Based on your book
Things in Jars
by Kidd, Jess
Bridie Devine is the kind of private detective Victorian London does not quite know how to handle. She is sharp, scarred, and far more interested in the truth than in polite society. When she is tasked with finding a kidnapped child who possesses a strange, supernatural secret, she finds herself navigating a city that is equal parts industrial grime and hidden magic. Jess Kidd writes with a voice that feels both ancient and electric, layering thick, atmospheric descriptions over a mystery that feels genuinely dangerous. The prose is lush and occasionally grotesque, demanding that you pay attention to every odd detail. If you enjoy historical fiction that refuses to be neat or tidy, and you have a soft spot for outsiders who fight back against a world determined to cage them, Bridie is someone you need to meet.
10 Books similar to 'Things in Jars'
Since you enjoyed the messy, macabre, and magical heart of Bridie Devine’s investigation, these titles were chosen to satisfy your hunger for similar historical puzzles. We focused on books that masterfully balance the grit of the Victorian era with the lingering shadows of folklore and the uncanny. Whether you are looking for that specific blend of scientific curiosity and gothic dread, or you simply want another strong, unconventional protagonist navigating a world of hidden secrets, these stories mirror the unsettling wonder and sharp-witted defiance that make Jess Kidd’s work so memorable.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
by Sarah Perry
Like Things in Jars, this novel blends Victorian history with the uncanny, featuring a strong-willed female protagonist navigating the tension between scientific inquiry and superstition. Its lush, atmospheric prose and focus on a mysterious creature make it a perfect companion read.
by Sarah Waters
This novel captures the gritty, dark underbelly of Victorian London with a similar narrative intensity and complex, layered plotting. Fans of Bridie Devine’s sharp wit and the atmospheric mystery of Kidd’s work will appreciate the suspenseful, twisting narrative.
Set in a meticulously realized historical past, this book shares the gothic, claustrophobic, and mysterious tone found in Jess Kidd’s writing. It focuses on a woman unraveling secrets within a strange household, mirroring the investigative journey of Bridie Devine.
This book features the same blend of historical detail and fantastical elements that defines Things in Jars. It explores the spectacle of the 'unusual' in Georgian London, capturing a similar sense of wonder and dark, whimsical curiosity.
Not sure what they've already read?
Let them pick their next favorite with an Amazon Gift Card.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For readers who loved the folkloric magic and historical setting of Kidd’s work, this novel offers a deep, immersive dive into a world where magic exists alongside Victorian rationality. It matches the intellectual depth and the 'hidden world' themes found in Things in Jars.
While the setting differs, this novel provides the same intricate, puzzle-box mystery and dark, gothic atmosphere that makes Things in Jars so addictive. The protagonist’s struggle to uncover the truth in a hostile environment will resonate with fans of Bridie’s investigative tenacity.
by Jane Harris
This novel captures a similar voice—witty, observant, and slightly subversive—set in the 19th century. It explores the relationship between a servant and her mistress with the same blend of humor and underlying tension that defines Jess Kidd’s narrative style.
Fans of the gothic, unsettling atmosphere of Things in Jars will appreciate this chilling tale of a woman investigating a mysterious, decaying estate. It shares the theme of a strong, intelligent woman confronting dark, hidden secrets that defy conventional logic.
This story masterfully weaves folklore and historical fiction together, much like Things in Jars. It focuses on two supernatural beings trying to navigate the complexities of human society, offering a similar blend of the magical and the grounded.
by Erik Larson
While non-fiction, this book reads with the narrative drive of a thriller and provides the perfect historical context for the Victorian-era obsession with science, spectacle, and the macabre seen in Things in Jars. It is an essential read for those fascinated by the dark side of the 19th century.
Love to read on the go?
Explore Kindle e-readers and take your books with you.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.