Books Like...
'Diabolical' in the series 'Jake Hatcher' by author Hank Schwaeble is a supernatural thriller where our hero, Jake Hatcher, battles against salvation and damnation, facing evil forces in Southern California, particularly in the form of The Hellion. Readers found the writing style to be solid in third person with minimal narrative, keeping the pace fast and engaging. is described as a sequel that doesn't fall flat like many others, with improvements over the original and a storyline that successfully straddles the horror thriller genre.
If you liked Diabolical, here are the top 8 books to read next:
(We also have 8 recommendations for the series: Jake Hatcher)
- #1
Save:In the third installment of 'The Jake Helman Files' series, titled 'Cosmic Forces' by Gregory Lamberson, readers are taken on a thrilling journey as private investigator Jake Helman faces his toughest opponent yet - a Lovecraftian creature threatening to destroy the free world. The book delves into a complex plot involving old characters, religious mythic storylines, and a battle between Heaven and Hell. With a mix of horror, science fiction, and supernatural elements, the story keeps readers engaged as Jake navigates through a world filled with crooked politicians, giant monsters, and mysterious cults. Lamberson's writing style is described as modern noir supernatural horror, combining elements of action, suspense, and emotional depth.
The progression of the series allows Lamberson to explore deeper into the supernatural world, pushing the boundaries of reality and fantasy. The character of Jake Helman is portrayed as a realistic and relatable protagonist who faces physical and emotional challenges, making him a compelling and authentic hero. The book is praised for its fast-paced plot, intricate world-building, and emotional moments that keep readers hooked till the very last page.
Sitting in his fourth-floor office, Jake gazed out the sooty window at the Tower with his remaining eye. Dark clouds crept across the sky above the building. A former informant, addicted to a street n...
(Also, see 8 recommendations for the series The Jake Helman Files ) - #2
Save:Personal Demons follows the gripping journey of Jake Helman, a disgraced New York City Homicide Detective, who gets entangled in a twisted plot involving a reclusive billionaire selling genetic mutations and human souls for immortality. As Jake delves into the case of a serial killer known as The Cipher, he is thrown into a rollercoaster of supernatural elements, gore, and a battle between Heaven and Hell. The writing style is described as clunky at times but manages to keep readers engaged until the end with its gritty realism and unpredictable twists.
- #3
Save:From corrupt cops and drug dealers to innocent civilians, the characters in "Desperate Souls" add flavor to the mix, with a complex protagonist, Jake Helman, at the forefront. The novel offers a raw and edgy addition to the genre, blending film noir elements with a modern-day New York City setting and a unique twist on a zombie tale.
Peopled with intriguing supporting characters on both sides of the law, "Desperate Souls" is a page-turner that defies categorization, keeping readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in The Jake Helman Files. The plot revolves around Jake's investigation into machete murders linked to a new street drug, Black Magic, which turns users into subhuman scarecrows and sellers into zombies, creating a breakneck pace filled with questions and surprises.
(Also, see 8 recommendations for the series The Jake Helman Files ) - #4
Save:'Swift to Chase' by Laird Barron is a collection of interconnected short stories that take place in an Alaskan region, weaving together a narrative that blurs the lines between myth and reality. The central theme revolves around characters facing dark and frightening forces, set in a universe that is both familiar and unfamiliar, where cosmic horror meets existentialism.
The book explores the Alaskan wilderness, Washington State, and Montana, delving into Barron's signature mythologies and transhuman races with heightened powers. The stories are described as a blend of horror, science fiction, and folklore, with characters reappearing across different tales, creating a sense of interconnectedness and mystery.
Near dusk a trucker dropped me at a tavern in Screaming Elk, MT, population 333. A bunch of locals had gathered to shoot pool and drown their sorrows in tap beer. CNN aired an hour-long feature on sur... - #5
Save:In Blood Standard, Laird Barron introduces us to Isaiah Coleridge, a former mob enforcer from Alaska who finds himself in upstate New York investigating a disappearance. The book seamlessly blends elements of noir and crime fiction, showcasing Barron's talent for creating vivid settings and complex characters. As Isaiah delves into the mystery, his unique skill set and contemplative nature are put to the test, leading to a thrilling narrative filled with action, intrigue, and unexpected twists. The writing style is described as lyrical and atmospheric, with a focus on character development and immersive world-building that sets it apart from traditional thrillers.
'The Beautiful Thing That Awaits Us All' by Laird Barron is a collection of interlinking tales of sublime cosmic horror that deliver spine-chilling horror to satisfy even the most jaded reader. The book combines elements of hardboiled noir, espionage, and a scientific backbone, showcasing Barron's strong and original literary voice in modern horror and the dark fantastic. The stories feature themes of ancient, alien invader Gods, dark and tormented protagonists on the edge of society, and a persistent feeling of unease that shakes the reader to the core.
Late afternoon sun baked the clay and plaster buildings of the town. Its dirt streets lay empty, packed as hard as iron. The boarding house sweltered. Luke Honey sat in a chair in the shadows across f...- #7
Save:Legacies in the Repairman Jack series by F. Paul Wilson follows Repairman Jack as he takes on various cases involving mysteries, family secrets, and dangerous adversaries. The book introduces Dr. Alicia Clayton, who seeks Jack's help in uncovering the truth behind her inheritance and the dark forces at play. Jack's character is portrayed as a skilled problem solver with a unique sense of justice, navigating through a thrilling storyline filled with action and suspense.
Legacies delves into themes of family dynamics, childhood trauma, and the pursuit of justice amidst a backdrop of greed and manipulation. The plot unfolds with intricate layers of mystery, as Jack unravels the secrets hidden within Alicia's inherited house and faces off against formidable enemies. Wilson's writing style combines elements of thriller, mystery, and action, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged with its fast-paced storytelling and dynamic characters.
The driver—curly dark hair, a Saddam Hussein mustache, and swarthy skin—didn't seem to hear. He jogged his machine two lanes left, then three lanes right, hitting the brakes and gunning the engine, hi... - #8
Save:'The Imago Sequence and Other Stories' by Laird Barron is a collection of horror stories that blend cosmic horror elements with a modern twist. Barron's writing style is described as fluid and captivating, drawing readers in with his masterful storytelling and ability to create eerie and unsettling imagery. The book explores themes of darkness, the uncanny, and the horrors of the ancients, while also delving into the internal struggles of the characters as they battle their own demons.
The stories in this collection range from cosmic horror to psychological terror, with Barron's unique style drawing comparisons to Lovecraft, Peter Straub, and other literary and horror writers. The book is praised for its thought-provoking narratives, realistic characters, and the way Barron creates his own unique cosmos that is both insightful and entertaining. Overall, 'The Imago Sequence and Other Stories' is seen as a captivating and intriguing read that pushes the boundaries of the horror genre.
I had gone outside the cabin to catch the sunrise and piss on some bushes. It was cold; the air tasted like metal. Deep, dark forest at our backs with a few notches for stars. A rutted track wound acr...
