Discover books similar to "The Pure in Heart"

Susan Hill

The Pure in Heart

3.93

"The Pure in Heart" by Susan Hill is a gripping and atmospheric crime novel that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. This book is the second in Hill's series featuring detective Simon Serrailler, but it can also be read as a standalone novel. The story begins with the brutal murder of a young girl in Lafferton, a cathedral city in the English countryside. Serrailler is called in to head up the investigation, and he quickly becomes consumed by the case. As he delves deeper into the murder, he discovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy the fabric of the community. One of the strengths of "The Pure in Heart" is Hill's ability to create a sense of place. Lafferton is a vividly realized setting, and the reader feels fully immersed in the world of the novel. Hill also excels at characterization, and Serrailler is a complex and compelling protagonist. He is a skilled detective, but he is also haunted by his past and struggling with personal demons. The plot of "The Pure in Heart" is masterfully constructed, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Hill is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects, and the novel deals with themes of violence, abuse, and corruption. However, the book is not gratuitous or exploitative – Hill handles these topics with sensitivity and nuance. Overall, "The Pure in Heart" is a brilliant crime novel that combines a gripping plot with complex characters and a vividly realized setting. It is a thought-provoking and engaging read that will appeal to fans of authors like Tana French and Kate Atkinson. Highly recommended...

List of books similar to "The Pure in Heart":

Sarah Waters

The Little Stranger

Fans of Susan Hill's 'The Pure in Heart' will enjoy this chilling ghost story by Sarah Waters. Set in a crumbling English mansion in the aftermath of World War II, The Little Stranger explores the complex relationships between the Ayres family and their mysterious new servant, as well as the dark secrets that lie at the heart of the house.

Learn More

Shirley Jackson

The Haunting of Hill House

If you enjoyed the eerie atmosphere and psychological tension of 'The Pure in Heart', you'll love this classic horror novel by Shirley Jackson. The Haunting of Hill House tells the story of four strangers who are invited to stay in a haunted mansion, only to find themselves drawn into a terrifying world of supernatural forces and psychological torment.

Learn More

Daphne du Maurier

Rebecca

Like 'The Pure in Heart', Rebecca is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the themes of identity, memory, and obsession. The novel tells the story of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower and moves into his estate, only to find herself haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca.

Learn More

Henry James

The Turn of the Screw

Fans of Susan Hill's 'The Pure in Heart' will appreciate the subtle horror and psychological complexity of this classic novella by Henry James. The Turn of the Screw tells the story of a governess who is hired to care for two orphaned children in a remote English country house, only to find herself haunted by the ghosts of their former governess and her lover.

Learn More

Susan Hill

The Woman in Black

If you loved 'The Pure in Heart', you'll definitely want to read Susan Hill's other classic ghost story, The Woman in Black. Set in a remote English village, the novel tells the story of a young solicitor who is sent to settle the affairs of a deceased client, only to find himself confronted by a vengeful ghost.

Learn More

Donna Tartt

The Secret History

Like 'The Pure in Heart', The Secret History is a psychological thriller that explores the dark secrets and hidden desires of a group of young people. Set in a prestigious New England college, the novel tells the story of a group of classics students who become embroiled in a deadly scandal.

Learn More

Laura Purcell

The Silent Companions

Fans of Susan Hill's 'The Pure in Heart' will enjoy this chilling ghost story by Laura Purcell. Set in a crumbling English mansion in the 19th century, the novel tells the story of a young widow who discovers a series of eerie painted wooden figures, only to find herself haunted by their silent presence.

Learn More

Sarah Perry

The Essex Serpent

If you enjoyed the historical setting and richly drawn characters of 'The Pure in Heart', you'll love this atmospheric novel by Sarah Perry. Set in Victorian England, The Essex Serpent tells the story of a young widow who becomes obsessed with the legend of a mythical sea creature, only to find herself drawn into a web of intrigue and romance.

Learn More