blending humor with creepy moments, creating a sense of tension and fear that is heightened by the children's unique perspective of the world around them.

Ford's depiction of Long Island in the early 1960s serves as a backdrop for the unfolding mystery, showcasing a community built on new beginnings but shadowed by hidden dangers and secrets. The novel captures the essence of childhood adventures and fears, portraying the protagonists' bond as they face the challenges of their dysfunctional family and a town plagued by unsettling events. Through the eyes of the children, the readers are taken on a journey that evokes nostalgia, mystery, and a sense of coming-of-age amidst a backdrop of supernatural occurrences and everyday struggles.

The Awakening by Brett McBean is a coming-of-age horror novel set in a small Midwestern town where a mysterious man from Haiti, Mr. Joseph, becomes the subject of cruel rumors among the local kids. As the story unfolds, a tragic event leads to an unlikely friendship between fourteen-year-old Toby and Mr. Joseph. The novel delves into themes of loss, racism, friendship, and the supernatural, all while exploring the pain of growing up amidst the horrors of human behavior and the unknown.

Brett McBean weaves a tale that combines elements of horror, supernatural, and a poignant coming-of-age narrative. Through vivid descriptions and believable characters, the story unfolds with suspense and mystery, captivating readers with its exploration of childhood experiences, emotions, and the darker aspects of society that lurk beneath the surface.

'The Night Strangers' by Chris Bohjalian follows the story of Captain Chip Linton, a pilot who experiences a traumatic plane crash that leaves him struggling with PTSD and survivor's guilt. Chip, along with his wife Emily and twin daughters, relocates to a small town in New Hampshire to start afresh. However, they soon discover that the community is filled with mysterious elements, including herbalists, witches, and a haunted house with a door sealed by 39 bolts. As Chip delves into the secrets of the town, supernatural occurrences and eerie plot developments unfold, leading to a chilling and unexpected ending. The narrative style alternates between different viewpoints, providing a unique and suspenseful reading experience that keeps the reader engaged.

delves into themes of trauma, supernatural elements, and psychological struggles faced by the characters, creating a dark and suspenseful atmosphere throughout the story. The author weaves together a complex plot involving ghosts, witches, and a town shrouded in mystery, while exploring the impact of a tragic event on the lives of those involved. With elements reminiscent of Stephen King's storytelling and a focus on character development, 'The Night Strangers' offers a blend of horror, suspense, and psychological depth that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the surprising conclusion.

The Deer Kings by Wendy N. Wagner is a novel that combines elements of horror, coming of age, and small-town secrets. Set in Kingston, OR, the story follows Gary Sheldon as he returns to his hometown in 2018, where he must confront the supernatural forces he and his friends accidentally unleashed in 1989. The plot unfolds through two timelines, the 80s and 2018, revealing a town with dark secrets, a group of friends facing a villainous presence, and a mythology that intertwines with the reality of Kingston. The writing style is described as engaging, fast-paced, and reminiscent of Stephen King, with well-drawn characters, natural dialogue, and a rich mythology that keeps the reader hooked until the very end.

The Never List by Koethi Zan is a psychological thriller that delves into the aftermath of a horrifying ordeal faced by Sarah and three other women who were kidnapped, held captive, and tortured for years. The story primarily follows Sarah's perspective as she navigates through trauma, fear, and the quest for justice against their captor. The book skillfully weaves a narrative that keeps readers on edge, exploring themes of survival, trauma, and the complexities of human nature.

The plot unfolds with gripping intensity, drawing readers into a dark and suspenseful tale that explores the psychological impact of captivity and the resilience of the human spirit. Koethi Zan's writing style effectively creates an eerie atmosphere, with twists and turns that keep readers hooked till the very end, making it a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers.

Midnight Rain by James Newman is a coming-of-age tale set in the small town of Midnight, North Carolina, where a young boy named Kyle witnesses a murder that changes the course of his life. The story intricately weaves themes of trust, love, betrayal, addiction, authority, racism, and death, all against the backdrop of a town enveloped in a dark and rainy atmosphere. The writing style captures the essence of growing up in a small town, portraying the stark reality of life as innocence is peeled back to reveal the harsh truths of the world.

How To Be a Good Wife by Emma Chapman follows the protagonist Marta, a housewife who decides to stop taking her medication, leading her to question her past and reality. The novel delves into themes of mental health, memory, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction. Set in a nameless Scandinavian village, the story weaves a suspenseful narrative as Marta grapples with hallucinations, flashbacks, and the unsettling presence of a mysterious girl. Chapman's writing style is described as sparse, elegant, and chilling, creating a gripping and unsettling atmosphere throughout the book.