10 Best Books Like Where the Crawdads Sing You’ll Love to Read Next

If you were captivated by the breathtaking landscapes, poignant storytelling, and unforgettable heroine of Delia Owens' Where the Crawdads Sing, you’re likely on the hunt for more novels that evoke the same sense of wonder. Whether it was Kya’s journey of survival, the vivid connection to nature, or the intertwining of mystery and emotional depth that gripped you, this list of 10 books will transport you to equally mesmerizing worlds.

Each of these novels offers a blend of compelling characters, evocative settings, and themes of resilience, self-discovery, or love for the natural world. Let’s dive into your next great read!

1. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Set in the rugged wilderness of Alaska, The Great Alone tells the story of Leni Allbright, a teenage girl whose family moves to the remote frontier in search of a fresh start. But the Alaskan wilderness is as unforgiving as it is beautiful, and Leni soon finds herself navigating not just the harsh terrain, but the complexities of her family’s unraveling relationships.

Fans of Where the Crawdads Sing will appreciate Kristin Hannah’s ability to capture the beauty and brutality of nature while exploring themes of survival, resilience, and love. Just as Kya fought to find her place in the marshlands, Leni’s journey is one of finding strength in the face of hardship.

2. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

On a remote island off the coast of Australia, a lighthouse keeper and his wife make a fateful decision when they discover a boat washed ashore carrying a baby. The Light Between Oceans is a heart-wrenching tale of love, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity.

If you were drawn to the emotional weight and moral complexity of Kya’s choices in Where the Crawdads Sing, this novel will resonate deeply. Its isolated setting and richly descriptive prose create a similarly atmospheric reading experience.

3. Educated by Tara Westover

While not a novel, this memoir of resilience and self-discovery offers a true-life parallel to Kya’s journey. Tara Westover grew up in a strict and abusive household, completely cut off from mainstream society. Determined to educate herself, she eventually escaped her isolated upbringing and earned a PhD from Cambridge University.

Readers who connected with Kya’s fierce independence and determination to overcome adversity will find inspiration in Tara’s incredible story. Like Where the Crawdads Sing, Educated is a testament to the power of grit and self-reliance.

4. Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance by Ruth Emmie Lang

This enchanting novel follows Weylyn Grey, a boy raised by wolves who possesses mysterious powers tied to nature. As Weylyn grows, his life intertwines with those of the people he meets, each of whom is profoundly affected by his unique connection to the natural world.

For readers who loved the magical realism and deep connection to nature in Where the Crawdads Sing, Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance offers a similarly whimsical yet emotional journey. It’s a celebration of life’s wonder and the impact one person can have on the world around them.

5. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Set in 1920s Alaska, The Snow Child tells the story of Jack and Mabel, a couple struggling to survive in the wilderness. One day, they build a child out of snow, only for it to mysteriously come to life. The novel weaves together themes of loss, hope, and the healing power of the natural world.

If you loved the lyrical prose and atmospheric setting of Where the Crawdads Sing, this book will immerse you in a similarly haunting and beautiful world. The stark yet magical Alaskan wilderness echoes the role of nature as a character in the story, much like the marshlands in Kya’s life.

6. Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

When a mysterious girl is pulled from the river in a small English village, the community becomes obsessed with uncovering her identity. Once Upon a River is a richly layered tale of love, mystery, and folklore, with the river serving as both a setting and a symbol.

Fans of Where the Crawdads Sing will appreciate the slow-burn mystery, atmospheric setting, and deeply human themes explored in this novel. Diane Setterfield’s writing is as lush and evocative as Delia Owens’, making this a perfect follow-up.

7. Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah

In this heartfelt novel, a biologist recovering from personal tragedy meets a mysterious young girl who claims to be an alien. Together, they navigate the challenges of loss, love, and the healing power of connection.

Like Where the Crawdads Sing, this novel balances themes of isolation and community, with a protagonist who finds solace in nature. Vanderah’s depiction of the natural world is vivid and restorative, making it a great pick for fans of Delia Owens’ work.

8. The Secret Wisdom of the Earth by Christopher Scotton

This coming-of-age novel follows 14-year-old Kevin as he spends a transformative summer in a small Appalachian town. Grappling with personal loss and a community divided by environmental issues, Kevin discovers the strength to confront his fears and stand up for what he believes in.

Readers who admired the themes of justice and personal growth in Where the Crawdads Sing will find a similar resonance in this story. Scotton’s lush descriptions of the Appalachian landscape add a layer of depth, much like Owens’ depiction of the North Carolina marshlands.

9. Swamplandia! by Karen Russell

Set in the Florida Everglades, Swamplandia! is a quirky, darkly comic novel about a family that runs an alligator wrestling park. When tragedy strikes, 13-year-old Ava ventures into the swamp in search of answers, encountering an unforgettable cast of characters along the way.

For fans of Where the Crawdads Sing, this novel’s vivid sense of place and strong, determined young heroine will feel familiar. Ava’s journey through the swamp mirrors Kya’s connection to her natural surroundings, offering a unique and adventurous reading experience.

10. Before We Were Strangers by Brenda Novak

This gripping mystery follows Sloane McBride, who returns to her hometown to uncover the truth behind her mother’s disappearance 20 years earlier. As she digs into the past, buried secrets come to light, threatening to change everything.

Like Where the Crawdads Sing, this novel combines a compelling mystery with emotional depth and a strong sense of place. Sloane’s determination to uncover the truth will resonate with fans of Kya’s own search for answers and justice.

Conclusion

Each of these books captures the emotional resonance, love of nature, or sense of mystery that made Where the Crawdads Sing so unforgettable. Whether you’re drawn to tales of survival, richly drawn settings, or characters who face life’s challenges head-on, these stories are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Which one will you read next?