Books Like...

'In the Dark' by Richard Laymon is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that follows Jane, a librarian, who receives mysterious envelopes containing money and clues from a stranger known as MOG (Master of Games). As Jane follows the clues, she is drawn into a dangerous game where the tasks become increasingly terrifying, leading her down a dark path of greed and suspense. The plot keeps readers engaged with its twists and turns, while Laymon's writing style combines elements of horror, mystery, and suspense to create a captivating narrative.

The Escape Room by Megan Goldin is a psychological thriller that follows the story of four high-flying investment bankers - Vincent, Jules, Sylvie, and Sam - who are trapped in an elevator during a team-building exercise turned deadly. As they struggle to solve cryptic clues to escape, dark secrets and past misdeeds come to light, leading to a thrilling game of survival. The narrative alternates between the present-day plight of the trapped bankers and the backstory of a former employee named Sara, gradually revealing the interconnected web of deception and revenge in the cutthroat world of high finance. Goldin weaves a gripping tale of suspense and mystery, with intricate character development and a fast-paced plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

'Eeny Meeny' by M.J. Arlidge is a psychological thriller that follows Detective Inspector Helen Grace as she investigates a series of kidnappings where pairs of victims are forced to make a life-or-death choice. The plot unfolds with a dark and twisted premise reminiscent of the Saw movies, creating a suspenseful and gripping narrative. The writing style is described as addictive with short, punchy chapters that keep readers on the edge of their seats, making it a fast-paced and engaging read.

Zoo, a contestant on a reality TV show, finds herself in the midst of a devastating pandemic while isolated in the wilderness. Unaware of the real events unfolding, she struggles to differentiate between reality and the scripted challenges of the game. The book alternates between the present moment where Zoo navigates through the aftermath of the pandemic and the past, showcasing the dynamics between contestants and the manipulation by the TV show producers. The story delves into themes of survival, perception, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.

'The Venue' by T.J. Payne is a gripping horror novel that follows the bizarre wedding of Caleb and Lilith, where the guests are individuals who tormented and ridiculed the couple. As the story unfolds, the readers are taken on a rollercoaster of blood, gore, dark humor, and unexpected twists. The author skillfully blends elements of horror and comedy, creating a unique and fast-paced slasher style story that keeps the readers hooked from the beginning to the heart-pumping conclusion.

The writing style of T.J. Payne in 'The Venue' is described as masterful, imaginative, and filled with dark humor. The author's ability to craft a horror story with a thought-provoking narrative, exploring themes of human cruelty and social issues, makes this novel a standout in the genre. The book is praised for its originality, fast pace, and engaging storytelling that leaves readers wanting more.

'The Test' by Sylvain Neuvel is a novella that delves into a dystopian future where immigrants are subjected to a citizenship test that takes a dark and twisted turn. The story follows Idir Jalil as he faces a life-altering test to determine his fate and that of his family, exploring themes of inhuman treatment, immigration, and the impact of government actions on individuals. The writing style is described as concise, intense, and gripping, keeping readers glued to the pages from start to finish.

The Hunt by Tim Lebbon is a heart-pounding thriller that follows the story of Rose, a woman seeking revenge on the organization known as The Trail after they killed her family. When Chris Sheen's family is kidnapped by The Trail, Rose offers to help him survive the deadly hunt, using him as bait to take down the hunters. The narrative alternates between Chris and Rose's perspectives, creating a suspenseful and intense storyline set in the Welsh mountains. The author's attention to detail and ability to create vivid landscapes immerse the reader in a game of survival where mental strength is just as crucial as physical agility.

The Hunt is a fast-paced and gripping novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With a blend of suspense, horror, and thriller elements, Tim Lebbon weaves a dark and twisted tale of survival, revenge, and the fight for family. The book features strong character development, particularly with Rose and Chris, as they navigate the dangerous game orchestrated by The Trail. Lebbon's writing style effectively builds tension and keeps readers engaged throughout the thrilling narrative.

'Periculum' in the series 'Devil's Playground' by Natalie Bennett is a dark and twisted tale following Liliana and her friends as their girls trip takes a sinister turn during a shuttle bus trip. The book is filled with suspense, gore, psychopathic characters, and unexpected twists, leading the readers through a vicious and brutal playground where reality is altered, and mysteries unfold.

The story unfolds as Liliana and her friends, along with four mysterious young men, find themselves at the mercy of a strange twisted game after an accident leaves them stranded in a city reminiscent of 'Silent Hill' and 'The Purge'. The writing style immerses readers in a maze of mayhem, with dark romance, debauchery, and a suspenseful narrative that keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next dark and disturbing revelation.

Scavenger by David Morrell is a fast-paced thriller following Frank Balenger from Morrell's previous novel Creepers. In this sequel, Frank must navigate a dangerous game orchestrated by an insane video game designer known as The Gamemaster, in order to save himself and his lover. The story is described as plot-driven, engaging, and filled with twists and turns that keep readers enthralled. The writing style is praised for creating tension and suspense, with the author's expertise in thrillers shining through.

'Rabbits' by Terry Miles follows the story of K and his friend Chloe as they navigate through a mysterious game named Rabbits that poses a risk they know they shouldn't be involved in. The game presents enigmatic challenges, coincidences, and altered realities that pull the characters into a world of uncertainty, where the consequences of losing are dire. As the plot unfolds, the boundaries between reality, gaming, and mysticism blur, leading K and Chloe on a quest to save the world from impending doom caused by disruptions within the game. The narrative weaves elements of alternate realities, conspiracy theories, and the influence of ley lines, creating a thought-provoking and intriguing storyline that keeps readers guessing until the end.

The writing style of Terry Miles in 'Rabbits' has been described as engaging, with a mix of sci-fi, mysticism, and pop culture references that add depth to the storyline. The author's ability to create a world where the game of Rabbits becomes a mind-bending experience for the characters and readers alike, showcases a unique blend of storytelling that challenges perceptions and immerses the audience in a complex web of reality and fantasy.