44 books like Psychic Suburbia

By Cassandra Eason,

Here are 44 books that Psychic Suburbia fans have personally recommended if you like Psychic Suburbia. 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 That Must Have Been ESP!: Examination of Psychic Experiences

Daniel Bourke Author Of Apparitions at the Moment of Death: The Living Ghost in Legend, Lyric, and Lore

From my list on supernatural and psychic experiences worldwide.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've always been fascinated by experiences that exist on the border of the ordinary. Growing up, my grandmother would tell us, in serious tones, of the fairies and ghosts she had encountered—how closely the natural and the “supernatural” are linked. In my twenties, I would read a lot about shamanism and the kinds of extraordinary experiences they would actively seek. Later, noticing similarities between those experiences and the spontaneous experiences of ordinary people, my interest continued to grow. Near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, but especially crisis apparitions—these experiences spoke strongly to me about how little we still know of the nature of the mind and how much there is yet to discover!

Daniel's book list on supernatural and psychic experiences worldwide

Daniel Bourke Why did Daniel love this book?

For me personally, this is one of the best works on spontaneous psychical and extrasensory experiences. The accounts are drawn from rural Finland, and the expertise of the late Professor Emerita Leea Virtanen is brought to bear upon the narratives. I love how Virtanen connects the modern accounts to the old beliefs and traditions in her country and makes comparisons between her sample and others much further afield.

This work is a much-needed bridge between psychical research and folklore. It is full of apparitions, visions, dreams, and other supernatural occurrences that happen simultaneously with a distant event—what Virtanen calls “simultaneous informatory experiences.” I absolutely recommend this for any student of psychical research, folklore, or ordinary human experiences in general.

By Leea Virtanen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked That Must Have Been ESP! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

English (translation)Original Finnish


Book cover of Living Magic: The Realities Underlying The Psychical Practices And Beliefs Of Australian Aborigines

Daniel Bourke Author Of Apparitions at the Moment of Death: The Living Ghost in Legend, Lyric, and Lore

From my list on supernatural and psychic experiences worldwide.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've always been fascinated by experiences that exist on the border of the ordinary. Growing up, my grandmother would tell us, in serious tones, of the fairies and ghosts she had encountered—how closely the natural and the “supernatural” are linked. In my twenties, I would read a lot about shamanism and the kinds of extraordinary experiences they would actively seek. Later, noticing similarities between those experiences and the spontaneous experiences of ordinary people, my interest continued to grow. Near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, but especially crisis apparitions—these experiences spoke strongly to me about how little we still know of the nature of the mind and how much there is yet to discover!

Daniel's book list on supernatural and psychic experiences worldwide

Daniel Bourke Why did Daniel love this book?

This pioneering masterpiece, first published in 1954, carefully documents, among other things, the compelling similarities between experiences of ESP between Westerners and the Aboriginal Australians. As a student of psychical research, I couldn't help but be fascinated by the similarities, right down to very particular and idiosyncratic details that lead me to believe that a fundamental human faculty is what was being studied and described here.

I particularly enjoy how the author hones in the kinds of cultural window dressing that may characterize a psychic experience and yet shows the fundamental experience itself as being indistinguishable despite the time and space between the cultures in question. Essential!

By Ronald Rose,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.


Book cover of Apparitions and Precognition: a Study From the Point of View of C. G. Jung's Analytical Psychology

Daniel Bourke Author Of Apparitions at the Moment of Death: The Living Ghost in Legend, Lyric, and Lore

From my list on supernatural and psychic experiences worldwide.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've always been fascinated by experiences that exist on the border of the ordinary. Growing up, my grandmother would tell us, in serious tones, of the fairies and ghosts she had encountered—how closely the natural and the “supernatural” are linked. In my twenties, I would read a lot about shamanism and the kinds of extraordinary experiences they would actively seek. Later, noticing similarities between those experiences and the spontaneous experiences of ordinary people, my interest continued to grow. Near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, but especially crisis apparitions—these experiences spoke strongly to me about how little we still know of the nature of the mind and how much there is yet to discover!

Daniel's book list on supernatural and psychic experiences worldwide

Daniel Bourke Why did Daniel love this book?

I find this to be one of the most overlooked and yet fascinating works dealing with, among other things, spontaneous encounters with the dead. The apparitions and visions in this work, which often coincide with deaths, are primarily drawn from Switzerland.

Each account, in letter form to the author, is as compelling as the last, and Jaffe offers a unique Jungian perspective that I personally found to be at least very novel and intriguing. The accounts themselves, however, are the star of the show, and Jaffe, like Virtanen earlier in this list, makes some interesting connections between her sample and those further afield. I believe anyone interested in experiences of spontaneous encounters with the dead should have this singular work on their bookshelves!

Book cover of The Study And Practice Of Astral Projection

Daniel Bourke Author Of Apparitions at the Moment of Death: The Living Ghost in Legend, Lyric, and Lore

From my list on supernatural and psychic experiences worldwide.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've always been fascinated by experiences that exist on the border of the ordinary. Growing up, my grandmother would tell us, in serious tones, of the fairies and ghosts she had encountered—how closely the natural and the “supernatural” are linked. In my twenties, I would read a lot about shamanism and the kinds of extraordinary experiences they would actively seek. Later, noticing similarities between those experiences and the spontaneous experiences of ordinary people, my interest continued to grow. Near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, but especially crisis apparitions—these experiences spoke strongly to me about how little we still know of the nature of the mind and how much there is yet to discover!

Daniel's book list on supernatural and psychic experiences worldwide

Daniel Bourke Why did Daniel love this book?

I have been an admirer of Dr. Robert Crookall ever since I first read this amazing work. While dealing with primarily out-of-body experiences, this book details apparitional encounters, examples of spontaneous telepathy and clairvoyance, and even near-death experiences long before the term even came into general use!

So many detailed accounts fill these pages, and there is a certain sincerity here that I enjoy. The letters to the author detailing the strange and fascinating experiences of ordinary people and the author's careful consideration were a dynamic I really enjoyed and kept me turning page after page!

In my opinion, this influential book needs to be on the shelf of anyone interested in spontaneous and mysterious human experiences.

By Robert Crookall,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Study And Practice Of Astral Projection as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Robert Crockall's classic study in the art and practice of astral projection. First hand accounts, over 100 cases and experiences from those who nearly died, very ill, well people and other conditions. This book was the major source of astral projection information. First edition 1966.


Book cover of The Forerunner Factor

Kurt D. Springs Author Of Price of Vengeance

From my list on sci-fi that meld military and paranormal themes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am Kurt D. Springs. If you read my back of the book bio, you’ll find I have advanced degrees in anthropology and archaeology and a focus on European prehistory. However, I’ve always been fascinated by military history. I’ve recently studied how modern warfare has changed many old paradigms. I’ve also studied modern and ancient religions, and many of the fiction works I enjoy have ESP or magic elements, especially Andre Norton’s works. I am also a fan of the HALO game universe. I like to tell people my stories are the children of Andre Norton’s Forerunner series and HALO.

Kurt's book list on sci-fi that meld military and paranormal themes

Kurt D. Springs Why did Kurt love this book?

Forerunner is the book that made me a fan of Andre Norton. I enjoyed how she mixed space travel, ESP powers, and remarkable world-building.

Andre Norton’s Forerunner influenced the paranormal part of my own world-building. The alien girl, Simsa, was a compelling character. Starting off as a streetwise orphan on the planet Kuxortal, the human spaceman Thom takes her on a journey of self-discovery.

They must stop space pirates from plundering ancient warships. To do so, she must discover her true heritage of power and nobility.

By Andre Norton,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Forerunner Factor as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

On ancient port world planet Kuxortal, young Simsa grows up among garbage pickers who live upon the ancient ruins of a fallen galactic civilization - the Forerunners. But Simsa has always been different. Her skin is iridescent blue-black and she shares a telepathic bond with an alien pet, a bat-like zorsal, like no other. When Simsa's mentor dies, she must scrape a poor existence from an unyielding planet. But then Thom, a star ranger, arrives from the heavens, leading Simsa on a path to the discovery of her origins that takes both through danger to the ultimate revelation. The truth…


Book cover of Pegasus in Flight

Ceri Clark Author Of Children of the Elementi

From my list on superpowers that aren't about superheroes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love escapist fantasy and science fiction. I like stories that stretch the imagination and take me places I’ve never been. I want to be lost and be completely confused after taking my eyes off the written word, still in the fantasy world of the story. My picks are those kinds of stories. Worlds where anything is possible, and the characters have skills and powers which can help them achieve anything, something I want for my own characters.

Ceri's book list on superpowers that aren't about superheroes

Ceri Clark Why did Ceri love this book?

Peter Reidinger is confined to his bed because of a life-altering accident that renders him unable to walk.

While recuperating in the hospital, he uncovers a remarkable ability to harness generators to awaken his dormant telekinesis skills. As someone who shares a connection with a wheelchair-bound individual, I found myself closely relating to Peter's struggles.

With his new abilities and an unrelenting determination, he defies all odds to venture into space and exceed everyone's expectations. This mesmerizing tale, blends elements of science-fiction, fantasy, and gripping adventure to deliver a truly unforgettable read.

By Anne McCaffrey,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Let Anne McCaffrey, storyteller extraordinare and New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author, open your mind to new worlds and new concepts: telepathy and tele kinetics. Worlds where amazing gifts can lead to power and persecution. Perfect for fans of David Eddings, Brandon Sanderson and Douglas Adams.

'Anne McCaffrey, one of the queens of science fiction, knows exactly how to give her public what it wants' - THE TIMES
'One of those can't put it down books' -- ***** Reader review
'Anne McCaffrey does it again' -- ***** Reader review
'So exciting' -- ***** Reader review
'Absolutely fantastic!' --…


Book cover of Carrots

Cat Gilbert Author Of Brain Storm

From my list on thrillers and mysteries with psychic twists.

Why am I passionate about this?

My grandmother had what we in the South call the sight. I have it as well—that sense of foreboding. Of knowing what will happen next. Some call it a premonition, others Deja vu. Whatever you call it, I think it’s something we’ve all experienced at some point in our lives. Empathy, telepathy, telekinesis…the list is endless. There’s no proof that psychic abilities exist, but there’s no proof that they don’t, either. I find the concept fascinating, so when I started writing, it was a natural fit for me to combine my love for thrillers and mysteries with the added twist of psychic ability. I hope you love it too.

Cat's book list on thrillers and mysteries with psychic twists

Cat Gilbert Why did Cat love this book?

As much as I love complex, dark protagonists, I adore a lighter side now and then. I found it in this book with the main character, Shelby Nichols. She just makes me laugh.

I even found myself reading sections out loud to my husband, who laughed right along with me. Shelby is a wife and mother, and after being shot in the head, she develops the ability to read people’s minds. Her sudden awareness of what her teenage children and husband are thinking takes the plot up to a whole new level.

This is one ability I’m glad I don’t have. I think I’d rather not know.

By Colleen Helme,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Carrots as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A mind-reader, a mob-boss, and a hit-man. What could go wrong? More fun than you can imagine! Book 1 in the Shelby Nichols Adventure Series

"One of the best and rarest gems of the indie book market."~ Matthew LeDrew

USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Colleen Helme offers a clever mix of mystery, laugh-out-loud humor, and page-turning adventure in the highly acclaimed Shelby Nichols Adventure Series.

Stopping at the grocery store for some carrots shouldn't be dangerous, but in Shelby's case, it changes her life forever. During a bank robbery, she is caught in the cross-fire and grazed…


Book cover of Ubik

Why am I passionate about this?

 I’ve always loved a good mystery that doesn’t give you all the details upfront. My favourite stories growing up were those where I had little epiphanies along the way until I got to the end, where everything finally fell into place. But perhaps why I’m most drawn to these types of stories is because they parallel learning about your surroundings in the real world. After living in several different countries, I’ve come to learn many situations piece by piece, where some ended in danger, while others were more humorous events that I can now laugh about. 

Jon's book list on dark horror stories that slowly unravel their mysteries piece by piece, letting you figure out along the way

Jon Vassa Why did Jon love this book?

I loved this book for the new concepts it brought to me about psychic abilities, specifically telepaths that could block other’s psychic abilities.

After this, I was drawn to the book for the way it blurred the lines of reality, making me question alongside the main character if anything they were experiencing was real. I also thought the idea of the UBIK drug that kept people in a 'half-life' was fascinating and a different way to show addiction and its consequences.

Lastly, the ending was quite thrilling and kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning, even though I had work the next day! 

By Philip K. Dick,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Ubik as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A classic science fiction tale of artifical worlds by one of the great American writers of the 20th century

Glen Runciter is dead.

Or is he?

Someone died in the explosion orchestrated by his business rivals, but even as his funeral is scheduled, his mourning employees are receiving bewildering messages from their boss. And the world around them is warping and regressing in ways which suggest that their own time is running out.

If it hasn't already.

Readers minds have been blown by Ubik:

'Sheer craziness, a book defying any straightforward synopsis . . . a unique time travel adventure…


Book cover of Jack the Bodiless

Ann Claycomb Author Of Silenced

From my list on fantasy to achieve dazzling feats of storytelling.

Why am I passionate about this?

When you grow up believing in magic, you inevitably face a moment when the world invites you to stop. Books are the reason to keep believing. Fantasy novels specifically give their readers magic to dive into and savor. What makes these fantasy novels so important to me is that they don’t just tell stories about magic, they tell their stories with such verve, such daring, such commitment to achieving the impossible, that they make magic. Reading these books, you will hold your breath, unable to believe that what feels like it’s about to happen could possibly happen when you turn the page... but don’t worry.  It will.

Ann's book list on fantasy to achieve dazzling feats of storytelling

Ann Claycomb Why did Ann love this book?

Is this a nine-book series? Well, yes. Sort of. It’s also a four-book series, then a duology, then a trilogy.  And the first four are set in the Pleistocene. Stay with me. 

May commits to world-building that encompasses ESP—but taken to 11; time-travel; international, intergenerational, and intergalactic political intrigue; powerful familial and romantic relationships; gut-wrenching tragedy, and the transcendence that compassion can make possible. 

To say there is a large cast of characters doesn’t begin to convey how many richly imagined, memorable creatures (not all human) populate these books; the main characters, in particular, are absolutely indelible, by turns terrifying, seductive, tortured, and quietly extraordinary. 

By Julian May,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Jack the Bodiless as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

Earth stands on the brink of acceptance into the Galactic Milieu, a benevolent political and telepathic alliance of alien races. But some are wary, as their new supervisors have introduced stringent new laws. Leading humanity is the powerful Remillard family, but a ruthless entity known only as the Fury has its own agenda for the Galactic Milieu. It starts to murder those with metapsychic talents, triggering a chaos that could delay Earth's inclusion.

At this delicate juncture, Teresa, wife of clan leader Paul Remillard, conceives a child who could represent humanity's future. But Jack's birth is illegal under Milieu law…


Book cover of Kill Three Birds

Lynn Emery Author Of Spirited Sisters: Two Joliet Sisters Psychic Detectives Mysteries

From my list on psychic sleuths supernatural and fantasy creatures.

Why am I passionate about this?

Mixing the magical with everyday life is part of my Louisiana culture. Our history is a rich gumbo of legends from Indigenous peoples, Africa, the Caribbean, Spain, and France. So, as a child, hearing stories of the supernatural didn’t seem abnormal at all. I was ten years old when I became hooked on supernatural suspense. I voraciously read Agatha Christie's mysteries and spooky comic books. The comic book sleuths were sometimes as scary as the villains they chased. And I loved every page. What fun I had during summer school breaks! If you’re like me and love mysteries with paranormal twists, dive in. You won’t be disappointed in this list.

Lynn's book list on psychic sleuths supernatural and fantasy creatures

Lynn Emery Why did Lynn love this book?

I loved the imaginative world-building, but even more, the fantastic sleuth is like no other I’ve encountered. The setting is a world where birds (avians) are the dominant evolved species instead of simians. Investigator Prentice Tasifa is a hawk who can “see the unseen” with her extraordinary sense of sight.

That’s why, in this world, hawks are police detectives. Tasifa travels far and wide throughout the Kingdom of Aves to solve serious crimes, including murder. Even more fascinating is how other birds (vultures, chickens, doves) have developed roles that align with their characteristics. I enjoyed the mystery plot twists.

By Nicole Givens Kurtz,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Kill Three Birds as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sent to investigate a strange murder in a quiet remote egg, can Hawk Tasifa find the killer before she becomes the next target?

Prentice Tasifa is an investigative hawk whose been deployed from The Order to the small egg of Gould, a mountain village. A missing girl had been found dead. Hawks investigate strange and difficult situations throughout the kingdom of Aves. They can “see the unseen,” by accessing a unique ability to activate hawk-like vision, a trait they carry through their bloodlines.


When Prentice arrives in Gould, she soon discovers that there isn’t just one bird dead, but three.…


Book cover of That Must Have Been ESP!: Examination of Psychic Experiences
Book cover of Living Magic: The Realities Underlying The Psychical Practices And Beliefs Of Australian Aborigines
Book cover of Apparitions and Precognition: a Study From the Point of View of C. G. Jung's Analytical Psychology

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,356

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in psychic, telepathy, and the supernatural?

Psychic 90 books
Telepathy 56 books
The Supernatural 372 books