Books matching: dark and gritty atmosphere
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:In "The Fourth Monkey" by J.D. Barker, Detective Sam Porter is on the trail of the Four Monkey Killer, a sadistic serial killer who targets the loved ones of wrongdoers. When the killer meets an unexpected end, the race is on to find his latest victim before it's too late. The story unfolds through a mix of diary entries and real-time chapters, providing a tense and complex narrative that keeps readers engaged until the end.
Porter took Lake Park Avenue and made good time, arriving at about a quarter to seven. Chicago Metro had Woodlawn at Fifty-Fifth completely barricaded. He could make out the lights from blocks away—at... - #2
Save:Count to Ten by Karen Rose is a romantic suspense thriller that follows Detective Mia Mitchell and Fire Marshall Reed Solliday as they investigate a series of deadly arson fires that have escalated to murder. Mia and Reed must work together to catch a killer seeking revenge, all while dealing with their own personal issues. The book is described as a solid thriller with a gripping arson plot and a suitably despicable villain. Despite the dark subject matter and high body count, the story is well-written, compelling, and engaging.
A branch slapped the window and Caitlin Burnette’s jaw clenched. “It’s just the wind,” she muttered. “Don’t be such a baby.” Still, the howling outside was unsettling, and being alone in the Dougherty...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Chicago ) - #3
Save:'Sweet Obsession' in the series 'Ruthless Games' by Callie Rose follows the story of Ayla, a young woman who saves a man named Marcus from an assassination attempt, resulting in her losing one arm. Unbeknownst to her, Marcus and his two friends, Ryland and Theo, have been watching over her since the incident. As Ayla navigates her new reality, she becomes entangled in a dangerous game of power and loyalty among the three men. The plot unfolds with elements of mystery, dark romance, and intense character dynamics, keeping readers hooked with its unique storyline and raw character development.
The writing style of Callie Rose in 'Sweet Obsession' is described as captivating, engaging, and immersive. Readers praise the author's ability to craft complex characters with raw emotions and flaws, as well as her talent for building suspenseful and intriguing plot twists. delves into themes of survival, loyalty, and unexpected connections, offering a dark and gritty narrative that sets it apart from typical romance novels.
I eye the rowdy crowd of rich college kids sitting across the room—yelling, drinking, and slamming their fists against the table like cavemen who’ve just learned to make fire. The leader of the group ... - #4
Save:In Newfoundland writer Michael Crummey's book 'The Innocents', two orphaned siblings, Evered and Ada, find themselves alone in a remote cove on the shores of Labrador after their parents and baby sister succumb to illness. The siblings struggle to survive in the harsh conditions of late 18th-century Newfoundland, relying on their limited knowledge and the sporadic visits of a supply boat. The narrative delves into themes of family, loyalty, survival, and the evolving relationship between the siblings as they navigate the challenges of isolation and self-sufficiency in the unforgiving wilderness.
They were still youngsters that winter. They lost their baby sister before the first snowfall. Their mother laid the infant in a shallow trough beside the only other grave in the cove and she sang the... - #5
Save:Sin With Me is a dark and angsty romance novel set in Las Vegas, where two broken souls, Maddie and Tyler, find themselves entangled in a complicated and turbulent relationship. The story delves into their past traumas, struggles, and the sins that bind them together, all while exploring themes of alchemy, hopelessness, and the search for redemption. The unique dual POV writing style, with chapters alternated between the male and female lead characters, adds depth and authenticity to their voices, making the reader feel the intensity of their emotions and desires.
The narrative unfolds with a mix of humor, suspense, and steamy scenes, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats as the dark hero, Tyler, battles with his inner demons while Maddie navigates through a world of secrets and despair. The book offers a compelling blend of originality, twisted plot twists, and a touch of mystery that leaves the readers craving for more, promising an enthralling journey filled with passion, intrigue, and unexpected revelations.
- #6
Save:In a world ravaged by demons, a mute protagonist known as the Vagrant embarks on a perilous journey with a baby, a goat, and a powerful sword. The story follows his quest to deliver the weapon to the last bastion of humanity, the Shining City, while navigating through a landscape where human bodies are used like components in a strange jigsaw puzzle. As the Vagrant encounters allies and enemies along the way, the plot unfolds through a mix of action, worldbuilding, and lyrical prose, providing a unique blend of dystopian, sci-fi, and fantasy elements.
The narrative weaves between past and present, gradually revealing the backstory of the Vagrant and his companions, including a rebellious member named Harm and a very stubborn goat. Through the author's smart and beautiful writing, the characters come to life in a devastated world where survival is tough and alliances are crucial. Despite challenges and betrayals, the Vagrant's silent determination and the interactions with his companions add depth and contrast to the dark and gritty setting of the novel.
Excited shouts draw a crowd ahead. A mixture of half-bloods and pimps, dealers and spectators gather in force. Platforms rise up in the street, unsteady on legs of salvaged metal. Wire cages sit on to... - #7
Save:'The North Water' by Ian McGuire is a brutal and violent novel set in the 19th century aboard a whaling ship, the Volunteer, on a voyage to the Arctic Circle. The story follows a disgraced Irish surgeon, Patrick Sumner, and a ruthless harpooner named Henry Drax, as they navigate through a journey filled with murder, rape, robbery, and other brutalities. The writing style is described as vivid, gritty, and darkly brilliant, capturing the harsh realities of life at sea during that period.
He shuffles out of Clappison’s courtyard onto Sykes Street and snuffs the complex air—turpentine, fishmeal, mustard, black lead, the usual grave, morning-piss stink of just-emptied night jars. He snor... - #8
Save:'The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins' by Irvine Welsh is a twisted tale set in Miami, Florida, featuring two female protagonists with contrasting lifestyles. The story follows Lucy, a narcissistic and violent personal trainer, who becomes obsessed with transforming Lena, an overweight and passive woman. As their relationship unfolds, it leads to kidnap and insane demands, resembling a modern, fast-paced version of Stephen King's 'Misery.' The book explores themes of rage, internalized misogyny, fatphobia, and the complexities of kinship and individuality in a capitalistic society.
The narrative delves into the dark and surreal world of Lucy and Lena, where the tension between them builds through outrageous actions and twisted plot developments. The writing style is raw, blunt, and at times informal, yet it effectively captures the reader's attention with its quick pace, dark humor, and unexpected twists. Despite initial reservations, the story takes unexpected turns that keep the reader engaged, culminating in a brilliant and addictive read that offers a voyeuristic glimpse into the flawed characters' lives.
Numbers are the great American obsession. How do we measure up? Our crumbling economy: growth percentage, consumer spending, industrial output, GDP, GNP, the Dow Jones. As a society: homicides, rapes,... - #9
Save:In 'Red Harvest' by Dashiell Hammett, the Continental Op is summoned to Personville, a town overrun by corruption and violence. Upon arrival, he finds his client murdered and embarks on a mission to clean up the town by manipulating the various criminal factions to turn against each other. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with brutal action, double-crosses, and a high body count, all set in a gritty and corrupt environment. The writing style is hard-boiled and direct, with sharp language and a focus on the relentless pursuit of justice amidst a morally bankrupt society.
I first heard Personville called Poisonville by a red-haired mucker named Hickey Dewey in the Big Ship in Butte. He also called his shirt a shoit. I didn’t think anything of what he had done to the ci... - #10
Save:Midnight Blue: Sonja Blue Collection by Nancy A. Collins is a dark and gritty vampire series that follows the story of Sonja Blue, a hybrid creature seeking revenge after being attacked and left for dead. The book is described as a must-read for vampire genre enthusiasts, featuring ruthless characters, violent scenes, and a unique take on the vampire mythology. The collection includes three books - Sunglasses After Dark, In the Blood, and Paint it Black, each delving deeper into Sonja's dark and complex character, making it a captivating read for those who enjoy urban fantasy with a macabre twist.
