Discover books similar to "The Paying Guests"
Sarah Waters
The Paying Guests
"The Paying Guests" by Sarah Waters is a gripping and atmospheric novel set in post-World War I London. The book tells the story of Frances Wray, a young woman who, after the death of her father and brother, is left to care for her mother and their crumbling family home. Unable to maintain their once-prosperous household, the Wrays are forced to take in lodgers, or "paying guests," in the form of the young and glamorous Lilian and Leonard Barber. As the two families become increasingly entwined, a slow-burning romance develops between Frances and Lilian, leading to a series of events that threaten to destroy them all. The novel explores themes of class, sexuality, and the lingering effects of war, as the characters grapple with their own desires and the societal expectations placed upon them. Waters is known for her meticulous historical research and richly drawn characters, and "The Paying Guests" is no exception. The author's attention to detail brings 1920s London to life, from the fashion and decor to the politics and social mores of the time. The prose is lush and evocative, with a sense of foreboding that builds to a thrilling and unexpected climax. Overall, "The Paying Guests" is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, romance, and psychological thrillers. It is a testament to Waters' skill as a writer that she is able to create such a vivid and immersive world, and to populate it with characters who are both relatable and compelling. Whether you're a longtime fan of Sarah Waters or new to her work, "The Paying Guests" is a novel that is not to be missed.
List of books similar to "The Paying Guests":
Donna Tartt
The Secret History
If you enjoyed the intricate plotting and atmospheric setting of 'The Paying Guests', you'll love 'The Secret History'. This psychological thriller follows a group of classics students at a small college in Vermont who become increasingly obsessed with recreating the rituals of ancient Greek culture. When a murder occurs, the group must work to cover it up, leading to a tense and suspenseful narrative.
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Sarah Waters
The Little Stranger
For fans of Sarah Waters's gothic and suspenseful writing style, 'The Little Stranger' is a must-read. The novel is set in a crumbling English mansion and follows a doctor who becomes increasingly entwined in the lives of the family who lives there. As strange occurrences begin to happen, the doctor must uncover the truth behind the haunting.
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Kate Morton
The House at Riverton
If you enjoyed the historical setting and family drama of 'The Paying Guests', you'll love 'The House at Riverton'. The novel follows a young woman named Grace who is invited to a grand estate in the English countryside for a summer. As she becomes embroiled in the lives of the aristocratic family who lives there, a tragic event from the past is revealed, leading to a gripping and emotional narrative.
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Sarah Perry
The Essex Serpent
For those who enjoyed the historical fiction and sense of place in 'The Paying Guests', 'The Essex Serpent' is a great choice. The novel is set in Victorian England and follows a young widow named Cora who becomes fascinated by the legend of a mythical creature living in the Essex marshes. As she investigates the legend, she becomes entwined in the lives of the local community and a charismatic vicar, leading to a complex and thought-provoking narrative.
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Erin Kelly
The Poison Tree
If you enjoyed the psychological suspense of 'The Paying Guests', you'll love 'The Poison Tree'. The novel follows a young woman named Karen who becomes entangled in a dangerous friendship with a charismatic and manipulative man named Rex. As their relationship becomes increasingly toxic, a tragic event occurs, leading to a tense and suspenseful narrative.
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Laura Purcell
The Silent Companions
For fans of gothic horror and atmospheric settings, 'The Silent Companions' is a great choice. The novel is set in a crumbling English mansion and follows a young widow named Elsie who moves there with her new husband. As strange occurrences begin to happen, Elsie discovers a series of painted wooden figures that seem to be watching her, leading to a chilling and suspenseful narrative.
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Kate Morton
The Distant Hours
If you enjoyed the historical setting and family drama of 'The Paying Guests', you'll love 'The Distant Hours'. The novel follows a young woman named Edie who becomes fascinated by a mysterious old house and the family who lives there. As she uncovers the secrets of the past, she becomes increasingly entwined in their lives, leading to a complex and emotional narrative.
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Erika Swyler
The Book of Speculation
For fans of the gothic and mysterious elements of 'The Paying Guests', 'The Book of Speculation' is a great choice. The novel follows a young librarian named Simon who discovers a mysterious book that seems to be connected to his family's past. As he uncovers the secrets of the book, he becomes increasingly entangled in a world of circus performers, mermaids, and cursed families, leading to a chilling and suspenseful narrative.
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