20 Books Similar to Where the Crawdads Sing: Mystery Stories

Are you an addicted lover of mystery novels in terms of thought-provoking fiction? Books similar to Where the Crawdads Sing will create curiosity and impatience among you. Where the Crawdads Sing, penned by Delia Owens, has sold out in millions. There is no doubt that literary fiction novels are full of enigmas that novelists and readers admire.

“Where the Crawdads Sing” novel is a coming-of-age tale that describes the transitional change in the age of the characters in the plot’s narration. The article describes more interesting literary pieces that will arouse your sense of curiosity, love, sympathy, and interest. 

20 Books Similar to Where the Crawdads Sing

The stories given below are similar in literary taste to the Where the Crawdads Sing novel. You can enjoy similar novels by reading here, which will ultimately compel you to buy them.

The Good Dream

The Good Dream is a novel of redemption that shows the social dilemma with something to expect better written by Donna VanLiere. The novel is set in a fictional area of calmness where a boy is a victim of sexual abuse and looking to get free from the curse. The lady, who is suffering from isolation and facing the trauma of her parent’s death, finds a boy in serious trouble.

When Ivorie ventures beyond her familiar boundaries in search of the truth, she ignites a short-lived in a town that prefers its secrets remain hidden. She decides to free the innocent boy who suffered from sexual abuse. Donna VanLiere masterfully delivers an emotional tale of recovery and the profound essence of family love in this exceptional narrative.

The Silent Patient

The Silent Patient novel will take you into the world of absolute psychological fantasy with thrilling storytelling. The author Alex Michaelides’ The Silent Patient is a fascinating psychological thriller centering on Alicia Berenson, who murders her husband and subsequently falls silent. 

The novel is filled with surprising twists and a captivating storyline; this novel will keep you thrilled. The Silent Patient delivers an intricate narrative with a compelling plot, fascinating mystery, and well-drawn characters, making it an expertly crafted read.

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance unfolds Weylyn Grey’s life through the eyes of those who knew, loved, and sometimes found him downright odd. Even though he doesn’t remain long in their lives, each person he encounters is left with a unique story. Ruth Emmie Lang’s novel beautifully illustrates themes of adventure and love, set against a backdrop of nature and wonder.

My Absolute Darling

Written by Gabriel Tallent, My Absolute Darling is a novel of admiration by literary critics in terms of storytelling that shows the intense interaction between Martin and Turtle. My Absolute Darling novel is about psychological fiction that captivates readers with its exploration of the human psyche, delving into the complexities of thought, emotion, and perception. 

Turtle and Martin’s love interact when they try to understand each other. Their closeness becomes obvious and interesting, adding a twist to the story. Tension builds through psychological suspense, keeping readers on edge as they uncover the psychological depths of the narrative. In this psychological fiction, the mind becomes both the battleground and the reserve, where the truths lie hidden within the labyrinth of consciousness.

Bloodroot

Bloodroot is a classical masterpiece by Amy Greene that includes romance and mystery. Named after a flower with blood-red sap that has the dual ability to heal and poison, “Bloodroot” is an impressive first literary masterpiece.

The novel delves into the enduring legacies of magic and madness, faith and secrets, passion and loss that plague a family through generations, spanning from the Great Depression to the present day. It describes the story of a lady who has mysterious eyes and is raised in a serene place. 

Where the Line Bleeds

Jesmyn Ward’s first novel, “Where the Line Bleeds” (2008), centers on twin brothers fighting to survive and find employment in the remote forests of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, a place with limited job opportunities and a close-knit community. 

By the story’s conclusion, Joshua urges Christophe to straighten out his life. Key themes in the novel include disappointment, the impact of drugs, the acceptance of responsibilities, inherent personal strengths and weaknesses, and working-class struggles.

Educated

“Educated” by Tara Westover is a memoir detailing the author’s path from growing up in a homeschooling survivalist family in Idaho to earning a PhD at Cambridge. It’s a fascinating tale of self-discovery, questioning long-held beliefs, and seeking one’s own truth. 

This compelling memoir delves into themes of family, education, self-discovery, and the lasting influence of one’s childhood. Tara Westover’s transformation from a secluded, uneducated background to achieving academic excellence and personal growth offers a thought-provoking and inspiring story.

Saving Ruby King

“Saving Ruby King”: Catherine Adel West’s Tribute to Chicago is a Tale of Redemption. Following the murder of Alice King in her South Side Chicago home, her daughter Ruby is overwhelmed by the prospect of staying with her father in a house filled with hidden dysfunction and abuse.

“Saving Ruby King” is a poignant and insightful story about race, redemption, family secrets, and beliefs. This memorable debut novel from a promising new fiction author is a powerful reminder that history doesn’t dictate the present and that the bonds of friendship can profoundly influence the future.

The Great Alone

The Great Alone novel is written by Kristin Hannah, where a home returned from the Vietnam War as a former POW, Ernt Allbright, undergoes a profound transformation, becoming a volatile and unpredictable man. After losing yet another job, he impulsively decides to relocate his family north to Alaska, intending to live off the network in America’s final boundary.

The title, “The Great Alone,” hints at the theme of isolation explored in the novel. This isolation manifests both literally, with many characters lying in remote locations, and metaphorically, as they grapple with feelings of loneliness and disconnection from society.

Everything I Never Told You

Everything I Never Told You is a fascinating novel that unveils the enigma surrounding a young girl’s demise while delving into the intricate web of family dynamics and the burden of concealed realities.

The novel, set against the backdrop of the 1970s, probes themes of identity, acceptance, and the struggle to meet societal standards. The primary takeaway from “Everything I Never Told You” centers on the repercussions of hidden truths and the intricate nature of familial bonds.

Furious Hours

Furious Hours is a thrilling novel story written by Casey Cep. Reverend Willie Maxwell, a country preacher, faced accusations of murdering five family members for insurance payouts during the 1970s. Escaping the law with the aid of a sharp attorney, he remained free until a relative fatally shot him at the funeral of his final victim.

Casey Cep’s “Furious Hours” delves into Harper Lee’s journey and her endeavor to craft a true-crime narrative. It illuminates facets of race dynamics, the eerie feel of Southern Gothic culture, and insights into Lee’s private world. If you want to unveil more similar books to Where the Crawdads Sing, then read this novel.

The Scent Keeper

In The Scent Keeper novel, Erica Bauermeister, acclaimed for her bestseller “The School of Essential Ingredients,” delivers emotions and dealings centered on childhood tales, rediscovered families, and the transformative power of memories.

Emmeline enjoys a magical upbringing on a secluded island under her father’s guidance, where she learns about nature through her senses. Yet, he remains silent about the enigmatic fragrances stored in their cabin’s drawers or the origin of the mysterious source of production.

Realizing they only have each other, Emmeline and Fisher return to Secret Cove to embark on their shared journey. Years later, pregnant Emmeline informs her narrative to her unborn child, weaving the previous experience and further prospects.

The Four Winds

In “The Four Winds,” readers are transported to the Dust Bowl, where Elsa Martinelli resides with her in-laws, alcoholic husband, and two young children. Fighting against adversity on all fronts, mentally, emotionally, and physically, Elsa is faced with difficult decisions for the sake and welfare of her children.

As the Great Depression plunges into one of its darkest phases, the relentless fury of the Dust Bowl era descends upon the land. During this unrestrained and perilous period, Elsa Martinelli, much like her fellow citizens, challenges a trauma: to defend the cherished soil or venture westward to California in pursuit of a brighter future.

Normal People

Normal People, written by Sally Rooney, reflects themes of closeness, friendship, and relationships. The novel unveils that Marianne, from a privileged background, thrives at university, blossoming into a popular figure. 

While Connell grapples with fitting in for the first time, facing challenges among his peers, paths intersect throughout their college years, forging a deep connection that lays bare their vulnerabilities and past wounds.

“Normal People” delves into the core theme of relationships and their profound impact on personal identity. It scrutinizes how Marianne and Connell’s dynamic as partners and individuals shapes their understanding of themselves and their societal role.

Class and social standing emerge as prominent themes in the novel, where Connell hails from a working-class context, and Marianne comes from a wealthy lineage. Enjoying more books similar to Where the Crawdads Sing will be a great experience for you after reading The Normal People.

My Abandonment

Peter Rock’s novel “My Abandonment” (2009) offers a fictionalized narrative based on the real-life abduction of 13-year-old Caroline in the wooded expanse of Oregon. Seized by her father in her youth, Caroline grows up in a cave, subsisting on meager food and water provisions.

Despite Portland’s reputation as a compassionate and progressive city, its social workers go to great lengths, even relocating Caroline and her father to a farm, as depicted in the film adaptation. However, the father and daughter vanish from the farm, disappearing without a trace.

The Kingdoms of Savannah

The Kingdoms of Savannah is a mystery novel based on a detective story written by George Dawes Green. Morgana, characterized by her authoritative nature and manipulative schemes, enlists the reluctant aid of her four adult children in her relentless pursuit of truth. 

As they become entangled in her investigation, unsettling revelations come to light revelations that threaten to upset Savannah’s established power dynamics.

In his celebrated novel “The Kingdoms of Savannah,” George Dawes Green sheds light on this covert stronghold. Yet, this tale transcends fiction; it is a narrative grounded in reality, similar to many untold stories of Black resilience. Despite this, the fortress site remains largely unexplored by archaeologists.

Silent Winds, Dry Seas

“Silent Winds, Dry Seas” marks a grand entrance into the literary world, delving into the personal journey of a young Mauritian, tracing their quest for autonomy and achievement among the legacy of Indian laborers on the island.

This poetic and resonant novel encapsulates the essence of identity and locale, exploring the enduring impact of colonialism, the interplay between tradition and modernity, and the complexities of migration. It vividly portrays the sacrifices a family is willing to make to ensure the flourishing of its offspring.

The Glass Castle

Jeannette Walls penned the memoir “The Glass Castle,” reporting her upbringing with her alcoholic father, Rex, and her unconventional, neglectful mother, Rose Mary, alongside her siblings Lori, Brian, and Maureen.

Throughout Jeannette’s youth, her father’s ambition to construct the Glass Castle serves as a beacon of hope for the family, and for Jeannette, it embodies her idolization of him. However, as she matures, the castle transforms into a symbol of his unfulfilled promises.

Walls’ memoir “The Glass Castle” has garnered widespread readership and critical acclaim, praised for its nuanced portrayal of the highs and lows of her childhood experiences.

Before We Were Yours

“Before We Were Yours” narrates the harrowing tale of a family shattered by the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, an actual orphanage notorious for its abduction and mistreatment of children over several decades. The novel exposes emotional secrets and the unwavering resilience of familial ties through alternating timelines.

By drawing inspiration from a notorious American scandal, Lisa Wingate’s compelling narrative unveils the dark legacy of Georgia Tann, who orchestrated the abduction and trafficking of underprivileged children for profit, leaving a permanent mark on countless lives.

The Girl You Killed

In The Girl You Killed novel, the idyllic existence of a marine biologist is shattered when her spouse is caught up in a homicide, thrusting her into the spotlight of a widely inspected trial that lays bare her connections and challenges investigators and public perception.

Andi finds herself at the center of attention, her personal connections laid bare and dissected amid a sensationalized legal spectacle that captivates online audiences. As scrutiny intensifies, the enigmatic aspect of Andrea’s life challenges resolution by both investigators and public conjecture.

About Where the Crawdads Sing

The novel “Where The Crawdads Sing” narrative centers on Kya, a young girl abandoned by her family, who learns to navigate the vast marshlands of North Carolina. However, when a local boy is discovered dead, suspicion falls squarely on Kya.

The story unfolds through two timelines: one tracing Kya’s coming-of-age journey in the marshlands and the other following the investigation into the untimely demise of Chase Andrews, a prominent figure in the fictional coastal town of Barkley Cove.

As Kya grapples with her solitary existence, she seeks solace and nutrition from the natural world surrounding her. Grieving familial support from a tender age, Kya forges a profound connection with the land and water, carving out an appearance of home among her stark circumstances.

Conclusion

In short, these are some of the best books similar to Where the Crawdads Sing that let you enjoy fantasy fiction. The novels contain various psychological thrillers with some complicated stories. You can delve into the detective stories if you love the mysterious fiction. 

These stories embark you in a fantasy world where secrets, unveiling, and challenges are central. You can read books similar to Where the Crawdads Sing Reddit to enjoy the plot of your own choice. Moreover, after reading the summaries, you will definitely be able to make any judgmental analysis of the novels.