Books Like In The Dark

Agatha Christie perfected the murder mystery formula by using secluded locations where groups of people find themselves stranded while being stalked by a killer. Over the years, many other authors have successfully used this popular trope. For example, In The Dark by Loreth Anne White features a secluded mountain lodge where all contact with the outside world is cut off due to a fierce storm. It is supposed to be the perfect getaway, but the eight guests who find themselves trapped there all have something to hide and something to fear. For more books featuring mysterious killer stalking guests in secluded locations, check out the following books like In The Dark.ShiverBy Allie ReynoldsThe setting for Shiver by Allie Reynolds is the cozy ski resort of Le Rocher in the French Alps. The protagonist, Milla, accepts an off-season invitation to the resort for an intimate weekend of catching up with four of her old friends who she hasn’t seen in a decade. They all bonded on the mountain during a winter they spent training there for an elite snowboarding competition. Unfortunately, when Milla and her friends arrive at the resort, they find it completely deserted, and the cable cars, which are the only way to reach the mountaintop, stop. Escape seems impossible with their cell phones missing and a looming snowstorm on the horizon. Even worse, the group finds detailed instructions inside the hotel for a game designed to draw out their secrets. This game also reminds them of the sixth member of their group who vanished the morning of the competition all those years ago and was presumed to be dead.    The Decagon House MurdersBy Yukito AyatsujiThe Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji takes readers to the remote island of Tsunojima, which is only accessible by a tiny inlet. The island also has no electricity or telephones, but it is the location of an eerie 10-sided house where a spate of murders took place. This house draws the curiosity of a university detective-fiction club, where each member has a nickname based on a favorite crime writer. They plan to spend a week on the island but soon find themselves picked off one by one.   The SanatoriumBy Sarah PearseSarah Pearse uses an imposing, isolated getaway spot high up in the Swiss Alps as the setting for The Sanatorium. Le Sommet has always been a sinister place, but the former abandoned sanatorium has since been renovated and turned into a five-star minimalist hotel. Here, half-hidden by forest and overshadowed by threatening peaks, Elin Warner finds herself attending the celebrations for her estranged brother’s engagement. Elin is a detective, so upon arriving in the middle of a threatening storm, she immediately feels on edge about the hotel. Her instincts turn out to be good as the bride-to-be is missing in the morning, and the storm has closed all access to the hotel. As the guests panic, they turn to Elin to find her, not knowing how much danger they are all really in.  The Greek Island KillerBy Frances Lloyd The Greek Island Killer by Frances Lloyd takes place on a tiny Greek island where Detective Inspector Jack Dawes, his bride Corrie, and eight other holidaymakers head for some sun, sea, and sand. Unfortunately, the island is cut off from civilization when a storm destroys the primitive communications. Soon afterward, the bodies begin piling up as the island’s visitors are picked off one by one. It is up to Jack to uncover the truth, or there will be no hope that anyone will return home.   Ten Dead ComediansBy Fred Van LenteAn island retreat owned by a legendary Hollywood funnyman is the stage for Ten Dead Comedians by Fred Van Lente. It is here that Dustin Walker summons nine comedians of various acclaim. They all arrive via boat but find that not only is the island deserted, but there is also no cell phone service or Wi-Fi signal. Then, just when the marooned comedians think things can’t get any worse, they find themselves being murdered one by one without knowing who the killer is or their motive.  Ten By Gretchen McNeilTen by Gretchen McNeil features ten teens heading to an exclusive house party on Henry Island for three days. Amongst them are best friends Meg and Minnie, who are drawn there by the prospect of boys, booze, and fun-filled luxury. Unfortunately, the fun dies down with the discovery of a DVD containing a sinister message promising vengeance. The teens also find themselves cut off from the outside world when a storm begins to rage, leaving them with no escape when a mysterious killer starts picking them off one by one.  Nine Man’s MurderBy Eric KeithIn Nine Man’s Murder by Eric Keith, the setting is an isolated vacation home where a snowstorm traps nine Damien Anderson’s Detective Training Agency graduates. The group was supposed to assemble for a class reunion but couldn’t find their elusive host. He is eventually discovered dead in a closet, and then mayhem ensues as the mysterious killer begins stalking the guests, too. It soon becomes apparent that the murderer must be one of the nine as the killings continue despite locked doors and windows.