46 books like Go to Hell

By Chuck Crisafulli, Kyra Thompson,

Here are 46 books that Go to Hell fans have personally recommended if you like Go to Hell. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of The Devil's Atlas: An Explorer's Guide to Heavens, Hells and Afterworlds

Erika Engelhaupt Author Of Go to Hell: A Traveler's Guide to Earth's Most Otherworldly Destinations

From my list on hell for the afterlife-curious.

Why am I passionate about this?

I became a science journalist because I’ve been fascinated by the natural world around me for as long as I can remember. I also always loved imagining another world or realm, ever since I first read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and The Wizard of Oz series as a child. So when I was writing my blog, Gory Details, at National Geographic, I naturally started to get curious about places around the world that are linked to legends of otherworldly realms. Now, as an author, I’ve had the chance to explore these places for myself, and I hope readers will enjoy going on the journey with me!

Erika's book list on hell for the afterlife-curious

Erika Engelhaupt Why did Erika love this book?

I was astonished when I opened this book and saw all the gorgeous art depicting heavens, hells, and afterlives from around the world. The colors and printing are lush, and it’s incredible to see everything from brightly colored Islamic art showing magnificent gardens of paradise to ancient illustrated manuscripts of Valhalla and mind-bending medieval portraits of Christian hell.

I also love the full, yet concise, descriptions of every hell, underworld, purgatory, and heaven that humans around the world and throughout history have imagined. I learned so much about the different cultures and religions through their visions of the afterlife, and all alongside the art depicting it. I feel like I got an art history class as a bonus!

By Edward Brooke-Hitching,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Devil's Atlas as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Packed with strange stories and spectacular illustrations, The Devil's Atlas leads you on an adventure through the afterlife, exploring the supernatural worlds of global cultures to form a fascinating traveler's guide quite unlike any other.

From the author of the critically acclaimed bestsellers The Phantom Atlas, The Sky Atlas, and The Madman's Library comes a unique and beautifully illustrated guide to the heavens, hells, and lands of the dead as imagined throughout history by cultures and religions around the world. Packed with colorful maps, paintings, and captivating stories, The Devil's Atlas is a compelling tour of the geography, history, and…


Book cover of Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife

Erika Engelhaupt Author Of Go to Hell: A Traveler's Guide to Earth's Most Otherworldly Destinations

From my list on hell for the afterlife-curious.

Why am I passionate about this?

I became a science journalist because I’ve been fascinated by the natural world around me for as long as I can remember. I also always loved imagining another world or realm, ever since I first read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and The Wizard of Oz series as a child. So when I was writing my blog, Gory Details, at National Geographic, I naturally started to get curious about places around the world that are linked to legends of otherworldly realms. Now, as an author, I’ve had the chance to explore these places for myself, and I hope readers will enjoy going on the journey with me!

Erika's book list on hell for the afterlife-curious

Erika Engelhaupt Why did Erika love this book?

I was so surprised to learn from this book how little the Bible actually focuses on heaven and hell, given how much emphasis I heard about them growing up. This book is written by a historian and scholar of early Christianity, and I found his analysis of the history of thought on heaven and hell and modern ideas about the afterlife to be thoughtful and thorough.

This book really made me think about the Christian ideas of heaven and hell in a new way.

By Bart D. Ehrman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Heaven and Hell as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A New York Times bestselling historian of early Christianity takes on two of the most gripping questions of human existence: where did the ideas of heaven and hell come from and why do they endure?

What happens when we die? A recent Pew Research poll showed that 72% of Americans believe in a literal heaven and 58% believe in a literal hell. Most people who hold these beliefs are Christian and assume they are the age-old teachings of the Bible. But eternal rewards and punishments are found nowhere in the Old Testament and are not what Jesus or his disciples…


Book cover of Why Hell Stinks of Sulfur: Mythology and Geology of the Underworld

Erika Engelhaupt Author Of Go to Hell: A Traveler's Guide to Earth's Most Otherworldly Destinations

From my list on hell for the afterlife-curious.

Why am I passionate about this?

I became a science journalist because I’ve been fascinated by the natural world around me for as long as I can remember. I also always loved imagining another world or realm, ever since I first read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and The Wizard of Oz series as a child. So when I was writing my blog, Gory Details, at National Geographic, I naturally started to get curious about places around the world that are linked to legends of otherworldly realms. Now, as an author, I’ve had the chance to explore these places for myself, and I hope readers will enjoy going on the journey with me!

Erika's book list on hell for the afterlife-curious

Erika Engelhaupt Why did Erika love this book?

I love the originality of this book—who ever would have thought to write about the geology of hell but a geologist? As a big-time nerd, I loved the deep dive into science, mixed with the stories and legends of people around the world.

I also enjoyed the author’s personal stories about visiting many of the places in the book, from the oilfields of Azerbaijan (and accompanying legends of the Zoroastrians) to the famed Greek river Acheron, said to carry the dead to the underworld. 

Book cover of 100 Places to See After You Die: A Travel Guide to the Afterlife

Erika Engelhaupt Author Of Go to Hell: A Traveler's Guide to Earth's Most Otherworldly Destinations

From my list on hell for the afterlife-curious.

Why am I passionate about this?

I became a science journalist because I’ve been fascinated by the natural world around me for as long as I can remember. I also always loved imagining another world or realm, ever since I first read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and The Wizard of Oz series as a child. So when I was writing my blog, Gory Details, at National Geographic, I naturally started to get curious about places around the world that are linked to legends of otherworldly realms. Now, as an author, I’ve had the chance to explore these places for myself, and I hope readers will enjoy going on the journey with me!

Erika's book list on hell for the afterlife-curious

Erika Engelhaupt Why did Erika love this book?

I laughed out loud several times reading this guide to the afterlife; who knew Jeopardy Champion and host Ken Jennings was so funny? I really felt his sense of wonder and excitement come through as he explores the various forms of heaven, hell, purgatory, and underworld that people have described over the course of human history, including plenty from modern pop culture.

It’s all done with a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor, like the “travel tips” for the newly dead who wakes up in an unexpected afterlife. It’s a light, fun read, and I liked that I could pick it up and read a short section at any time.

By Ken Jennings,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked 100 Places to See After You Die as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From New York Times bestselling author, legendary Jeopardy! champion, and host Ken Jennings comes a hilarious travel guide to the afterlife, exploring destinations to die for from literature, mythology, and pop culture ranging from Dante's Inferno to Hadestown to NBC's The Good Place.

Ever wonder which circles of Dante's Inferno have the nicest accommodations? Where's the best place to grab a bite to eat in the ancient Egyptian underworld? How does one dress like a local in the heavenly palace of Hinduism's Lord Vishnu, or avoid the flesh-eating river serpents in the Klingon afterlife? What hidden treasures can be found…


Book cover of A Wanderer in the Spirit Lands

Keefe R.D. Author Of Royal Arcanum

From my list on veracious fantasy and strange reality.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an Indonesian writer who loves the idea of supernatural fantasy. I’ve always liked daydreaming. It started when a story suddenly kept playing inside my head like a movie. And that story now became my first fantasy book, Royal Arcanum. Never I imagined I’ll be a full-time writer now. I feel blessed that my family supported my writing career.

Keefe's book list on veracious fantasy and strange reality

Keefe R.D. Why did Keefe love this book?

This book is very unique. Written through the psychic medium named Farnese in 1896. The spirit named Franchezzo told his experience in the afterlife. There is a fantasy and reality here. Even though we haven’t experienced death and don’t know how’s life in the afterlife, but I feel a strong connection with this book. I feel like I can believe everything this book depicted about the world on the other side.

By Franchezzo,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Wanderer in the Spirit Lands as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A supposed real life channeling about a slightly bad man who died, and starting his journey in the lower spirit realms, advancing his way into the higher. Once in the higher realms he joins a brotherhood who go deep into hell rescueing others who have changed and praying for rescue. This book gives a detailed glimpse into hell, what its like and its many levels. An entry level book for those who want to to know more of the spiritland structure.


Book cover of The Tibetan Book of the Dead: Bardo Thödol: Secrets of Life, Death, and Rebirth

Miriam Van Scott Author Of Bandun Gate

From my list on Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been intrigued by concepts of what happens after death, ignited by my religious schooling and fueled by afterlife stories from The Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, Tales from the Crypt, and similar works of fiction. In college I began studying interpretations of Heaven and Hell from literature, art, myth, music, and pop culture, and continued to pursue the topic in my early career. This fascination led to my first books, Encyclopedia of Hell and Encyclopedia of Heaven, and has inspired many of my other works. I continue to do research in the field of comparative afterlife theory, and never miss a chance to interview those with expertise in supernatural matters. 

Miriam's book list on Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife

Miriam Van Scott Why did Miriam love this book?

For insights into non-western afterlife theory, the Bardo Thodol offers a collection of texts covering aspects of death, reincarnation, and the ‘space’ in between. The work, which dates back to the 8th century, serves as a ‘guidebook’ on preparing the soul for its continuing journey, including advice on meditation, the six states of consciousness, death rituals, and the pursuit of karma. Over the centuries the Bardo Thodol has inspired numerous interpretations as well as literary works. Screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin, who spent time secluded in a Buddhist monastery, describes his film Jacob’s Ladder as a modern take on the ancient text. 

By Tibetan Yoga Academy,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Tibetan Book of the Dead as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Unravel the Secrets of Life, Death, and Rebirth with the Tibetan Book of the Dead!

Have you always been intrigued by rebirth, death, and the afterlife?

Immerse in a whole new dimension and explore life and death from a completely different perspective with this book!

The Tibetan Book of the Dead, also known as Bardo Thödol, is originally a funerary text recited to ease the consciousness of a recently deceased person through death and assist it into a favorable rebirth.

The idea of death, rebirth and the afterlife has been intriguing the human mind almost since the dawn of time.…


Book cover of Damned

Lee Darkin-Miller Author Of It's All About Teddy

From my list on comedy for smirks: edgy and irreverent reads.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m primarily a music composer for film and TV, but I’ve also ventured into filmmaking, with one of my films being featured at an international film festival, so my journey in storytelling spans many years, and comedy has always been at its heart. Growing up, my father worked as a pit musician, which gave me exposure to the comedy acts of the time. Humor was a constant in our home, so when I started writing fiction, it felt only natural my writing would find a home in comedy.

Lee's book list on comedy for smirks: edgy and irreverent reads

Lee Darkin-Miller Why did Lee love this book?

Madison Spencer is a fourteen-year-old girl who dies of a drug overdose, only to discover that she has been condemned to Hell. However, she soon realizes that the damned souls in Hell are not punished in the classic sense but are instead subjected to a monotonous, soul-crushing existence where they are forced to relive their worst experiences. With the help of a few allies she meets in Hell, Madison sets out to unravel the mysteries of her afterlife, challenge the status quo, and find a way to escape her eternal torment.

Yes, another dark comedy. But Chuck Palahniuk has a particular talent for taking what makes humans squirm and serving it with a wholesome dollop of relatable ontology. In Damned, he explores themes of the afterlife, societal norms, and human behavior, all set against the backdrop of a reimagined Hell. This Hell is not just a place of eternal suffering…

By Chuck Palahniuk,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Damned as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Are you there, Satan? It's me, Madison'

Meet Madison, whip-tongued daughter of a narcissistic film star and a billionaire, abandoned at a Swiss boarding school over Christmas while her parents are off adopting more orphans. Madison dies of a marijuana overdose and awakes to find herself in Hell, sharing her cell with a motley crew of young sinners that's almost too good to be true.

Welcome to the afterlife as only Palahniuk could imagine it - he makes eternal torment, well, simply divine.


Book cover of Hideaway

Miriam Van Scott Author Of Bandun Gate

From my list on Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been intrigued by concepts of what happens after death, ignited by my religious schooling and fueled by afterlife stories from The Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, Tales from the Crypt, and similar works of fiction. In college I began studying interpretations of Heaven and Hell from literature, art, myth, music, and pop culture, and continued to pursue the topic in my early career. This fascination led to my first books, Encyclopedia of Hell and Encyclopedia of Heaven, and has inspired many of my other works. I continue to do research in the field of comparative afterlife theory, and never miss a chance to interview those with expertise in supernatural matters. 

Miriam's book list on Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife

Miriam Van Scott Why did Miriam love this book?

Hideaway explores the question: what would happen if people who’ve had near-death experiences bring something back with them from the other side? Koontz offers two characters resuscitated after being clinically dead for more than half an hour, one who tastes Heaven while the other sees Hell. Is the carnage that follows the result of their angel/demon hitchhikers wreaking havoc among the living, or is something else at play? The novel offers unique perspective on the desire to return to the land of the dead, and how closely the forces of Heaven and Hell are linked to the realm of the living. 

By Dean Koontz,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hideaway as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Strange visions plague a man after he survives a near-death experience in this chilling thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.

Surviving a car accident on a snowy mountain road is miraculous for Lindsey Harrison, but even more so for her husband, Hatch, who was clinically dead for eighty minutes.

After experimental procedures bring Hatch back to life, he awakens with the terrifying feeling that something is it out there. But it soon becomes apparent that the evil stalking Hatch is within him-a dark force of murderous rage that hides within us all...


Book cover of The Great Divorce

Miriam Van Scott Author Of Bandun Gate

From my list on Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been intrigued by concepts of what happens after death, ignited by my religious schooling and fueled by afterlife stories from The Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, Tales from the Crypt, and similar works of fiction. In college I began studying interpretations of Heaven and Hell from literature, art, myth, music, and pop culture, and continued to pursue the topic in my early career. This fascination led to my first books, Encyclopedia of Hell and Encyclopedia of Heaven, and has inspired many of my other works. I continue to do research in the field of comparative afterlife theory, and never miss a chance to interview those with expertise in supernatural matters. 

Miriam's book list on Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife

Miriam Van Scott Why did Miriam love this book?

The Great Divorce is part allegory, part fantasy, part self-help, part cautionary tale as readers tag along on a bus ride from Hell to Heaven. Through the course of the journey, Lewis uses a fascinating variety of unique characters and strange situations to illustrate how individual perspective and personal choices determine how happy (or miserable) we humans are in this life, as well as what we can expect in the next. 

By C. S. Lewis,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Great Divorce as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce is a classic Christian allegorical tale about a bus ride from hell to heaven. An extraordinary meditation upon good and evil, grace and judgment, Lewis’s revolutionary idea in the The Great Divorce is that the gates of Hell are locked from the inside. Using his extraordinary descriptive powers, Lewis’ The Great Divorce will change the way we think about good and evil. 


Book cover of The Inferno

Mark William Roche Author Of Beautiful Ugliness: Christianity, Modernity, and the Arts

From my list on Books that examine beauty and ugliness.

Why am I passionate about this?

My fields at the University of Notre Dame, where I teach and do research, are philosophy and literature, and I have often been attracted to broader questions. I found ugliness to be a topic of considerable fascination, also for students, and yet it has almost never been addressed. I wrote the book to discover for myself what ugliness is and what it has to do with beauty.

Mark's book list on Books that examine beauty and ugliness

Mark William Roche Why did Mark love this book?

When I was interviewing for a position at Notre Dame, the campus museum had an exhibit of illustrations for Dante’s Inferno, which reinforced to me the fascination of Dante. 

When I began teaching the work a few years later, my students were engrossed by its riveting portrayals of moral ugliness. They were also amazed that Dante places even popes in hell. The work has so inspired my students that one of them submitted her final paper in terza rima, the form Dante uses, and another reflected on where precisely in hell she might belong.

This beautifully translated bilingual edition contains extensive, helpful commentary.

By Dante, Robert Hollander (translator), Jean Hollander (translator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Inferno as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“Probably the most finely accomplished and ... most enduring" translation (Los Angeles Times Book Review) of this essential work of world literature—from a renowned scholar and master teacher of Dante and an accomplished poet.

“The Hollanders … act as latter-day Virgils, guiding us through the Italian text that is printed on the facing page.” —The Economist

The epic grandeur of Dante’s masterpiece has inspired readers for 700 years, andhas entered the human imagination. But the further we move from the late medieval world of Dante, the more a rich understanding and enjoyment of the poem depends on knowledgeable guidance. Robert…


Book cover of The Devil's Atlas: An Explorer's Guide to Heavens, Hells and Afterworlds
Book cover of Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife
Book cover of Why Hell Stinks of Sulfur: Mythology and Geology of the Underworld

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Interested in hell, pop culture, and the afterlife?

Hell 80 books
Pop Culture 165 books
The Afterlife 108 books