Books Like...

Printer's Devil Court by Susan Hill is a short ghost story set in the early 20th century, featuring a doctor who becomes entangled in a sinister plan to defeat death. The plot twists and turns, with elements of resurrection, haunting, and a Frankenstein-esque tone. The writing style is atmospheric, evoking a sense of chill and suspense, reminiscent of classic ghost stories from the past.

"Sweetheart, Sweetheart" by Bernard Taylor follows the story of David Warwick, who returns to England after the sudden deaths of his twin brother Colin and Colin's wife. As David investigates the circumstances surrounding their deaths, he inherits their cottage and moves in with his fiancee. However, he soon starts feeling a mysterious presence in the cottage, leading to a chilling ghost story with elements of madness, murder, and betrayal. The writing style is described as English, understated, and creepy, with a focus on creating a sense of foreboding and developing a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge.

'Wild Fell' by Michael Rowe is a haunting tale that delves into the lives of different characters, spanning generations and exploring dark secrets that refuse to stay buried. The story revolves around Jamie Browning, who purchases the eerie Victorian Gothic residence, Wild Fell, on Blackmore Island. As Jamie unravels the mysteries of the house and its vengeful ghosts, the narrative shifts between past and present, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. The atmospheric writing style creates a sense of unease, drawing readers into a world where secrets lurk beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.

'The Stones of Muncaster Cathedral' by Robert Westall is a collection of two supernatural novellas that captivate readers with their eerie and suspenseful storytelling. The title story follows steeplejack Joe Clarke as he faces malevolent forces while working on the towers of Muncaster Cathedral, evoking a sense of ageless evil and anticipation that keeps readers on edge. The second tale, 'Brangwyn Gardens,' takes readers back to post-World War II London, where a student is haunted by the ghost of a woman left behind on her wedding day. Both stories masterfully blend realism with the supernatural, drawing readers into a world where the past and present collide in chilling ways.

In 'The Seance' by John Harwood, Constance Langton inherits the haunted Wraxford Hall and delves into the dark history of the house, uncovering mysteries of disappearances and deaths. The story is narrated from multiple perspectives, intertwining tales of fraudulent mediums, broken families, and eerie occurrences. As Constance seeks to uncover the truth behind the sinister events, she is drawn into a web of secrets and dangers, leading to a chilling climax that ties together the threads of the story.

The book combines elements of a gothic mystery with themes of family heritage, the supernatural, and curses set in Victorian England. Through intricate storytelling and atmospheric descriptions, the author creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged as they unravel the haunting secrets of Wraxford Hall and its inhabitants.

'Cast A Cold Eye' by Alan Ryan is a ghost story set in rural Ireland, following an American writer named Jack Quinlan who travels to a small village to research the Irish Potato Famine for his book. Jack starts experiencing eerie encounters and apparitions, leading him to uncover the secrets and mysteries hidden within the town. The book is praised for its atmospheric descriptions of the Irish scenery, blending natural beauty with haunting elements, creating a sense of suspense and intrigue throughout the story.

Set in the early 1900s, "Wakenhyrst" by Michelle Paver is a gothic tale centered around Edmund Stearne and his daughter Maud. The story unfolds in an ivy shrouded English manor at the edge of a wild, marshy fen, where family secrets, folklore, and medieval history intertwine. As Maud navigates the repressive environment created by her father's obsessions and deteriorating mental state, she uncovers hidden truths and unravels her father's madness. The narrative seamlessly weaves between Maud's perspective and Edmund's diaries, building towards a climax that reveals the dark forces at play in the house and the fen.

'In Absentia' in the 'Black Acres' series by Ambrose Ibsen follows the story of Julian and Kim, a young couple who purchase a house called the Beacon Estate at a ridiculously low price. As they begin renovations on the old house, strange occurrences start happening, such as doors shutting on their own and discovering that the previous owners disappeared without a trace. The plot unfolds with a mix of mystery and horror elements, keeping readers engaged with a suspenseful storyline and vivid imagery. The writing style is described as spooky, well-written, and enthralling, drawing readers into a world where not everything is as it seems.

'I Remember You' by Yrsa Sigur ardottir is a chilling and atmospheric ghost story set in an isolated village in the Icelandic Wesfjords. The book follows two parallel plotlines involving troubled characters grappling with guilt and sadness, as they are haunted by supernatural occurrences. The narrative builds tension and suspense gradually, culminating in a bone-chilling conclusion that merges the two storylines seamlessly. The author's writing style is described as dark, foreboding, and threatening, with a focus on creating genuinely terrifying scenes reminiscent of Steven King's work.

This House Is Haunted by John Boyne is a gothic ghost story set in a Victorian era, revolving around Eliza Caine, a young governess who takes a job at Gaudlin Hall to care for two children. As Eliza delves into the mysterious occurrences in the house, she uncovers dark family secrets and faces supernatural threats. The novel combines traditional elements of the 19th-century ghost story genre with a modern twist, incorporating feminist perspectives and eerie atmospheres reminiscent of classics like The Turn of the Screw and Jane Eyre.

The plot unfolds with Eliza navigating through the haunted house, encountering chilling events and uncovering the tragic past of the family residing in Gaudlin Hall. John Boyne skillfully weaves a suspenseful narrative, utilizing familiar tropes like ghostly apparitions, mysterious children, and hidden secrets to create a compelling tale that keeps readers engaged till the end.