Books Like...

'Harrison Squared' by Daryl Gregory is a young adult Lovecraftian fantasy novel that follows the story of Harrison, a teenage amputee protagonist who moves to the mysterious coastal town of Dunnsmouth with his marine biologist mother. As Harrison delves into the eerie town and its peculiar inhabitants, he discovers dark secrets and supernatural beings, including the Scrimshander. The book combines elements of horror, mystery, and humor, creating a captivating and original story that keeps readers engaged until the unexpected twist at the end.

The narrative is primarily told from Harrison's perspective, showcasing his intelligence, determination, and resilience as he navigates through the challenges presented in the town of Dunnsmouth. The book touches on themes of family, identity, and the supernatural, all while maintaining a sense of tension and suspense that adds depth to the plot. Overall, 'Harrison Squared' sets the stage for a potential series with its intriguing characters and Lovecraftian themes, leaving readers eager for more.

A Song for Quiet is a dark, surreal tale that intertwines Lovecraftian horror with the blues, following Deacon James, a blues musician, as he navigates the insular white community of Arkham, Massachusetts. The story delves into themes of personal horror, loneliness, and cosmic power, with the protagonist carrying music within him capable of driving men to madness or destruction. The writing is rich, atmospheric, and vivid, painting a vivid picture of a harsh world where characters confront nameless horrors and make sacrifices that resonate with the reader.

The narrative is a seamless blend of hardboiled science fiction and Lovecraftian horror, featuring occult detective John Persons in a supporting role. The story unfolds with precision and evocative imagery, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur, leaving them captivated by the vivid descriptions of madness, violence, and humanity.

Freezer Burn by Joe R. Lansdale is a pulp crime novel filled with oddball characters and a storyline that is hard to put down. The book follows the story of Bill Roberts, a professional loser who finds himself involved in a robbery gone wrong, leading him to join a traveling freak show and carnival. As Bill becomes entangled in a Double Indemnity style plot with the alluring wife of the carnival owner, readers are taken on a wild and sometimes disquieting journey through a world of freaks and oddities. Lansdale's writing style is described as irreverent, strange, and filled with humor, making Freezer Burn a unique and captivating read for fans of pulp fiction.

"Hammers on Bone" by Cassandra Khaw is a genre-bending novella that merges hardboiled detective fiction with Lovecraftian horror elements. The story follows PI John Persons, who is hired by a young client to kill the child's abusive stepfather, McKinsey, who is revealed to be a monster possessed by ancient cosmic entities. Persons, who is also an ancient monster, navigates through a gritty, noir-inspired narrative set in a contemporary London infested with Lovecraftian horrors. The book is praised for its atmospheric writing style, rich in blood, tentacles, and a unique blend of cosmic horror and gritty detective noir.

'It Rides a Pale Horse' by Andy Marino is a horror novel that delves into the world of art, magic, and forbidden knowledge. The story follows Lark, a sculptor, on a mission to save his kidnapped sister by completing a sculpture based on the writings of a madman. As he delves deeper into this eerie task, he finds himself entangled in a world of darkness and supernatural occurrences. The narrative is described as shocking, intricate, and unsettling, with a touch of magical realism and psychological thriller elements. The book explores themes of family, art, obsession, and creative drive, all while maintaining a macabre and otherworldly atmosphere.

The writing style of Andy Marino is praised for its outstanding and imaginative qualities, creating a phenomenal atmosphere and original plot. However, some readers found the story to be challenging at times, with disjointed elements that require thoughtful reading to fully appreciate the depth of the narrative. Despite the complexity, the book is lauded for its warmth beneath the carnage, offering a unique blend of cosmic horror and chilling storytelling.

'Central Station' by Lavie Tidhar is a collection of interlinked short stories set in a reshaped, futuristic Israel, focusing on themes of family, love, and religion. It explores a society where humans and non-humans coexist, delving into the lives of various characters living in and around Central Station in Tel Aviv. The narrative weaves together stories of everyday life, relationships, and the complexities of a post-human world, creating a vivid and intricate portrayal of a diverse community facing the passage of time and the inevitability of change.

The writing style of 'Central Station' is described as beautifully constructed, with a focus on character depth and emotional storytelling. The author skillfully blends science fiction elements with a dreamlike quality, reminiscent of works by John Crowley, creating a lyrical and engaging narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and connection in a futuristic setting filled with rich world-building and vivid details.

'Spoonbenders' by Daryl Gregory is a darkly humorous family saga that follows the Telemachus family, who possess psychic abilities, through different timelines and generations. The story delves into the complexities of family dynamics, government monitoring, mob involvement, and the challenges the family faces due to their supernatural gifts. The plot intertwines humor, pathos, realism, and fantastical elements, creating a narrative that keeps readers engaged with its twists and turns.

The writing style of 'Spoonbenders' has been described as intricate, entertaining, and fast-paced. The book skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, diverse characters, and flashbacks, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected narratives. The author, Daryl Gregory, combines elements of fantasy, comedy, and drama to craft a story that explores themes of dysfunctional families, psychic abilities, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.

The Drive-In 1 is a horror novel that unfolds in a unique setting: a massive drive-in theater featuring six huge screens and accommodating thousands of patrons. The narrative kicks off when an inexplicable event occurs, plunging the drive-in into chaos as the audience becomes trapped and cut off from the outside world. The story is characterized by its blend of horror, dark humor, and commentary on human nature, exploring how individuals react in dire circumstances. Lansdale's writing style is both clever and entertaining, incorporating elements of B-movie culture and absurdity, making the narrative engaging and vividly imaginative.

The plot is populated with a variety of bizarre characters, including the whimsical "Popcorn King" and a group of religious cannibals, which adds to the surreal atmosphere of the drive-in experience. Lansdale’s knack for creating relatable characters in extraordinary situations resonates throughout the story, as he examines the lengths people will go to survive. The narrative can be seen as a tribute to the charm of B horror films, with its mix of gore, humor, and a sense of fun, making it an engaging read for fans of the genre.

"The Yattering and Jack" by Clive Barker is a darkly humorous short story that follows an elderly man named Jack who is targeted by a low-ranking demon named The Yattering. The demon's goal is to drive Jack insane and capture his soul, but Jack remains unbothered and unaffected by the demon's antics, leading to a comedic and entertaining narrative. The story is described as a mix of dark comedy and psychological horror, with a writing style that is engaging, visceral, and filled with unexpected twists and turns.

'Within These Walls' by Ania Ahlborn is a psychological and supernatural horror novel that follows the story of a true crime author, Lucas Graham, who is offered an exclusive interview with a cult leader, Jeffrey Halcomb, in exchange for moving into the house where a ritualistic killing took place. The book alternates between the present, where Lucas investigates the cult and its rituals, and the past, where we witness Audra Avis being manipulated into the cult and the events leading to her demise. The novel explores themes of manipulation, redemption, and the power of charismatic personalities on vulnerable minds, drawing parallels to real-life cults like the Manson family.