Books matching: dark past
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- #1
Save:A thrilling, cleverly plotted mystery with a unique Yukon setting and memorable characters - perfect if you want suspense with a side of wild, remote adventure.
The 'City of the Lost' book in the 'Casey Duncan / Rockton' series by Kelley Armstrong is a mystery romance series set in a remote town called Rockton where people go to disappear. The series follows the protagonist, a detective, as well as other characters who come to the town with mysterious backgrounds. The plot involves the couple getting together by the end of the first book and then solving different mysteries together in each subsequent book. The writing style is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and filled with mysteries, with a touch of romance that keeps readers engaged.
I’ve caught her off guard with that opening line, but I’ve been through this before with other therapists. Five, to be exact. Each time, the gap between “Hello” and “I’m a murderer” decreases. By this...2015•444 pages - #2
Save:Vanquish is brutal, bold, and unflinching - a dark romance that may shake you up, but rewards those who stick with it with genuine emotion and twisted hope. Check content warnings before diving in!
'Vanquish' by Pam Godwin is a dark and intense read that delves into the lives of two deeply damaged individuals, Van Quiso and Amber Rosenfeld. Van, a complex man with a troubled past, is on a mission to find solace and redemption, while Amber, suffering from OCD, bulimia, and agoraphobia, has been trapped in her own mind for years. Their paths cross unexpectedly, leading to a violent, passionate, and tender relationship filled with trust issues and the need for healing. As they navigate through their brokenness, they find love in each other, despite their unconventional circumstances and dark pasts. Pam Godwin's writing style shines in this book, offering a character-driven plot with credible development and intense emotional depth.
Simple, mutually-satisfying sex was an acceptable way to alleviate loneliness, even if it was just twenty minutes in the dark with the delivery guy. At least, that's what Amber Rosenfeld told herself... - #3
Save:A gorgeously written, haunting psychological mystery that digs deep into its characters - just don’t come looking for clean closure. If you like your crime fiction thoughtful, atmospheric, and a bit messy, this is a standout.
In the book 'In the Woods' by Tana French, Detective Rob Ryan and his partner Cassie Maddox are on the hunt for a child killer in the same woods where Ryan's own childhood trauma occurred. The story unfolds with a slow yet intriguing start, weaving a double mystery that keeps readers engaged. The narrative delves into the past and present, exploring themes of psychological tension, guilt, and the complexities of police procedural work. The book is set in Dublin and features atmospheric storytelling that blends elements of romance, violence, and suspense.
The central character, Rob Ryan, grapples with his dark history while investigating the murder of a young girl, drawing parallels to his own childhood tragedy of losing two friends in the same woods. The writing style is praised for its beautiful prose, compelling characters, and intricate plot development that keeps readers riveted. Despite mixed feelings about the ending, readers appreciate the depth of the story and the psychological depth of the characters, making it a compelling read in the Dublin Murder Squad series.
What I warn you to remember is that I am a detective. Our relationship with truth is fundamental but cracked, refracting confusingly like fragmented glass. It is the core of our careers, the endgame o...2006•489 pages - #4
Save:A moody, gorgeously written noir with brilliant atmosphere and complex women at its core. If you dig slow-burn mysteries dripping with style, give it a try - but if you need plot twists on every page, this one may not be your cup of gin.
Set in 1950s Los Angeles, "Die a Little" by Megan Abbott follows the story of Lora, a schoolteacher, whose life is disrupted when her close relationship with her police detective brother, Bill, is threatened by his marriage to the enigmatic Alice. As Lora delves deeper into Alice's mysterious past, she becomes entangled in a web of dark secrets and deception. The novel gradually unravels its layers, revealing complex characters and a noir-inspired plot that keeps readers captivated with its atmospheric setting and suspenseful narrative style.
LATER, the things I would think about. Things like this: My brother never wore hats. When we were young, he wouldn’t wear one even to church and my mother and then grandmother would force one on his h...February 2005•263 pages - #5
Save:This is classic Nora Roberts - with family bonds, romance, and suspense set against the beauty of Montana - but it’s darker than many of her previous books. Not for the faint of heart, but compelling for those who appreciate a blend of grit, love, and community.
Come Sundown by Nora Roberts is a romantic suspense novel that weaves together the stories of the Bodine family who run a ranch and resort in Montana. The plot unfolds with flashbacks to Alice, a family member who was abducted and held captive for years, while in the present day, the family faces distressing discoveries and mysteries surrounding the ranch. The writing style is described as vivid, with strong main characters and unique supporting characters, creating a story of love, loss, and family bonds.
Since Earth’s rotation didn’t accommodate her, she made up for it, rarely sleeping beyond five-thirty. When dawn broke, she had already completed her morning workout—a precise sixty minutes—showered,...May 2017•501 pages - #6
Save:A gorgeously written, steamy fantasy romance that’s perfect for fans of magical curses and star-crossed lovers - even if you’ll wish it were twice as long!
The Undying King by Grace Draven is a fantasy novella that tells the story of Imogen, a young woman cursed with the touch of death, and Cededa, the immortal King of a forgotten city. Imogen sets out on a quest to break her curse and discovers the mythical city of Tineroth, where she meets Cededa. The book explores their unlikely love story, filled with dark pasts, curses, and redemption. Grace Draven's writing style is described as luscious and evocative, with a focus on sensuality and compelling characters.
The air stank of old blood and sickness, made even more pungent by the sweltering heat generated by the fire in the hearth. She gazed at the room’s single window edged in an early spring frost. The sm...November 2016•190 pages - #7
Save:A lush, moody, and emotional historical romance that's perfect for those who like their heroes tortured and their heroines triumphant over darkness. Be ready for heavy themes, but the payoff is a beautifully written, deeply felt love story.
'The Highlander' by Kerrigan Byrne is a historical romance set in the highlands of Scotland, featuring dark and dangerous characters with deadly secrets. The plot revolves around a rough and deadly laird seeking peace and a titled lady running from her husband, who find more than they thought possible in each other's company. The story is filled with complexity of human nature, suffering, and hidden pasts, captivating readers with twists and turns, strong secondary characters, and a backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.
Take off your clothes. It wasn’t the first time Lady Philomena St. Vincent, Viscountess Benchley, had heard the command. She was the wife of a violent libertine, after all. But as she stared in wide-e...August 2016•368 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Victorian Rebels ) - #8
Save:A polarizing, steamy romance that’s all about a tough alpha with a dark edge and the independent woman who loves him anyway - irresistible for some, way too much for others!
In "Knight" by Kristen Ashley, the story revolves around the unconventional and intense relationship between the characters Knight and Anya. Knight, an anti-hero with a dark and controlling personality, finds himself drawn to Anya, a hardworking and determined woman. As their relationship unfolds, readers are taken on a journey of passion, dominance, and trust. The writing style of the book is described as intense, with explicit scenes and a focus on the development of the characters, particularly Knight, through the eyes of Anya.
He was tall. I had no idea how to describe how tall he was but the only word I could think of was “very”. Very tall. He was wearing a nice, tailored, black wool overcoat. With the lighting, all I coul...April 2012•283 pages - #9
Save:A fast-paced, character-driven fantasy romp with charm and humor to spare - perfect for fans of found family and slow-burn adventure, but maybe not for world-building sticklers or those craving hard-edged realism.
In "The Emperor's Edge" by Lindsay Buroker, readers are introduced to Amaranthe Lokdon, a female enforcer in an imperial city where women in martial careers are viewed with suspicion. When Amaranthe uncovers a plot to assassinate the emperor, she is tasked with taking down the deadly assassin Sicarius to secure a promotion. Along the way, she forms a team of outlaws with unique skills, navigates double-crosses and quick thinking, and showcases creative problem-solving in a fast-paced urban fantasy world with a touch of steampunk elements.
Corporal Amaranthe Lokdon paced. Her short sword, night stick, and handcuffs bumped and clanked at her thighs with each impatient step. Enforcer Headquarters frowned down at her, an ominous gray cliff...2010•349 pages - #10
Save:The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger tells the story of Rosie and Chad, who unexpectedly inherit a luxurious apartment in the Windermere in New York City after Chad's uncle passes away. The building, with its gothic elegance and eerie history, sets the stage for a captivating mystery. As they settle in, unsettling events and a series of deaths unfold, prompting Rosie to investigate the building's dark past. The novel features well-developed characters and a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers engaged, combining elements of thriller and supernatural with twists and red herrings that build a chilling sense of unease.
Unger’s writing style is described as easy to follow and capable of creating suspenseful scenes that engage the reader. The story presents a gradual build-up of tension, although some readers felt that certain aspects, particularly the paranormal elements, could have been more pronounced. The book successfully mixes psychological elements with a plot driven narrative, keeping the reader guessing until the end. However, some critiques mention that the ending felt rushed and predictable at times. Overall, it’s seen as an engrossing page-turner for fans of mysteries and thrillers.
Like the slim rectangular box that sits at the bottom of my tote. Maybe just six inches long and two inches wide. Light, flimsy, its contents clatter when shaken. But it’s a whispering presence, a whi...March 2024•408 pages
