Books Like...

'The Man in the Moss' by Phil Rickman is a Celtic-themed horror story set in a small English village in the Pennines. The discovery of a mummified body, known as The Man in the Moss, leads to a series of supernatural events and a fundamental fight between good and evil. The villagers believe that the bogman needs to be reburied before Samhain to prevent a supernatural evil from taking over the village. The book is filled with rich folklore, eerie atmosphere, and a slow, sinister build-up to a climax where the lines between the living and the dead become blurred.

The writing style of Phil Rickman in 'The Man in the Moss' is described as excellent, captivating, and atmospheric. The author seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery, supernatural, and Celtic lore, creating a story that keeps readers engaged and on edge. The characters are well-developed, the plot is intricate, and the setting of the isolated village adds to the overall sense of unease and tension.

'Candlenight' by Phil Rickman is a supernatural mystery novel set in the remote Welsh village of Y Groes, where the arrival of an English couple, Giles and Claire, stirs up deep-rooted superstitions and tensions among the villagers. The story unfolds as the couple becomes entangled in the village's dark past and mysterious customs, leading to a series of chilling events that blur the line between folklore and reality. Rickman weaves a complex narrative that delves into Welsh nationalism, ancient traditions, and the supernatural, creating an atmospheric and suspenseful tale that keeps readers on edge until the shocking climax.

The book is praised for its evocative setting in the village of Y Groes, which acts as a character in itself, gradually transforming from a rural idyll to a sinister and menacing place haunted by its history. The plot unfolds through multiple perspectives, including journalists covering a local election, modern pagans with misguided beliefs, and a schoolteacher grappling with the village's superstitions, offering a diverse and engaging exploration of Welsh folklore and ethnic tensions.

'December' by Phil Rickman is a haunting tale set in an old abbey where a group of musicians attempt to record an album on the night of John Lennon's death. The story unfolds over two timelines, exploring the tragic events that occurred during the recording session and the repercussions faced by the musicians years later. Rickman's writing style evokes a sense of eerie atmosphere, blending elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural with a focus on music and Welsh history.

The narrative delves into themes of psychic abilities, haunted pasts, and the lingering impact of historical tragedies on individuals. Rickman intricately weaves together a complex plot involving a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their own demons and haunted by the events of that fateful December night. Through layers of suspense and dark storytelling, the book explores the battle between good and evil, culminating in a near-perfect ending that leaves readers intrigued and captivated.

'Curfew' by Phil Rickman is a supernatural horror novel set in the sleepy border town of Crybbe, where ancient mysteries and eerie folklore come to life. The story follows the arrival of new age travelers in Crybbe, who unknowingly disrupt the town's defenses against an evil presence. As the plot unfolds, the book delves into the dark history of the town, blending elements of mystery, thriller, and supernatural horror. Rickman's writing style expertly weaves together multiple narratives, building suspense and introducing quirky yet engaging characters that add depth to the story.

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.

'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.

'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.

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.

'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.

'The Chalice: A Glastonbury Ghost Story' by Phil Rickman is a supernatural thriller set in Glastonbury, where a spiritual battle unfolds between Christians and pagans, landowners and 'travellers,' and old hippies versus New Age mystics. The plot revolves around the clashes between locals and newcomers, with a mix of real historical characters and Earth Mysteries. The story weaves together the legends of the Holy Grail and Celtic traditions, creating a spooky and atmospheric narrative.

The author, Phil Rickman, skillfully juggles multiple themes in the book, creating a captivating plot that keeps readers engaged. The characters are well-developed, the locations are atmospheric, and the narrative is filled with paranormal events and captivating, albeit sometimes repellent, characters. Rickman's writing style blends dark and creepy elements with a realistic portrayal of the tensions in Glastonbury, making the book an intriguing read for fans of supernatural thrillers.