Books Like...
If you liked The Devil and the Dark Water, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
A wildly original, mind-bending mystery that’s as fun as it is challenging - a must-try for puzzle lovers and genre mashup fans, but newcomers beware: buckle up, and bring your A-game!
'The 71/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' by Stuart Turton is a complex murder mystery novel set in a country estate where the protagonist, Aiden Bishop, wakes up in a different body each day to solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle. The plot unfolds in a Groundhog Day-like scenario where Aiden must navigate through various perspectives and characters to unravel the mystery. The writing style is described as intricate, original, and engaging, offering a unique blend of genres like murder mystery, time travel, and psychological thriller.
My mind has gone blank. I don’t know who Anna is or why I’m calling her name. I don’t even know how I got here. I’m standing in a forest, shielding my eyes from the spitting rain. My heart’s thumping,...September 2018•512 pages Smart, inventive, and atmospheric - a must for genre-blenders and Turton fans, though it may not captivate those craving fast-paced, emotionally-driven mysteries.
'The Last Murder at the End of the World' by Stuart Turton is a unique blend of sci-fi and mystery set in a post-apocalyptic world. The book follows a murder mystery plot with elements of genre bending, including sci-fi and mystery, creating an intriguing and complex narrative. The story involves a society after the apocalypse, all on an island together, where things get weird, and the narrator is AI.
The writing style of Stuart Turton in 'The Last Murder at the End of the World' has been praised for its ability to seamlessly merge different genres like sci-fi and mystery while maintaining an optimistic tone. Readers have found the book engaging, with a mix of slower moments and interesting twists towards the end, making it an excellent read for those who enjoy a genre bender with a post-apocalyptic setting.
May 2024•360 pages- #3
A dark, gripping, and uncompromising Arctic adventure best suited to readers with strong stomachs and a taste for literary grit.
'The North Water' by Ian McGuire is a brutal and violent novel set in the 19th century aboard a whaling ship, the Volunteer, on a voyage to the Arctic Circle. The story follows a disgraced Irish surgeon, Patrick Sumner, and a ruthless harpooner named Henry Drax, as they navigate through a journey filled with murder, rape, robbery, and other brutalities. The writing style is described as vivid, gritty, and darkly brilliant, capturing the harsh realities of life at sea during that period.
He shuffles out of Clappison’s courtyard onto Sykes Street and snuffs the complex air—turpentine, fishmeal, mustard, black lead, the usual grave, morning-piss stink of just-emptied night jars. He snor...March 2016•362 pages - #4
A smart, playful love letter to classic mysteries that delivers two satisfying puzzles for the price of one. Perfect for fans of clever whodunnits and literary in-jokes - less ideal for those craving gritty realism or emotional gravitas.
'Magpie Murders' by Anthony Horowitz is a cleverly crafted mystery novel that presents a story within a story. It follows Susan Ryeland, an editor, as she delves into the mysteries surrounding a manuscript by a popular author, Alan Conway, which goes missing after his suspicious death. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the traditional British whodunit style of Conway's manuscript and the real-life mystery Susan finds herself entangled in, creating a metafictional delight for mystery fans. expertly pays homage to classic detective novels while offering a fresh and inventive take on the genre.
The writing style of 'Magpie Murders' is described as intelligent, classic, and reminiscent of Agatha Christie's works, with intricate plots, well-developed characters, and clever narrative devices. The book's structure, with two interconnected mysteries and a metafictional approach, keeps readers engaged and guessing until the satisfying conclusion. Horowitz's ability to blend different writing styles, explore themes of crime fiction, and deliver unexpected twists and turns throughout the narrative showcases his talent as a mystery writer.
A bottle of wine. A family-sized packet of Nacho Cheese Flavoured Tortilla Chips and a jar of hot salsa dip. A packet of cigarettes on the side (I know, I know). The rain hammering against the windows...2011•480 pages - #5
Atmospheric, creepy, and clever - a meta-mystery that blurs reality and fiction, complete with interactive flourishes. Not for the impatient or those needing hard answers, but perfect for noir lovers and the eternally curious. Just don’t expect to sleep easy after reading!
'Night Film' by Marisha Pessl is a psychological thriller that delves into the mysterious death of Ashley Cordova, daughter of famous filmmaker Stanislas Cordova. The story follows journalist Scott McGrath as he investigates Ashley's apparent suicide, leading him into the dark world of the occult, magic, and the underbelly of New York City. The book weaves a complex narrative filled with twists and turns, incorporating elements of horror and suspense, keeping the reader engaged throughout its over 600 pages.
The writing style of 'Night Film' is described as intense, colorful, and intriguing, with a dark and atmospheric tone that adds to the overall suspense of the story. The book includes multimedia elements such as photos, newspaper clippings, and online content, enhancing the reader's experience and creating a sense of immersion in the world of Stanislas Cordova's films and mysteries.
A large chandelier showered golden light on the crowd as I surveyed the party in the bronze mirror over the mantel. I was startled to spot someone I barely recognized: myself. Blue button-down, sports...August 2013•623 pages - #6
A twisty, suspenseful murder-at-sea thriller that’s compulsively readable, though your enjoyment may hinge on how much patience you have for a flawed, frantic narrator. Great for a page-turning escape!
The Woman in Cabin 10 follows the journey of Lo, a travel journalist, who embarks on a luxury cruise for an assignment. However, her trip takes a dark turn when she believes she witnesses a murder in the cabin next to hers, which is supposedly empty. As she tries to uncover the truth, she faces disbelief, twists, and turns, making the plot more complex and suspenseful. The book is a psychological thriller with a fast-paced mystery, short chapters, and multiple dramatic changes in the plot direction, keeping readers on edge.
The narrative style of The Woman in Cabin 10 is described as engaging, suspenseful, and atmospheric. The story is filled with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. Despite some flaws in characters and pacing, the book manages to create a sense of tension and intrigue, making it a gripping read for those who enjoy mysteries filled with unexpected developments.
“Go away,” I groaned. Delilah mewed and butted me with her head. I tried to bury my face in the pillow but she continued rubbing herself against my ear, and eventually I rolled over and heartlessly pu...July 2016•374 pages - #7
A suspenseful, science-soaked horror story with killer mermaids, vibrant representation, and thought-provoking themes - just be prepared for a slow start and a splash of gore. Perfect for fans of smart, scary creature features and speculative thrillers!
'Into the Drowning Deep' by Mira Grant follows a crew on the ship Melusine as they venture to the Mariana Trench to investigate the disappearance of a previous crew who encountered killer mermaids. The story is described as a mix of horror, science fiction, and adventure, with a focus on the tension between humans and the predatory mermaids. The narrative is filled with gore, tension, and twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the crew faces the terrifying creatures of the deep.
TheMonterey Dream pulled away from the dock at a slow, easy pace, drawing gasps of astonished delight from the tourists crowding her decks. The crowd was good for a morning whale-watching expedition:...November 2017•517 pages A haunting, slow-burn supernatural spin on Titanic history - delightfully atmospheric for some, confusingly meandering for others. Best for fans of gothic historical fiction who don’t mind a touch of eerie mystery.
The novel moves between two storylines, one on the Titanic and one a few years later on the Britannic during World War I. The details about the Britannic, how it was reinforced after the Titanic's sinking, and how it was refitted to be a hospital ship were fascinating. The story blends historical fact and fiction seamlessly, with references to the supernatural and superficial characters.
Annie Hebbley pokes her needle into the coarse gray linen, a soft color, like the feathers of the doves that entrap themselves in the chimneys here, fluttering and crying out, sometimes battering them...March 2020•439 pages- #9
A binge-worthy, atmospheric whodunit that cleverly keeps you guessing - ideal for fans of modern, character-driven mysteries (though the twists and structure aren't for everyone).
'The Guest List' by Lucy Foley is a suspenseful thriller set on a remote Irish island where a wedding turns deadly. The plot unfolds through multiple character perspectives, revealing secrets, lies, and motives for murder. The writing style is described as engaging, with a fluid timeline, clever plotting, and a gripping atmosphere reminiscent of Big Little Lies.
In an instant, everything is in darkness. The band stop their playing. Inside the marquee the wedding guests squeal and clutch at one another. The light from the candles on the tables only adds to the...March 2020•344 pages - #10
A fast-paced, atmospheric whodunit that's perfect for fans of locked-room mysteries - grab a blanket, because you'll want to cozy up and read it in one sitting, even if the killer's reveal isn't everyone's cup of tea!
'An Unwanted Guest' by Shari Lapena is a classic murder mystery set in a remote mountain lodge during a snowstorm. A group of strangers find themselves trapped with no power or contact with the outside world, as bodies start piling up, suspicion and fear rise among the guests. The plot alternates between characters' perspectives, keeping readers guessing until the end, with a cleverly crafted atmosphere of isolation and tension reminiscent of Agatha Christie's style.
The road curves and twists unexpectedly as it leads higher and deeper into the Catskill Mountains, as if the farther you get from civilization, the more uncertain the path. The shadows are deepening,...2017•341 pages











