Read-a-Likes

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova @VPL | WorldCat

Our main character finds a strange letter and this discovery leads to uncover a world of secrets and evil that challenges her understanding of her parents and her own life. Her father, a historian, tells her of his travels around Europe to research the force behind this letter even though he knew the answer is an ancient, dark power best left alone. This haunting, suspenseful novel takes us back to otherworldly, bloodthirsty, and so very compelling vampire stories like Dracula. Winner of the Quill Book Awards Debut Author of the Year.

Both books are richly detailed stories that focus on academics caught up in supernatural forces and a life changing mystery.

The Fountain (Movie) @VPL | WorldCat

In this visually rich film, three timelines occur simultaneously as a man struggles to serve his queen, save his wife, and reach enlightenment. It is both multi-perspective and not since the man and woman may or not be the same while the time period is significantly different in each layer of the story. Focusing on the concept of eternal life, The Fountain is a story of grief and forgiveness that unfolds through time and space. The score heads achieve the bittersweet, otherworldly atmosphere. Fun fact - all special effects are created by enlarging chemical and organic processes.

Like the All Souls Trilogy, The Fountain is a beautiful, heartfelt story that deals with the reality of life and death.

The Taker by Alma Katsu, Book 1 of the Taker Trilogy @VPL | WorldCat

On a silent, snowy night, a young woman is found wandering the highway, covered in blood. Luke, the doctor on-call finds her strangely alluring as, after a few mysterious exchanges, she begins to tell her dark tale. The blood is from a man she just murdered, a man she has loved for more than a hundred years. Told with Katsu's mesmerizing, poetic writing, this multi-perspective tale is a haunting story of jealousy, betrayal, and love that goes beyond time.

Both stories weave through time and reveal supernatural creatures in the modern world.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown @VPL | WorldCat

Robert Langdon, Harvard symbologist, is called to Paris to help solve an unusual murder that features a strange symbol. He and French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, begin to uncover an unnerving, even shocking secret. The mystery is fast-paced and the rich descriptive passages make this a fascinating blend of fact and fiction. Winner of numerous awards.

These books have a similar blend of suspenseful mystery and rich historical detail that revolves around the study of symbols.

The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston @VPL | WorldCat

Through witch trials, wars, and pestilence, the ageless witch Bess has survived since the 1600s and needs to once again stand against the ruthless warlock Gideon. This character-driven story is a compelling and atmospheric treat that rolls through time as Bess recounts her experiences to Tess, the teenage girl she loves like a daughter.

Both books follow witches that fight dark wizards and guard sacred mysteries through the ages.

The Dark Highlander by Karen Marie Moning, audiobook read by Phil Gigante @VPL | WorldCat

Chloe had no idea what she was in for when she was tasked to deliver an ancient text to a mysterious, wealthy, and undeniably attractive patron of the museum. All too soon, this fast-paced, suspenseful romance takes us to the Scottish Highlands to uncover the mysteries of the past. This is book 5 of Moning's Highlander series, but can be enjoyed as a stand alone. The audiobook is well read by Phil Gigante with a rough and delightful Scottish accent. Winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, Mainstream.

Both main characters are strong women driven by curiosity and the men are dark, dangerous, and irresistible.

Possession by A.S. Byatt @VPL | WorldCat

This thought provoking, character-driven story follows Rolland, an academic focused on a 19th-century writer, when he finds a letter meant for an unnamed woman and begins the complex search for more information. The lyrical and richly detailed romance is an intricately plotted story you will savour to the last page.

Winner of numerous awards including the Man Booker Prize.

These are richly detailed stories that follow academics navigating love and mystery.