Books Like...
'Tropic of Night' by Michael Gruber follows the protagonist Jane Doe, a former anthropologist who goes into hiding under a new identity in Miami. As a series of ritualistic murders terrify the city, Cuban American police detective Jimmy Paz gets involved in the investigation, leading to a cataclysmic battle between good and unimaginable evil. The plot weaves through Africa, Siberia, and Miami, blending elements of African sorcery, voodooism, and supernatural powers, creating an enthralling and gripping tale of mystery and horror. The narrative alternates between first-person accounts, historical diaries, and traditional third-person storytelling, providing a deep and broad exploration of voodoo, mysticism, and anthropological expeditions.
If you liked Tropic of Night, here are the top 76 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'City of Masks' in the 'Cree Black' series by Daniel Hecht follows the paranormal detective Cree Black as she navigates the haunted city of New Orleans. The narrative seamlessly weaves together Cree's personal struggles with her profession as a ghost-hunting psychologist, creating a dark and intriguing thriller that explores themes of mystery, ghosts, and the supernatural. The author's detailed descriptions of the city and the ghostly menace within Beauforte House bring the setting alive, while the well-drawn and sympathetic characters drive the story forward, keeping readers engaged till the end.
"No. A nickname. Short for Lucretia, which by the time I was five years old struck me as too old-fashioned to live with. You're welcome to call me Ms. Black, Mr. Beauforte." Cree smiled but put enough... - #2
Save:The Wine of Angels by Phil Rickman introduces readers to Merrily Watkins, a unique vicar with investigative abilities, as she navigates the mysteries and supernatural elements of the historic village of Ledwardine. The book delves into ancient secrets, murder, and a blend of spirituality and the supernatural, all while portraying realistic characters and dialogue. Rickman's writing style weaves together complex subplots, a large cast of characters, and a mix of mysterious and murderous elements, creating an entertaining and compelling read that leaves readers wanting more.
There was a period, not long before Sean died, when it came almost nightly. Or even, in that intense and suffocating period, twice or three times the same night – she’d close her eyes and the dream wo... - #3
Save:The Cold Calling by Phil Rickman, writing as Will Kingdom, weaves together multiple storylines set in the Welsh borderlands. The novel follows a hit-and-run victim brought back to life, a feud between a TV archaeologist and a retired teacher, and a series of ritualistic murders by a killer known as The Green Man. Characters like Cindy the shaman, Bobby Maiden the policeman, and Grayle Underhill the journalist are entangled in a plot that blurs the lines between reality and the paranormal, against the backdrop of a deeply evoked Welsh border country.
- #4
Save:The Forgery of Venus by Michael Gruber is a gripping thriller set in the art world, where a contemporary artist finds himself mysteriously flashing back into the life of master painter Velasquez. The book delves into themes of authenticity, memory, and art, while providing fascinating insights into the world of expensive art and art forgery. With a complex plot and multi-layered characters, the story unfolds in various locations such as Venice, New York, Rome, and Madrid, offering a compelling exploration of the art world through the eyes of expert forgers, private collectors, and art dealers.
Gruber's writing style in The Forgery of Venus is described as engaging, thought-provoking, and immersive. Readers praise the depth and nuance he brings to the narrative, as well as his ability to weave together elements of reality, art, and illusion into a page-turning tale that is both enjoyable and informative. The book is commended for its original concept, intriguing plot twists, and the way it seamlessly combines historical references with contemporary themes, creating an atmosphere that captivates readers from start to finish.
"I'll lay a bet," said Sancho, "that before long there won't be a tavern, roadside inn, hostelry, or barber's shop where the story of our doings won't be painted up; but I'd like it painted by the han... - #5
Save:In "The Chalk Circle Man" by Fred Vargas, Chief Inspector Jean Baptiste Adamsberg investigates the appearance of blue chalk circles on the streets of Paris, which he believes hold a sinister purpose. Despite his unorthodox methods and peculiar personality, Adamsberg is determined to uncover the truth behind these mysterious circles and the crimes they lead to. The book introduces a cast of eccentric characters, a slow-burning plot filled with introspection, and a unique writing style that sets it apart from typical crime fiction.
She made another note in the diary: ‘He sat down too close to me, as if we knew each other, but I’ve never seen him before. No, I’m sure I’ve never seen him before. Not much else to say about him, exc... - #6
Save:'The Serpent and the Rainbow' by Wade Davis is an exploration of Haitian Vodou, zombies, and magic through the eyes of an anthropologist. Davis delves into the origins of zombies in Haiti, investigating the mysterious zombie drug and the cultural practices surrounding it. The narrative combines elements of adventure, anthropology, and personal reflection, shedding light on the complex relationship between society, folklore, and the supernatural.
MY FIRST MEETING with the man who would send me on my quest for the Haitian zombi poison occurred on a damp miserable winter’s day in late February 1974. I was sitting with my roommate David in a café... - #7
Save:"The Book of Air and Shadows" by Michael Gruber is a thrilling tale revolving around the discovery of a lost manuscript purporting to reveal unknown information about William Shakespeare. The story follows a group of characters who become entangled in a dangerous race to uncover the manuscript, leading to murder, mayhem, and even romance. With three intersecting storylines, the plot involves Russian gangsters, English professors, and cyphered letters that may lead to a lost Shakespearean play.
The book combines elements of mystery, historical intrigue, and literary detective work, with a mix of modern-day settings and 17th-century manuscripts. As the characters navigate through a web of deceit, fraud, love, and infidelity, the audiobook version is praised for its well-narrated performance, adding depth to the diverse cast of characters.
On the evening of the little fire, the revelatory fire that changed his life, Albert Crosetti was working in the basement as usual, and so was the first one to detect it. He was there because Sidney G... - #8
Save:The novel 'All Heads Turn When the Hunt Goes By' by John Farris is a Southern Gothic horror story that revolves around a prominent Southern family plagued by a voodoo curse. The plot kicks off with a ghastly wedding day tragedy in 1942, leading to a series of dreadful events that unfold within the accursed family. Farris skillfully weaves historic details, cultural tidbits, and voodoo lore into the narrative, creating a rich sense of time and place. The writing style is described as engrossing, gripping, and horrifying, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in a dark and mysterious atmosphere.
I've always wondered about my ultimate capacity for good sour mash sipping whiskey, and now I see that I've nearly finished the bottle which the indispensable Hackaliah brought to my room about eight ... - #9
Save:'Night After Night' by Phil Rickman revolves around the eerie Knap Hall, which becomes the setting for a reality TV show called the 'Big Other' where celebrities with their own agendas are brought together. Grayle Underhill, the researcher, is tasked with investigating the haunted house, uncovering dark secrets and supernatural elements while navigating through the world of celebrity culture and paranormal challenges. The story slowly builds tension, blending reality TV drama with ancient secrets, creating a creepy atmosphere that keeps the reader engaged.
The plot of 'Night After Night' unfolds as Grayle delves deeper into the mysteries of Knap Hall, revealing the intertwined lives of the celebrity inhabitants and their hidden pasts. Phil Rickman's writing style intricately weaves together elements of horror, suspense, and character-driven storytelling, drawing readers into a world where reality television meets supernatural phenomena, culminating in a gripping narrative that balances modern pop culture with ancient mysteries.
Not an easy question. A case, there is, for saying that all houses are haunted and that this is rarely harmful. Everyone’s home holds the residue of sickness, physical and mental. Every house stores m... - #10
Save:'Black Widow' by Christopher Brookmyre follows the story of a brilliant but arrogant surgeon, Diana Jager, whose life takes a dark turn when her husband goes missing. The plot involves a bad marriage, an unreliable narrator, and a twisted mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the end. The narrative is dynamic, with multiple twists and turns, and is told from different perspectives including that of Jack Parlabane, a journalist who becomes involved in uncovering the truth behind the mysterious disappearance.
The writing style in 'Black Widow' is described as clear, straightforward, and engaging. The story is set in Scotland, with artfully drawn Scottish settings and complex, sympathetic characters. delves into serious themes such as misogyny in medicine and psychological thriller elements, creating a gripping and intriguing read that accelerates towards a courtroom ending with more twists than expected.
There was a low background hiss as the courtroom awaited the playback, the volume on the speakers jacked up so much that Parlabane was bracing himself, expecting the soundfile to be booming and distor...
