Books like 'The Problem Child'
Readers who enjoyed The Problem Child by Michael Buckley also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary fantasy mystery action / adventure urban fantasy supernatural monsters/creatures magic children fairy-tale
-
Last Stand of Dead Men by Derek Landy
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsThe eighth instalment in the biggest, funniest, most thrilling comedy-horror-adventure series in the universe - and the follow-up to 2012’s number-one bestseller, Kingdom of the Wicked…War has finally come.But it's not a war between good and evil, or light and dark – it's a war between Sanctuaries... -
![The Order of Blood and Ruin by K.M. Shea]()
The Order of Blood and Ruin by K.M. Shea
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThey used to be enemies. Now they’re partners.I never imagined Considine Maledictus—one of the most powerful vampires alive—would go from ruling the streets at night to joining the supernatural task force just to become my partner, but here we are.Considine claims he “fancies” me. He also used to hide his identity and pose as my charming next-door neighbor, so forgive me if I don’t believe him... -
![Battle Ground by Jim Butcher]()
Battle Ground by Jim Butcher
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 46 ratingsHarry has faced terrible odds before. He has a long history of fighting enemies above his weight class. The Red Court of vampires. The fallen angels of the Order of the Blackened Denarius. The Outsiders.But this time it’s different. A being more powerful and dangerous on an order of magnitude beyond what the world has seen in a millennium is coming. And she’s bringing an army... -
![The Faceless Ones by Derek Landy]()
The Faceless Ones by Derek Landy
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsThe third bone-breaking, belly-busting adventure in the series that puts the “funny” back in, um, funny series... -
-
![Brief Cases by Jim Butcher]()
Brief Cases by Jim Butcher
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsBrief Cases is the sequel anthology of Side Jobs, and will be released before Peace TalksSet to include the following stories:An exclusive novellette from the perspective of Maggie and Mouse.“Curses” — from The Naked City, edited by Ellen DatlowTakes place between Small Favor and Turn Coat... -
![Tales from the Gas Station: Volume Two by Jack Townsend]()
Tales from the Gas Station: Volume Two by Jack Townsend
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNightshift clerk and high-functioning insomniac Jack is back to work, trying his best to keep out of trouble. But when his chain-smoking coworker discovers a mysterious radio signal revealing the guarded secrets of their town, Jack will learn that an annoying new dayshift manager is far from the worst of his problems... -
![The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik]()
The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 72 ratingsA budding dark sorceress determined not to use her formidable powers uncovers yet more secrets about the workings of her world in the stunning sequel to A Deadly Education, the start of Naomi Novik’s groundbreaking crossover series...Categorized as:
coming-of-age female-mc high-school humor low-fantasy magic paranormal witches-wizards -
![The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan]()
The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe original heroes from The Lightning Thief are reunited for their biggest challenge yet: getting Percy to college when the gods are standing in his way.After saving the world multiple times, Percy Jackson is hoping to have a normal senior year. Unfortunately, the gods aren’t quite done with him... -
![River Marked by Patricia Briggs]()
River Marked by Patricia Briggs
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 67 ratingsMercy Thompson: Mechanic, Shapeshifter, Fighter.Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. And she's never known any others of her kind. Until now... -
![Glimmer of Deception by Heather G. Harris]()
Glimmer of Deception by Heather G. Harris
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsI’m Jinx, a private investigator, a truth seeker and a wizard. You'd think of all those skills would make it so easy for me to get to the heart of things. And honestly? I thought I knew what had happened to my parents that night - I thought I finally knew the truth about how they'd died. But I've taken a tumble down the rabbit hole and everything I thought I knew was topsy turvy... -
![Bloodline Legacy by Lan Chan]()
Bloodline Legacy by Lan Chan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA hedge witch and her psychotic vampire partner enter the Unity Games. Four supernatural academies. A thousand ways to die. I don’t think I want to be Alessia Hastings anymore.My life plan is pretty simple: Learn to fight. Survive a war with the Hell dimension. Don’t die. It does not, I repeat, it does not involve a mating bond with Malachi Pendragon and spitting out Nephilim babies... -
![Taming Demons for Beginners by Annette Marie]()
Taming Demons for Beginners by Annette Marie
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsRule one: Don't look at the demon.When I arrived at my uncle's house, I expected my relatives to be like me—outcast sorcerers who don't practice magic. I was right about the sorcery, but wrong about everything else.Rule two: Don't listen to the demon.My uncle chose a far deadlier power... -
![Slaying Monsters for the Feeble by Annette Marie]()
Slaying Monsters for the Feeble by Annette Marie
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsI'm bound to a demon. For my entire life, I avoided magic at all costs. Now, I'm responsible for a demon who wields magic more powerful than the toughest mage or sorcerer. Demons are evil. That's what my textbooks say. That's what I see. He's ruthless, he's temperamental, he's cold. But he protects me without fail. I wonder if he's hiding a heart behind his hostility. My demon is a monster... -
![Hunting Fiends for the Ill-Equipped by Annette Marie]()
Hunting Fiends for the Ill-Equipped by Annette Marie
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsI thought I understood power.My parents taught me that magic attracts equal danger, and everything I've seen since becoming a demon contractor confirms it. I've witnessed how power twists and corrupts--and I've tasted power no human should wield.I thought I knew greed.Ambition and avarice drove my family into hiding. My parents died for someone else's greed... -
-
![Protection of The Pack by Heather G. Harris]()
Protection of The Pack by Heather G. Harris
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI have a wolf in my head. Her name is Esme, and she likes killing things.I’m Lucy, a regular accountant turned alpha werewolf. A tryst with the wrong succubus ripped me from my ordinary life and sent me tumbling into a magical realm that I'd never even dreamed existed.I was just adjusting to pack life when I was asked to mercy-kill the current alpha... -
![Midlife Magic Hunter by Shannon Mayer]()
Midlife Magic Hunter by Shannon Mayer
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWould you like an extra helping of hot flashes to go with that midlife crisis? Yeah, I thought not. And yet, here we are. Burning down buildings.You know, dating in your forties should be easier. Should be. But it really isn’t. My first date in I don’t-know-how-long is broken up by my ex-husband. I mean, he’s dead, but still.Then a cryptic note from a voodoo queen... -
![Midlife Soul Hunter by Shannon Mayer]()
Midlife Soul Hunter by Shannon Mayer
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsYou’d think I’d already been in hell, married to my ex. But just this one time, you’d be wrong.Surprise, surprise, the Dark Council has been plotting to force my hand. They know that I love Crash. Yes, I said the L word.And they know I’d do anything to bring him back from hell—even though it means it puts both our souls into great danger. And puts my knees into running mode. (Cue the Advil... -
![Blood is Thicker by Orlando A. Sanchez]()
Blood is Thicker by Orlando A. Sanchez
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA Broken Pact. An Ancient Enemy. A Bitter Betrayal. What does a vampire fear more than sunlight? The Cazadoras Sangrientas-Blood Hunters. Michiko Nakatomi has led the Dark Council for over a century, maintaining the uneasy truce between humanity and the supernatural. But when an ancient enemy returns the delicate balance is shattered and vampires start dying... -
![Tales From the Hood by Michael Buckley]()
Tales From the Hood by Michael Buckley
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsThe Fairy-Tale Trial Of The CenturyIn Ferryport Landing, everyone gets a day in court- even the Big Bad Wolf. Mr.Canis is put on trial for past crimes, and Mayor Heart's kangaroo court is determined to find him guilty. It's up to the Grimms to uncover evidence to save their friend, though Sabrina starts to wonder whether they would all be safer with the Wolf in jail... -
![The Faerie War by Rachel Morgan]()
The Faerie War by Rachel Morgan
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAn alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.The fate of the fae world is in her hands ...Violet Fairdale is in big trouble. Her home is gone, her beloved forest lies in ruins, the guy she gave her heart to has deserted her—and she doesn’t remember any of it. The powerful Lord Draven is taking over, brainwashing guardians into fighting for him... -
![Monster in the Mirror by Kristen Painter]()
Monster in the Mirror by Kristen Painter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShadowvale isn’t your typical small town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse.For Isadora Graham, Shadowvale seems like a dream come true. A safe haven where she can hide from the darkness that lives within her, and hopefully, keep everyone else from finding out about it too... -
![Bloody Acquisitions by Drew Hayes]()
Bloody Acquisitions by Drew Hayes
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsThe third book in Drew's outrageously adventurous and satirical series, including THE UTTERLY UNINTERESTING AND UNADVENTUROUS TALES OF FRED, THE VAMPIRE ACCOUNTANT (Book 1) and UNDEATH & TAXES (Book 2).With a thriving parahuman accounting practice, a steady relationship, and a circle of trusted friends, Fred’s undead life has become more enjoyable than his normal one ever was... -
![That Ain’t Witchcraft by Seanan McGuire]()
That Ain’t Witchcraft by Seanan McGuire
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsCrossroads, noun: 1. A place where two roads cross.2. A place where bargains can be made.3. See also “places to avoid.”Antimony Price has never done well without a support system. As the youngest of her generation, she has always been able to depend on her parents, siblings, and cousins to help her out when she’s in a pinch—until now. After fleeing from the Covenant of St... -
![Staked by Kevin Hearne]()
Staked by Kevin Hearne
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsIron Druid Atticus O'Sullivan, hero of Kevin Hearne's epic New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series, has a point to make—and then drive into a vampire's heart. When a druid has lived for two thousand years like Atticus, he's bound to run afoul of a few vampires. Make that legions of them. Even his former friend and legal counsel turned out to be a bloodsucking backstabber... -
-
![Demon's Bluff by Kim Harrison]()
Demon's Bluff by Kim Harrison
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsRachel Morgan must go on a deadly journey—into the past—in the next thrilling Hollows novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.What’s a witch to do when the coven of moral and ethical standards demands she untwist a curse—but an essential spell component no longer exists? There’s only one choice: go back in time... -
![Dead City by James Ponti]()
Dead City by James Ponti
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMost kids have enough to deal with between school, homework, extracurricular activities, and friends, but Molly Bigelow isn’t your typical tween. By day, Molly attends MIST—the Metropolitan Institute of Science and Technology—but it’s what she’s learning outside of school that sets her apart from her classmates. Molly is a zombie hunter, just like her mother. This, however, is news to Molly... -
![Lake Silence by Anne Bishop]()
Lake Silence by Anne Bishop
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsIn this thrilling and suspenseful fantasy, set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Others series, Vicki DeVine and her lodger, the shapeshifter Aggie Crowe, stumble onto a dead body . . . and find themselves enmeshed in danger and dark secrets.Human laws do not apply in the territory controlled by the Others–vampires, shapeshifters, and paranormal beings even more deadly... -
![Working for Bigfoot by Jim Butcher]()
Working for Bigfoot by Jim Butcher
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 33 ratings"B is for Bigfoot" takes place between Fool Moon and Grave Peril. "I Was a Teenage Bigfoot" takes place circa Deadbeat. "Bigfoot on Campus" takes place between Turn Coat and Changes.Chicago wizard-for-hire Harry Dresden is used to mysterious clients with long hair and legs up to here... -
![The Flame of Olympus by Kate O'Hearn]()
The Flame of Olympus by Kate O'Hearn
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsA young girl, a winged horse, and a war of epic proportions make for an adventurous start to an exciting new trilogy.When Pegasus crashes onto a Manhattan roof during a terrible storm, Emily’s life changes forever... -
![The Second Siege by Henry H. Neff]()
The Second Siege by Henry H. Neff
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe Tapestry series continues to weave threads of fantasy, mythology, science fiction, and mystery into a wholly original adventure that appeals to fans of everything from Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings to The X-Men. Genre-blending and fully illustrated, The Tapestry novels have caught the attention of middle-grade and young adult readers alike—and the series is only getting bigger...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age magic myths paranormal retellings witches-wizards action-adventure -
![Undeath and Taxes by Drew Hayes]()
Undeath and Taxes by Drew Hayes
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe sequel to the Amazon bestseller THE UTTERLY UNINTERESTING AND UNADVENTUROUS TALES OF FRED, THE VAMPIRE ACCOUNTANT. After discovering just how filled with magic, intrigue, and adventure the parahuman world of being an Undead American can be, Fredrick Frankford Fletcher did exactly what was expected--he became a certified parahuman accountant... -
![Dark Days by James Ponti]()
Dark Days by James Ponti
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMolly’s up against the undead—and the fate of Manhattan is in her hands—in the third and final book of the Dead City trilogy, which Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins says “breathes new life into the zombie genre.”Molly and the Omegas fight to contain the storm unleashed by Operation Blue Moon...Categorized as:
children family law-enforcement paranormal action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
![Priestess Dreaming by Yasmine Galenorn]()
Priestess Dreaming by Yasmine Galenorn
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWe're the D'Artigo sisters: savvy half-human, half-Fae operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. My sister Delilah is a two-faced werecat and a Death Maiden. Menolly is a vampire married to a gorgeous werepuma. And me? I'm a Moon witch married to three gorgeous husbands, and I'm about to journey through the veils to search for a long lost legend.. -
![Magic for Nothing by Seanan McGuire]()
Magic for Nothing by Seanan McGuire
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsImprobable, adjective:1. Not very likely to happen; not probable.2. Probably not a very good idea anyway.3. See also “bad plan.”As the youngest of the three Price children, Antimony is used to people not expecting much from her... -
-
![Black Hat, White Witch by Hailey Edwards]()
Black Hat, White Witch by Hailey Edwards
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsRemember that old line about how the only way out of the organization is in a pine box?Well, Rue Hollis spent ten years thinking she had escaped the Black Hat Bureau, no coffin required.Then her former partner had to go and shatter the illusion by showing up on her doorstep with grim tidings...Categorized as:
children fae law-enforcement magic paranormal witches-wizards action-adventure adult -
![Dreadful Company by Vivian Shaw]()
Dreadful Company by Vivian Shaw
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsContemporary fantasy in the world of Strange Practice, starring Dr. Greta Helsing, whose family has been keeping the supernatural community not-alive and well for generations... -
![The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag by Heather G. Harris, Alyse Gibbs]()
The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag by Heather G. Harris, Alyse Gibbs
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWelcome to where the dead don’t always stay that way.When a human inspector drops dead in the Chrome Mine, things get messy fast. The dwarves are up in arms, swearing the mine is cursed, and when a second body turns up—this time without its head—all fingers point to the local hag.But I’ve met Matilda. She’s terrifying, sure, but she doesn’t seem like the elaborate crime scene type... -
![Cloaked by Vanessa Nelson]()
Cloaked by Vanessa Nelson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe world itself in peril. Arrow’s sleep is being disturbed by nightmares that she cannot remember when awake. Her days are spent trying to build her new, simple, life in the human world and helping the shape-changers track down the last conspirators that tried to destroy the Erith. But the Erith want her help one last time... -
![Paper & Blood by Kevin Hearne]()
Paper & Blood by Kevin Hearne
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsKevin Hearne returns to the world of the Iron Druid Chronicles in book two of a spin-off series about an eccentric master of rare magic solving an uncanny mystery in Scotland.There’s only one Al MacBharrais: Though other Scotsmen may have dramatic mustaches and a taste for fancy cocktails, Al also has a unique talent. He’s a master of ink and sigil magic... -
![Tricks for Free by Seanan McGuire]()
Tricks for Free by Seanan McGuire
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsPenance, noun:1. Punishment for past actions.2. An attempt to pay for what can’t be bought.3. See also “exile.”Antimony Price is on the run. With the Covenant on her tail and her family still in danger, she needs to get far, far away from anyone who might recognize her—including her own mice. For the first time in a long time, a Price is flying without a safety net... -
![Demon Thief by Darren Shan]()
Demon Thief by Darren Shan
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsThe second novel in this bonechilling series by Darren Shan, author of the New York Times bestselling Cirque Du Freak series is sure to give you goosebumps. Kernel Fleck has always known he's weird. He sees lights. Strange, multi-colored patches of light, swirling through the air. But it's not until a window opens into a demon world, with horrific consequences, that Kernel discovers his powers... -
![The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black, Cassandra Clare]()
The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black, Cassandra Clare
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsCallum Hunt’s summer break isn’t like other kids’. His closest companion is a Chaos-ridden wolf, Havoc. His father suspects him of being secretly evil. And, of course, most kids aren’t heading back to the magical world of the Magisterium in the fall. It’s not easy for Call . . -
![The Devil Inside by Jane Hinchey]()
The Devil Inside by Jane Hinchey
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGod is missing…And Heaven is dying.And if that weren’t bad enough, I'm in a showdown with my brothers. I don’t care if they’re family—they pissed off the wrong sister. Those Arch Angels are going to pay the price for getting my lover, Levi Forrester dragged into another dimension by a vicious soul stealer.Retrieving Levi won’t be easy, but I’m Hellbent on taking back what’s mine... -
![Slawter by Darren Shan]()
Slawter by Darren Shan
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsLights. Camera. Slawter!Grubbs Grady and his half-brother Bill-E are thrilled to join their uncle Dervish as onset consultants for the newest movie by cult horror producer David A Hayms. Shot in a deserted town renamed Slawter, the demon-themed movie is to be Hayms's masterpiece. But as strange incidents disrupt the set, Grubbs begins to wonder whether more than filming is afoot... -
-
![The Women in the walls by Tim McGregor]()
The Women in the walls by Tim McGregor
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen the detective she's fallen for needs help, a reluctant psychic must put aside her feelings to help him unravel a horrific crime. HAMILTON - Trying to maintain a normal life, psychic Billie Culpepper struggles to block out the dead souls that haunt her every move but her attempts to suppress her ability only serve to isolate her even more... -
![Bec by Darren Shan]()
Bec by Darren Shan
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsAs demonic Fomorii ravage their land, Bec and a band of warrior companions leave their devastated rath to answer a plea for help. An orphaned priestess-in-training, Bec hopes the journey will help her solve the mysteries of her birth. But fighting demons has a steep price..Categorized as:
children low-fantasy magic myths paranormal retellings 21st-century action-adventure -
![Slashback by Rob Thurman]()
Slashback by Rob Thurman
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsI stopped and let them circle me, first because it was intriguing and, second, because, honestly, what could they do? Only knives, but all armed, and that made them even more interesting. Interesting. Fun.Playtime…Taking on bloodthirsty supernatural monsters is how Caliban and Niko Leandros make a living... -
![The Myth Manifestation by Lisa Shearin]()
The Myth Manifestation by Lisa Shearin
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe agents of Supernatural Protection & Investigations (SPI) protect people from predatory supernaturals. This time, we’re the ones who need protection. New York is one of the most popular convention destinations in the world—for humans and supernaturals. Every hundred years, rulers of the world’s supernatural races come together to negotiate and renew a peace treaty... -
![The Girl Who Could Not Dream by Sarah Beth Durst]()
The Girl Who Could Not Dream by Sarah Beth Durst
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSophie loves the hidden shop below her parents' bookstore, where dreams are secretly bought and sold. When the dream shop is robbed and her parents go missing, Sophie must unravel the truth to save them. Together with her best friend—a wisecracking and fanatically loyal monster named Monster—she must decide whom to trust with her family’s carefully guarded secrets... -
![Bright Blaze of Magic by Jennifer Estep]()
Bright Blaze of Magic by Jennifer Estep
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsBad Things Always Come In Threes…As a thief, I'm good at three things: hiding in the shadows, getting in and out unseen, and uncovering secrets. I put these skills to work for the Sinclair Family, one of the magical mobs that run the tourist town of Cloudburst Falls. Everyone knows Victor Draconi wants to take over all the other Families--and kill every last Sinclair...
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
