Books Like...

The Seduction of Water by Carol Goodman is a novel that weaves together mystery, fantasy, and complex family relationships. The story follows Iris, a teacher, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery after her mother's mysterious death. Throughout the book, Iris delves into her mother's past, uncovering secrets and unraveling the mysteries surrounding her family history. Set in the Hudson Valley and New York City, the book incorporates elements of mythology and folklore, adding depth to the narrative. The plot unfolds slowly, with some readers finding the pacing challenging, but ultimately leading to a satisfying resolution.

"River Road" by Carol Goodman is a psychological thriller revolving around Nan Lewis, a creative writing professor in upstate New York. Nan finds herself as the prime suspect in a hit and run case after hitting what she thought was a deer on her way home. The incident triggers memories of her daughter's death years ago in a similar accident, leading Nan to uncover eerie connections between the two incidents. As Nan struggles to clear her name and unravel dark secrets, the story unfolds with twists and turns, atmospheric writing, and Gothic style, making it a satisfying page-turner.

Nan Lewis, haunted by past tragedies, navigates through a web of secrets and suspicions in a small college town. As she races against time to solve the mystery behind her student's death and clear her name, Nan delves deeper into a world of hidden truths and unexpected revelations. With a blend of suspense, mystery, and emotional depth, "River Road" keeps readers engaged with its compelling storyline and well-developed characters.

'The Sonnet Lover' by Carol Goodman is a mystery novel that intertwines literary references with a modern-day murder investigation. The story follows comparative literature professor Rose Asher as she delves into the death of one of her students, leading her back to Italy and uncovering a tale involving the possible identity of Shakespeare's dark lady. The plot is filled with twists and turns, spanning centuries of poetic beauty and multiple countries, creating an engaging and evocative narrative that transports readers through time and space.

The writing style of Carol Goodman in 'The Sonnet Lover' is praised for its eloquence, vivid descriptions, and ability to immerse readers in the settings of Italy and upstate New York. The author's meticulous research is evident in the well-developed modern relationships between academics and the captivating story of Genevra's life in renaissance Italy. Despite some criticisms of the weak mystery plot towards the end, readers appreciate Goodman's skill in crafting a compelling narrative that blends past and present seamlessly, making the book an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

Carol Goodman's 'The Ghost Orchid' is a ghost story set at the Bosco estate in Upstate New York, where a group of artists in residence find themselves drawn to the estate's intriguing history. The novel weaves together a tale of a haunted writers' retreat, a tragic past involving a missing child, mediums, magicians, and love affairs, all set against a backdrop of lush gardens and crumbling statues. The narrative alternates between the present time and an earlier time, revealing a complex story of mystery and suspense.

Set at a private girls' high school in the Adirondacks, 'The Lake of Dead Languages' follows Jane Hudson, a Latin teacher who returns to her alma mater, where she uncovers buried secrets from her past. The story intertwines past tragedies with present mysteries, creating a suspenseful and gothic atmosphere that keeps readers engaged. The plot revolves around a series of suicides that seem to be repeating, with Jane at the center of the unfolding events, leading to a chilling and intriguing narrative. The writing style is described as atmospheric, with a strong sense of foreboding and suspense that captures the reader's attention.

'The Likeness' by Tana French is a psychological thriller that follows Detective Cassie Maddox as she goes undercover to impersonate a murder victim who bears a striking resemblance to her. The story delves into identity, manipulation, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. The plot is described as tense, unusual, and filled with twists and turns that keep readers engaged. French's writing style is noted for its atmospheric and moody tone, reminiscent of authors like Donna Tartt and P.D. James.

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of the aristocratic Flyte family and their friends. The story follows Charles Ryder, who forms connections with the Flytes, particularly Sebastian, during his time at Oxford and later at Brideshead estate. The narrative spans over two decades, intertwining themes of love, religion, duty, and decay within the backdrop of England's elite society. Waugh's writing style is described as sumptuous, elegant, and melancholic, creating a rich tapestry of characters and relationships that evolve against the backdrop of historical events like World War II.

In 'Ninth House' by Leigh Bardugo, the story revolves around Galaxy Alex Stern, a survivor dealing with a traumatic past who is recruited to oversee the mystical activities of the secret societies at Yale. As part of House Leathe, the ninth house, Alex becomes entangled in a web of dark secrets, disappearances, and murder on campus. The book delves into themes of trauma, magic, violence, and the power dynamics within the elite circles of Yale, creating a world where the supernatural intertwines with the everyday struggles of its characters. The writing style is described as dark, compelling, and filled with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the atmospheric setting of Yale University.

'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James is a psychological horror story that revolves around a governess who starts working in an old house with two children and encounters ghosts of the previous caretakers. The narrative delves into the governess's increasing paranoia and ambiguity surrounding the ghosts and the children's behavior, blurring the lines between reality and supernatural elements. The writing style is described as dense and antiquated, with long sentences and an overuse of commas, which some readers found challenging but others found rewarding in unraveling the psychological and sexual themes of the story.

'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt is a suspenseful novel set in an exclusive university where a Classics study group decides to commit murder, reminiscent of Eleusinian mysteries. The story follows a group of eccentric and privileged college students who get entangled in a web of their own making, leading to chilling events and profound changes in their lives. The writing style is erudite, literary, and intriguing, with a focus on character development and relationships, creating an evocative and convincing setting.