Books Like...
'Night Society' by Ambrose Ibsen is a chilling tale that follows three friends - Mike, Jim, and Russell - as they form a Night Society where they share eerie findings in an abandoned house on Andover Lane. The plot takes a sinister turn when one of the friends brings an audio recording of a woman being murdered, leading to a series of disturbing events that haunt them even after leaving the house. The author's writing style creates a sense of foreboding and fear, drawing readers into the atmospheric essence of the story and leaving them on edge with each twist and turn.
The alternating chapters allow readers to delve into the minds of each character, particularly Russell, the outsider among the group, whose actions set off a chain of events that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural. As the friends grapple with their fears and insecurities, the decrepit house on Andover Lane becomes a character in itself, setting the stage for a tale of human folly and the consequences of delving into the unknown.
If you liked Night Society, here are the top 12 books to read next:
- #1
'In Absentia' in the 'Black Acres' series by Ambrose Ibsen follows the story of Julian and Kim, a young couple who purchase a house called the Beacon Estate at a ridiculously low price. As they begin renovations on the old house, strange occurrences start happening, such as doors shutting on their own and discovering that the previous owners disappeared without a trace. The plot unfolds with a mix of mystery and horror elements, keeping readers engaged with a suspenseful storyline and vivid imagery. The writing style is described as spooky, well-written, and enthralling, drawing readers into a world where not everything is as it seems.
- #2
Kevin, a Florida native, decides to find a fixer-upper in the Midwest to renovate in 30 days with daily video updates on his internet channel. The house he chooses is in a Detroit neighborhood completely abandoned, and even the nearby graveyard garners no attention or maintenance. Despite the house being a steal, there are very real troubles, as the house is infested with more than just termites. As Kevin works on the renovation, he starts experiencing terrifying encounters with spirits inhabiting the house, leading to a haunting and disturbing conclusion.
The book follows protagonist Kevin Taylor, a likable and driven character who is a successful home repair and renovation genius with aspirations of hosting a TV network series. As he delves into renovating the haunted house, he faces increasing terror and challenges, ultimately leading to a chilling and unexpected ending.
By its definition, it's a dreamless sleep. It's a sleep without borders, where existence is a very tenuous thing. My life had been reduced to a burning candle left out in the rain, the flame bobbing a... - #3
Asylum by Ambrose Ibsen is the first book in the series 'The Afterlife Investigations' that follows a group of individuals investigating a local asylum with a dark past. The story revolves around the group's experiences as they explore the abandoned asylum, uncovering supernatural occurrences that challenge their beliefs and safety. The writing style of the book keeps readers engaged with its fast-paced plot and intriguing character development, leading to a gripping narrative that delves into themes of the paranormal and horror.
The weather was doing that annoying “mist” thing, loosing little puffs of cold drizzle as though the clouds were packed with spray bottles and I was a disobedient house cat getting sprayed for walking... - #4
"No One Gets Out Alive" by Adam Nevill is a dark and disturbing tale that follows Stephanie Booth as she moves into a new room at 82 Edgware Road. Initially drawn in by the affordable price, Stephanie soon realizes that the house is not what it seems, with eerie occurrences such as whispers, scratching, and weeping haunting her every night. As the story unfolds, the horror escalates with the arrival of Knacker's cousin Fergal, leading to a terrifying journey of supernatural dread and distress. The writing style captures the absolute despair and depression felt by Stephanie as she navigates through a world spiraling out of control, creating a chilling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge.
The dream receded quickly and Stephanie recalled little of it, beside an anxious desire to leave a cold, greyish place; a narrow space in which people stood too close to her. One of them had been cryi... - #5
House of Windows by John Langan is a haunting tale that follows Veronica Croydon as she narrates the strange events unfolding at Belvedere House, where she lives with her husband Roger. The story delves into the complexities of their relationship, Roger's obsession with his dead son, and the eerie occurrences that defy rational explanation. Through Veronica's detailed and unconventional narration, readers are drawn into a web of supernatural elements, family drama, and psychological turmoil, all set within a unique and unsettling haunted house.
Langan's writing style in House of Windows is characterized by intricate storytelling, a blend of literary and horror fiction, and a focus on character development. The narrative unfolds through Veronica's stream of consciousness, offering a deep dive into her thoughts, fears, and experiences as the tension and mystery surrounding Belvedere House escalate. The book weaves together elements of suspense, wonderment, and psychological horror, keeping readers engaged and immersed in the eerie atmosphere of the story.
Instead of enormous black curtains hanging behind my house (Veronica said), begin with someone banging on my apartment door so loud it woke me out of a deep sleep. Beside me, Roger was already sitting... - #6
The Carrow Haunt by Darcy Coates is a chilling ghost story set in Carrow House, a haunted building with a dark history of gruesome deaths. Remy, a tour guide, is offered the opportunity to stay in the house with a group of paranormal investigators and enthusiasts. As they explore the mysteries of Carrow House, they encounter supernatural phenomena, malevolent spirits, and unexpected twists that keep the readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style creates an immersive atmosphere, building suspense from the first chapter and delivering a satisfying climax that leaves readers wanting more.
The novel delves into themes of horror, mystery, and psychological suspense, blending supernatural elements with a thrilling detective narrative. The characters are well-developed, each with unique personalities and motives that add depth to the story. The author's ability to create inventive ghosts and atmospheric settings adds to the eerie and captivating nature of the book, making it a must-read for fans of ghost stories and haunted house tales.
Remy waited, shivering, on the wide stone porch as the van crunched along the gravel driveway. The near-full moon washed light across the overgrown topiary garden and stone guesthouse as distant waves... - #7
The Family Plot by Cherie Priest follows the story of Dahlia, who leads a salvage crew tasked with dismantling an old estate haunted by angry spirits. As they work to salvage valuable items from the house, they uncover secrets and face escalating supernatural occurrences. The novel is praised for its strong characters, particularly Dahlia, a pragmatic and no-nonsense heroine, and for its vivid descriptions that immerse readers in the eerie atmosphere of the haunted house. The plot combines elements of mystery, suspense, and ghostly encounters, keeping readers on edge with unpredictable twists and a satisfyingly creepy ending.
Chuck Dutton set aside the walkie-talkie and made a token effort to tidy his desk, in case Augusta Evelyn Sophia Withrow expected to speak with a goddamn professional. The owner and manager of Music C... - #8
Kill Creek by Scott Thomas is a haunted house story that follows four horror writers invited for an interview at the infamous Finch House on Halloween night. The novel delves into themes of writing, grief, and buried trauma while exploring the maintenance and circulation of horror. The characters, especially the four main authors, are well-developed and represent various facets of the horror genre. The house itself becomes a malevolent entity, adding an extra layer of suspense to the plot.
Their eyes were focused on a man in his late thirties, his brown hair buzzed to the scalp. He was handsome, just over six feet tall, dressed in old black Levi’s and a henley that showed off a thin, sl... - #9
'The House Next Door' by Anne Rivers Siddons is a haunting tale of a malevolent house that brings out the worst in its inhabitants. Set in a suburban Atlanta neighborhood, the story follows the Kennedy family and their neighbors as they witness mysterious and horrifying events unfold in the modern house next door. As families come and go, tragedy strikes each one, leading Colquitt and Walter Kennedy to uncover the evil force dwelling within the walls of the house. Written in a suspenseful and eerie style, the book explores themes of fear, unease, and the consequences of living near a house that seems to feed on the people around it.
The narrative is filled with tension and a sense of escalating eerieness, drawing readers in with its atmospheric horror elements. Through the eyes of the characters, readers experience the chilling effects of the haunted house, where deepest desires manifest and nightmares come true. Siddons' skillful writing captures the psychological terror of the situation, keeping readers on edge and anxious as they navigate the malevolent forces at play in 'The House Next Door.'
CLAIRE SWANSON from two doors up was the first one to tell me about the Harralson house. She and Roger have lived in the yellow Dutch colonial for years, far longer than we’ve been in ours. Claire is ... - #10
'Hell House' by Richard Matheson is a classic haunted house story that follows four individuals entering the infamous Hell House to uncover the mysteries of the afterlife. Dr. Lionel Barrett, his wife, a medium, and a lone survivor embark on a journey to explore the supernatural phenomena within the house, each with their own beliefs and theories. As they delve deeper into the house's dark history and encounter terrifying experiences, they are faced with a struggle for answers and a battle against the haunting entities. The novel combines elements of horror and mystery, keeping readers engaged with its suspenseful plot and well-developed characters.
It had been raining hard since five o'clock that morning. Brontean weather, Dr. Barrett thought. He repressed a smile. He felt rather like a character in some latter-day Gothic romance. The driving ra...