Murder at Gulls Nest

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Murder at Gulls Nest

by Kidd, Jess

Jess Kidd has a knack for writing places that feel like they are watching you, and Gulls Nest is no exception. This story centers on a remote, crumbling coastal estate where family history is less of a memory and more of a suffocating weight. When a death occurs, the investigation pulls back the curtain on a lineage defined by long-standing grudges, bizarre rituals, and the kind of isolation that breeds madness. The pacing is deliberate, favoring a slow-burn tension that gets under your skin rather than relying on cheap jump scares. You will feel the salt air and the rot in the floorboards as the narrative shifts between the present mystery and the dark, tangled past of those who call the house home. This is for readers who prefer their mysteries with a heavy dose of gothic dread and dysfunctional family dynamics.

10 Books similar to 'Murder at Gulls Nest'

Since you enjoyed the claustrophobic dread and family secrets of Gulls Nest, these picks lean into that same unsettling territory. We chose these titles because they excel at blending grounded mysteries with a touch of the uncanny or the gothic. Whether it is the slow-burn psychological tension found in The Little Stranger or the dark, insular small-town secrets of Sharp Objects, these books mirror the way Kidd uses setting to reflect the internal decay of her characters. If you want to stay in that headspace, these stories offer a similar, deeply atmospheric descent.

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The Thirteenth Tale
The Thirteenth Tale

by Diane Setterfield

Much like Jess Kidd's work, this gothic mystery is steeped in atmosphere and features a compelling, slightly eccentric narrative voice. It unravels a dark family history filled with secrets that will satisfy fans of Kidd's blend of the macabre and the mysterious.

The Essex Serpent
The Essex Serpent

by Sarah Perry

This novel shares a similar commitment to vivid, immersive period settings and a touch of the uncanny. Readers who enjoy Kidd's ability to weave folklore and superstition into a grounded mystery will appreciate this tale of science versus myth.

The Little Stranger
The Little Stranger

by Sarah Waters

For those who appreciate the unsettling, slow-burn tension in Jess Kidd's writing, this novel offers a masterclass in psychological dread. It masterfully explores the decay of a grand house and the secrets held by its inhabitants.

The Wonder
The Wonder

by Emma Donoghue

Set in a rural community with deep-seated beliefs, this book mirrors Kidd's talent for placing outsiders in tense, insular environments. The narrative is both a gripping mystery and a poignant examination of faith and fanaticism.

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The Shadow of the Wind
The Shadow of the Wind

by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Fans of Kidd's lyrical and slightly gothic prose will be drawn to this atmospheric mystery set in post-war Barcelona. It features a labyrinthine plot, a deep love for books, and a haunting, magical sense of place.

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

by Stuart Turton

If you enjoyed the puzzle-box nature of Kidd's mysteries, this high-concept novel will delight you with its intricate plotting. It combines a classic country house setting with a bizarre, supernatural twist that keeps the reader guessing.

The Forgotten Garden
The Forgotten Garden

by Kate Morton

This novel excels at dual-timeline storytelling and the uncovering of long-buried family secrets, much like the investigations found in Jess Kidd's work. It is deeply atmospheric and focuses on the emotional weight of the past.

Sharp Objects
Sharp Objects

by Gillian Flynn

For readers who prefer the grittier, more disturbing side of Kidd's mysteries, this novel offers a visceral look at small-town darkness. It features a complex female lead and a suffocating atmosphere that is hard to shake.

The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock
The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock

by Imogen Hermes Gowar

This book captures the same whimsical yet slightly dark historical tone found in Kidd's writing. It blends historical detail with elements of the strange and unexpected, creating a rich, immersive world.

Mexican Gothic
Mexican Gothic

by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

This novel is a perfect match for those who enjoy the gothic, claustrophobic elements of Kidd's stories. It features a strong, intelligent protagonist battling against a sinister family legacy in a house that feels alive with secrets.