Books Like...

The Corset by Laura Purcell is a Victorian gothic thriller that follows two women from different societal backgrounds, Dorothea Truelove and Ruth Butterham. Dorothea, a wealthy heiress, visits female prisoners, including Ruth, who is awaiting trial for murder. Ruth, a teenage seamstress, believes she has the supernatural power to cause death through her needlework. As the two women's lives become intertwined, the story unfolds with elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural, leading to a startling ending that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

In "The Shape of Darkness" by Laura Purcell, readers are taken to Victorian Bath where silhouette artist Agnes Darkin struggles to keep her business afloat while dealing with personal challenges like recovering from an illness and caring for her family. The plot thickens as a series of murders occur involving Agnes's customers, leading her to seek answers from a child spirit medium named Pearl. The narrative weaves together elements of mystery, supernatural occurrences, and historical details, creating a gothic atmosphere that keeps readers on edge till the end.

'The Whistling' by Rebecca Netley is a gothic mystery set in 1860 Scotland on the fictional isle of Skelthsea. The story follows Elspeth Swansome, a young woman who takes a job as a nanny to escape her own demons. As she cares for the troubled little girl Mary, mysterious and spooky occurrences begin to unfold in the old house. The author skillfully builds tension and atmosphere, creating an eerie and suspenseful setting filled with ghostly elements and unsettling events. The plot slowly unravels, leading to an unexpected and dramatic ending that keeps readers engaged till the last page.

The writing style of 'The Whistling' is described as atmospheric, suspenseful, and beautifully gothic. The author, Rebecca Netley, effectively uses prose to create a haunted atmosphere from start to finish. The story is character-driven, with unique and spooky characters that add depth to the narrative. Netley's skillful storytelling keeps readers on edge, turning the pages to uncover the mysteries hidden within the isolated Scottish island and the enigmatic mansion where the story unfolds.

In In the Night Wood by Dale Bailey, Erin and Charles Hayden inherit a mysterious family property in Yorkshire called Hollow House after the death of their daughter. The gothic tale unfolds as they uncover unsettling secrets within the house and the nearby forest, filled with references to fairy tales, dark myths, and folklore. The story intertwines elements of loss, guilt, depression, and a failing marriage, with a slow-building plot that delves into an ancient curse pact and a cryptic Victorian novel, creating an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere.

The Man in the Picture by Susan Hill is a short ghost story that revolves around a mysterious painting with a dark past, set in Venice and Cambridge. The story follows Oliver, who learns about the cursed painting from his former tutor, Theo Parmitter. As the tale unfolds, it reveals a malevolent force within the painting that affects all who come into contact with it. The writing style is described as eerie, atmospheric, and gothic, creating a sense of suspense and intrigue throughout the novella.

'Rawblood' by Catriona Ward follows the story of Iris Villarca, an eleven-year-old girl living with her father at their isolated house on Dartmoor, Rawblood. The Villarca family is haunted by a hereditary disease that leads to early deaths, prompting Iris's father to enforce strict rules of isolation. As the story unfolds through multiple timelines and perspectives, readers discover the dark secrets hidden within the family's history and the haunting presence that lurks within Rawblood.

The narrative of 'Rawblood' weaves together elements of gothic horror, family curses, and supernatural occurrences, creating a complex and atmospheric tale that explores the impact of isolation, forbidden love, and the consequences of ancestral sins. Ward's writing style captivates readers with its meticulous research, strong character voices, and intricate plot that culminates in a haunting and symmetrical conclusion, making 'Rawblood' a compelling and eerie read.

Set in the early 1900s, "Wakenhyrst" by Michelle Paver is a gothic tale centered around Edmund Stearne and his daughter Maud. The story unfolds in an ivy shrouded English manor at the edge of a wild, marshy fen, where family secrets, folklore, and medieval history intertwine. As Maud navigates the repressive environment created by her father's obsessions and deteriorating mental state, she uncovers hidden truths and unravels her father's madness. The narrative seamlessly weaves between Maud's perspective and Edmund's diaries, building towards a climax that reveals the dark forces at play in the house and the fen.

The Hidden People by Alison Littlewood is a novel set in the 1870s that revolves around the murder of a young woman named Lizzie Higgs, mistaken for a fairy changeling by her husband and neighbors. The London cousin of Lizzie, Albie Mirralls, travels to Yorkshire to investigate her death, encountering a village deeply entrenched in ancient superstitions. The book combines genres like crime, fantasy, horror, and psychological thriller while exploring themes of rationality vs. superstition, gender roles, and class distinctions.

Set in a creepy Victorian-era estate, "The Silent Companions" follows Elsie Bainbridge, a young widow who discovers eerie wooden figures that seem to have a life of their own. As Elsie delves into the secrets of the house, she uncovers a history of supernatural occurrences and dark mysteries spanning centuries. The narrative shifts between different time periods, weaving a tale of suspense, horror, and family secrets that keep the reader on edge. Laura Purcell's writing style is described as atmospheric, vivid, and slow-burning, creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the book.

Sarah Perry's 'Melmoth' is a haunting tale that weaves together the stories of translator Helen Franklin and her encounters with the mythical figure of Melmoth. Set in Prague, the novel delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and human brokenness, as Helen is drawn into the dark legend of Melmoth, a ghostly woman who bears witness to the cruelty of humanity throughout history. Through accounts of various characters who have crossed paths with Melmoth, the narrative unfolds in a blend of present-day events and historical tales, building towards a powerful and evocative ending that leaves the reader haunted by the characters' stories.