Families who loved Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the intense, often confusing emotions of a first attraction that feels both thrilling and unsettling. It speaks to the adolescent desire for mystery and the struggle to trust one's instincts when faced with a charming but potentially dangerous peer. Set in a decaying seaside mansion, the story follows Violet as she falls for a mysterious stranger named River, only to discover that the dark rumors surrounding him might be true. While the atmosphere is gothic and spooky, the core of the book explores moral ambiguity and the thin line between love and fear. It is best suited for older teens who enjoy atmospheric horror and complex romantic dynamics, offering a safe space to discuss how we choose who to trust and the importance of listening to our inner voice when something feels off.
