Books Like...

In "The Ivy Tree" by Mary Stewart, the plot revolves around Mary Grey, a young woman who is mistaken for the missing heiress Annabel Winslow. She is convinced to impersonate Annabel in a scheme to deceive a dying man and gain control of an old family estate. The story is filled with deception, danger, and unexpected twists, set in the atmospheric Northumberland countryside. The writing style is described as lush and original, with a gothic atmosphere that keeps the reader engaged till the thrilling climax.

"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.

The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier is a historical fiction novel that combines elements of time travel and mystery. The story follows Dick, a disillusioned book publisher, who takes an experimental drug created by his friend Magnus, a research scientist. This drug transports Dick back to the 14th century in Cornwall, where he becomes an observer of the lives of the people in that time period. As Dick becomes increasingly involved in the past, he struggles to balance his present-day life, leading to unexpected consequences. The narrative weaves between past and present, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination, ultimately leaving readers questioning the nature of time and perception.

Du Maurier's writing style in The House on the Strand is described as lushly descriptive and atmospheric, evoking the setting of Cornwall and the time periods depicted in the novel. The book explores themes of addiction, obsession, and the complexities of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of historical intrigue and suspense. The plot unfolds through a dual timeline, with the protagonist's journey into the past revealing unexpected twists and mysteries that keep readers engaged until the ambiguous ending.

Tertuliano Máximo Afonso, a history teacher, discovers a bit actor who looks exactly like him in a film, leading to an inner turmoil and behavioral shift with unintended consequences. The story delves into the confusion of identities and the existential dilemma of being replaced or being replaceable, all narrated in a unique style with un-punctuated sentences and a stream-of-consciousness approach.

'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.

'Frenchman's Creek' by Daphne du Maurier is a historical romance novel set in 17th century Cornwall during the reign of Charles II. The story follows Lady Dona St. Columb, a bored and jaded aristocratic woman who seeks adventure and freedom from her societal constraints. She escapes to her family's estate in Cornwall where she encounters a French pirate named Jean Benoit Aubery. Their passionate affair leads to a series of adventures involving lying, deceit, robbery, piracy, and treason. The book explores themes of love, independence, and the desire for a more fulfilling life, all wrapped in du Maurier's gothic and atmospheric writing style.

'Don't Look Now and Other Stories' by Daphne du Maurier is a collection of five novellas that delve into suspense, the supernatural, and human psychology. The stories are set in various locations like Venice, Jerusalem, Ireland, and Crete, each adding a unique atmospheric quality to the narratives. The plots are compelling, with twists and turns leading to dark and unexpected places, making them full of suspense and intrigue. Du Maurier's writing style is descriptive, immersive, and expertly crafted, drawing readers into each story from the opening line.

The book features a blend of mystery, science fiction, and horror elements, masterfully woven together by the author. The stories are well thought out, with each novella offering a different experience while fitting well together under the gothic theme of hospitality. Du Maurier's ability to create atmosphere and suspense shines through in these tales, making them compelling reads that keep readers engaged till the end.

"Stranger with My Face" by Lois Duncan is a supernatural mystery that follows the story of Laurie, a teenage girl who starts to suspect something is amiss when her friends and family claim to have seen her in places she has never been. As Laurie delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers the existence of her twin sister Lia, who uses astral projection to take over Laurie's life. The plot unfolds with suspense, twists, and turns, keeping the reader on edge as Laurie uncovers the truth about her past and the eerie events surrounding her.

Lois Duncan's writing style in "Stranger with My Face" is described as captivating, suspenseful, and engaging. seamlessly weaves elements of supernatural abilities, mystery, and family secrets, creating a storyline that intrigues readers and keeps them hooked until the very end. The characters are relatable, the plot is filled with unexpected surprises, and the overall tone of the book is a blend of suspense, supernatural elements, and emotional connections that draw the reader into Laurie's world.

'The Birds' by Daphne du Maurier is a collection of short stories that revolve around eerie and unsettling themes. The stories feature atmospheric settings and sometimes frightening scenarios, pulling the reader into the narratives. One of the stories, which inspired Alfred Hitchcock's movie of the same name, depicts birds attacking humans without much explanation, leaving a sense of fear and suspense. The writing style of du Maurier is described as carefully weaving tales that are engaging and often unpredictable, reminiscent of the old Alfred Hitchcock TV show.

"The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner" by James Hogg is a gothic novel set in Scotland in the early 1700s. It follows the story of two brothers, one raised as the son of a laird and the other as the adopted son of a clergyman, whose meeting leads to trouble. The novel delves into themes of religion, fanaticism, and the supernatural, particularly focusing on the character of a mysterious stranger who influences the main character to commit heinous crimes. The narrative is presented from multiple viewpoints, including an observer's, the author's, and the sinner's, blending elements of parody, criticism of extreme theology, and horror.