Books Like...
'The Waiting Room' by F.G. Cottam follows the story of a retired rock star, Martin Stride, who seeks the help of a fraudulent ghost hunter, Julian Creed, to investigate paranormal activities on his estate involving an old abandoned railway station. As the plot unfolds, mysterious occurrences plague the Stride family, leading to a chilling investigation into the dark past of the railway station and its former occupants. The narrative is described as eerie and convincing, with elements of horror and supernatural suspense reminiscent of classic ghost stories, intertwined with a unique twist on time travel and historical mysteries.
If you liked The Waiting Room, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'The Colony' by F.G. Cottam is a supernatural horror novel that follows an expedition to New Hope Island, where a colony of settlers mysteriously disappeared 200 years ago. Led by Alexander McIntyre, the group includes a diverse set of characters such as reporters, a virologist, a cosmologist, a psychic, an archeologist, and an exorcist. As they uncover the island's dark past and encounter supernatural entities, tensions rise among the group members, leading to a series of mysterious deaths. The novel expertly weaves together elements of suspense, horror, and mystery, creating a chilling and atmospheric narrative that keeps readers on edge.
The writing style of 'The Colony' has been praised for its vivid descriptions, well-developed characters, and suspenseful plot. The author, F.G. Cottam, is lauded for his ability to craft a story that is both engaging and terrifying, with elements of supernatural horror that grip the reader from start to finish. The book explores themes of good vs evil, the supernatural, and the unknown, drawing readers into a world where ancient mysteries and dark forces collide.
McIntyre sat in his screening room with a single malt at his elbow and Mahler’s 9 unfurling around him through the concealed speakers housed in the ceiling and walls. He decided that he would switch t... - #2
'Dark Resurrection' is a sequel to 'The Colony' by F.G. Cottam. It continues the story of a group of people who disappeared on New Hope Island, a place with a strange history. The book follows protagonist Ruth Gillespie as she delves into the mysteries of the island and uncovers the truth behind the disappearances. The plot involves a mix of suspense, horror, and eerie scenes, maintaining a dark and atmospheric setting throughout. The writing style is described as engaging and immersive, with a focus on character development and building tension effectively.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Colony ) - #3
'The Faceless One' by Mark Onspaugh is a dark fantasy and horror novel that follows the story of two elderly friends, Jimmy Kalmaku and George Watters, who embark on a journey to save the world from an ancient evil god. The book intertwines ancient Tlingit myths with archaeology, brave individuals, evil spirits, and stretches across different locations from the East coast to the West coast. Onspaugh addresses mythologies from Christian beliefs and Indian folklore with sensitivity, providing a unique blend of ancient gods and supernatural elements. The story is told from multiple points of view, keeping the storylines straight and engaging the readers with a mix of tender interactions and comic moments.
He knelt to the delivery caddy. It was a revolving drum he had installed next to the front door six months ago. A deliveryman would put his groceries in the drum on the hall side. Once he was gone, Da... - #4
Harvest of Scorn by F.G. Cottam is the haunting finale of The Colony series, set on New Hope Island in the Hebrides. The book weaves rich characters with a supernatural edge, confronting an ancient curse head-on. Combining past and present, the story follows survivors facing evil forces on the island, building tension towards a climactic showdown of Good vs. Evil. Cottam's writing style effortlessly creates a dark and scary atmosphere, drawing readers into the sights, sounds, and horror of the story.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Colony ) - #5
Asylum by Ambrose Ibsen is the first book in the series 'The Afterlife Investigations' that follows a group of individuals investigating a local asylum with a dark past. The story revolves around the group's experiences as they explore the abandoned asylum, uncovering supernatural occurrences that challenge their beliefs and safety. The writing style of the book keeps readers engaged with its fast-paced plot and intriguing character development, leading to a gripping narrative that delves into themes of the paranormal and horror.
The weather was doing that annoying “mist” thing, loosing little puffs of cold drizzle as though the clouds were packed with spray bottles and I was a disobedient house cat getting sprayed for walking... - #6
The Lucifer Chord by F.G. Cottam is a supernatural horror novel that follows writer researcher Ruthie Gillespie as she delves into the mysterious life and death of Martin Mear, the frontman of the 70's rock group Ghost Legion. Ruthie's investigation leads her into sinister events surrounding Martin's past, intertwined with elements of the music industry and the occult. The book is structured like a detective novel, with a measured approach to supernatural elements that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Cottam expertly weaves together historical plot lines, creating a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the book is finished.
The story is set in locations like the Isle of Wight and East Sussex, adding a visual element to the narrative for readers familiar with these places. The characters, particularly Ruthie Gillespie, are well-developed and engaging, drawing readers into a world of dark, heart-stopping scares and unexpected twists. Cottam's writing style is described as fresh, well-researched, and allowing the reader's imagination to participate in the story, making for a compelling and immersive reading experience.
- #7
The Fifth House of the Heart by Ben Tripp follows the wealthy and aging antiques dealer, Asmodeus Sax Saxon Tang, who embarks on a dangerous adventure to hunt down vampires after a personal tragedy. Sax assembles a team of vampire hunters, including his niece Emily and a secret arm of the Catholic Church, to face ancient and vicious vampires who collect priceless relics from the past. The book intertwines past encounters with vampires in the 1960s and 80s with the current storyline, creating a gripping narrative filled with action, tension, and witty humor.
Mumbai, an island city ten times the size of Manhattan, with twelve times its population, relied on the wind and rain of the monsoons. They washed away millions of tons of industrial waste, excrement,... - #8
In 'The Little Stranger' by Sarah Waters, the story revolves around Doctor Faraday, who becomes entwined with the Ayres family residing in the deteriorating Hundreds Hall. As strange occurrences start happening at the mansion, a mix of psychological and supernatural elements come into play, leading to a gripping narrative that delves into the decline of the English landed gentry post-World War II. Waters masterfully crafts a tale that not only explores the haunted house but also delves deep into the characters' emotions and behaviors, creating a nuanced story set in a time of societal change and decay.
I first saw Hundreds Hall when I was ten years old. It was the summer after the war, and the Ayreses still had most of their money then, were still big people in the district. The event was an Empire ... - #9
'The Occupant' by Ambrose Ibsen is a dark horror trilogy that captivates readers with its well-fleshed-out characters and twisty plot. The author's writing style seamlessly blends paranormal and horror elements, pulling readers in from the beginning and keeping them engaged throughout the series. The story unfolds in a mysterious and gripping manner, leaving readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns.
The book delves into a world where the paranormal meets horror, creating a captivating narrative that explores intricate connections between characters and events. Ibsen's storytelling keeps readers hooked, blending old-world language with modern-day settings to create a fresh and interesting reading experience. Despite some minor flaws, the series is praised for its ability to immerse readers in a world filled with suspense, mystery, and elements of the supernatural.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Afterlife Investigations Book ) - #10
Sentinel by Drew Starling is a chilling horror novel set in the eerie small town of Bensalem, where a young family, Aaron and Ellen Dreyer, move in with their son Caleb. As they settle into their new home, they uncover dark secrets and legends of the town, leading to a series of horrific events including the brutal murder of their neighbor and the mysterious disappearance of their son. The story unfolds over six intense days and nights, filled with gory scenes, complex characters, and a sense of dread that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Drew Starling's writing style is described as beautifully descriptive, immersive, and engaging, making it hard for readers to put the book down.