I’ve been working on a new series where I give book recommendations for specific tropes/themes in books. This first round is for 5 books with captivating, atmospheric settings.

1. City of Ghosts (Cassidy Blake #1) by Victoria Schwab

Edinburgh, Scotland

This is a middle grade paranormal fantasy about a girl, Cassidy, who’s parents are ghost hunters. They get a filming opportunity and whisk her off to Edinburgh, Scotland. And oh man, I fell in love with this city while reading this. Schwab captures the historic and haunted feeling so perfectly.

2. The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

 

This story takes place in the fictional, cursed town of Sparrow just off the coast of Oregon. The setting of this really felt like it was a character all it’s own. Ernshaw built such a sense of foreboding through the setting. The water, mists, night all felt dangerous. This is one of my favorite spooky settings of all time.

3. Scream All Night by Derek Milman

 

This is my favorite book setting of all time. This takes place at the filming location for cult-classic B horror films. And it is so well developed and executed. This castle feels alive – the rooms are always changing, it’s dark, dreary, but full of eclectic characters. This is one of those locations that you start to forget isn’t real.

4. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

 

This setting really is a character all it’s own. The sleepy town of Henrietta, Virginia is full of magic and secrets. And this is another one that makes you forget this isn’t a place you can actually visit. And mixing the town of Henrietta with the wonder of Cabeswater makes for one of the most magical literary settings.

5. The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware

 

Ruth Ware is an expert and building a suspenseful, eerie atmosphere. This takes place at a creepy mansion in the rainy, UK countryside. And while is a realistic thriller, you can’t help but question in the house is haunted. There are endless, dusty rooms, barred windows, and the creepiest attic ever. From start to finish I was completely entranced by this setting.

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What are some of your favorite atmospheric, bookish settings??

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