64 books like The Wolf in the Attic

By Paul Kearney,

Here are 64 books that The Wolf in the Attic fans have personally recommended if you like The Wolf in the Attic. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Mongrels

Claire Fitzpatrick Author Of Metamorphosis: Short Stories

From my list on horror gems for a perfect late-night read.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love books that whisk me away and keep me reading long into the night. There’s something so exciting about realizing you’ve been reading for so long that you have no idea what the time is or if it’s even the same day. I’m also incredibly passionate about horror and what it can teach us about ourselves and our society. Being diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 12 made me feel isolated and alone, but horror granted me a form of escapism and taught me to embrace what made me feel different, something each of these books does. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did!

Claire's book list on horror gems for a perfect late-night read

Claire Fitzpatrick Why did Claire love this book?

This was one of the best books about werewolves—that isn’t really about werewolves—I have ever read. The story is told from the perspective of an unnamed boy who lives with his aunt and uncle—who happen to be werewolves—and the struggles he and his family face while living on the edge of society to avoid discovery.

What fascinated me the most was that Jones created entirely new werewolf lore with its own culture, rituals, and traditions, and it all felt real. I loved the non-linear timeline following the boy from 8 to 16, yearning to change like his aunt and uncle. Jones encapsulated the real difficulties of living on the fringes of society for whatever reason. It’s a dark book, raw and visceral, but also really funny. 

By Stephen Graham Jones,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A spellbinding and darkly humorous coming-of-age story about an unusual boy, whose family lives on the fringe of society and struggles to survive in a hostile world that shuns and fears them. He was born an outsider, like the rest of his family. Poor yet resilient, he lives in the shadows with his aunt Libby and uncle Darren, folk who stubbornly make their way in a society that does not understand or want them. They are mongrels, mixed blood, neither this nor that. The boy at the center of Mongrels must decide if he belongs on the road with his…


Book cover of Carnies

Pete Aldin Author Of Black Marks

From my list on werewolf thrillers without motorbikes or erotica.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m fascinated by the dichotomy between humanity’s beauty and its penchant for visiting horror upon the world. This fascination drove me to write my own werewolf novel (and keep it true to the heart of the mythos). In no other genre/subgenre is human double-nature better explored than the werewolf one. From earliest times, these tales examined human complexity, mental illness, moral responsibility, the tenuousness of our understanding of reality. For me, a great werewolf novel is not an erotic romance or comedy urban fantasy. It’s a monster story: antsy, atmospheric, dark, violent, fraught. It's a thriller, not a swooner, with more in common with Jekyll and Hyde or Incredible Hulk than with Twilight

Pete's book list on werewolf thrillers without motorbikes or erotica

Pete Aldin Why did Pete love this book?

This Aussie lycan tale is your classic “I’ve turned into a what!?!”

It’s wonderfully Australian and it’s decent werewolf fare. Not a romance in sight. Not a hint of alpha males riding motorbikes. Our main character faces the consequences and the mysteries that follow “getting bit.” Violent, stark, and tense.

By Martin Livings,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The carnival is coming...

The small town of Tillbrook has a secret. One that has been kept for over a hundred years.

Journalist David Hampden needs a good story to resurrect his flagging career.

His damaged brother, unemployed photographer Paul, just needs to find some meaning in his life.

When David is alerted to a century-old carnival, the idea of a feature story is too good to pass up, so he drags Paul along to Tillbrook.

What they find is darker than they could ever imagine.

Paul becomes part of the exotic world of the Dervish Carnival, est. 1899, and…


Book cover of Chimera Shakes: The Ontological Crisis of Jasper Hobbes

Pete Aldin Author Of Black Marks

From my list on werewolf thrillers without motorbikes or erotica.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m fascinated by the dichotomy between humanity’s beauty and its penchant for visiting horror upon the world. This fascination drove me to write my own werewolf novel (and keep it true to the heart of the mythos). In no other genre/subgenre is human double-nature better explored than the werewolf one. From earliest times, these tales examined human complexity, mental illness, moral responsibility, the tenuousness of our understanding of reality. For me, a great werewolf novel is not an erotic romance or comedy urban fantasy. It’s a monster story: antsy, atmospheric, dark, violent, fraught. It's a thriller, not a swooner, with more in common with Jekyll and Hyde or Incredible Hulk than with Twilight

Pete's book list on werewolf thrillers without motorbikes or erotica

Pete Aldin Why did Pete love this book?

Okay, so the title already has you frowning. Stay with me here. This indie ebook novelette had me smiling, nodding, and ooo-ing. I loved the brave way the author attempted something new and, well, left field. Because this is a lot of left field…

Our main character is a hitman. Or is he? He’s a werewolf. Or is he? I loved every paragraph of this story’s prose. But it was this “what’s really going on here?” aspect that had me smiling all the way through. It reminded me of Mad Max: Fury Road—because you can watch that entire movie as a psychotic episode on Max’s part. Same with this book. Leaves you guessing until the last page while keeping things fun along the way.

By Chuck Regan,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

This Bizarro tale is part Naked Lunch, part Goodfellas.

Jasper Hobbes believes he is an assassin. He also believes demons were injected into his brain by the Illuminati, connecting him to the occult machinations of the Great Wyrm. Hospitalized once again for a psychotic break, Jasper is given an ultimatum—either continue his anti-psychotic drug therapy and accept what is real and what are delusions created by his disease, or be committed to a psychological hospital for the duration of his life.

In his struggle to avoid being pulled into a spiral of delusion, Jasper battles inhuman cosplayers, public transportation to…


Book cover of Cycle of the Werewolf

Katie Marie Author Of A Man in Winter

From my list on horror with child protagonists that are not for kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

Horror is my passion and most things I read and everything I write fits neatly into the genre. But I am also passionate about telling stories from a unique perspective, or if not entirely unique then at least one that is underused. My novella A Man in Winter is told from the perspective of an elderly chap with dementia for instance. I have also found that many people think books with child protagonists must be children’s books and it makes me sad to think of all the wonderful work is being missed out on, I hope that my list has convinced you to try one of the above books.

Katie's book list on horror with child protagonists that are not for kids

Katie Marie Why did Katie love this book?

I had to include at least one King book, I’m a big fan of King and this is one of his lesser-known books. 

I love this book because it’s a good and interesting story that hooked me from the first chapter and kept me till the end. 

But also, I am passionate about good representation (particularly disability representation) in the horror genre, I’m writing my PhD thesis on it. King is a mixed bag when it comes to good and bad representation but he does a good job in this one. Marty is a 10-year-old paraplegic boy who suspects a werewolf is in his town.

The story revolves around Marty hunting and defeating the beast. It’s a high stakes, exciting, and utterly plausible (if you suspend belief for the werewolf lol).

By Stephen King, Bernie Wrightson (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Cycle of the Werewolf as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The classic masterpiece by #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephen King—illustrated by the legendary artist Bernie Wrightson!

Terror began in January—by the light of the full moon...

The first scream came from the snowbound railwayman who felt the werewolf’s fangs ripping at his throat. The next month there was a scream of ecstatic agony from the woman attacked in her cozy bedroom. Now scenes of unbelievable horror unfold each time the full moon shines on the isolated Maine town of Tarker’s Mills. No one knows who will be attacked next. But one thing is sure. When the full moon…


Book cover of Protection of the Pack

Andrew Claydon Author Of The Simple Delivery

From my list on fantasy and sci-fi to make you laugh.

Why am I passionate about this?

For me the best fantasy and sci-fi is made up of many themes. Take one of my favorite fantasy movies, Willow. It has heart and comedy but also drama, action, and high stakes. This is something that I want from my writing. I want the reader to laugh, and a few paragraphs later be gasping as the main character faces mortal peril. With the very best books, you get taken on a roller coaster of emotional responses. As a UK fantasy author, my goal is to make sure that you put my books down only when you absolutely have to, which includes falling asleep holding them because you’ve stayed up too late reading.

Andrew's book list on fantasy and sci-fi to make you laugh

Andrew Claydon Why did Andrew love this book?

This was my first foray into reading Urban Fantasy, and it made me very glad I did. This is the story of Lucy, a woman transformed into a werewolf, who must navigate the task of being Alpha of her new pack as well as adjusting to the new, often violent, world she’s a part of. I love how Heather deals with Lucy embracing a job she didn’t choose for herself. The interplay between the characters makes this a fun read with some very laugh-out-loud dialogue, especially in the interactions between Lucy and her Wolf, Esme. I think the whole ‘fish out of water’ thing speaks to all of us. Who hasn’t daydreamed, what if I could do magic, or had superpowers? The real question is, how would you cope if you suddenly could and it changed your life completely?

By Heather G. Harris,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

I have a wolf in my head. Her name is Esme, and she likes killing things.

I’m Lucy, a regular accountant turned alpha werewolf. A tryst with the wrong incubus ripped me from my ordinary life and sent me tumbling into a magical realm that I'd never even dreamed existed.

I was just adjusting to pack life when I was asked to mercy-kill the current alpha. I'm not a total bitch so I did what he asked, but it's left me as alpha of a pack I don't know, full of werewolves who resent that I still live and breathe…


Book cover of Wolf Under Your Skin

Mandi Oyster Author Of Dacia Wolf & the Prophecy

From my list on fantasy to take you away.

Why am I passionate about this?

Picking up a fantasy novel and getting away from real-world problems is an escape for me. Even though many of these issues don’t exist in our lives, we can still learn from the way the characters deal with their struggles. We can find compassion and empathy and maybe see that there are two sides to every story. Along the way, we also get to see stunning vistas and amazing, mythical creatures.

Mandi's book list on fantasy to take you away

Mandi Oyster Why did Mandi love this book?

Hunt gives us a different type of werewolf. One who is just trying to find his place in the world. His journey gave me all the feels. I loved being a part of Josh’s journey and seeing him find a life instead of just going through the motions of day-to-day life.

By Ellen Hunter,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Wolf Under Your Skin as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover an exciting YA supernatural romance series about vengeful werewolves, a desperate love, and the darkness in everyone’s heart. Perfect for fans of "Twilight" and the "Shiver" series!

Blue eyes, raven hair—and a terrible secret.

Life in Shatterlake is pretty laid back. I go to high school, live on a farm, and lead a normal, quite life. When I meet Josh, however, there is something intriguing about this young man. He’s gentle and kind, but always cautious and distant. As my feelings for him grow, I make a horrifying discovery.

Josh is a werewolf.

One day, he suddenly turns into…


Book cover of The Wolfman

Sarah M. Awa Author Of Hunter's Moon

From my list on pawsitively awesome werewolfs.

Why am I passionate about this?

While the werewolf curse isn’t real (as far as we know/thank goodness!), I do know what it’s like to have my life turned upside down by a painful illness that seems like a curse. When I was 23, I almost died from a rare autoimmune disease that tried to devour my lungs. More than a decade later, I’m still here and fighting, and my escapist love of reading fantasy books turned into a passion to write them. I also love metaphors and werewolves, and it all combined nicely with my BA in English! Aside from writing, I help other “underdog” authors as COO for indie publisher Thinklings Books.

Sarah's book list on pawsitively awesome werewolfs

Sarah M. Awa Why did Sarah love this book?

I saw the 2010 movie first and then later found the book version in a thrift store and had to grab it. Both book and movie deftly create a gloomy, gothic, Romantic atmosphere; the book develops the characters and relationships further. It’s the age-old story of a man seeking to rid himself of a curse, pursued by the law and betrayed by someone who was supposed to protect him—I’m a sucker for that kind of tale! If you enjoy the classics like Dracula and Frankenstein, but find it harder to get through them or connect with them emotionally because of the older language and style, give this book a try.

By Jonathan Maberry,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Inspired by the Universal Pictures' classic horror film, "The Wolfman" tells the story of Lawrence Talbot, a man haunted by dark, disturbing memories. When his brother mysteriously disappears, Talbot returns to the village of his childhood to investigate. In the process he discovers both a terrifying secret about men cursed as werewolves and the truth about this tortured past. This movie tie-in edition is written by Bram Stoker Award-winning author Jonathan Maberry ("Patient Zero"). The film is directed by Joe Johnston Oscar(copyright)-winning director of "Jumanji", "October Sky", and "Jurassic Park III", and will star Oscar(copyright)-winning actors Benicio Del Toro and…


Book cover of Bloodfire: Blood Destiny I

Heather G. Harris Author Of Protection of the Pack

From my list on fierce female protagonists in urban fantasy.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am passionate about fierce female protagonists in fiction because I believe that fiction is a great way to highlight real-life issues. Before becoming an author, I was a lawyer. It was tough navigating the challenges of maternity leave and trying to have a career whilst being a mum to a young family. The reality is that there’s still plenty of gender inequality remaining in the world at large, so I made sure that I always write strong, competent female main characters to lead by example. As you can imagine, my reading tastes are the same as my writing ones, making me an excellent curator of strong female fiction. 

Heather's book list on fierce female protagonists in urban fantasy

Heather G. Harris Why did Heather love this book?

I have adored everything Helen Harper has ever written (and I mean EVERYTHING), but this series, beginning with Bloodfire, holds a special place in my heart. This series was my gateway into urban fantasy—a genre that has magic in our contemporary world. It was the book that sneakily drew me away from my first love, epic fantasy, with humor, magic, and the promise of lighthearted escapism.

Let me introduce you to my girl, Mac. Mackenzie Smith is an ordinary human raised among werewolves. Although she seems woefully underpowered, Mackenzie relies on her wits and self-reliance to navigate treacherous paths with aplomb. I love Mac’s tenacity; she never laments her lack of power; instead, she dives headfirst into challenges, determined to save the day. Her unwavering spirit makes her an inspiring and totally relatable heroine, and I cheered her on loudly as she came into her own (much to the vexation…

By Helen Harper,

Why should I read it?

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


Book cover of Wolf Land

Yawatta Hosby Author Of Urban Legends

From my list on being terrorized by things that go bump in the night.

Why am I passionate about this?

Hola, I’m Yawatta Hosby, and I have an open mind about monsters, ghosts, and urban legends. I believe they’re real, especially the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot. Earth is too big to only have humans. I have a passion for the topic being terrorized by things that go bump in the night. My book, Urban Legends, plays into that theme. October, the spooky season, is my favorite. Halloween is my favorite holiday. Every year, I watch a horror movie every day for 31 days straight. I also love reading horror books and researching urban legends. I’d like to think I’m an expert in horror, but it could all be in my head haha.

Yawatta's book list on being terrorized by things that go bump in the night

Yawatta Hosby Why did Yawatta love this book?

I loved how I got fooled into thinking someone was the main character, but he got an untimely end at the beginning of the book. It was refreshing to see the author not afraid to have a surprising twist. This werewolf story held my interest from chapter one to the end. The author never sugarcoated the werewolf’s victims, describing every tear from limb to limb. He wasn’t afraid to make the story as scary as possible. No room for interpretation–the original werewolves were clever hunters and definitely villains. The bonfire scene was very creepy, in a good way.

By Jonathan Janz,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"...this is what werewolf horror is supposed to feel like: gruesome, bloody, dark, angry, messy, and downright terrifying." - Howling Libraries
Aside from a quaint amusement park, the small town of Lakeview offers little excitement for Duane, Savannah, and their friends. They're about to endure their ten-year high school reunion when their lives are shattered by the arrival of an ancient, vengeful evil.
The werewolf.
The first attack leaves seven dead and four wounded. And though the beast remains on the loose and eager to spill more blood, the sleepy resort town is about to face an even greater terror.…


Book cover of The Arrival Reawakened

Julie Embleton Author Of Bound

From my list on not-your-usual vampire, werewolf, and witch.

Why am I passionate about this?

The idea of paranormal beings living amongst us makes me irrationally giddy. It constantly distracts me as I wonder how they blend into society and live behind their closed doors. Happy to explore these possibilities, I love to read and write books where wolves, vamps, and witches are put through the wringer as they navigate a world that’s sometimes hidden, and other times not. Tenacious females, gutsy heroes, and heinous villains inhabit my dark paranormal and epic fantasy realms, but with added twists that make them not-your-usual paranormal tales. When not torturing my characters, I can be found reading tarot as I live my own otherworldly life in Dublin, Ireland. 

Julie's book list on not-your-usual vampire, werewolf, and witch

Julie Embleton Why did Julie love this book?

A happy ever after is nice ‘n all, but sometimes I want angst and torture blocking the path of true love. The Children of The Morning Star series delivers that, plus more. Pavlik has crafted a complex, layered world, woven with religious dogma, which I could have taken at face value, but once I dwelt on the motives, beliefs, and loyalties of the characters (both good and bad) it left me contemplating the age-old battle between good and evil until the wee small hours. Lucifer’s vampires, created to aid the war effort between heaven and hell, strike a deal with God, and with this metaphorical handshake, chaos is unleashed. Way beyond the usual vampire trope, for me, this series has a whiff of the classical rising from its pages. 

By Kastie Pavlik,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The small Midwestern town of Orison Crossing has a secret: it’s 2006 and a Civil War veteran has an office on Main Street. Sure, the townsfolk whisper all kinds of rumors, but when they say, “Bloodsucking lawyer,” they mean it literally.

Humans. Vampires. God. Lucifer.
One woman stands between them…and they all want her dead.

Orphaned in an accident ten years ago, Paresh Hawthorne returns to her childhood home and her reality shatters. Her uncle kidnapped her. The man who should have raised her, attorney Eric Ravenscroft, is a vampire. And she may not be as human as she thought.…


Book cover of Mongrels
Book cover of Carnies
Book cover of Chimera Shakes: The Ontological Crisis of Jasper Hobbes

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