The best atmospheric historical novels set on rivers or estuaries

Book cover of The Essex Serpent Book cover of James Book cover of Killing Mister Watson Book cover of Sea of Poppies Book cover of Once Upon a River

The best books that walk the line between real and imaginary

Book cover of A Monster Calls Book cover of The Essex Serpent Book cover of Beloved Book cover of The Street of Crocodiles Book cover of Weetzie Bat

The best books that keep pace, with settings evoking mystery and a tinge of the supernatural

Book cover of The Devil Rides Out Book cover of In the Teeth of the Evidence Book cover of Frenchman's Creek Book cover of The Man in the Picture Book cover of The Essex Serpent

The best literary novels with elements of fantasy

Book cover of The River Wife Book cover of Skin Book cover of The Essex Serpent Book cover of Everything Under Book cover of Beloved

Want books like The Essex Serpent?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 74 books like The Essex Serpent.

Book cover of Beloved Book cover of A Monster Calls Book cover of Frenchman's Creek Book cover of Sea of Poppies Book cover of The Street of Crocodiles Book cover of Weetzie Bat

Browse books like The Essex Serpent

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in widows, legendary creatures, and French travel?

Widows 93 books
Legendary Creatures 58 books
French Travel 42 books