Books Like...

'The Sun Down Motel' by Simone St. James is a chilling and suspenseful novel that follows the intertwined stories of Vivian Delaney, a temporary night clerk at the eerie Sun Down Motel in 1982, and Carly Kirk, Vivian's niece who arrives at the motel in 2017 to investigate her aunt's mysterious disappearance. The book seamlessly weaves between the two timelines, delving into paranormal phenomena, mysterious occurrences, and the dark secrets surrounding the motel. Simone St. James masterfully portrays the suspense and thriller elements, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the haunting mysteries within the walls of the Sun Down Motel.

Simone St. James has mixed some Henry James Shirley Jackson paranormal horror into what would already be a good and gritty murder mystery, with great twists and memorable characters. Shea, a part-time true crime blogger, gets the opportunity to interview a woman, Beth, accused of being a serial killer but acquitted at trial in the 1970s. The crimes remain unsolved, and Shea can't refuse the chance to explore, and possibly solve, the crime. The story is told in alternating POVs of Shea and Beth, with St. James excelling at creating an atmospheric, tense setting with a wonderfully frightening feel that will make readers second guess the breeze across their face.

Sarah Piper, a single young woman living in post-WWI London, takes a temporary job assisting two ghost hunters investigating the haunting of Maddy Clare, a ghost seeking revenge for a horrific crime in her past. The book combines mystery, romance, and ghostly elements set in rural 1920s England, with a focus on the relationships between the characters and the unraveling of Maddy's tragic past.

Maggie Holt returns to Baneberry Hall, a house her family fled in terror when she was five years old. Her father wrote a bestselling memoir about their haunting experience, but Maggie has no memories of it and believes it to be lies. After inheriting the house upon her father's death, she decides to uncover the truth behind the horrors of the house, alternating between present-day experiences and excerpts from her father's book. The book weaves a thrilling horror story filled with suspense, false clues, and red herrings, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end.

The Ghosts of Thorwald Place by Helen Power is a gripping paranormal mystery that follows the story of Rachel, a ghost trapped in the building where she was brutally murdered. Through her perspective, readers uncover the dark secrets and mysteries of her neighbors, as well as her own past leading up to her death. The novel seamlessly weaves between the present and the past, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they delve deeper into the eerie and intriguing world of Thorwald Place.

The book is a unique blend of ghost story, murder mystery, and detective narrative, offering a fresh and captivating take on the genre. The author, Helen Power, skillfully crafts a suspenseful plot filled with twists and turns, intricate character dynamics, and a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final page is turned. Readers are taken on a thrilling journey alongside Rachel as she navigates the afterlife, unravels the mysteries surrounding her death, and uncovers the hidden truths of those around her.

'The Drowning Kind' by Jennifer McMahon is a haunting tale that weaves together two timelines, one set in 1929 and the other in 2019. The story revolves around a spring-fed pool that is whispered to grant wishes and healing powers, but at a cost. The narrative follows characters like Ethel Monroe, who seeks a baby at any cost, and Jax, who returns to her grandmother's estate after her sister Lex drowns in the mysterious pool. McMahon's writing style expertly blends supernatural occurrences with family sagas, creating a dark and twisty thriller that keeps readers on edge.

The book explores themes of family dynamics, mental illness, supernatural occurrences, and the consequences of wishes coming true. With alternating perspectives and timelines, readers are taken on a suspenseful journey as they uncover the dark history and mysteries surrounding the cursed water of the pool. McMahon's atmospheric storytelling and intricate plot keep readers engaged as they navigate between myths and truths, past and present, ultimately leading to a chilling and unexpected conclusion.

'Murder Road' is a supernatural thriller that follows a young couple on their honeymoon in 1995 as they drive along a desolate road. Their journey takes a dark turn when they pick up a mysterious hitchhiker, who subsequently dies, leading them to become suspects in a series of long-standing murders in the area. The narrative weaves elements of horror with a murder mystery, as the couple navigates the eerie atmosphere and the local police's suspicions. The writing style is described as straightforward and engaging, making it a quick read, with a blend of ghostly moments and a bit of humor through quirky side characters.

The book is noted for its supernatural elements, including ghosts and a creepy small-town vibe reminiscent of classic horror. Readers have expressed varying opinions on the pacing and the introduction of paranormal aspects, with some enjoying the haunting atmosphere and others finding the conclusion rushed. Despite mixed reactions to character decisions, 'Murder Road' maintains suspense and keeps readers intrigued with its chilling premise and the exploration of how society impacts women, all while delivering a blend of thrills and supernatural occurrences.

'Silence for the Dead' by Simone St. James is a haunting ghost story set in an eerie hospital for shell shocked soldiers after World War I. The story follows Kitty Weeks, a nurse who uncovers dark secrets and mysteries surrounding the patients and the hospital itself. The author's writing style is described as atmospheric, gothic, and engaging, with a focus on creating vivid settings and compelling characters.

'The Winter People' by Jennifer McMahon is a chilling ghost story that weaves together multiple timelines to tell a tale of disappearances, mysteries, and the desire to reconnect with lost loved ones. The narrative alternates between 1908 and the present day, exploring themes of grief, secrets, and the supernatural. McMahon's writing style expertly blends suspense, mystery, and fantasy to create a compelling and eerie story that keeps readers engaged till the end.

The book follows the lives of characters in a small town in Vermont where unsettling events unfold, including strange disappearances and apparitions. Through the use of journal entries and multiple points of view, McMahon crafts a suspenseful and well-paced story that delves into the consequences of trying to bring back the dead. With a blend of historical elements and modern-day intrigue, 'The Winter People' offers a unique take on the ghost story genre, keeping readers on edge with its intricate plot and unsettling atmosphere.

Set in a creepy Victorian-era estate, "The Silent Companions" follows Elsie Bainbridge, a young widow who discovers eerie wooden figures that seem to have a life of their own. As Elsie delves into the secrets of the house, she uncovers a history of supernatural occurrences and dark mysteries spanning centuries. The narrative shifts between different time periods, weaving a tale of suspense, horror, and family secrets that keep the reader on edge. Laura Purcell's writing style is described as atmospheric, vivid, and slow-burning, creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the book.