Books matching: crime and horror elements
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:Joe Pitt, a vampire private detective, navigates the dangerous and gritty underworld of Manhattan where vampire gangs vie for power. Pitt, a rogue vampire, takes on odd jobs from different clans while trying to maintain his independence. The story unfolds with Pitt investigating a carrier spreading the zombie virus and searching for a missing girl. Written in a noir style, the book presents a dark and violent narrative, blending elements of urban fantasy, horror, and pulp fiction.
Already Dead offers a fresh take on the vampire genre, portraying Pitt as a complex and intriguing anti-hero who struggles with his vampiric nature and the power struggles among the different vampire factions. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with suspense, humor, and gritty details, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience for fans of urban fantasy and noir fiction.
I SMELL THEM BEFORE I SEE THEM. All the powders, perfumes and oils the half-smart ones smear on themselves. The stupid ones just stumble around reeking. The really smart ones take a Goddamn shower. Th... - #2
Save:From corrupt cops and drug dealers to innocent civilians, the characters in "Desperate Souls" add flavor to the mix, with a complex protagonist, Jake Helman, at the forefront. The novel offers a raw and edgy addition to the genre, blending film noir elements with a modern-day New York City setting and a unique twist on a zombie tale.
Peopled with intriguing supporting characters on both sides of the law, "Desperate Souls" is a page-turner that defies categorization, keeping readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in The Jake Helman Files. The plot revolves around Jake's investigation into machete murders linked to a new street drug, Black Magic, which turns users into subhuman scarecrows and sellers into zombies, creating a breakneck pace filled with questions and surprises.
(Also, see 8 recommendations for the series The Jake Helman Files ) - #3
Save:The Taking of Annie Thorne by C.J. Tudor is a gripping blend of crime and horror that captivates readers with its dark themes and eerie atmosphere. The story follows Joe Thorne, who returns to his troubled childhood town of Arnhill, haunted by the disappearance of his sister Annie. The narrative unfolds with a series of mysterious and unsettling events, as Joe grapples with his past and the sinister occurrences surrounding him. Tudor's writing style is engaging and vivid, weaving suspenseful moments and clever dialogue that draws comparisons to authors like Stephen King.
This book is a fast-paced page-turner, filled with unexpected twists and cliffhangers that keep readers eagerly turning the pages. The characters are richly developed, each with their distinct flaws that add depth to the storyline. While some readers found the ending somewhat lacking in comparison to the rest of the book, the overall impression of The Taking of Annie Thorne is overwhelmingly positive. C.J. Tudor's talent for creating a sense of dread and her ability to balance elements of horror and crime make this novel a must-read for fans of the genre.
Never go back. That’s what people always tell you. Things will have changed. They won’t be the way you remembered. Leave the past in the past. Of course, the last one is easier said than done. The pas... - #4
Save:Later by Stephen King tells the story of Jamie Conklin, a young boy with the ability to see dead people. Raised by a single mother who urges him to keep his gift secret, Jamie finds himself entangled in a dangerous situation when a police officer asks for his help in solving a case. As Jamie navigates the complexities of trust and the consequences of using his supernatural ability, the novel unfolds in Jamie's voice from childhood to young adulthood, offering a mix of crime and horror elements reminiscent of classic Stephen King storytelling.
The book delves into themes of childhood and adolescence, presenting Jamie as a prodigious character grappling with the weight of his unique talent. With references to popular culture and technology, Later explores the paranormal through Jamie's perspective, as he faces challenges that force him to confront the darkness within himself and the world around him, ultimately leading to a tale filled with tension and suspense.
I was coming home from school with my mother. She was holding my hand. In the other hand I clutched my turkey, the ones we made in first grade the week before Thanksgiving. I was so proud of mine I wa... - #5
Save:Bryan Smith takes you on a thrill ride full of murder, violence, gore, car chases, and sexual escapades in '68 Kill'. The story starts with the protagonist, Chip, participating in a burglary with his girlfriend that quickly escalates into a double murder and kidnapping. The narrative evolves into a gory blood-drenched thrill ride, showcasing constant sexual encounters that leave reality at the door. The book is described as a short, fast, and entertaining story, offering a vivid picture of each character despite its brevity.
Chip, the main protagonist, faces relentless obstacles over the span of only 2 days, showcasing his resilience and inner strength amidst chaos. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged, leading to surprising developments and presenting the pulpy goodness Bryan Smith is known for. Despite the constant action and violence, the book also delves into themes of personal change and evolution, making it a thrilling road heist novel with characters who undergo significant transformations.
- #6
Save:'Prayer' by Philip Kerr is a novel that delves into the realms of theological musings and religious fanaticism. The story follows Gil Martins, an FBI agent investigating domestic terrorism cases related to religion. The narrative touches on corruption within both Evangelical and Roman Catholic expressions of belief, contrasting a mega church with a money-grubbing pastor against a hurricane-ruined cathedral under the protection of a bishop complicit in protecting pedophile priests. As the plot unfolds, Martins faces a conspiracy surrounding the suspicious deaths of outspoken atheists, leading him to question his atheism and confront the possibility of divine judgement.
Kerr's writing style in 'Prayer' skillfully weaves together themes of ethics, spirituality, and skepticism, creating a thought-provoking narrative that challenges the reader's beliefs. The novel presents a dark and suspenseful atmosphere, exploring the tension between religion and rationality, with a denouement that surprises and leaves readers contemplating the nature of God and the existence of evil.
From the outside, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart resembled a prison. With its high windows, grey seamless concrete blocks and a free-standing bell-tower, the Sacred Heart did not look like a promis... - #7
Save:"The Wheel of Darkness" in the Agent Pendergast series follows Special Agent Pendergast and his ward Constance Green as they embark on a thrilling adventure involving a stolen ancient Tibetan relic. The story unfolds on a luxury ocean liner's maiden voyage, where Pendergast finds himself in pursuit of the thief amidst murder and mayhem. The plot combines elements of mystery, suspense, and action, set against a backdrop of opulence and danger, with the writing style occasionally reminiscent of a Clive Cussler novel.
The narrative takes readers from a remote Tibetan monastery to the grand Britannia ocean liner, exploring themes of supernatural elements, ancient artifacts, and the intricate relationships between the characters. As Pendergast and Constance navigate the high stakes and escalating tension on board the ship, the story delves into Buddhist teachings, character development, and the looming threat that could endanger humanity, all while maintaining a fast-paced and captivating writing style.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Agent Pendergast ) - #8
Save:Rachel Rising #1 follows the story of Rachel, who wakes up in a shallow grave, mostly dead. As she tries to piece together the mystery of her death and resurrection, she encounters supernatural occurrences in her small town of Manson. The plot unfolds with a parallel story of a little girl, Zoe, who is influenced by an invisible friend to commit dark deeds. Terry Moore's writing style in this supernatural comic is compelling, with a well-measured plot that keeps readers intrigued as they navigate through murder, magic, and mayhem.
- #9
Save:Naked Came the Sasquatch by John Boston is a comedy horror story set in a small California town, revolving around a series of grisly murders that may or may not be the work of a local Bigfoot. The book follows the editor of the local newspaper who is facing multiple challenges such as the impending demise of his paper, his insane brothers, his attraction to his newest reporter, and the mysterious murders happening in town, all while maintaining a humorous and whimsical tone throughout. John Boston's writing style is described as unique, infectious, and capable of making readers laugh out loud with consistency, elevating the book to a level where it becomes a standard in the genre.
- #10
Save:'Sherlock Holmes and the Servants of Hell' by Paul Kane is a unique and thrilling mashup of the Sherlock Holmes and Hellraiser universes. The story follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they investigate mysterious disappearances that lead them to a dark confrontation with the Cenobites from Hell. The book seamlessly blends the detective style of Sherlock Holmes with the horror elements of Clive Barker's Hellraiser, creating a gripping narrative that explores the darker side of both worlds.
The plot unfolds through different perspectives, starting with Watson's narration and later shifting to Sherlock's point of view. As the story progresses, the two worlds of Holmes and Hell merge, leading to a climactic battle between the iconic characters and the forces of darkness. Paul Kane's writing style captures the essence of both Arthur Conan Doyle and Clive Barker, creating a thrilling and engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
