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A compelling debut with a haunting setting and lots of suspense, though uneven pacing and character development may not appeal to everyone. Worth checking out if you’re drawn to atmospheric mysteries and dual timelines!

If you liked The Dead Key, here are the top 68 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 68 
  1. #1

    The Midnight Man: A gripping new crime series - A Slayton Thriller by Caroline Mitchell
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    A chilling, addictive thriller blended with supernatural intrigue - just the right mix for fans of eerie crime tales, but may feel overstuffed for those wanting a leaner, more realistic mystery.

    The Midnight Man by Caroline Mitchell is a chilling crime thriller that intertwines bone-chilling mysteries of the past with a present-day dangerous game involving the enigmatic Midnight Man. The plot revolves around Detective Sarah Noble, who is tasked with investigating the eerie events unfolding at Blackhall Manor, a creepy old house with a sinister history. As Sarah delves deeper into the case, she must confront her own dark past while trying to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Midnight Man and the deadly game that has taken a sinister turn.

    The book is described as a suspenseful and atmospheric read that expertly blends elements of crime fiction with supernatural twists. From a shocking opening chapter to a mind-boggling conclusion, readers are taken on a riveting journey filled with suspense, twists, and a cast of flawed but compelling characters. The Midnight Man keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Sarah's quest to uncover the truth behind the haunting legend of the Midnight Man and the dark secrets of Blackhall Manor.

    October 2021
    325 pages

  2. #2

    The Ghosts of Thorwald Place by Helen Power
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    A clever, genre-blending mystery that’s more eerie than terrifying - perfect for fans of supernatural sleuthing, character-driven stories, and high-rise secrets.

    The Ghosts of Thorwald Place by Helen Power is a gripping paranormal mystery that follows the story of Rachel, a ghost trapped in the building where she was brutally murdered. Through her perspective, readers uncover the dark secrets and mysteries of her neighbors, as well as her own past leading up to her death. The novel seamlessly weaves between the present and the past, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they delve deeper into the eerie and intriguing world of Thorwald Place.

    The book is a unique blend of ghost story, murder mystery, and detective narrative, offering a fresh and captivating take on the genre. The author, Helen Power, skillfully crafts a suspenseful plot filled with twists and turns, intricate character dynamics, and a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final page is turned. Readers are taken on a thrilling journey alongside Rachel as she navigates the afterlife, unravels the mysteries surrounding her death, and uncovers the hidden truths of those around her.

    I frown. It’s not uncommon for callers to make grand, sweeping statements about murder or conspiracies and then recant moments later. But there’s something different about this caller. There’s somethi...
    October 2021
    380 pages

  3. #3

    High-Rise by J.G. Ballard
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    A disturbing, stylish descent into anarchy that will stick with you, but it's more about ideas than empathetic characters. Great for fans of unsettling social sci-fi or dystopias - less so for those seeking realistic plots or warm fuzzy feelings.

    'High-Rise' by J.G. Ballard depicts a modern high-rise building descending into chaos and savagery as class divisions and malfunctioning utilities trigger the breakdown of civilization. Residents turn into tribes, engaging in tribal wars and primal instincts, leading to a dystopian society within the walls of the building. The novel explores themes of isolation, societal conventions breaking down, and the fragility of human nature when faced with extreme circumstances.

    Later, as he sat on his balcony eating the dog, Dr Robert Laing reflected on the unusual events that had taken place within this huge apartment building during the previous three months. Now that ever...
    1975
    221 pages

  4. #4

    A Noise Downstairs: A Novel by Tbd, Linwood Barclay
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    A fun, creepy, popcorn thriller with plenty of twists - grab it for a suspenseful weekend read, but don’t expect Barclay’s most mind-blowing work.

    "A Noise Downstairs" by Linwood Barclay follows the story of Paul Davis, a college professor who witnesses a murder and suffers a head injury, leading to PTSD and memory loss. As he tries to uncover the truth behind the murder, he becomes increasingly tormented by a vintage typewriter that seems to be connected to the killer. The plot is full of complexities, plot twists, and suspense, keeping readers guessing until the last page. The writing style is described as fast-paced, intriguing, and full of well-developed characters.

    The old man in the back of the SUV could have been taken for dead. He was slumped down in the leather seat, the top of his nearly bald, liver-spotted head propped up against the window of the driver’s...
    July 2018
    374 pages

  5. #5

    The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
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    A spine-tingling, atmospheric mystery with a supernatural twist - perfect for fans of eerie hotels, feminist themes, and dual-timeline storytelling. Not flawless, but definitely a fun and memorable read!

    '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.

    That was fine with her. She preferred it. It was something she’d discovered, working the night shift at this place in the middle of nowhere: Being with people was easy, but being alone was hard. Espec...
    February 2020
    343 pages

  6. #6
    Long Way Home
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Zigic & Ferreira

    Long Way Home - Zigic & Ferreira by Eva Dolan
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    A bold, timely, and impressive debut - Long Way Home is a must for anyone who loves their crime fiction gritty and thought-provoking. Settle in; you’ll want to follow Zigic and Ferreira for the long haul!

    'Long Way Home' by Eva Dolan is a police procedural novel that follows DI Zigic and DS Ferreira from the Hate Crimes Unit as they investigate the murder of a migrant worker in Peterborough. The story delves into themes of immigration, racism, human trafficking, and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. The plot is described as engaging, fast-paced, and filled with tension and atmosphere, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with twists and turns that unfold a compelling mystery.

    The writing style of Eva Dolan is praised for its authenticity, sharpness, and compelling storytelling. Readers appreciate the depth of the characters, particularly DI Zigic and DS Ferreira, who are portrayed as dynamic, well-developed leads with contrasting personalities. is commended for challenging prejudices, shedding light on societal issues, and delivering a gripping narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

    January 2014
    423 pages

  7. #7

    The Broken Girls by Simone St. James
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    A moody, haunting mystery with intertwined timelines, boarding school secrets, and a ghostly chill - highly recommended for fans of gothic suspense and atmospheric thrillers!

    'The Broken Girls' by Simone St. James is a chilling and suspenseful novel that intertwines two timelines, one set in the post-WWII era at a boarding school for troubled girls called Idlewild Hall, and the other set in present-day Vermont. The story follows Fiona Sheridan, a journalist haunted by her sister's murder on the school grounds, as she delves into the dark history of the school and the mysteries surrounding the girls who once resided there. The novel expertly weaves together elements of murder, ghost stories, urban legends, and conspiracy, creating a captivating murder mystery with a supernatural twist.

    The phone rang again. She swiped quickly at her eyes and glanced at it, sitting on the passenger seat where she’d tossed it. The display glowed in the darkness. Jamie’s name, and the time: three o’clo...
    March 2018
    344 pages

  8. #8

    Flowertown by S.G. Redling
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    A fast, edgy thriller with loads of conspiracy and a flawed but memorable lead - Flowertown isn’t perfect, but if you’re craving a gritty, offbeat mystery, it’s well worth your time.

    Flowertown by S.G. Redling is a suspense thriller novel set in a rural Iowa town that has been quarantined by the US Army due to a toxic chemical spill. The story follows Ellie, a protagonist stuck in the town for seven years after the spill, as she navigates the conspiracy surrounding the pharmaceutical company responsible for the disaster. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, involving mysterious motives, underground movements, and a cast of intriguing characters like Rachel, Bing, and Guy. The writing style is engaging, with a focus on suspense, mystery, and the development of a bleak yet determined protagonist in a dark and cynical setting.

    “Shit.” Ellie Cauley ground her cigarette out on the hallway floor, her leg rattling her shower bucket. She had to be at work in less than half an hour. She could pull her hair back into a ponytail; t...
    June 2012
    379 pages

  9. #9

    Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder - Hannah Swensen by Joanne Fluke
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    A sweet, breezy mystery perfect for cozy mystery fans and cookie lovers, but may be too light and far-fetched for readers seeking depth or realism.

    "Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder" by Joanne Fluke is the first in the cozy mystery series featuring Hannah Swensen, a cookie shop owner in Lake Eden, Minnesota. When the local milk deliveryman is found murdered near her shop, Hannah gets involved in solving the crime with the help of her brother-in-law, a police officer. offers a light-hearted and enjoyable read, blending elements of small-town life, quirky characters, and amateur sleuthing, all while incorporating delicious cookie recipes throughout the story.

    Despite some readers finding the plot predictable and the characters somewhat cliché, the book offers a cozy and entertaining mystery with a touch of humor. The writing style is described as light, easy to read, and perfect for those looking for a relaxing escape into a world of cookies, mysteries, and small-town charm.

    Hannah Swensen slipped into the old leather bomber jacket that she’d rescued from the Helping Hands thrift store and reached down to pick up the huge orange tomcat that was rubbing against her ankles....
    2000
    423 pages

  10. #10
    The Witch Hunter
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Jessica Niemi

    The Witch Hunter - Jessica Niemi by Max Seeck
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    Chilling Finnish noir with a supernatural edge - perfect for Scandi crime fans, though its dense plotting and ambiguous ending may not click with everyone.

    The Witch Hunter by Max Seeck follows Detective Sergeant Jessica Niemi as she investigates a series of murders that seem to be inspired by a famous author's books on witch hunting. The story unfolds with a murder that leads the police to believe it's a ritualistic killing, prompting Jessica to delve into the author's body of work for clues. As more bodies are discovered, the investigative team races against time to stop the killer from enacting scenes from the bestselling trilogy. The book blends elements of police procedural and horror fiction, with a focus on the police investigation of the grisly murders in Helsinki, while attempting to create a terrifying atmosphere that adds a twist to the typical Nordic noir offerings.

    THE WIND HAS picked up, and the corners of the massive glass-and-skimmed-concrete house wail restlessly. The tap-tap carrying from the roof has gradually intensified; the faint pops call to mind the s...
    2019
    399 pages

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