Books matching: dark and suspenseful atmosphere
97 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Michael Robotham has written another brilliant suspenseful psychological crime thriller about two missing girls that disappeared over three years ago, did they run away or did something criminal happen to them. The story is told from two mode of narration perspectives, bringing you from where the missing girls are and what the authorities are doing to try to solve this mystery. The style that he writes in keeps the reader guessing upon the outcome, but never really getting there till the final pages are read. Two teenage girls plan to runaway but are taken and are gone for three years. We hear directly from one of the girls as she narrates her life in captivity and, alternately from a psychologist with family and health problems who is asked to help with the investigation. This is my first Michael Robotham book and I am certainly going to seek out others in this series. The rest of the novel was pretty good, though. Piper's chapters were really creepy and I found myself having a hard time reading this book alone in the dark, particularly as it got closer to the end. I thought that the character development between the minor characters in the book specifically the parents of Piper and Tash and their friends from the town was interesting and very well done. We learned a lot about each of them, which made pinpointing who the kidnapper was going to be even harder. The topic of abduction and keeping young girls prisoner for years in dank basements seems to have grown in popularity amongst crime writers and their audiences, undoubtedly fuelled by real-life events covered in the news in recent years. It is hard not to be deeply affected by events like the Natascha Kampusch imprisonment, for example, especially the fact that an unspeakable crime against human rights can happen right under our noses without anyone suspecting anything or acting on their suspicions. The book alternates between the journal entries of a kidnapped girl and that of a psychologist investigating a double homicide at a farmhouse. The two stories are inextricably linked and solving one may help the other. This was an incredibly suspenseful book, I couldn't put it down I thought the author did a wonderful job with both character creation and the pace of the book. He is a great writer and I plan on picking up his other books.
It’s freezing outside—minus twenty-six degrees in places—extraordinary for this time of year. I felt like Scott of Antarctica when I walked to work this morning across Hyde Park—O’Loughlin of the Serp...
(Also, see 12 recommendations for the series Joseph O'Loughlin ) - #2
'Nightfall' by Penelope Douglas is the highly anticipated conclusion to the 'Devil's Night' series, offering a gripping storyline that weaves together themes of agony, betrayal, heartache, love, loyalty, and passion. The book delves deep into the characters' pasts, particularly focusing on Will and Emory, exploring their complex relationship and personal growth. The writing style is described as enthralling, with intricate character development and a mix of romance, mystery, and suspense that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
I patted my face, feeling my glasses missing. I rolled my eyes around me, confusion sinking in as I took in myself burrowed comfortably in the middle of a huge bed, my body taking up about as much roo...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Devil's Night ) - #3
In "The Demonologist" by Andrew Pyper, literature professor David Ullman embarks on a journey filled with supernatural encounters and twists after his daughter Tess disappears under mysterious circumstances. The plot follows David's quest to find his daughter, intertwined with themes of demons, poetry, and psychological horror. The writing style is described as calm, insightful, and engaging, with a focus on the eerie and chilling aspects of the story.
THE ROWS OF FACES. YOUNGER AND YOUNGER EACH TERM. OF course, this is only me getting older among the freshmen who come and go, an illusion, like looking out the rear window of a car and seeing the lan... - #4
'The Dark' by Forrest Carr is a gripping science fiction thriller that explores theological questions about God's existence, the effects of 21st-century issues of sexual identity in a 22nd-century setting, and the exploration of evil and sin in human character. The plot follows a starship completing a mission with references to technology and theoretical physics, while incorporating elements of horror and suspense through weird, poltergeist-like apparitions. The author's writing style educates readers about the futuristic technology in a way that immerses them in the story, making them feel like part of the crew on a dark and mysterious journey through space.
- #5
"The Manhattan Hunt Club" by John Saul is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark and terrifying world beneath the streets of Manhattan. The story follows Jeff Converse, a college student falsely convicted of a crime, who is thrust into a deadly game of survival in the underground tunnels of New York City. Hunted by a group of wealthy Manhattanites, Jeff forms an alliance with a psychotic murderer as they navigate the treacherous tunnels to escape their pursuers. The book weaves together intense action, suspenseful twists, and a chilling portrayal of the secret subterranean city inhabited by the homeless and the insane.
The novel is praised for its fast-paced plot, vivid characters, and the masterful way John Saul creates a sense of terror and darkness throughout the narrative. Through multiple viewpoints and entwined plot lines, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Jeff's harrowing journey through the underground labyrinth, facing unimaginable threats and uncovering shocking truths along the way.
Not the kind of face you'd expect to see on a monster. Indeed, nothing about Jeff Converse's pleasing appearance hinted at the cruelty that lay within. Not the dark, wavy hair, not the warm brown eyes... - #6
'The Leopard' by Jo Nesbø follows Inspector Harry Hole on his 8th investigation where he is tasked with solving a series of mysterious and brutal murders in Norway. The plot is intricate, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. The writing style is captivating, with detailed descriptions of characters and settings, creating a dark and suspenseful atmosphere that adds depth to the story.
SHE AWOKE. BLINKED IN THE PITCH DARKNESS. YAWNED, and breathed through her nose. She blinked again. Felt a tear run down her face, felt it dissolve the salt of other tears. But saliva was no longer en...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Harry Hole ) - #7
'The Monstrumologist' by Rick Yancey is a gripping horror novel set in an alternate turn of the century where a mad scientist, Dr. Warthrop, and his young apprentice, Will Henry, hunt terrifying monsters known as the Anthropophagi. The story is filled with gruesome descriptions of monsters, gore, and intense action scenes, creating a dark and suspenseful atmosphere. The narrative is told from Will Henry's perspective, providing a coming-of-age element to the tale and adding humor to the otherwise morbid and grotesque storyline.
The book delves into the dangerous world of monster hunting, exploring themes of fear, morality, and the horrors that lurk beneath the surface of society. As Will and Dr. Warthrop face off against these monstrous creatures, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with suspense, graphic details, and unexpected twists. The vivid descriptions of the monsters, along with the complex characters and their relationships, make 'The Monstrumologist' a compelling and chilling read for fans of horror and dark fantasy.
I can’t recall what I had for breakfast this morning, but I remember with nightmarish clarity that spring night in 1888 when he roused me roughly from my slumber, his hair unkempt, eyes wide and shini... - #8
Well Witched by Frances Hardinge is a captivating Middle Grade adventure story that intricately weaves themes of friendship, family dynamics, and the consequences of wishes. The plot follows three children, Ryan, Josh, and Chelle, who unknowingly steal coins from a wishing well and find themselves entangled in a magical quest to grant the wishes tied to those coins. As they navigate the challenges of fulfilling these wishes, they also grapple with personal growth and understanding the complexities of human desires. The narrative, told from Ryan's perspective, seamlessly blends elements of fantasy and reality, creating a dark and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers engaged till the very end.
- #9
'Compel' in the series 'Death in Bloom' by Candice Wright is a dark romance that follows the story of Trix, a strong and capable FMC who has been through extreme trauma but refuses to be consumed by pain. The plot unfolds with Trix planning and executing her revenge in a ruthless manner, reminiscent of a Quentin Tarantino movie, while using her writing as a tool. The story involves a complex relationship between Trix and Kenzo, a dominant criminal with his own moral compass, who loves Trix obsessively despite his dark nature. As the book progresses, unexpected twists keep the readers engaged, leading to a jaw-dropping finale that showcases the strength and resilience of the characters.
(Also, see 80 recommendations for the series Death in Bloom ) - #10
Blood of My Monster by Rina Kent is a gripping romance set in the Russian military and organized crime world. The story follows the cold and calculating male protagonist, Kirill Morozov, and the resilient female protagonist, Aleksandra Sasha Ivanova, as they navigate family drama, intrigue, and a forbidden affair. The plot unfolds with secrets, deception, and a slow-burn romance that evolves into a passionate connection between the two characters. Rina Kent's writing style immerses readers in a dark and complex narrative, filled with twists, unexpected character developments, and a compelling exploration of the characters' pasts and motivations.