I've been absolutely enamored by the Southern Reach books, currently a touch over halfway through book 3 Acceptance. I have Absolution on the shelf already waiting for me, but I'm curious about keeping this similar aura of cosmic horror and psychological uncertainty, but without the elements of fantasy incorporated in the Southern Reach series.
VanderMeer does an incredible job of channeling the sensation of being watched/followed/manipulated, describing that paranoia not just through thoughts and dialog, but actions as well. I want something that covers those bases in a way that could 100% happen in real life.
Book 2 of the Southern Reach series Authority actually does this pretty well on its own, there's very little fantasy/magical realism involved for the most part, but it's still present at times.
My first thought is The Haunting of Hill House (for which I've watched the series but not read the book), because of its presentation of "is this actually haunting or is it various forms of mental illness psychologically torturing the family?"
Any other recommendations thoroughly appreciated!
by PsyferRL