Books matching: consequences of past actions
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- #1
Save:A high-octane domestic thriller that's both addictive and emotionally resonant - absolutely recommended for anyone craving a suspenseful, thought-provoking page-turner. Just be ready for some heavy topics and a resolution that wraps things up a bit too neatly for some tastes.
'Mother May I' by Joshilyn Jackson is a gripping domestic suspense novel that follows the story of Bree, a mother whose baby son is kidnapped. The plot unfolds with Bree being thrown into chaos as she navigates the harrowing journey to save her missing child. The book is described as a taut domestic thriller with a propulsive narrative that keeps readers on edge, exploring themes of kidnapping, revenge, privilege, and the lengths a mother would go to protect her child.
The writing style of 'Mother May I' is praised for being fast-paced, suspenseful, and engaging, with well-developed characters and unexpected plot twists that keep readers hooked. The author skillfully weaves a tale of fear, tension, and moral dilemmas, creating a story that is both chilling and thought-provoking.
April 2021•344 pages - #2
Save:A dark, suspenseful classic that explores fear and justice with a chilling villain - if you love vintage thrillers and don't mind a few old-school vibes, it's well worth the read.
"Cape Fear" by John D. MacDonald follows the story of Sam Bowden, a lawyer whose past comes back to haunt him when Max Cady, a convicted rapist seeking revenge, terrorizes his family. The novel presents a psychological thriller filled with mind games that create discomfort and tension for the characters involved. MacDonald's writing style keeps readers engaged, with a disturbing villain and an exploration of the moral dilemma of protecting loved ones against a relentless enemy.
SAM BOWDEN LAY ON HIS BACK under a high Saturday sun, eyes closed, right hand clasping the fading chill of half a can of beer. He was aware of the nearness of Carol. Digestion of the picnic lunch was...1957•224 pages - #3
Save:A witty, emotionally rich novella that brings a fresh, modern edge to historical romance. Complex, imperfect characters and bold themes make this a thoughtful, satisfying quick read for fans of the genre or anyone looking for something a little different.
A Kiss for Midwinter by Courtney Milan is a novella in the Brothers Sinister series that delves into the story of Lydia Charingford and Dr. Jonas Grantham. Set against a historical backdrop, the book explores themes of love, forgiveness, and empowerment. The plot follows Jonas, a young doctor haunted by a past event, as he navigates his feelings for Lydia, a woman carrying a secret from her past. The writing style is described as raw, sincere, and emotionally charged, capturing the complexities of the characters' emotions and relationships.
The atmosphere in the room was neither foul nor miasmic, Jonas Grantham thought, only gloomy and tense. The girl—and, unfortunately, she was a girl, no matter the situation she’d found herself in—sat...December 2012•147 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Brothers Sinister ) - #4
Save:A fun, original standalone fantasy with a stellar magic system and a band of not-so-young heroes - great for fans looking for something different, but may not fully satisfy if you crave deep world lore or complex character arcs.
In "The Bone Maker" by Sarah Beth Durst, twenty-five years after a group of heroes defeated the evil Eklor, they discover that their victory wasn't as final as they thought. The story follows Kreya, the leader of the heroes, who delves into illegal dark arts to bring back her deceased husband using human bones. As the group reunites to face a renewed threat from Eklor, the narrative explores themes of sacrifice, friendship, and the consequences of using forbidden magic. The book combines elements of adventure, magic, and mid-life crises, with a focus on character development and world-building.
The writing style of "The Bone Maker" is described as immersive, fast-paced, and easy to read. The author, Sarah Beth Durst, is praised for her rich world-building, creative magic systems, and well-rounded characters. The story delves into complex themes of love, loss, and the aftermath of heroic actions, offering a fresh take on traditional fantasy tropes.
Kreya always wore her coat with many pockets when she went out to steal bones. As she pulled it on, she inhaled the familiar dusty smell. The leather had faded from brilliant blue to indistinct gray,...March 2021•491 pages - #5
Save:Atmospheric, inventive, and a bit melancholic, The Last Smile in Sunder City stands out for its world-building and noir tone - perfect for those who like their fantasy down-and-out and their heroes flawed. Just be ready for a slower pace and a protagonist who’s as messy as the world he lives in.
The Last Smile in Sunder City by Luke Arnold is set in a world where magic suddenly disappears, leaving magical creatures vulnerable and struggling to adjust. The story follows Fetch Phillips, a flawed and complex protagonist, who takes on a job to find a missing vampire teacher, Edmund Albert Rye, in a city that is a shadow of its former magical self. The narrative weaves between Fetch's present-day investigations and his dark past, exploring themes of redemption, guilt, and the consequences of past actions. The writing style is described as mature and immersive, with vivid world-building that paints a bleak yet captivating picture of Sunder City and its inhabitants.
There was a gap in the clouds after a week of rain and the streets, for a change, looked clean. I was hoping I did too. It was my first job offer in over a fortnight and I needed to make it stick. I w...2019•353 pages - #6
Save:'Blood Count' by Robert Goddard is a contemporary thriller that follows the story of Edward Hammond, a surgeon whose past actions come back to haunt him when he is contacted about a transplant operation he conducted years earlier on a Serbian warlord. As Hammond gets entangled in a web of lies, betrayal, and criminality, he finds himself facing a moral dilemma and struggling to extricate himself from a dangerous situation. Set against the backdrop of the Balkan crisis and the UN International Criminal Tribunal, the plot unfolds with twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged in Hammond's journey of helplessness and desperation.
Goddard's writing style in 'Blood Count' is described as tense, beautiful, and fast-paced, with a literary touch that adds depth to the thrilling narrative. The author skillfully weaves together a complex story that delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of past actions, creating a compelling read that explores the dark side of human nature and the complexities of moral choices.
2010•440 pages - #7
Save:"Across the Sand" in the series "The Sand Chronicles" by Hugh Howey continues the story of Palmer, his brothers Connor and Rob, and their half-sister Violet as they navigate the aftermath of their older sister Vic's presumed death. The plot delves into the consequences of Vic's act of revenge, which involved setting off a nuclear bomb. The writing style of the book is a mix of serialized, crowd-sourced chapters and traditional publishing methods, providing a unique reading experience for the audience.
The sequel to "Sand" is praised for its world-building and the development of characters who are divers, tinkers, and master divers. The story unfolds through different points of view, with readers finding themselves cheering for multiple main characters. also hints at a larger story arc yet to be explored, leaving room for further development in potential follow-up books.
October 2022•399 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Sand Chronicles ) - #8
Save:A dark, thought-provoking thriller with deep character work and a memorable seaside setting. Disturbing at times but ultimately compelling - bring this to your next rainy day reading session if you crave moral dilemmas alongside your mystery.
"The Wicked Girls" by Alex Marwood is a gripping novel that delves into the lives of two women, Kirsty and Amber, who were convicted of a murder as children. The story alternates between their past as young girls implicated in a heinous crime and their present lives under new identities. The narrative unfolds as the women's paths unexpectedly cross again, intertwining their past and present in a suspenseful manner, while exploring themes of redemption, secrecy, and the haunting effects of their childhood actions.
Martin checks his watch. It’s nearly ten o’clock. She’ll be going to work soon. The neon lights on the roller coaster at Funnland have been switched off, the halogen arc lights they flood the park wit...2008•395 pages - #9
Save:Old-school vampires meet unlikely, brilliantly written heroes in a darkly fun, original adventure. If you like your horror with a twist (and a laugh), don’t miss it!
The Fifth House of the Heart by Ben Tripp follows the wealthy and aging antiques dealer, Asmodeus Sax Saxon Tang, who embarks on a dangerous adventure to hunt down vampires after a personal tragedy. Sax assembles a team of vampire hunters, including his niece Emily and a secret arm of the Catholic Church, to face ancient and vicious vampires who collect priceless relics from the past. The book intertwines past encounters with vampires in the 1960s and 80s with the current storyline, creating a gripping narrative filled with action, tension, and witty humor.
Mumbai, an island city ten times the size of Manhattan, with twelve times its population, relied on the wind and rain of the monsoons. They washed away millions of tons of industrial waste, excrement,...July 2015•408 pages - #10
Save:A smart, gripping British legal thriller with plenty of twists and compelling characters - perfect for fans of twisty courtroom dramas, even if it’s a touch long-winded in places.
The Verdict by Nick Stone is a legal thriller set in London, following the story of Terry Flynt, a legal clerk with a complicated past who finds himself involved in the defense of Vernon James, a successful businessman accused of murder. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, revealing the history between Terry and Vernon, as well as the moral dilemmas Terry faces while investigating the case. Stone's writing style is described as engaging, with well-crafted characters and a pace that keeps the reader hooked till the unpredictable ending.
I knew Janet was in one of her last-minute/need-it-yesterday/the-end-is-nigh panics, because I could hear her smoking on the other end of the line, taking a deep drag, holding it in. Which meant this...2014•545 pages
