Books Like...
'Expiration Date' by Duane Swierczynski is a fast-paced, twisty time travel mystery novel that follows the protagonist, Mickey Wade, who discovers pills in his grandfather's medicine cabinet that allow him to travel back in time to 1972. As Mickey navigates between the present and the past, he uncovers family mysteries, including the premature death of his father, and gets entangled in a complex web of events that challenge his understanding of fate and consequences. The narrative blends elements of science fiction and noir, with a frenetic pace that keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the next twist in the plot. Swierczynski's writing style is described as hardboiled crime pulp, featuring fully fleshed characters and a setting in a depressed area of NE Philadelphia, adding depth and authenticity to the story.
If you liked Expiration Date, here are the top 7 books to read next:
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Afterlife by Marcus Sakey is a unique take on the afterlife concept, where the protagonist, Will, finds himself in a different plane of existence after being killed. The story delves into a world where absorbing someone's essence grants superpowers, leading to a war between good and evil. The narrative combines elements of crime thriller, romance, and supernatural fiction, exploring complex themes of life, death, and the battle between light and darkness.
“I don’t understand.” Chad Watkins sat on a vibrant red sofa in the center of his bright living room. Feet on the rug, elbows on knees, hands clasped together. Leaning in with his head slightly cocked... - #2
"Infinite" by Brian Freeman is a thrilling novel that delves into the concept of parallel universes and the consequences of different choices made by the protagonist, Dylan Moran. After experiencing a tragic loss, Dylan starts encountering strange visions and doppelgangers, leading him on a journey through multiple parallel worlds. The plot revolves around the Many Minds extension of the Many Worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, where Dylan must navigate through different universes to save himself. The writing style of the book is fast-paced and intense, keeping readers engaged with surprising twists and cliffhangers, making it a unique and thought-provoking read that challenges beliefs and explores the human condition.
“We’re very sorry for your loss, Mr. Moran,” the cop told me as he handed me a white foam cup filled with coffee. He already had his own coffee in his hand, and he was eating a powdered doughnut that ... - #3
'Only Forward' by Michael Marshall is a mind-bending science fiction novel that follows the protagonist, Stark, a fixer who is hired to solve a mysterious disappearance. The book starts with a futuristic detective story set in a surreal sci-fi world, where each neighborhood has its own unique theme. The narrative takes unexpected turns, transitioning into dreamworlds and exploring different realities, keeping the readers on edge. The writing style is a mix of genres, blending elements of horror, comedy, fantasy, and thriller seamlessly, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
The book delves deep into themes of identity, reality, and the human condition, challenging readers to suspend their disbelief and go on a rollercoaster journey with Stark. As the plot unfolds, the story becomes enthralling, with moments of intense emotions, unexpected twists, and a satisfying yet heart-wrenching resolution. The author skillfully weaves together diverse elements into a cohesive narrative that keeps readers engaged till the very end, leaving a lasting impact with its haunting atmospheres and profound observations.
I got up, crawled out of the maelstrom of sheets, at 9.30 this morning. I took a shower, I drank some coffee. I sat on the floor with my back to the wall and felt my muscles creak as they carried a bu... - #4
'Replay' by Ken Grimwood is a captivating tale of a man named Jeff Winston who dies at age 43 only to wake up in his college dorm room at age 18, with full knowledge of his previous life. He finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same 25-year sequence repeatedly, making different choices each time. The book explores themes of second chances, life choices, love, and the inevitability of loss. The writing style is described as compelling, thought-provoking, and engaging, with a mix of time travel elements and deep explorations of human emotions and relationships.
“We need—” she’d said, and he never heard her say just what it was they needed, because something heavy seemed to slam against his chest, crushing the breath out of him. The phone fell from his hand a... - #5
'The Gone World' by Tom Sweterlitsch is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that follows NCIS agent Shannon Moss as she investigates crimes related to time travel and the impending doomsday event known as the Terminus. Moss travels through alternate futures, unraveling mysteries and trying to prevent the end of humanity. The book seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, mystery, and horror, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and compelling protagonist.
She gained her equilibrium before attempting to stand—her right leg still the lean, muscled leg of an athlete, but her left terminated in a conical mid-thigh stump, the end muscle and flesh there wrap... The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North is a unique and captivating novel that explores the concept of reincarnation in a fresh and intriguing way. The story follows Harry August, a man who is reborn with all his memories intact, living his life over and over again in the same body. As he navigates through his multiple lives, he discovers others like him and learns of a looming threat that could end the world. The book delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and the complexities of living through endless cycles, all while trying to prevent a catastrophic event orchestrated by a fellow immortal.
She was seven, I was seventy-eight. She had straight blonde hair worn in a long pigtail down her back, I had bright white hair, or at least the remnants of the same. I wore a hospital gown designed fo...- #7
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch is a mind-bending science fiction thriller that follows the protagonist, Jason Dessen, as he is kidnapped and thrown into a world of parallel universes. The book explores the consequences of choices, the concept of multiverses, and the intense journey of Jason trying to get back to his family through various alternate realities. The writing style is fast-paced, suspenseful, and thought-provoking, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns.
No one tells you it’s all about to change, to be taken away. There’s no proximity alert, no indication that you’re standing on the precipice. And maybe that’s what makes tragedy so tragic. Not just wh...