Books Like...

'The Invited' by Jennifer McMahon is a suspenseful ghost story that follows the journey of Helen and Nate as they move to rural Vermont to build their dream house on land with a haunted history. As they uncover the dark secrets of the area, they become entangled in mysteries involving ghosts, witchcraft, buried treasures, and the tragic past of the Breckenridge family. The novel weaves together timelines, suspenseful events, and the interactions of the characters to create a story that blurs the line between reality and the supernatural, keeping readers engaged until the very end.

'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.

In the cold town of Dread's Hand, Alaska, Paul Gallo arrives in search of his missing twin brother, Danny. A feeling of palpable dread permeates the story as Paul delves into a town full of superstition and suspicion, where no one seems to understand the concept of identical twins. The writing style of Ronald Malfi keeps readers on edge with a slow and steady build-up of complete dread, leading to a harrowing journey for Paul as he uncovers dark secrets and mysteries lurking in the isolated Alaskan town.

The book 'Bone White' by Ronald Malfi is a gripping horror novel that combines an intriguing plot with well-written prose, creating a sense of mystery and unease that keeps readers enthralled. The story unfolds with eerie moments and a revelation-filled ending that leaves readers hooked on Malfi's writing style, making it a must-read for those who enjoy a slow-burn, atmospheric horror narrative.

Readers describe "Maynard's House" as a novel that blurs genres, combining elements of psychological drama, horror, paranormal fantasy, and historical adventures. The story follows Austin, a Vietnam war veteran who inherits Maynard's house in rural Maine, leading to a tale filled with suspense, supernatural occurrences, and a sense of isolation. The writing style is praised for its poetic and imaginative metaphors that bring mundane details to life, creating a literary experience that keeps readers engaged and questioning the boundaries between reality and the supernatural.

Dark Matter is a haunting ghost story set in the Arctic, following Jack's journal entries as he joins an expedition to a remote uninhabited area named Gruhuken. As Jack faces isolation and darkness during the Arctic winter, he begins to witness disturbing occurrences, building tension and fear among the characters. The book explores themes of loneliness, paranoia, and the unexplained, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers engaged.

The writing style of Dark Matter is atmospheric and suspenseful, drawing readers into the desolate Arctic setting and the psychological turmoil of the characters. Michelle Paver skillfully weaves a slow-burning narrative that delves into the depths of despair and the human need for companionship, while also incorporating elements of folklore and ghostly encounters to create a gripping tale of survival and fear.

'Ghost Story' by Peter Straub is a classic horror tale that revolves around a group of elderly men known as The Chowder Society, who gather to swap spooky stories. As the story progresses, their past catches up with them, leading to terrifying consequences. The book skillfully weaves together different timelines and backstories of characters, creating a sense of predestined fate and exploring the themes of cause and consequence. The narrative unfolds in a small town where mysterious deaths occur, forcing the characters to confront their darkest secrets and battle an evil force that threatens to destroy everything.

'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.

Thin Air by Michelle Paver is a ghost story set in the Himalayas in 1935, focusing on an expedition attempting to climb Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. The story follows Dr. Stephen Pearce and his brother Kit, along with other expedition members, as they face challenges both from the elements and a haunting presence believed to be shadowing them. The narrative combines historical details, psychological terror, and sibling rivalry to create a chilling atmosphere that builds tension as the climbers ascend the mountain.

'A Winter Haunting' by Dan Simmons is a sequel to 'Summer of Night' that follows the protagonist, Dale Stewart, as he returns to his hometown in Illinois after a series of personal failures. Renting the farm where his childhood friend died, Dale aims to write a novel about the mysterious events of his past. As he grapples with his own sanity, he encounters strange phenomena, including black dogs and haunting messages, all while being harassed by Neo-Nazi punks. The book weaves a tale of psychological complexity, ghostly encounters, and a suspenseful plot that keeps readers on edge.

Snow by Ronald Malfi is a horror novel that follows the story of Todd Curry and Kate Jansen, who find themselves carpooling to Des Moines during a massive snowstorm. Along with two older travelers, Fed and Nan, they encounter a mysterious man named Eddie with a disturbing story. As they head to the nearest town, Woodson, they realize that the town is not as it seems, with strange creatures and horrifying events unfolding in the midst of a blizzard.

The writing style in Snow is described as fast-paced and suspenseful, with elements of horror reminiscent of classic films from the late '70s and early '80s. The narrative is filled with tension, memorable scenes, and a relentless pace that keeps readers on edge as the characters face unimaginable dread and danger in the snow-covered town of Woodson.