Jennifer Thorne skewers all-too-familiar family dynamics in this sly, wickedly funny vacation-Gothic. Beautifully unhinged and deeply satisfying, Diavola is a sharp twist on the classic haunted house story, exploring loneliness, belonging, and the seemingly inescapable bonds of family mythology. USA Today Bestseller Best Horror Books of 2024 (so far)—Esquire Most Anticipated Books of 2024—Goodreads Anna has two rules for the annual Pace family destination vacations: Tread lightly and survive. It isn’t easy when she’s the only one in the family who doesn’t quite fit in. Her twin brother, Benny, goes with the flow so much he’s practically dissolved, and her older sister, Nicole, is so used to everyone—including her blandly docile husband and two kids—falling in line that Anna often ends up in trouble for simply asking a question. Mom seizes every opportunity to question her life choices, and Dad, when not reminding everyone who paid for this vacation, just wants some peace and quiet. The gorgeous, remote villa in tiny Monteperso seems like a perfect place to endure so much family togetherness, until things start going off the rails—the strange noises at night, the unsettling warnings from the local villagers, and the dark, violent past of the villa itself. (Warning: May invoke feelings of irritation, dread, and despair that come with large family gatherings.) At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
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About the author
Jennifer Thorne
Author
Jennifer Elizabeth Thorne is an American ophthalmologist and epidemiologist. She is the Cross Family Professor of Ophthalmology and a professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University.
Diavola
by Jennifer Thorne
Books Like Diavola
If you're looking for books similar to Diavola, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
The Haunting of Hill House
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A classic psychological horror novel about a group of people staying in a notoriously haunted house. The story explores themes of isolation, family dynamics, and psychological unease. Jackson masterfully creates an atmosphere of creeping dread and uncertainty. The protagonist's complex relationships and inner turmoil mirror the supernatural tensions of the house.
The Haunting
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A classic psychological horror novel about a group investigating a haunted house. Jackson masterfully creates an atmosphere of psychological tension and supernatural uncertainty. The narrative explores complex interpersonal dynamics and individual psychological states. The book's nuanced approach to horror and family dynamics resonates with Diavola's style.
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An experimental horror novel about a house that is impossibly larger on the inside than the outside. The narrative explores psychological disorientation, family dynamics, and architectural horror. Danielewski creates a complex, multilayered story that challenges traditional narrative structures. The book's exploration of spatial and psychological distortion resonates with Diavola's themes.
The Changeling
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A dark fantasy novel exploring family, mythology, and supernatural transformation. The story follows a father's journey through a mysterious and threatening urban landscape. LaValle blends horror, folklore, and psychological tension in a unique narrative. The book's exploration of family bonds and hidden threats mirrors Diavola's approach.
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A gothic horror novel set in a decaying Mexican mansion with dark family secrets. The story follows a young woman investigating her cousin's mysterious illness in a remote, sinister estate. Blending psychological tension with supernatural elements, the book explores family legacy and generational trauma. The atmospheric narrative and complex family dynamics echo the themes in Diavola.
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A supernatural mystery novel exploring a haunted motel and generational family secrets. The narrative alternates between past and present, uncovering dark historical events. St. James creates a compelling atmosphere of psychological tension and supernatural mystery. The book's exploration of family legacy and hidden trauma resonates with Diavola's themes.
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A southern gothic horror novel about a family vacation haunted by supernatural forces. The narrative explores generational secrets and architectural horror. McDowell creates a rich, atmospheric story of mounting psychological tension. The book's exploration of family dynamics and supernatural threats aligns with Diavola's themes.
The Grip of It
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A psychological horror novel about a couple experiencing increasingly bizarre events in their new home. The narrative blurs lines between psychological breakdown and supernatural haunting. Jemc explores themes of marital tension, perception, and the erosion of reality. The book's unsettling atmosphere and exploration of domestic horror align with Diavola's style.
The Cabin at the End of the World
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A horror novel about a family confronted by mysterious strangers during a remote vacation. The narrative explores psychological tension, moral dilemmas, and supernatural threats. Tremblay creates an intense, claustrophobic atmosphere of mounting dread. The book's exploration of family dynamics under extreme pressure resonates with Diavola's themes.
The Grip of It
Jac Jemc
A psychological horror novel about a couple experiencing increasingly bizarre events in their new home. The narrative blurs lines between psychological breakdown and supernatural haunting. Jemc explores themes of marital tension, perception, and the erosion of reality. The book's unsettling atmosphere and exploration of domestic horror align with Diavola's style.
The Family Plot
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A haunted house story about a salvage crew working in an old Southern mansion with a dark history. The narrative combines family tension, supernatural horror, and architectural mystery. Characters uncover generations of secrets while battling increasingly threatening paranormal events. The book's exploration of family dynamics and inherited trauma resonates with Diavola's themes.
The Invited
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A gothic horror novel about a couple building a house on land with a dark historical past. The narrative interweaves supernatural elements with family history and personal transformation. McMahon explores themes of inheritance, generational trauma, and the lingering impact of past events. The book's atmospheric tension and family-centered horror mirror Diavola's approach.
White Smoke
Tiffany D. Jackson
A young adult horror novel about a family moving into a haunted house with sinister secrets. The protagonist struggles with family dynamics, personal trauma, and supernatural threats. Jackson creates a tense atmosphere of psychological and literal haunting. The book explores themes of belonging, family secrets, and generational conflict.
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A psychological thriller set in a remote, converted sanatorium with a dark history. The story explores family tensions, hidden secrets, and supernatural undertones. Pearse creates a claustrophobic atmosphere of mounting dread and psychological unease. The book's exploration of isolation and family dynamics aligns with Diavola's narrative approach.
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