Books matching: dark underbelly
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- #1
Save:The Cutting Room by Louise Welsh is a dark and gritty mystery thriller set in Glasgow, following the protagonist Rilke, a morally ambiguous auctioneer who delves into the world of pornography and sinister fetishes after discovering explicit photographs in a deceased man's belongings. The story unfolds with a slow burn as Rilke navigates through shady contacts, leading to a series of suspenseful and menacing encounters. Despite the graphic nature of the plot, Welsh's writing style is described as beautifully evocative, striking a balance between genre thriller and literary fiction.
None of the chairs matched; a harlequin set, we would call them in the trade. I had been in the room earlier in the day and dismissed it as not worth a second inspection. Perhaps it was the late hour ... - #2
Save:'Shantaram' by Gregory David Roberts is a gripping and epic adventure story that follows Lin, an escaped Australian convict, as he flees to Bombay, India. The novel delves into Lin's various lives in Bombay, from being a slum doctor to a member of the local mafia, while exploring themes of love, philosophy, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as vivid, detailed, and captivating, providing a rich glimpse into the ghettos of Bombay and capturing the essence of the city through concise yet immersive descriptions.
IT TOOK ME a long time and most of the world to learn what I know about love and fate and the choices we make, but the heart of it came to me in an instant, while I was chained to a wall and being tor... 'Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity' by Katherine Boo is a narrative nonfiction book that provides a vivid portrayal of life in the slums of Mumbai, specifically in Annawadi. The book follows the struggles of the inhabitants living in extreme poverty, facing corruption, violence, and squalor. Through detailed storytelling and extensive research, Boo delves into the daily realities and challenges faced by the residents, offering a haunting glimpse into their lives.
The book is praised for its unique narrative style that reads like fiction, despite being nonfiction. Boo's writing is described as gripping and immersive, allowing readers to connect with the characters and empathize with their hardships. The author's ability to present the harsh truths of life in the Mumbai slums with authenticity and depth leaves a lasting impact on readers, challenging their perspectives on poverty, corruption, and survival.
Let it keep, the moment when Officer Fish Lips met Abdul in the police station. Rewind, see Abdul running backward, away from the station and the airport, toward home. See the flames engulfing a disab...- #4
Save:Midnight Blue by L.J. Shen is a rockstar romance that follows the journey of Alex Winslow, a troubled rockstar on a world tour, and Indie Bellamy, his unique and determined babysitter. The book delves into their complex relationship, featuring dialogue, characters, and locations brought to life by the author's stunning writing style. As the story progresses, readers are taken on a roller coaster of emotions, from angst to passion, with unexpected twists that keep them engaged till the end.
“When we advertised the job for a PA position, we kind of, sort of, what’s the word I’m looking for…? Lied.” Slamming her chrome MacBook shut, she splayed her bony, manicured fingers on top of it, sho... - #5
Save:Homeboy by Seth Morgan is a gritty and intense novel that delves into the dark underbelly of San Francisco's North Beach and Tenderloin districts. The story follows Joe Speaker, a strip show barker who gets inadvertently involved in a vicious killing, leading him into a world of drugs, crime, and corruption. The writing style is described as rich and descriptive, with a unique narrative that immerses the reader into a world filled with unforgettable and tragic characters.
That afternoon was the first time in her bustout life Rings’n’Things had met a man who wanted to know her real name before banging her silly. Daddy didn’t count—naming her after Rosemary Clooney was h... Coldheart Canyon: A Hollywood Ghost Story by Clive Barker is a novel that delves into the dark and twisted world of Hollywood, blending elements of horror, fantasy, and the supernatural. The story follows an actor named Todd Pickett who, after a botched cosmetic surgery, seeks refuge in a haunted mansion in Coldheart Canyon. As Todd explores the mysterious estate, he encounters ghosts, demons, and a secret room that holds a dark power. Barker's writing style is described as visceral and graphic, painting a vivid and unsettling picture of the horrors lurking within the canyon.
Father Sandru, however, was not willing to let the issue go just yet. "After the two of you departed yesterday," he said, his English colored by his native Romanian, "one of the brothers remarked that...- #7
Save:'Slumdog Millionaire' by Vikas Swarup is a fast-paced rags-to-riches story full of surprising twists and turns. The plot follows the protagonist, Ram Mohammed Thomas, as he navigates through his life experiences that lead him to success on a quiz show. The writing style is plain yet engaging, with a focus on storytelling that keeps the reader captivated. sheds light on the harsh realities of life in India, including poverty, domestic violence, and societal ills, while also incorporating elements of Bollywood and celebrity culture.
Vikas Swarup is an Indian diplomat who has served in Turkey, the United States, Ethiopia and Great Britain. He is presently posted in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. Q & A is being tran... - #8
Save:'Crow' in the series 'Boston Underworld' by A. Zavarelli follows the story of Mackenzie, aka Mack, who goes undercover in the Boston Irish mob to uncover the truth behind her missing friend. The plot unfolds with intense action, dark themes, and a mix of danger, betrayal, and scorching passion. The author weaves a complex web of plots, introducing well-executed supporting characters and a brooding hero, Lachlan Crow, who is part of The Syndicate and struggles to stay in control when Mack enters his world unexpectedly. The writing style is described as engaging, with a focus on the Irish Mob, authentic world-building, and a storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
One by one, the lads come forward to speak their final piece. Niall and Ronan remain by my side, quiet. Condolences are carried away on the Autumn breeze, faintly spoken, and seldom heard. My bones ar... - #9
Save:The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez is a romance novel that follows the story of Sloan Monroe, who is still grieving the death of her fiancé, Brandon, after a motorcycle accident two years ago. Sloan's life takes a turn when she rescues a stray dog named Tucker, which leads her to develop a friendship with the dog's owner, Jason Larsen, a famous musician. As Sloan navigates through her grief and Jason's rising fame, their relationship faces challenges that they must overcome to have a happy ever after.
The book explores themes of grief, love, communication, and the complexities of relationships, set against the backdrop of the music industry and personal growth. The writing style is described as light, enjoyable, and engaging, with a mix of humor, angst, and heartwarming moments that keep the readers invested in Sloan and Jason's journey towards finding love and healing.
My car idled at the red light next to a sidewalk lined with worn-out businesses and thirsty, drought-resistant oaks that looked like the lack of rain had finally broken their spirit. I baked in the bl...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Friend Zone ) - #10
Save:'Eversea' by Natasha Boyd is a captivating romance novel that follows the story of Hollywood superstar Jack Eversea and the young waitress Keri Ann Butler in the small town of Butler Cove. Jack escapes to Butler Cove to avoid the paparazzi and finds solace in the company of Keri Ann, who sees beyond his fame to the man he truly is. As their relationship evolves from friendship to something more, they navigate the challenges of Jack's celebrity status and Keri Ann's personal struggles. The book is written in a compelling and emotional style that captures the essence of a slow-burn romance with depth and authenticity.
The plot of 'Eversea' unfolds with a mix of romance, suspense, and self-discovery as Jack and Keri Ann's worlds collide in unexpected ways. Natasha Boyd skillfully weaves a tale of love, sacrifice, and personal growth against the backdrop of a small beach town in South Carolina. The characters, especially Jack and Keri Ann, are portrayed with complexity and depth, making the reader empathize with their journey of finding love amidst the challenges they face.
The small seaside town of Butler Cove Island had nine thousand off–season, full time residents, and some days it felt like theyallhad an opinion. I tried to paste on a smile and nod as I listened poli...
