Action & Adventure

Animation

Comedy

Crime

Drama

Family

History

Kids

Mystery

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Soap

War & Politics

Western

Dive into the world of Wayward Pines as envisioned by Blake Crouch in his gripping trilogy, starting with 'Pines'. The books provide a far more intimate exploration of the protagonist's inner turmoil and unravel the mysteries of the town with a depth often lost in visual adaptations. This literary journey enhances the suspense and psychological depth of the narrative, offering more nuanced twists and existential questions than the TV series. 

The trilogy also presents a more vivid exploration of the dystopian themes and existential dilemmas that are only touched upon in the series. Crouch's detailed descriptions and ability to build tension on the page make for a more immersive experience, where each novel builds upon the last to create a world that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. Readers who crave a deeper understanding of the characters' psyches and the chilling reality of the town will find the books an unputdownable read, delving into the darker corners of human nature and the fragile fabric of society.

Imagine the perfect American town... beautiful homes, manicured lawns, children playing safely in the streets. Now imagine never being able to leave. You have no communication with the outside world. You think you're going insane. You must be in Wayward Pines.

Wayward

Pines

The Last Town

Wayward Pines

Dive into the captivating world of Liane Moriarty's novel, 'Nine Perfect Strangers,' and uncover the depth and intricacies that only a book can provide. Moriarty, known for her skillful storytelling and nuanced character development, crafts an immersive experience that delves deeply into the psyche of her characters. The novel explores the lives of nine individuals, each grappling with personal demons and seeking transformation at a mysterious wellness retreat. More than just a setting for drama, the retreat becomes a character in its own right, under the enigmatic guidance of its director, Masha.

Reading 'Nine Perfect Strangers' offers a richly layered narrative that engages the imagination far beyond what a visual adaptation can offer. Moriarty's prose allows readers to sink into the inner turmoils and secret desires of each character, providing a more intimate connection to their journeys. As you turn the pages, you will find yourself questioning not only the motives of those seeking change but also the authenticity and morality behind Masha's unconventional methods. Embrace the opportunity to experience the fusion of suspense and introspection that only Moriarty can deliver. Read the novel and savor the elements of surprise and depth that illuminate the human condition in ways television cannot.

At a boutique health-and-wellness resort that promises healing and transformation, nine stressed city dwellers try to get on a path to a better way of living. Watching over them during this 10-day retreat is the resort's director, Masha, a woman on a mission to reinvigorate their tired minds and bodies. However, these nine "perfect" strangers have no idea what is about to hit them.

Nine Perfect Strangers

Before immersing yourself in the visual tapestry of the TV series, consider diving into the rich, introspective world of Emily St. John Mandel's novel, 'Station Eleven'. The book offers a deeply woven narrative bringing to life the profound beauty found amidst destruction. Through its lyrical prose, the novel tracks the intricate connections between characters spanning two timelines—before and after a catastrophic pandemic. 

Reading 'Station Eleven' allows you to experience the delicate interrelationships and the enduring impact of art, memory, and hope on humanity. Mandel's writing delves into each character's psyche, offering insights and perspectives that are often nuanced and subtly depicted. The novel's exploration of the ephemeral yet resilient nature of culture and community provides a thoughtful journey that cannot be fully replicated on screen. Treat yourself to the introspective experience that only Mandel's evocative storytelling can provide.

The survivors of a devastating flu attempt to rebuild and reimagine the world anew – while holding on to the best of what’s been lost.

Station Eleven

Stephen King's novel 'It' is an immersive literary journey that far surpasses the depth and detail found in any visual adaptation. Within its pages, readers will discover a richly woven narrative that intricately explores the terrors lurking beneath the surface of childhood fears and the dark, twisted realities they ensnare.

By diving into the book, you're invited to delve into the intricacies of Derry, a town that itself seems alive with secrets and memories. Unlike watching the TV series, reading 'It' offers a deep connection with complex characters whose development unfolds through the haunting prose and masterful storytelling unique to Stephen King. Embrace the opportunity to lose yourself in the atmospheric tension and profound emotional journeys that only the original novel can truly offer.

In 1960, seven outcast kids known as "The Losers' Club" fight an evil demon who poses as a child-killing clown. Thirty years later, they reunite to stop the demon once and for all when it returns to their hometown.

Dive into the original novel, 'You Should Have Known' by Jean Hanff Korelitz, and experience the nuanced storytelling at its finest. The book offers an in-depth exploration of characters' interiors, providing a formidable psychological study that only a well-crafted novel can deliver. The emphasis on the protagonist's internal transformation and the unraveling of the truth is more intricately sketched in the pages of Korelitz's work.

While the TV series version, 'The Undoing,' captures the surface-level thrill and pace, the book invites you to pause, think, and immerse yourself in the mind of Grace Reinhart Sachs. This depth and introspective journey provide a compelling reading experience that will resonate long after the last page is turned, making it a must-read for anyone intrigued by psychological depth and literary complexity.

Grace and Jonathan Fraser are living the only lives they ever wanted. Overnight a chasm opens in their lives: a violent death and a chain of terrible revelations. Left behind in the wake of a spreading and very public disaster, Grace must dismantle one life and create another for her child and her family.

You Should Have Known

The Undoing

If you want to dive deeper into the intricate plots and historical richness of 'Babylon Berlin,' there is no better way than to immerse yourself in Volker Kutscher's original novels. Unlike the TV series, which condenses and adapts content for episodic drama, Kutscher's writing allows for an expansive exploration of Weimar Berlin. His words vividly paint the chaotic yet fascinating era where decadence meets desperation, unraveling layers of mystery and character development that only literature can provide.

Reading the books offers a more intimate understanding of the protagonist, Gereon Rath, and his complex journey through the shifting sands of politics and crime. Kutscher's work delves deeper into the socio-economic undercurrents of the time, enriching the reader's understanding of the historical context. You'll find yourself lost in a world meticulously constructed with both depth and detail, where the glamour and grit of the era come alive in a way that is possible only on the page. So, rather than just watching the series, give yourself the chance to experience this multifaceted world through the lens of Kutscher's enthralling storytelling.

Beneath the decadence of 1929 Berlin, lies an underworld city of sin. Police investigator Gereon Rath has been transferred from Cologne to the epicenter of political and social changes in the Golden Twenties.

Babylon Berlin

Dive into the enigmatic world crafted by Lemony Snicket in the original novels, where each page unfurls with suspense that TV screens can scarcely capture. The novels’ intricately woven narratives, rich with wordplay and elaborate detail, offer a depth and intimacy that allows readers to immerse themselves fully in the Baudelaire orphans' harrowing adventures. The books pull back the curtain on a unique literary universe, offering exclusive insights and hidden secrets that only unfold through the mastery of Snicket’s original prose. By engaging directly with the text, readers can savor the multifaceted layers of irony, wit, and darkness that define Snicket’s storytelling.

Moreover, the novels provide a more extensive exploration of themes that are only touched upon in the series. The interplay of moral dilemmas, ethical quandaries, and the relentless pursuit of truth are all explored with a nuance that deepens the emotional engagement. In the books, each character's development is nuanced, encouraging readers to explore the complexities of human nature and resilience. Choosing the novels not only offers a richer experience but also transforms the reader into an active participant in unraveling the series' mysteries, inviting introspection that a visual adaptation might condense or overlook. Embark on this literary journey to uncover the unparalleled perspective that Lemony Snicket intended for the series’ intrepid followers.

The orphaned Baudelaire children face trials, tribulations and the evil Count Olaf, all in their quest to uncover the secret of their parents' death.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Dive into the gripping world of Harlan Coben's 'Stay Close,' an enthralling novel that weaves a dark and suspenseful tale of secrets and lies buried beneath the surface of everyday life. Unlike the TV adaptation, Coben's ingenious storytelling hooks readers with deep character insights and complex motivations, providing a rich literary experience that heightens the thriller's tension and emotional impact.

The novel's intricate narrative structure and well-crafted pacing unlock levels of intrigue often lost in screen adaptations. As you flip through the pages, each twist and turn invites you to become part of the mystery, making your mind race alongside the protagonists in a way that only a book can. Coben's mastery in creating claustrophobic suburban settings and nuanced characters ensures that 'Stay Close' is a compelling read, encouraging you to succumb to the irresistible pull of an expertly penned mystery.

When Carlton Flynn vanishes 17 years to the night after Stewart Green did, it sets off a chain reaction in the lives of people connected to both men.

Stay Close

If you're intrigued by the complex and exhilarating world of 'The Flight Attendant,' consider diving into the gripping pages of Chris Bohjalian's novel. Books offer a unique opportunity to explore characters' inner thoughts and backgrounds with depth and nuance that visual adaptations often lack. With suspenseful twists and rich character development, the novel provides a more intimate and comprehensive understanding of Cassie Bowden's chaotic journey.

Moreover, reading the book allows your imagination to create its own version of the story's vivid settings and intense moments. Chris Bohjalian's narrative weaves psychological tension and insightful observations, making it a captivating read that stands on its own. So, if you're a fan of thrillers that deliver both excitement and introspection, the novel 'The Flight Attendant' will surely engage and inspire, bringing to light facets of the story that might be woven differently on screen.

Flight attendant Cassandra Bowden wakes in her hotel room hungover from the night before in Dubai with a dead body lying next to her. Afraid to call the police, she continues her morning as if nothing happened. In New York, she is met by FBI agents who question her about her recent layover in Bangkok. Still unable to piece the night together, she begins to wonder if she could be the killer.

The Flight Attendant

Dive into the psychological depths of classical literature by reading Henry James's 'The Turn of the Screw' instead of watching 'The Haunting of Bly Manor'. This novella invites you into a world where ambiguity and suspense reign supreme, challenging the reader’s perception of reality and engaging the mind in a dance of interpretation and mystery.

James’s intricate prose delves into the intricacies of human emotion and perception, offering layers of narrative depth that films can rarely capture. As you explore the richly woven narrative and its exploration of supernatural versus psychological horror, you’ll find yourself pondering the boundaries of imagination and reality. Reading 'The Turn of the Screw' provides an intimate journey into the essence of Gothic horror, where the true terror lies beneath the surface, waiting for a reader brave enough to unveil it.

After an au pair’s tragic death, Henry Wingrave hires a young American nanny to care for his orphaned niece and nephew who reside at Bly Manor with the estate’s chef Owen, groundskeeper Jamie and housekeeper, Mrs. Grose. But all is not as it seems at the manor, and centuries of dark secrets of love and loss are waiting to be unearthed in this chilling tale.

The Turn of the Screw

The Haunting of Bly Manor

Delve into the tantalizing world of Rosewood with Sara Shepard's "Pretty Little Liars" series. Through these novels, you'll experience an intricate web of secrets, lies, and deceit that only a masterful storyteller like Shepard can weave. The books invite you into the lives of four girls who are bound by the disappearance of their friend Alison. As you unfold the pages, you'll encounter a narrative rich in suspense and a plot that is as unpredictable as it is thrilling.

While "Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin" offers a visual glimpse into such a darker story, the original series of books provides a depth of character development and intricate plot details that are often lost on screen. Through the author's descriptive prose, readers are transported into a gripping world where every lie could unravel the fabric of friendships, making it an enthralling experience that captivates your imagination and keeps you guessing until the very end. Dive into the novels for a more profound and intimate journey filled with twists and revelations.

Twenty years ago, a series of tragic events almost ripped the blue-collar town of Millwood apart. Now, in the present day, a group of disparate teen girls finds themselves tormented by an unknown Assailant and made to pay for the secret sin their parents committed two decades ago, as well as their own.

Pretty Little Liars

Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin

Dive into the mesmerizing world of 'Boy Swallows Universe,' a novel crafted by the incredibly talented Trent Dalton. As you turn each page, you will be transported into the gritty yet magical Brisbane of the 1980s, woven with themes of love, loss, and redemption. Unlike the TV adaptation, the novel provides an intimate journey through the eyes of its protagonist, Eli Bell. Through Dalton's masterful storytelling, readers are immersed in a vivid tapestry of emotions and experiences that only the written word can truly convey.

The richness and depth of the characters in the novel provide more than just a story — they offer a mirror reflecting the complexities of human life and resilience. The transformational journey of Eli is best experienced through the author's original words, painting vivid images and evoking powerful feelings that screen adaptations can only hint at. By choosing to read 'Boy Swallows Universe,' you embrace an adventure that engages the mind and heart on a profound level, celebrating the beauty of literature's power to tell an unforgettable tale.

A young boy growing up in the suburbs of 1980s Brisbane faces the harsh realities of life — and the looming dangers that threaten his family.

Boy Swallows Universe

Dive into Dashiell Hammett's 'The Maltese Falcon' to experience the gritty, unfiltered essence of classic noir fiction. Unlike any visual adaptation, the novel gives you a deeper connection with Sam Spade, exploring his complex inner world and moral ambiguities. Hammett's masterful storytelling immerses readers in a landscape rich with atmospheric details and dialogues that bring the 1930s San Francisco to life. 

While the TV series may offer a contemporary retelling with new visual elements, the original novel allows readers to engage their imaginations and delve into a world crafted by one of the greatest writers of the hard-boiled genre. The tension, character development, and crafty plot twists found in Hammett's pages provide a uniquely satisfying literary journey that no screen adaptation can fully replicate.

Detective Sam Spade is pulled out of his tranquil retirement in France to investigate a series of brutal murders.

The Maltese Falcon

Monsieur Spade

Dive into the intricate world of 'Defending Jacob,' a novel that grips you with its complexity and emotional depth far beyond what any screen adaptation can offer. As you turn each page, William Landay masterfully immerses you in the raw emotions and psychological twists that define the lives of a family thrown into turmoil by a shocking murder accusation. The book's richly woven narrative explores themes of justice, family ties, and the chilling doubt that shadows innocent until proven guilty, all while maintaining an intimate focus on the Barbers' struggle to maintain their dignity and sanity. 

The novel offers a profound and unfiltered glimpse into the chaos and doubt that engulfs a family, something that can truly only be experienced through Landay's powerful prose. Each character's internal battles and the evolving family dynamics are depicted with a meticulous attention to detail, providing a reading experience that is both thought-provoking and thrilling. Exploring the depths of parental love, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to protect their own, 'Defending Jacob' is a spellbinding journey that challenges your perceptions of innocence and guilt, making it a must-read for anyone who dares to delve into the shadowy corners of the human heart.

A family's lives are irreparably disrupted when the 14-year-old son is accused of murdering a fellow classmate.

Defending Jacob

For readers who relish the intricate procedure and unpredictable nature of detective work, R. D. Wingfield's novels offer an experience that goes beyond the TV adaptation of A Touch of Frost. The books delve deeper into the psyche and life of Detective Inspector Frost, giving a raw, unfiltered look into his thoughts and challenges that the screen cannot fully capture. Wingfield's writing is a masterclass in developing atmosphere and suspense, drawing you into the crime-riddled world of a detective devoted to justice. 

While the television series provides an engaging narrative with excellent performances, the novels offer a depth of storytelling and character development that is second to none. Readers are privy to Frost's internal struggles and the weight of his responsibilities, intricately woven with humor and humanity. This immersive literary journey provides richer subplots, nuanced character relationships, and a tapestry of details that build a more robust and vivid world, making it a truly compelling read for anyone intrigued by the complexities of crime solving.

Jack Frost is a gritty, dogged and unconventional detective with sympathy for the underdog and an instinct for moral justice who attracts trouble like a magnet. Despite some animosity with his superintendent, Norman “Horn-rimmed Harry” Mullett, Frost and his ever-changing roster of assistants manage to solve cases via his clever mind, good heart, and cool touch.

Categories

TV Series by Year

TV Series