Books matching: gripping narrative
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Last Jew by Noah Gordon is a historical fiction novel set in late fifteenth-century Spain during the Spanish Inquisition. The story follows Yonah Toledano, a young Jewish boy who pretends to be a Christian to survive the horrors of the Inquisition, ultimately becoming a doctor. The book vividly portrays the expulsion, persecution, fear, and death faced by Jews during this tumultuous period, providing a gripping tale of survival and faith. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the author delves into the tensions and fears of the violent end of Moorish rule in the Iberian Peninsula, capturing the historical context and complexities of the era.
The bad time began for Bernardo Espina on a day when the air hung heavy as iron and the arrogant sunshine was a curse. That morning his crowded dispensary had been almost emptied when a pregnant woman... - #2
Save:Willow is a 17-year-old girl who tragically lost her parents in a car accident that she blames herself for. Struggling with guilt and grief, she turns to cutting as a way to cope with her pain. The story follows Willow's journey of self-discovery, healing, and finding hope through her relationships with her brother, Guy, and her own inner turmoil. The book is written in a raw and emotional style, delving into the complexities of self-harm and the impact of loss on a young girl's life.
Willow Randall stares at the girl seated opposite her. Some might notice the girl because she is pretty. Others because of her flaming red hair. If the guys in the class were looking, they would see t... - #3
Save:The Nightmare Man by J. H. Markert is a horror thriller novel that follows bestselling novelist Ben Bookman who, after finishing his latest horror novel, The Scarecrow, finds the terrifying story unfolding in real life. Detective Mills and his daughter Samantha Blue investigate gruesome murders that mirror the events in Bookman's book, leading to Ben becoming the prime suspect. As Ben delves into his family's history and the mysteries of the Blackwood estate, he uncovers dark secrets and releases something long trapped, unleashing a series of horrors that won't stop with the pages of his novel.
- #4
Save:'Phantom Nights' by John Farris is a paranormal thriller set in the 1950s in a racially divided town in Tennessee. The story follows a complex narrative involving supernatural elements, revenge, politics, and deep emotional themes. The plot revolves around characters like Mally Shaw, Dr. Ramses ValJean, Bobby Gambier, and Alex, who are intricately portrayed and deeply moving. The writing style is described as literate, descriptive, and immersive, with a touch of the supernatural that adds to the storytelling magic.
Maury Terry's 'The Ultimate Evil' is a pioneering investigative work that delves into the uncovering of the Sons of Sam cult, challenging the notion that David Berkowitz acted alone in the infamous Son of Sam case. Terry's thorough research takes readers on a deep dive into the world of Satanic murderous cults in the US, shedding light on the connections between Berkowitz, Charles Manson, and the underground snuff film industry. With exhaustive details and wild claims, the book presents a side of the case that many readers have never encountered before, leaving them both fascinated and disturbed.
At 11 p.m. on October 12, 1974, the lush, sprawling campus of Stanford University was alive with the sounds of Saturday night partying. Exuberant bursts of harmony, laughter and the thump, thump, thum...- #6
Save:The Star Rover by Jack London is a unique and engaging story about a man named Darrell Standing who is a Death Row inmate of San Quentin prison. While trapped in solitary confinement, he discovers the ability to leave his body and relive past lives, experiencing different adventures and hardships. The book is a collection of these tales framed by Darrell's own story, showcasing Jack London's intense descriptions of extreme situations and his exploration of spirituality and human willpower.
All my life I have had an awareness of other times and places. I have been aware of other persons in me.—Oh, and trust me, so have you, my reader that is to be. Read back into your childhood, and this... - #7
Save:"The Good Daughter" by Karin Slaughter is a gripping tale of two sisters, Charlie and Sam, who witness the murder of their mother in a tragic incident that leaves them physically and mentally scarred. Set in rural Georgia, the story unfolds 28 years later during a school shooting, bringing to light the family's past trauma and the secrets that have haunted them. The novel delves deep into the themes of family relationships, grief, recovery, and the impact of past tragedies on present lives, all while exploring complex characters and a compelling plot.
Charlie Quinn walked through the darkened halls of Pikeville middle school with a gnawing sense of trepidation. This wasn’t an early morning walk of shame. This was a walk of deeply held regret. Fitti... Elmore Leonard's 'The Complete Western Stories' is a retrospective collection of thirty short stories and novellas that showcase his early work as a writer in the western genre. The stories are set in the American Southwest, featuring a variety of characters such as weary rangers, ruthless Apaches, scout riders, military cavalry, bank robbers, gold seekers, and scheming cowboys. Leonard's writing style captures the dust and blazing heat of the prairies, with each story presenting gripping narratives filled with action, drama, and tough loners making solemn decisions about life and death.
The book offers a mix of shorter stories and longer novellas, allowing Leonard to establish an ensemble cast of characters and explore their interactions. As the collection progresses, Leonard's writing evolves from good to excellent, with well-crafted plots and characterization that keep the reader engaged. The stories cover a range of themes from prejudice and vigilantism to duty and dedication, showcasing Leonard's ability to create real, imperfect characters facing challenging situations in the wild west.
UNDER THE THATCHED roof ramada that ran the length of the agency office, Travisin slouched in a canvas-backed chair, his boots propped against one of the support posts. His gaze took in the sun-beaten,...- #9
Save:'In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors' by Doug Stanton is a compelling non-fiction account of the tragic sinking of the USS Indianapolis during World War II. Through detailed research and interviews with survivors, Stanton vividly retells the harrowing story of the crew's ordeal at sea, battling shark attacks, injuries, and the elements. sheds light on the bureaucratic failures and scapegoating that followed the disaster, highlighting the human courage and loss faced by the sailors.
Marching up the gangway of the vessel under his command, the USS Indianapolis, Captain Charles McVay was a man perplexed. Reaching the top, he turned toward the stern, saluted the flag, and strode on ... - #10
Save:"1066" by Andrew Bridgeford delves into the mysterious and fascinating world of the Bayeux Tapestry, exploring the hidden messages and imagery within its stitches. Bridgeford presents theories about the true origins of the tapestry, suggesting it was not just a piece of Norman propaganda but a subtly disguised work, possibly created in Canterbury. The narrative weaves together historical background, contemporary writings, and scholarly interpretations to offer a compelling analysis of the events leading to the Norman conquest of England in 1066, challenging traditional beliefs and shedding light on the complex characters and motives behind this pivotal moment in history.
takes readers on a journey through the intricate details of the Bayeux Tapestry, examining each frame with a critical eye and uncovering layers of meaning that may have been overlooked for centuries. Bridgeford's writing style is engaging and informative, drawing readers into the world of medieval art and politics while presenting a fresh perspective on the familiar story of William the Conqueror and the Battle of Hastings. Through meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Bridgeford invites readers to reconsider their understanding of this iconic piece of history and explore the hidden truths that lie beneath its surface.
Five miles from the coast at Arromanches, in the gently shelving valley of the River Aure, lies the historic Norman town of Bayeux. From a distance the medieval cathedral emerges first into view, a fa...
