Books like The drowned by Elizabeth Levy

During a dull summer in Atlantic City, Lily spends her time with her aunt and decides to explore the city’s ghost‑laden nightlife to earn quick money. Her plans collide with an old horror tale, as a con‑artist named Clark DeLuge warns her about the "Drowned Boy’s Bed," a location tied to a boy who drowned many years ago. As Lily delves deeper, she realizes Clark is actually the restless spirit of the drowned youth, who resurfaces yearly to claim another victim—this time, potentially Lily herself. The story mixes supernatural intrigue with teen angst, set against the backdrop of Atlantic City’s neon glow and ghostly secrets. While the plot sometimes falters and the romantic subplot feels forced, the chilling image of the boy’s vengeful mother adds a disturbing layer of maternal horror. This horror tale offers a fresh angle for readers looking for a supernatural adventure that deviates from more formulaic series.

First publish date: 1995