If you were captivated by the evocative setting and immersive descriptions in The Essex Serpent, you'll be drawn into the vivid world of The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock. Gowar's novel brings Georgian London to life with sumptuous detail, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary as a merchant discovers a mysterious 'mermaid'. Just as Perry conjures the Essex marshes, Gowar's meticulous worldbuilding envelops the reader in its atmosphere, making the city and its characters feel tantalizingly real.

If you appreciated the way The Essex Serpent delved into the inner lives and motivations of its characters—especially Cora, Will, and Stella—Melmoth offers a similarly haunting exploration of psychology. Perry crafts a narrative where the protagonist, Helen, is forced to confront her own past and guilt, creating a deeply introspective, atmospheric story that lingers long after the last page.

If you relished the gradual unfolding of mysteries and relationships in The Essex Serpent, you'll likely enjoy the measured pace and atmospheric tension of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. Clarke's story unfurls over many years, immersing you in Regency England as magic returns to the world. Like Perry, Clarke balances character depth, historical detail, and a sense of the uncanny, making for a rewarding slow-burn experience.

If you loved how The Essex Serpent centered not just on Cora but also on Will, Stella, Martha, and other vividly drawn characters, The Miniaturist delivers a similarly rich ensemble. Set in 17th-century Amsterdam, the novel follows Nella Oortman and the unusual inhabitants of her new household, revealing secrets and desires through their interconnected stories.

If Cora Seaborne's intellectual curiosity and independence resonated with you, Alma Whittaker in The Signature of All Things will be a kindred spirit. Gilbert's sweeping novel follows Alma, a 19th-century botanist, as she pursues knowledge and love in a world that often underestimates her. Both novels center on women who challenge societal expectations and find wonder in the natural world.