Inspired by Musicals
Books with titles or plots where you begin to suspect the author might have been a musical theatre kid. Gimme them musical theatre recs. We are specifically looking for "the musical came first" here.
created by kathytrithardt
last updated June, 2026
Comments
I know FOR SURE there are a ton more, but my brain isn't braining. Help me!
How about The Butcher's Daugter by David Demchuk and Corinne Leigh Clark? It's about Mrs. Lovett from Sweeney Todd (edited a typo on author's name)
AMAZING. Adding now!
This is amazing! I suggest Youâre the One That I Want by Simon James Green.
Perfect! Adding!
This is such an awesome idea!! Hadnât even realized there were titles out there fitting this pattern. Exciting way to be introduced to some new stuff!
Yay, happy this list is of use to you!
When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord is inspired by Mamma Mia!
Awesome, adding now!
The Court of Miracles by Kester Grant is a Les Miserables inspired one. And Maskerade by Terry Pratchett is a parody of Phantom of the Opera.
I also got very much Heathers vibes from Bunny by Mona Awad but I donât know if it was inspired by it or not.
Interesting, as all three of those musicals are adaptations of something else (books or movies) - do you know the books are inspired by the musicals? Or are they inspired by the original materials? Ie a quick look at The Court of Miracles looks like itâs inspired by the book.
Thatâs a good point actually. Iâm not sure about any of them to be honest, that didnât even cross my mind. But I think if you like the musicals they would still be applicable.
They are dark romance books so be careful with triggers but the tattered curtain series: phantom(phantom of the opera), rouge(moulin rouge, Orpheus and Eurydice) and dreadful(Sweeney Todd, Medusa) weâre all quite good
Sounds great! What's the author's name?
There's a series of cozy murder mystery books by D.E. Ireland based on My Fair Lady! The first is called Wouldn't It Be Deadly. đ Edit: wrong book title đ€Šââïž
That sounds AMAZING! Added :)
