Books Like...
Little Eve by Catriona Ward is a Gothic horror novel set in a remote Scottish island. The story unfolds with a brutal, ritualistic murder during WWII, with conflicting accounts from two narrators flashing back to WWI. The narrative is complex, with intentional confusion that eventually clicks for the reader. The author excels in keeping the reader in the dark as the plot twists and turns, revealing a haunting and claustrophobic tale of delusion with unexpected turns and a chilling atmosphere of fear and paranoia throughout.
If you liked Little Eve, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
The Children of Red Peak by Craig DiLouie is a chilling tale of five survivors of a religious cult who reunite after one of them takes her own life. As the group pieces together their traumatic past at Red Peak, they are drawn back to confront the horrific truth they had long buried. The novel delves into themes of trauma, cult fanaticism, and the blurred lines between good and evil, with a narrative that jumps between past and present, revealing the characters' struggles to cope with their haunting memories.
- #2
'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.
- #3
'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.
Caroline Graham pivoted on the soles of her feet, coffeepot in hand, and for the briefest of moments, Lucas saw his wife’s intentions reflected in the blue of her eyes. He imagined her arm pistoning a... - #4
'Rawblood' by Catriona Ward follows the story of Iris Villarca, an eleven-year-old girl living with her father at their isolated house on Dartmoor, Rawblood. The Villarca family is haunted by a hereditary disease that leads to early deaths, prompting Iris's father to enforce strict rules of isolation. As the story unfolds through multiple timelines and perspectives, readers discover the dark secrets hidden within the family's history and the haunting presence that lurks within Rawblood.
The narrative of 'Rawblood' weaves together elements of gothic horror, family curses, and supernatural occurrences, creating a complex and atmospheric tale that explores the impact of isolation, forbidden love, and the consequences of ancestral sins. Ward's writing style captivates readers with its meticulous research, strong character voices, and intricate plot that culminates in a haunting and symmetrical conclusion, making 'Rawblood' a compelling and eerie read.
He gives me a look that means I live in a big house with floors shiny with beeswax and high ceilings where the air goes up into white silence and the linen is scented with lavender and tea rose. In th... - #5
Devil's Creek by Todd Keisling is a horror novel that delves into the dark themes of religion, cults, and the consequences of small-town beliefs. The story follows the town of Stauford, Kentucky, where a secluded religious cult once worshipped an evil God underground. As the past of the cult resurfaces, the characters, including the Stauford Six who suffered under the cult leader Jacob Masters, must confront the trauma and evil that threatens to engulf the town once again. The writing style of the book is described as detailed and immersive, drawing readers into the eerie atmosphere of the story with vivid descriptions and impactful scenes.
The sun hung low along the western horizon, painting the forest with fractured orange flames, and Imogene Tremly knew in her heart the minister would be dead before it rose again. She’d prayed for thi... - #6
The novel "Little Heaven" by Nick Cutter is a sprawling horror epic that follows the adventures of three mercenaries hired to investigate a religious settlement in the New Mexico wilderness. The story toggles between two timelines, 1965 and 1980, and features elements of religion, supernatural entities, and intense action scenes. The book delves into the characters' pasts, their encounters with evil, and their ultimate confrontation with malevolent forces at Little Heaven.
The little aphid did, though at a register too high for any human ear to perceive. It toiled in the root system of a cactus plant growing on the edge of the New Mexico desert. An insect so small that ... - #7
The Death of Jane Lawrence is a gothic horror novel by Caitlin Starling that follows the story of Jane, a young woman who proposes a marriage of convenience to Dr. Augustine Lawrence. Initially, their agreement seems straightforward - Jane will help the doctor with his books while he keeps his secrets about his family manor, Lindridge Hall. However, as Jane starts unraveling the mysteries surrounding Augustine and the manor, she discovers dark secrets and supernatural elements that challenge her perception of reality. The plot is filled with twists, eerie settings, and a mix of blood, ghosts, and dark magic, creating a haunting and chilling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge.
The writing style of The Death of Jane Lawrence is described as atmospheric, creepy, and vivid, capturing the increasing paranoia and gory scenes with skill. The characters, particularly Jane and Augustine, are complex and not always likable, adding depth to the narrative. The author weaves a tale of madness, loss, grief, and black magic that pushes the boundaries of traditional gothic horror, keeping readers engaged with its mysterious and suspenseful plot.
He was frozen in the doorway to her guardian’s study, and she was similarly still just behind the desk. Even from here, she could see that she had several inches on him in height, that his dark hair w... - #8
'Black Sheep' by Rachel Harrison follows the story of Vesper, a young woman who is disenchanted with her life working at a chain restaurant. After receiving a wedding invitation from her ex-boyfriend and best friend, she is intrigued to return home to a small village that is actually a Satanic cult called Hell's Gate. As she navigates her family dynamics, particularly her cold and non-loving mother who is a famous horror movie actress, Vesper begins to unravel her past and make realizations about her identity and desires. The plot unfolds delicately, revealing little tidbits that keep the reader wondering how they fit into the big picture, while the writing style combines elements of humor, darkness, and relatability.
- #9
'Last Days' by Brian B.K. Evenson is a dark and twisted tale following Kline, a detective who is forced to investigate a murder within an underground religious cult that glorifies amputation. The story delves into themes of extreme violence, body horror, and the exploration of religion taken to its most gruesome extremes. Evenson's writing style is described as intense, lean, and haunting, with a plot that unfolds in a chillingly realistic manner that keeps readers on edge.
The second time was worse than the first, both because he already knew how it would feel and because of how much thicker an elbow is than a wrist. Still, he managed it, left-handed, despite Borchert's... - #10
"Just Like Mother" by Anne Heltzel is a fast-paced and creepy novel that delves into the world of a feminist cult obsessed with motherhood. The story follows Maeve as she navigates the horrors and violence within the cult, with readers finding themselves flipping pages as fast as they can due to the intense and horrifying narrative. The book explores themes of psychological consistency, vulnerability, and the unconscious blind spots we all have, creating a believable thriller that keeps readers hooked until the end.
The plot of "Just Like Mother" is centered around Maeve's experiences within the cult, her early trauma with the mother collective, and the dangers she faces in her adult life due to her need for love and affirmation. The writing style is described as engaging, with well-described settings that capture the change of scenery for Maeve when she stays with Andrea. Despite some predictability in the story, the book manages to build a suspenseful and intense narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.