Books Like...
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a gothic mystery novel that revolves around the second Mrs. de Winter, who marries the wealthy widower Maxim de Winter and moves to his grand estate, Manderley. The shadow of Maxim's late wife, Rebecca, looms large over the household, with the housekeeper Mrs. Danvers and other characters adding to the mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere. The story is filled with plot twists, dark secrets, and a haunting sense of doom that keeps readers engaged until the shocking ending.
If you liked Rebecca, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a gothic mystery set in Mexico in the 1950s, following the story of a young socialite named Noemi Taboada. Noemi receives a troubling letter from her cousin who recently married into the Doyle family and is unwell. She travels to the family's eerie mansion, High Place, where she encounters strange inhabitants and begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding her cousin's illness. The book combines elements of classic gothic romance, a haunted house mystery, and explores themes of colonialism and horror in a unique setting.
The writing style of Mexican Gothic is described as atmospheric and immersive, drawing readers into the cold and haunted environment of the mansion. The plot unfolds with suspenseful pacing, blending Victorian sensibilities with creepy and grotesque elements like mushrooms, mysterious dreams, and family secrets. The protagonist, Noemi, is highlighted as a strong and brave heroine who must navigate the dark secrets of High Place to save her cousin and herself, making for a gripping and eerie tale.
The parties at the Tuñóns’ house always ended unquestionably late, and since the hosts enjoyed costume parties in particular, it was not unusual to see Chinas Poblanas with their folkloric skirts and ... - #2
"Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte is a dark and complex tale of a convoluted and tragic love story between Heathcliff and Catherine. Set against the haunting moors of England, the novel blurs the line between passion and obsession, delving into themes of vengeance, societal expectations, and human nature. The book portrays a cast of flawed and complex characters, with relationships marred by cruelty, revenge, and unfulfilled desires. The writing style is described as gothic, mysterious, and enthralling, with a moody atmosphere that matches the bleak setting of the moors.
The narrative unfolds through multiple generations, showcasing the consequences of love and revenge that reverberate through time. Despite the challenging writing style and complex characters, the story captivates readers with its haunting and chilling portrayal of characters not likely to be called sane in the modern world. The book challenges traditional values and beliefs, questioning the dark side of English and Western culture, making readers reflect on psychological and gothic elements in the narrative.
1801.—I have just returned from a visit to my landlord—the solitary neighbour that I shall be troubled with. This is certainly a beautiful country! In all England, I do not believe that I could have f... The novel 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' by Shirley Jackson is a haunting tale narrated by 18-year-old Mary Katherine Merricat Blackwood, depicting the lives of the Blackwood family living in isolation in a large house on expansive grounds. The story delves into themes of ostracism, mental illness, and family dynamics, with a touch of gothic elements. Through Merricat's perspective, readers are drawn into a world of eerie suspense and chilling ambiguity, where the line between reality and imagination is blurred.
Shirley Jackson's writing style in 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' is described as captivating, eerie, and suspenseful. With meticulous craftsmanship and a knack for building tension gradually, Jackson weaves a narrative that is both unsettling and compelling. The novel unfolds in a concise and graceful manner, with scenes that are delicately suspenseful yet warm and candid, showcasing the author's ability to cover a wide range of emotions and themes in a compact space.
My name is Mary Katherine Blackwood. I am eighteen years old, and I live with my sister Constance. I have often thought that with any luck at all I could have been born a werewolf, because the two mid...- #4
'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte is a gothic romance novel that follows the life of the titular character, Jane Eyre, as she navigates through challenges and adversities from her childhood as an orphan to her adulthood as a governess. The plot revolves around Jane's relationship with her employer, Mr. Rochester, a mysterious and troubled man, and the obstacles they face due to societal norms and personal secrets. The writing style of the book is described as vivid, emotional, and atmospheric, with rich character development and strong religious themes that play a significant role in shaping Jane's character.
THERE WAS NO POSSIBILITY of taking a walk that day. We had been wandering, indeed, in the leafless shrubbery an hour in the morning; but since dinner (Mrs. Reed, when there was no company, dined earl... - #5
'My Cousin Rachel' by Daphne du Maurier is a psychological thriller set in the 19th century, revolving around the protagonist Philip Ashley who becomes infatuated with his cousin Rachel after his guardian Ambrose's mysterious death. The story is narrated through Philip's perspective, portraying his obsession and paranoia towards Rachel, leading to a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and manipulation. The atmospheric and suspenseful writing style of du Maurier keeps the reader engaged, with a slow burn narrative that gradually unravels the mysteries surrounding the characters.
They used to hang men at Four Turnings in the old days. Not anymore, though. Now, when a murderer pays the penalty for his crime, he does so up at Bodmin, after fair trial at the Assizes. That is, if ... - #6
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a classic horror novel that tells the story of four individuals invited to investigate the paranormal occurrences at Hill House. As they delve into the mysteries of the house, strange phenomena begin to unfold, leading to a growing sense of disassociation from reality and genuine horror. The narrative is a meditation on isolation, fear, and desperation, particularly focusing on the protagonist Eleanor's psychological journey as she navigates the haunting presence of Hill House.
No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream. Hill House, not sane, stood by itself against its ... - #7
"Jamaica Inn" by Daphne du Maurier is a gothic novel set in Cornwall, featuring the young protagonist Mary Yellan who goes to live with her aunt and uncle at the eerie Jamaica Inn after her mother's death. The inn, once a respectable place, is now home to evil deeds and mysterious characters like smugglers and thieves. Mary uncovers dark secrets and must navigate through a suspenseful and atmospheric plot filled with danger and intrigue. The writing style is described as suspenseful, dark, and powerful, with vivid descriptions of the Cornish moors and a gothic atmosphere reminiscent of classic literature.
It was a cold gray day in late November. The weather had changed overnight, when a backing wind brought a granite sky and a mizzling rain with it, and although it was now only a little after two o’clo... - #8
'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James is a psychological horror story that revolves around a governess who starts working in an old house with two children and encounters ghosts of the previous caretakers. The narrative delves into the governess's increasing paranoia and ambiguity surrounding the ghosts and the children's behavior, blurring the lines between reality and supernatural elements. The writing style is described as dense and antiquated, with long sentences and an overuse of commas, which some readers found challenging but others found rewarding in unraveling the psychological and sexual themes of the story.
My counselor couldn't read! I winced at my mistake, which I attenuated as I could, and opened my letter again to repeat it to her; then, faltering in the act and folding it up once more, I put it back... - #9
'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins is a Victorian thriller filled with mystery and suspense. The story follows Marian Halcombe and Walter Hartright as they try to unravel the secrets surrounding a mysterious woman in white who holds the key to saving their friend Laura Fairlie from dark forces seeking to claim her estate and her life. The novel is masterfully crafted with classic Victorian elements such as unexplained apparitions, exotic dangers, a larger-than-life villain, secret ancestries, and the looming threat of an asylum next door.
The plot of 'The Woman in White' unfolds through documents and diaries of the characters, slowly revealing a tale of societal position, inheritance, confused identities, secrets, and crimes. The narrative is rich with twists and turns, mistaken identities, and surprise revelations, keeping readers engaged in the investigation led by Walter Hartright after his eerie encounter with the woman in white. Overall, the book offers a strange and eerie mystery tale that is well worth reading, despite some dated aspects.
If the machinery of the Law could be depended on to fathom every case of suspicion, and to conduct every process of inquiry, with moderate assistance only from the lubricating influences of oil of gol... - #10
'The Thirteenth Tale' by Diane Setterfield follows the story of Margaret Lea, a young biographer hired by the reclusive writer Vida Winter to pen her autobiography. As Margaret delves into Vida's mysterious past, she uncovers a gothic tale involving the Angelfield family, secrets, and ghosts. The narrative weaves together themes of family, mystery, and self-discovery, drawing parallels between the lives of the characters and the haunting stories they hold.
Setterfield's writing style in 'The Thirteenth Tale' has been described as beautifully written, captivating, and reminiscent of classic authors like Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters. The book is praised for its poetic prose, intricate storytelling, and the way it keeps readers guessing until the very end. With elements of gothic mystery, psychological depth, and a touch of realism that blurs the line between possibility and fantasy, this novel offers a compelling journey through dark secrets and unexpected revelations.
It was November. Although it was not yet late, the sky was dark when I turned into Laundress Passage. Father had finished for the day, switched off the shop lights and closed the shutters; but so I wo...