Books Like...

A Sicilian Romance by Ann Radcliffe is a gothic romance novel set in a mysterious and eerie Sicilian castle. The story revolves around the unhappy love romances of the daughters of the castle, filled with elements like ruined wings, hidden passages, mysterious lights, and ghostly secrets. The plot takes unexpected turns, incorporating standard tropes of the gothic genre such as suspenseful moments, ghostly apparitions, and tragic love stories set in exotic Sicily. The writing style reflects the author's Gothic influences, with dreamlike descriptions of landscapes, fainting women, handsome heroes, and dastardly villains.

'The Dwelling' by Susie Moloney is a haunting tale set in a house on 362 Belisle Street, where the house itself is as much a character as the people residing in it. The story follows different residents who experience supernatural events and are haunted by the memories and fears inflicted by the house. The plot weaves together multiple storylines of various characters, exploring their lives before, during, and after their time at the eerie dwelling, creating a mysterious and chilling atmosphere that captivates the readers.

The writing style of Susie Moloney in 'The Dwelling' is described as superb, with vivid descriptions, well-crafted characters, and a narrative that delves into both the human emotions and the supernatural elements of the haunted house. keeps readers engaged with its spooky ambiance, intricate plot lines, and a blend of personal storytelling involving the characters and the enigmatic presence of the house, making it a compelling and memorable read.

'Who Was Changed and Who Was Dead' by Barbara Comyns is a darkly comedic novel set in a small English village plagued by a mysterious illness following a devastating flood. The story revolves around the eccentric Willoweed family, ruled by the malevolent Grandmother Willoweed, and their interactions with the quirky villagers as they navigate madness, death, and bizarre occurrences. Comyns' writing style is described as unflinching, deadpan, and filled with moments of both macabre humor and tragedy, creating a unique blend of grotesque imagery and unexpected plot twists.

"Jamaica Inn" by Daphne du Maurier is a gothic novel set in Cornwall, featuring the young protagonist Mary Yellan who goes to live with her aunt and uncle at the eerie Jamaica Inn after her mother's death. The inn, once a respectable place, is now home to evil deeds and mysterious characters like smugglers and thieves. Mary uncovers dark secrets and must navigate through a suspenseful and atmospheric plot filled with danger and intrigue. The writing style is described as suspenseful, dark, and powerful, with vivid descriptions of the Cornish moors and a gothic atmosphere reminiscent of classic literature.

'My Cousin Rachel' by Daphne du Maurier is a psychological thriller set in the 19th century, revolving around the protagonist Philip Ashley who becomes infatuated with his cousin Rachel after his guardian Ambrose's mysterious death. The story is narrated through Philip's perspective, portraying his obsession and paranoia towards Rachel, leading to a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and manipulation. The atmospheric and suspenseful writing style of du Maurier keeps the reader engaged, with a slow burn narrative that gradually unravels the mysteries surrounding the characters.

The Third Hotel is a multi-layered and strange novel about a woman named Clare who sees her dead husband while in Cuba for a film festival. Clare, grieving the recent death of her husband, embarks on a journey to Havana where she encounters strange apparitions and experiences that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. The plot tends to go round and round, focusing on Clare's increasing difficulties in discerning what is real and what is not, ultimately leaving readers questioning what truly happened in the story.

"Bitter Orange" by Claire Fuller is a haunting and foreboding story narrated by an old, dying woman named Frances. She finds herself entangled with a mysterious couple, Cara and Peter, at the crumbling English countryside mansion, Lyntons. As Frances's hazy memories unfurl, the lies blur with truth, revealing surprising twists and an intriguing mystery. The character development is effective, making the storyline feel authentic, with a lush and evocative writing style that brings the setting alive.

Frances, a socially maladjusted loner, becomes obsessed with Cara and Peter, leading to a heartbreaking and tragic conclusion. The narrative, set in the summer of 1969, slowly builds tension and suspense as Frances, Peter, and Cara explore the secrets of Lyntons. delves into themes of obsession, loneliness, and guilt, with a slow burn thriller style that keeps readers hooked till the end.

Valeria, a determined and strong-willed woman, marries a man under false pretenses only to uncover his dark secret of being accused of murdering his first wife. Despite societal expectations, Valeria sets out to clear her husband's name and unravel the mysteries surrounding his past. The narrative weaves together elements of identity, crime, social justice, and gender roles in Victorian society, creating a compelling and twisty tale filled with eccentric characters like Miserrimus Dexter and Major FitzDavid.

'Sanctuary' by William Faulkner is a dark and controversial novel set in the Southern society of post-Civil War America. The story follows the character Temple Drake, a young college girl from a prominent Mississippi family, who becomes a victim of rape and is later kidnapped to a brothel in Memphis. The plot unfolds with gritty themes of crime, guilt, deception, and the disintegrating psyche of the characters involved. Faulkner's signature writing style, a mix of brutal realism and transcendent lyricism, immerses readers in a narrative that explores the dark underbelly of small-town Mississippi, blending elements of horror and sensuality.

'The Bird's Nest' by Shirley Jackson is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of a woman, Elizabeth, who suffers from multiple personalities. The novel follows Elizabeth as she navigates her different personas - the meek Elizabeth, the polite and happy Beth, and the angry and funny Betsy - while dealing with a mysterious past and the interventions of her psychiatrist, Dr. Wright. Shirley Jackson's writing style in this book is described as subtle, clear, and precise, with a creepy undertone that adds to the disorienting and eerie atmosphere of the story.