Books Like...

The Devil in Silver by Victor LaValle is a novel set in a mental institution in Queens, New York, where patients are terrorized by a devilish monster. The story follows Pepper, a man wrongfully committed to the institution, as he navigates life among the quirky inmates and indifferent staff. LaValle weaves together elements of horror, mystery, social commentary, and character study, creating a compelling narrative that challenges societal norms and perceptions of mental health.

The writing style in The Devil in Silver is described as engaging, humorous, and at times, choppy. The narrative voice shifts perspectives frequently, providing insight into the characters' motivations and experiences. LaValle's approach to storytelling keeps the reader on edge, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, while addressing serious topics such as racism, sexism, and the shortcomings of the mental health system in America.

'Lone Women' by Victor LaValle is a genre-defying novel that blends traditional historical literary fiction with elements of horror. Set in 1915, the story follows Adelaide Henry, a 31-year-old Black woman who flees her isolated community in California after her parents' brutal murder. She ventures to Montana, where lone women are allowed to own land through homesteading. As Adelaide starts a new life in Big Sandy, Montana, she faces challenges, makes friends, and uncovers dark secrets that threaten to unravel her newfound existence. The writing style of the book is described as excellent, well-researched, and riveting, with a twist that surprises readers and keeps them engaged till the end.

'The Ballad of Black Tom' by Victor LaValle is a Lovecraftian novella set in the 1920s, a period marked by racism and social unrest. LaValle reimagines Lovecraft's story 'The Horror at Red Hook' from the perspective of a working-class African American musician, offering a fresh take on themes of immigrants, poverty, and marginalization in early 20th-century New York. The book expertly combines elements of horror, racism, and cosmic terror, creating a story that gradually transitions from a realistic setting to supernatural occurrences, making the supernatural aspects feel all the more unnerving.

The narrative follows Charles Thomas Tester, a black man navigating through a white-dominated city while facing racism and police brutality. LaValle's writing style is praised for its masterful handling of setting and circumstances, as well as the complexity of the protagonist's character. The book delves into the horrors of racism and the Great Old Ones, intertwining Lovecraftian mythology with social commentary, creating a compelling and powerful story that resonates with readers.

When No One is Watching is a thriller revolving around gentrification in a Brooklyn neighborhood. The story follows Sydney Green, a black woman, who notices unsettling changes in her community as white families move in and long-time residents disappear. The novel delves into the history of Brooklyn, highlighting racial tensions, systemic racism, and the struggles faced by the community members. As Sydney uncovers sinister truths with the help of a new neighbor, Theo, the narrative builds to a tense and impactful conclusion, blending elements of romance, social commentary, and conspiracy.

White is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi is a haunting and complex tale that follows Miranda Silver, a young woman with pica, living in a house in Dover that seems to be filled with evil. The story is narrated through multiple perspectives, including Miranda's twin brother, her university friend, and even the Silver House itself. The book weaves together elements of gothic fiction with modern themes, exploring relationships, self-discovery, and the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural.

'Lakewood' by Megan Giddings is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the dark world of human experimentation, particularly focusing on minority and disadvantaged lives in America. The story follows Lena, a young Black woman who takes on a top-secret job as a guinea pig for clinical trials to ensure her mother's health and medical insurance. As Lena navigates the eerie town of Lakewood, she finds herself entangled in a web of manipulation, secrecy, and shocking revelations about the experiments she is part of. The book explores themes of exploitation, race, class, and the lengths one would go to for their loved ones, all while maintaining a haunting and suspenseful atmosphere.

The author, Megan Giddings, skillfully weaves together a narrative that is both socially relevant and emotionally impactful. Through Lena's experiences and the bizarre experiments she undergoes, Giddings sheds light on the treatment and perceived value of Black lives in America. The novel challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about medical experimentation, power dynamics, and the sacrifices individuals make for the ones they care about, all within a gripping and unsettling storyline.

The Good House by Tananarive Due is a haunting tale filled with elements of horror, voodoo, family secrets, and supernatural entities. The story follows Angela Toussaint Hill, who returns to her ancestral home, the Good House, with her son Corey, only to uncover a dark family curse tied to voodoo practices and demonic possession. As the narrative alternates between past and present, readers are immersed in a chilling atmosphere of dread and mystery, with intricate character dynamics and a richly developed world. Due's writing skillfully weaves together elements of suspense, tragedy, and the occult, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant story that keeps readers on edge.

After giving birth to twin boys, Lauren is confronted by a creepy woman in the maternity ward asking to swap babies. The babies seem to go missing in the park one day and when they are found, they've been replaced by creatures called changelings who resemble her twins but are not the same. Policewoman Harper believes Lauren's claims and investigates whether it is a sinister fairy tale or postpartum psychosis. The book weaves elements of folklore, horror, and psychological suspense, keeping the reader uncertain about the magical element or Lauren's imagination.

'The Only Good Indians' by Stephen Graham Jones is a horror novel that delves into the consequences of a past mistake made by four young Blackfeet men during an illegal elk hunt. The plot revolves around a vengeful entity, the spirit of a slaughtered elk, seeking revenge on the men ten years later in a chilling and suspenseful manner. The writing style is described as intense, lyrical, and poetic, with a strong focus on Native American culture and folklore. The story explores themes of justice, revenge, cultural identity, tradition, and the respect for nature, all while providing a unique and eerie setting on an Indian reservation.

In "Faerie Tale" by Raymond E. Feist, the Higgings family moves to a farm with rumored Faerie Woods, where they encounter scary and ruthless supernatural beings seeking to harm them. The story is filled with mystery, magic, drama, and a touch of love as characters navigate the Faerie world while dealing with the dark and otherworldly creatures.

The book is set in modern-day upper state New York and intermixes Celtic mythical creatures with twentieth-century individuals, focusing on the twins Patrick and Sean as they learn to cope in the Faerie world. As the family unravels the mysteries surrounding their new home, they are drawn into a tale of Faerie intersecting with the real world, leading to a compelling and engaging narrative.