One underrated horror novel is 'The Croning' by Laird Barron. It has a very Lovecraftian feel to it. The mystery and the sense of an ancient evil lurking is really well - done. 'The Only Good Indians' by Stephen Graham Jones is also a great pick. It tells a story about Native American folklore and revenge in a modern - day setting. It's very atmospheric and disturbing. 'The Troop' by Nick Cutter is also quite good. It's about a group of Boy Scouts on an island who encounter a terrifying parasite.
One great underrated graphic novel is 'Persepolis' by Marjane Satrapi. It's an autobiographical work that gives a unique look into life in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution. The simple black - and - white art style is very effective in telling the complex story of a young girl growing up in a changing society.
One underrated horror novel is 'The Ruins' by Scott Smith. It has a really creepy premise. A group of tourists visit an ancient Mayan ruin, and things start to go horribly wrong. The sense of isolation and the unknown is what makes it so terrifying. Another is 'The House Next Door' by Anne Rivers Siddons. It's about a haunted house that affects the lives of those around it in very disturbing ways. And 'The Fisherman' by John Langan. It combines elements of Lovecraftian horror with a unique and haunting story about fishing and the supernatural.
I would recommend 'The Black Tower' by P. D. James. It has a complex mystery with a lot of psychological depth. 'The Circular Staircase' by Mary Roberts Rinehart is also a good pick. It was one of the early mystery novels and has some really unique elements. And 'The Crying of Lot 49' by Thomas Pynchon. It's a very different kind of mystery novel, more postmodern, but really interesting with a lot of mystery and symbolism.
One great underrated fantasy novel is 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. It weaves together the stories of a golem and a jinni in turn - of - the - century New York. Another is 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It has a unique take on magic and a captivating heroine. And 'Mistborn' by Brandon Sanderson is also underrated. It features an intricate magic system and a complex plot.
Sure. 'The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon' is underrated. I think it's because it's more of a survival story with a young protagonist rather than the typical full - on horror. It doesn't get as much attention as his scarier works. 'Cell' is also underrated. Maybe it's because it was overshadowed by some of his more famous novels. It has an interesting post - apocalyptic concept. And 'Duma Key' is underrated. It has a great setting on an island and a spooky art - related mystery, but perhaps it's not as well - known as some of his classics.
The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. It combines elements of Jewish and Arabian folklore in a unique way. The story of the golem and the jinni in New York City at the turn of the 20th century is both magical and thought - provoking.
Well, 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt can be considered a crime novel in a sense. It's about a group of students who get involved in a murder. It's not always thought of as a traditional crime novel, but it's really good. 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' by Arthur Conan Doyle is sometimes overlooked among his works. It has that classic mystery feel with the spooky moors and the menacing hound. Also, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson was underrated before it became a huge hit. The complex mystery and the unique character of Lisbeth Salander make it a great read.
Then there's 'Kino's Journey'. Kino travels from one country to another in a world filled with different cultures and ways of life. Each episode presents a new place with its own rules, problems, and stories. It has a simple premise but a really good story that makes you think about society, human values, and the meaning of life. It's not as popular as it should be.