“If he be Mr. Hyde” he had thought, “I shall be Mr. Seek.”
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a masterpiece of the Victorian gothic horror genre, widely recognized for its cultural significance since its publication in 1886.
This haunting tale continues to intrigue readers with the enigma of how the brutal Mr Hyde and the benevolent Dr Jekyll can be the same person. Robert Louis Stevenson’s work explores thought-provoking themes of appearance versus reality and the dual nature of human beings, which remain pertinent even today. In this context, we at What We Reading invite you to check out 7 other great works that are similar to Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Frankenstein – Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, along with The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, is undeniably one of the most celebrated sci-fi horror novels of all time. As the quintessential gothic Victorian horror, it follows the story of a scientist and his grotesque creation, delving into their struggles with identity and acceptance.
Since its first release in 1818, this book has been retold and adapted numerous times, captivating readers with its thought-provoking themes that challenge our moral values and how we treat those around us. The Creature’s plight for survival after being ostracized by society still resonates today, making this a poignant tale from which readers can glean valuable lessons.
Things We Say In The Dark – Kirsty Logan
Things We Say In The Dark is a spine-chilling collection of short stories that showcase Kirsty Logan’s talent for crafting atmospheric horror tales. This book aims to delve into the most profound and unsettling fears that readers can’t talk about in the daytime.
The stories in this collection cover a wide range of topics, from a woman grappling with her isolation in a remote Icelandic building to a schoolgirl obsessing over anatomical models. These tales explore a myriad of themes, including domestic claustrophobia, identity disorder, and desire, making it one of the most imaginative and innovative horror books of the 2010s.
Brave New World – Aldous Huxley
Brave New World, penned by the English author Aldous Huxley in 1932, is an influential dystopian horror novel that helped pave the way for the genre.
Unlike the nightmarish and oppressive worlds envisioned by books such as 1984, Brave New World paints a future that is dishearteningly passive. The novel subtly satirizes the technical advancements of its time, including Henry Ford’s Assembly Line, while also speculating on discoveries that were on the horizon. This book creates a vivid dystopian reality that was potentially in store for Huxley’s time, giving it a fascinating historical perspective. It also presents concepts that bear remarkable similarities to our contemporary society, making it a thought-provoking read for today’s readers.
They – Kay Dick
Kay Dick’s 1977 novel, They, is a gripping dystopian horror tale that simultaneously celebrates the importance of intellectual and individual freedoms. Set in an alternative United Kingdom, the story follows a country that has fallen into the grip of a violent movement that persecutes art, culture, and non-conformity.
Readers follow a group of dissidents as they struggle to evade “them,” savage gangs that roam the countryside destroying art and brutally attacking anyone who resists this repressive purge. Beyond its thrilling plot, this book is a moving tribute to the value of individuality and free thought in the face of oppression, making it a compelling read that leaves a lasting impression.
The Turn Of The Screw – Henry James
Another classic piece of gothic Victorian horror like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, The Turn of the Screw is an 1898 novella from Henry James. In it, a young woman takes her first job working as a governess for two beautiful, albeit slightly strange children. Miles and Flora live within the walls of a grand estate. An estate that is haunted by untold terrors. Half-seen figures glare down from the dark towers, silent spectres who creep closer every night. The young governess soon discovers that these creatures want the children, to corrupt their bodies and possess their souls.
Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor was based on this classic piece of horror literature, and it remains a must-read as one of the genre’s most impactful, and terrifying, greats.
They Never Learn – Layne Fargo
Scarlett Clark is a world-renowned English professor. However, she’s even more successful at getting away with murder. Every year, she stalks the grounds of Gorman University, hunting out the worst man she can find and plotting his grizzly demise. Her careful planning has meant she has evaded suspicion so far.
Meanwhile, Carly Schiller is attempting to survive her freshman year at Gorman University. Having escaped her abusive father, she is content with fading into the background and focusing on her studies. She strikes up an intense friendship with her roommate Allison, until one night when her friend is assaulted. Hellbent on revenge, things soon begin to spiral as Carly’s obsessive fantasies turn into a reality. For a book that mirrors Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’s academic circles and the unleashing of our violent sides, Layne Fargo’s They Never Learn is a great go-to!
The Monsters We Deserve – Marcus Sedgwick
The Monsters We Deserve, by Marcus Sedgwick, is a unique novel that blurs the line between literary essays and historical fiction horror books. Witty and thought-provoking, it offers a philosophical exploration into the art of writing and the constraints imposed by readers’ expectations. The protagonist is an aspiring horror writer determined to create something beyond cheap scares and predictable plotlines.
As he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, he is haunted by Mary Shelley, who appears to him at every turn, challenging his assumptions about horror conventions and how monsters are created. This engaging novel offers a fresh perspective on the creative process and the evolution of the horror genre, making it a must-read for fans of horror and literature alike.
The Invisible Man – H.G. Wells
H.G. Wells’s The Invisible Man is another classic Victorian horror novel, exploring the dangers of scientific achievements and the consequences of isolation. The story follows the brilliant but unstable scientist Griffin, who has discovered a serum that can make him invisible.
As he becomes increasingly isolated and detached from society, Griffin descends into madness and begins to use his newfound power to commit heinous crimes, including murder. The Invisible Man is a gripping tale that delves into the darker side of human nature, and the chilling consequences of unchecked scientific progress.
Hyde – Craig Russell
Craig Russell expertly blends complexity, suspenseful chills, and vintage gothic horror in his 2021 novel Hyde. Follow Captain Edward Hyde as he investigates a series of gruesome murders linked to an ancient Celtic ritual of threefold death in Victorian Edinburgh.
Hyde has a neurological condition that causes him to experience two parallel realities – one real, and one dreamlike, adding an extra layer of complexity to the case. In this dark tale of occult conspiracies, Hyde must navigate both worlds to catch the killer before he loses his mind. Russell’s skillful blend of horror, mystery, and psychological thrills will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
