Books Like...
The Haunted by Bentley Little is a chilling tale that revolves around a haunted house, where an insidious evil lurks, taking hold of those who dare to enter. The story follows the Perry family as they move into a seemingly perfect house, only to discover the horrors that lie within. Little expertly weaves a narrative filled with terror, dread, and palpable fear, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with multiple twists and turns that leave stomachs lurching like a roller coaster. The tension in the story is masterfully done, with isolated incidents among family members that are genuinely scary, showcasing the divide caused by fear and disbelief.
If you liked The Haunted, here are the top 36 books to read next:
- #1
'Dispatch' by Bentley Little is a horror novel that follows the story of Jason Hanford, an ordinary man who discovers the power of the written word through letter writing. Initially innocently exchanging letters with a pen pal, Jason's passion for writing letters escalates as he starts using them to manipulate situations and people around him. As Jason delves deeper into the world of letter writing, he finds himself entangled in a sinister web where his letters have real-life consequences, leading to a dark and macabre turn of events that challenge his morals and sanity.
The book explores themes of the supernatural, evil, and the consequences of wielding the power of words. With a mix of horror, satire, and psychological suspense, 'Dispatch' takes readers on a journey through Jason's descent into darkness as he becomes a Letter Writer, facing the repercussions of his actions and struggling to escape the sinister forces at play.
She was the youngest, prettiest teacher at Alexander Hamilton Elementary. She was also the nicest, one of those teachers you usually see only in inspirational movies or bad television shows. I remembe... - #2
"The Association" by Bentley Little revolves around a couple who moves into a gated neighborhood controlled by a homeowner's association with extreme rules and consequences. The story delves into the sinister nature of the association, where breaking rules could lead to death or worse, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. Bentley Little's writing style in this book takes a simple concept like a homeowner's association and turns it into a thrilling and bizarre tale that challenges the readers' perception of security and control.
Barry agreed, but he was glad the real estate agent wasn’t there to hear it. She already had them pegged as a couple of suckers, and if she heard Maureen’s unequivocal enthusiasm, she’d know that all ... - #3
'The Ignored' by Bentley Little follows the story of Bob Jones, an average man who transitions from a mundane life to discovering that he is part of a group of Ignored individuals. Bob's realization of being overlooked by society leads him to explore the advantages and consequences of his newfound invisibility. As Bob delves deeper into this hidden world of the Ignored, he encounters unsettling experiences and faces moral dilemmas that challenge his perception of self and society. Bentley Little's writing style weaves a tale of horror and social commentary, gradually building suspense and delivering a chilling narrative that explores the repercussions of being unnoticed in a world consumed by mediocrity.
I’d been out of school for nearly four months, and I’d almost given up hope of ever finding employment. I’d graduated from UC Brea in December with a BA in American Studies—not the world’s most practi... - #4
The House by Bentley Little is a horror novel that follows the story of five strangers who share a haunting past connected to a mysterious, creepy little girl and a sinister supernatural presence. The plot revolves around these characters being drawn back to their childhood homes to confront the ancient evil that has pursued them their whole lives, leading to terrifying events and a battle between good and evil. Little's writing style is described as gory, graphic, and twisted, with a focus on demonic elements and twisted realities that keep readers engaged until the last line of the book.
Daniel heard his wife’s voice, felt her hands gently shaking him awake, but it had been a long time since he’d gotten up this early and his body resisted. He moaned, turned over, dug deeper into the b... - #5
The Disappearance by Bentley Little is a thriller novel that takes readers on a suspenseful journey as a group of UCLA students attend the BURNING MAN festival, only to have one of them, Joan, mysteriously vanish. As her boyfriend, Gary, along with their friends, embark on a search for her, they uncover dark secrets involving a cult and a web of mysteries surrounding her disappearance. The book is described as a departure from Little's typical horror fiction, focusing more on suspense and character development, while still delivering a chilling and intense storyline that keeps readers engaged until the end.
The plot of The Disappearance unfolds as Gary and his friends face the challenge of finding Joan amidst a series of unsettling events, including the disappearance of her records and social media presence, leading them to a dangerous cult known as the Homesteaders. The story is noted for its suspenseful nature, character-driven narrative, and a gripping plot that keeps readers on edge as they delve deeper into the dark and mysterious world created by Bentley Little.
The desert stretched out before them, a tan plain dotted by occasional brown brush and bordered at the far edges by small mountains painted purple by the rising sun. Aside from Reyn, who was driving, ... - #6
The Loveliest Dead by Ray Garton is a haunting tale about a family who moves into a new house inherited from the wife's estranged father, only to discover it is haunted by the spirits of small boys and a mysterious fat man in a cowboy hat. As the family experiences terrifying encounters, they seek help from a psychic who foresees the danger looming over them. The story unfolds with a mix of supernatural elements, psychological horror, and a race against time to avoid disaster, all presented in a fast-paced narrative style that keeps readers engaged.
The book delves into themes of possession, evil entities, and supernatural occurrences, while also exploring the dynamics within the family and their reactions to the haunting. With well-developed characters, a suspenseful plot, and a blend of horror elements, The Loveliest Dead offers a chilling and gripping read that balances between psychological depth and supernatural terror.
The kitchen smelled of eggs, bacon, waffles, and coffee—it was their first real breakfast in the new house. For the first few days, before Jenna had been able to stock the kitchen, they’d been having ... - #7
A mysterious designer, Maggie Walsh, is summoned to England by a strange benefactor along with a group of strangers, leading to a bizarre drama unfolding at Ravenshurst Manor. The Legacy is described as a transitional book between gothic and modern, featuring masked fiends and a true sense of evil, all while exploring the concept of evil in a world of indifference and avarice. The book is praised for its eerie and scary atmosphere, with a surprise ending that defies expectations and stands out in the horror genre.
- #8
"The Store" by Bentley Little is a horror novel that explores the sinister takeover of a small Arizona town by a malevolent retail chain store, reminiscent of Walmart. The story delves into the impact of corporate greed on local businesses and the manipulation of the community by The Store, leading to mysterious disappearances and a sense of impending doom. Little weaves a tale of suspense and horror, drawing parallels to real-world issues of consumerism and the erosion of small-town values, while maintaining a sense of eerie plausibility in the face of supernatural elements.
Little's writing style in "The Store" is praised for its inventive juxtaposition of horror elements with political concerns like retail incentives and the consequences of corporate dominance. Readers appreciate the way Little creates a chilling atmosphere through his storytelling, even though some parts of the narrative may feel rushed. Overall, the book is commended for its fresh take on the theme of evil corporations threatening personal liberties, with a narrative that keeps readers engaged and unsettled.
Bill Davis quietly closed the front door of the house behind him as he stepped outside. He walked off the porch and stood for a moment at the head of the drive, doing knee bends and breathing deeply, ... - #9Ghoulby:
'Ghoul' by Brian Keene is a horror novel that follows three boys, Timmy, Doug, and Barry, as they navigate through a summer filled with mysterious disappearances, a decaying cemetery, and sinister forces lurking beneath the graveyard. The story delves into sensitive themes such as abuse, both physical and sexual, and the loss of innocence as the boys uncover dark secrets while facing both supernatural and human monsters. Keene's writing style captures the essence of childhood adventures in the 1980s, building a strong connection with the young protagonists and immersing readers in a tale of terror and emotional turmoil.
It was the first day of summer vacation, and Timmy Graco' s mind swam with the possibilities. Excitement and fun and really cool adventures awaited him for the next three months. There were miles of f... - #10
Vera returns home at the request of her dying mother, Daphne, to prepare the house for sale after years of estrangement. The book delves into the complex dynamics of Vera's family, particularly her relationships with her abusive parents. As Vera uncovers the dark secrets of the house and her past, she is confronted with eerie occurrences and animosity from her neighbors. The narrative weaves between past and present, exploring themes of intergenerational trauma and the impact of domestic violence on a child's psyche. The book combines elements of horror and psychological thriller, with surprising twists and a haunting atmosphere that keeps readers engaged.
Vera stood with one foot on the lawn and one foot on the driveway, sweating, straining as if she might be able to make out the sound of Daphne dying inside. But the house was built to keep the wind ou...