Delia Owens won over millions of readers with her #1 New York Times bestseller Where the Crawdads Sing — and with the film adaptation of the book playing in theaters this summer, she’s sure to earn many more. Owens’ acclaimed debut takes place in the village of Barkley Cove, nestled along the lush coast of North Carolina. When a local boy turns up dead under mysterious circumstances, locals are quick to pin the blame on Kya — a so-called “Marsh Girl” recluse who lives in the surrounding marshlands. The townspeople never understood this sensitive and self-reliant outsider. While Kya has the naturalist skills to live in isolation forever, she also yearns for companionship. But hiding behind the promise of new beginnings is the threat of disaster.
With its interlacing mystery, evocative setting, and heart-wrenching coming-of-age narrative, Where the Crawdads Sing makes for a transportive read. Searching for a kindred literary experience? We gathered 13 books like Where the Crawdads Sing that will keep you enthralled all summer long.