Books Like...

'I'm Thinking of Ending Things' by Iain Reid follows a young woman on a road trip with her boyfriend to meet his parents, contemplating ending their relationship. As the journey progresses, unsettling events unfold, including mysterious phone calls from her own number and a sense of foreboding. The narrative builds tension through eerie moments and a creeping feeling that something terrible is on the horizon, reminiscent of classic horror elements.

Reid's writing style in this psychological thriller is described as atmospheric, disturbing, and mind-bending. The story keeps readers engaged with unexpected twists and a sense of unease that lingers throughout the book. The author skillfully weaves a plot that blurs the lines between reality and perception, leading to an ending that leaves readers questioning what is real and what is imagined.

Bunny by Mona Awad is a bizarre and unsettling novel that follows Samantha, a graduate writing student, as she navigates the strange world of her creative writing program. The book delves into themes of loneliness, struggle, female friendship, and the power of the mind, all wrapped in a surreal and twisted narrative. As Samantha becomes entangled with a group of girls called The Bunnies, the story takes a dark turn, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The writing style is described as unique, audacious, and at times, darkly humorous, keeping the reader engaged with its unpredictable plot twists and eccentric characters.

The Wasp Factory by Iain M. Banks is a dark and disturbing novel that delves into the mind of a young psychopath named Frank. Living on an isolated island off the coast of Scotland with his father, Frank's life takes a twisted turn as he navigates through violent and unsettling events, including a shocking revelation about his past. The book explores themes of violence, family dysfunction, and psychological horrors, all narrated in a gripping and intense writing style that immerses readers into Frank's distorted world.

In a dystopian future where a virus has made animal meat poisonous to humans, leading to the consumption of human flesh as a replacement protein source, 'Tender Is the Flesh' by Agustina Bazterrica explores the societal implications and ethical dilemmas that arise from this gruesome practice. The novel follows Marcos Tejo, a man working in a slaughterhouse where humans are processed for consumption, as he navigates through a world where cannibalism has become legal and normalized. The book delves into the detailed descriptions of this new world order, exploring themes of callousness, economic feudalism, and the dark sides of human nature.

The writing style of 'Tender Is the Flesh' is described as chilling, vivid, and thought-provoking, with a focus on world-building and delivering a message rather than character development or plot intricacies. The author, Bazterrica, paints a grim picture of a future society where the boundaries of morality and humanity are blurred, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human behavior and societal norms.

'The Only Good Indians' by Stephen Graham Jones is a horror novel that delves into the consequences of a past mistake made by four young Blackfeet men during an illegal elk hunt. The plot revolves around a vengeful entity, the spirit of a slaughtered elk, seeking revenge on the men ten years later in a chilling and suspenseful manner. The writing style is described as intense, lyrical, and poetic, with a strong focus on Native American culture and folklore. The story explores themes of justice, revenge, cultural identity, tradition, and the respect for nature, all while providing a unique and eerie setting on an Indian reservation.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Alicia Berenson, a renowned artist who is found with her dead husband, tied to a chair and shot multiple times in the face. Alicia never speaks again and is sent to a mental institution. Theo Faber, a forensic psychologist, takes a job at the facility to treat Alicia and unravel her secrets. The book is filled with twists and turns, red herrings, and a surprising conclusion, making it a gripping and engaging read.

The novel is centered around the relationship between Alicia, the silent patient, and Theo, the psychotherapist determined to make her speak. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia's case, the story unfolds through entries from Alicia's diary and Theo's own perspective. The plot weaves together themes of mental illness, trauma, and suspense, keeping the readers guessing until the unexpected twist at the end. The Silent Patient explores complex characters and intricate storytelling, making it a compelling and thought-provoking thriller.

'The Raw Shark Texts' by Steven Hall is a mind-bending novel that follows Eric Sanderson, who wakes up with no memory and discovers notes he has written to himself. Strange packages, a conceptual shark hunting him for his memories, and a world within a world are just the beginning of his journey. The writing style is described as exciting, imaginative, and smart, reminiscent of movies like Memento and with influences from authors like Haruki Murakami, Paul Auster, and Neil Gaiman.

The plot of the novel starts out promisingly metafiction, deconstructing narrative and narrator, but some readers find that it veers back into standard fiction territory with the introduction of a love story. is praised for its ability to keep readers engaged, with a mix of abstract concepts, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists, leading to a range of interpretations and a mix of emotions from readers.

'Shutter Island' by Dennis Lehane is a psychological thriller set on an island where an insane asylum is located. The story follows a detective investigating a murder on the island, only to find himself trapped there during a hurricane. The book is described as a fast-paced, gripping mystery with plenty of suspense and plot twists. The author creates a hauntingly stunning piece of work that combines psychological horror, mystery, and normal horror, keeping the readers engaged and thought-provoked till the end.

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski is a complex and ambitious novel that delves into the mysterious record of a house that defies physics, expanding and lacking spatial boundaries. The story is told unconventionally through different perspectives, utilizing unique page layouts, sentences, paragraphs, and words to create imagery that parallels the narrative. The book also incorporates numerous footnotes that reference various elements, both real and imaginary, adding layers of depth to the storytelling.

The narrative structure of the book weaves together multiple stories within stories, creating a layered and enthralling journey into the unknown. Readers are drawn into the tale of The Navidson Record, told through the lenses of Zampano and Johnny Truant, each contributing to the unfolding mystery of the house that challenges reality. The book's presentation and narrative style offer a blend of horror, academic critique, and metafictional elements, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

'Sundial' by Catriona Ward is a complex horror novel that delves into themes of trauma, domestic abuse, and animal cruelty. The narrative is enthralling and addictive, with a dual timeline structure that keeps the reader fully immersed in the story. The book explores the nature of goodness, the impact of trauma, and the blurred lines between good and evil through a modern, horrifying, and scientific lens.

The story unfolds through a series of twists and turns, leading the reader through a mysterious and unnerving gothic tale. The characters are deep and dark, each with their own flaws and complexities, making them feel like real, living beings. Ward's writing style is unique, with visionary wordplay and a narrative that keeps readers guessing until the last chapter.