Books matching: dark and gritty atmosphere
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- #1
Save:A dark, wild ride of a thriller that will hook fans of twisty serial killer tales and keep you guessing ‘til the end. Just be ready for some gruesome details and a few familiar genre beats.
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...June 2017•480 pages - #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... - #3
Save:A bold, heart-wrenching thriller that packs an emotional punch - dark, powerful, and perfect for those craving a story that lingers long after the last page.
Speak of the Devil by Rose Wilding is a gripping thriller that delves into the lives of seven women, all connected by a man named Jamie, whose severed head they discover in a hotel room. Each woman harbors a motive for his murder, and as the narrative unfolds, the reader learns about their harrowing pasts and the oppression they faced from Jamie, addressing themes like domestic violence, manipulation, and societal denial of women's realities.
The writing style is raw and emotional, capturing the intense anger and pain of its female characters. Wilding's storytelling is bold and unflinching, provoking readers to confront uncomfortable truths about abuse and trauma. Although some may find it challenging to keep track of the multiple perspectives, the book's dark and gritty atmosphere keeps readers engaged, making it much more than just a typical murder mystery.
June 2023 - #4
Save:Unapologetically angsty, addictive, and packed with steamy moments - "Sweet Obsession" is a must for fans of twisty, dangerous romance and complex, broken characters. Just be ready for cliffhangers and a series binge!
'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...March 2020•307 pages - #5
Save:'By Gaslight' by Steven Price is a historical novel set in London and America, focusing on the mystery surrounding Edward Shade and the complex relationship between fathers and sons. The book is known for its atmospheric writing style, intricate storytelling, and lack of traditional punctuation such as quotation marks, which may initially confuse readers but eventually adds depth to the characters' interior lives. The narrative weaves between different time periods and locations, immersing readers in the gaslit streets of London, civil war battles, and eerie séances, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories and memories.
He wore his black moustaches long in the manner of an outlaw and his right thumb hooked at his hip where a Colt Navy should have hung. He was not yet forty but already his left knee went stiff in a da...October 2016•753 pages - #6
Save:A sexy, emotionally charged wild ride with unforgettable characters, but bring your patience for high stakes, cliffhangers, and a whole lot of angst.
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.
2017•270 pages - #7
Save:Unusual, atmospheric, and striking - The Vagrant is a must for fans of dark fantasy who like their stories offbeat, slow-burn, and packed with weird charm. Not for everyone, but unforgettable for the right reader!
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...April 2015•417 pages - #8
Save:A dark, emotional rollercoaster of a mafia romance - deeply flawed but lovable leads, lots of grit and angst, and incredible narration if you opt for audio. Intense, messy, and not afraid to explore the shadows, it's a gripping choice for fans of tortured-hero love stories. Proceed with caution if heavy content isn't your thing!
Reaper is a dark and gritty romance set in the seedy world of the Boston Underworld. The story revolves around Ronan, known as the Reaper, a cold and calculating killer with a troubled past, and Sasha, a woman who becomes entangled in his dangerous world. The book delves into themes of violence, mafia activities, and the complexities of relationships, all woven together with a writing style that keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the secrets within each page.
He’s sitting in the pit tonight. Watching me as I make my way around and help Kaya with drinks. Slainte is packed this evening and the VIP room is at full capacity. It has been ever since the Irish st...May 2016•309 pages - #9
Save:A dazzling, inventive urban fantasy - rich in ideas and atmosphere, but best for readers who love immersive prose and don’t mind a bit of darkness with their magic.
In "The Midnight Mayor" by Kate Griffin, the story follows sorcerer Matthew Swift as he navigates a world of urban magic in London. When supernatural attacks threaten the city, Matthew must unravel mysteries involving the missing Midnight Mayor and the destruction of magical wards. The book is praised for its imaginative magic system, unique characters like the Midnight Mayor and Mr. Pinner, and the author's dense yet beautiful descriptions of London that bring the urban magic to life.
Once a year on a usually cold and often drizzling November morning, a heavy carriage of tasteless gold and plump velvet is wheeled out from its resting place in the Guildhall, at the heart of the Corp...February 2010•421 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Matthew Swift ) - #10
Save:A gorgeously written, haunting tale of survival and innocence lost - demanding but rewarding for those drawn to literary, atmospheric stories.
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...November 2019•308 pages
