Books matching: hidden secrets in small towns
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- #1
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn is a dark and disturbing psychological thriller that follows reporter Camille Preaker as she reluctantly returns to her hometown in Wind Gap, Missouri to investigate the murders of two young girls. The book delves into the small town's secrets, the complexities of family relationships, and Camille's own troubled past, including her struggles with self-harm. The narrative is intense, gripping, and filled with unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The writing style in Sharp Objects is described as atmospheric, bleak, and engrossing, with excellent characterization that brings the dark and twisted psyches of the characters to life. Gillian Flynn's debut novel skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, family drama, and psychological suspense, creating a chilling story that explores the depths of human darkness and the impact of past traumas on present actions.
My sweater was new, stinging red and ugly. It was May 12 but the temperature had dipped to the forties, and after four days shivering in my shirtsleeves, I grabbed cover at a tag sale rather than dig ... - #2
"Still Life" by Louise Penny is the first in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series, set in the small Canadian town of Three Pines. The story revolves around the murder of a beloved local artist, Jane Neal, which Inspector Gamache and his team from the Sûreté du Québec are called to investigate. As the mystery unfolds, the reader gets to know the eccentric residents of Three Pines and the intricate relationships between them. The writing style is described as a mix of cozy mystery and literary fiction, with well-developed characters and a captivating plot that keeps readers engaged until the end.
Miss Jane Neal met her maker in the early morning mist of Thanksgiving Sunday. It was pretty much a surprise all round. Miss Neal’s was not a natural death, unless you’re of the belief everything happ... - #3
'Don't Tell a Soul' by Kirsten Miller is a modern thriller with a hint of Gothic horror atmosphere about a house that's believed to be cursed and small town stories centering around a series of young women referred to as 'the Dead Girls.' The protagonist, Bram, finds herself in a small town on the Hudson called Louth, seeking refuge with her uncle James in an old mansion with a dark past. As Bram delves into the mysteries surrounding the mansion, she uncovers a web of secrets, tragedies, and suspicious locals, all while navigating her own troubled history and unresolved family issues. The writing style of the book is described as gripping, with a heavy foreboding feeling throughout, rich in detail, and filled with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.
- #4
Beth, a young Aborigine teen who has passed away, guides her grieving father to solve a mysterious case that leads to uncovering dark secrets in a small town. The novel explores themes of loss, grief, family bonds, and the trauma faced by Aboriginal women. The writing style is described as haunting, dreamlike, and engaging, with a mix of poetry and non-traditional narrative structures that create a beautiful and emotional reading experience.
His blond hair was flat and grubby, and his skin seemed too big for his bones. The muscly, tanned guy who’d built me a two-story tree house when I was a kid had been replaced by a pale shell of a man ... - #5
'Iron Lake' by William Kent Krueger is the first book in the Cork O'Connor mystery series, set in a small town in Northern Minnesota. The story follows Cork O'Connor, a former sheriff dealing with personal struggles, who gets entangled in a series of mysterious events including the disappearance of a teenage boy and the apparent suicide of a local judge. The plot unfolds in a chilling setting of frigid Minnesota winters and explores themes of corruption, greed, and Native American folklore. The author, William Kent Krueger, expertly weaves together a cleverly plotted mystery thriller with detailed descriptions of the natural surroundings, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.
FOR A WEEK THE FEELING had been with him, and all week long young Paul LeBeau had been afraid. Of what exactly, he couldn’t say. Whenever he tried to put the finger of his thinking on it, it slipped a... - #6
The Gathering, part of the Darkness Rising series by Kelley Armstrong, introduces readers to Maya, a strong and self-assured protagonist living in the isolated town of Salmon Creek. As Maya navigates the mysteries surrounding her best friend's death and her newfound connection with the enigmatic bad boy Rafe, readers are drawn into a charming and seductive story filled with secrets, corporate espionage, and a sense of foreboding. The book's fast-paced and captivating plot, along with Kelley Armstrong's skillful world-building, keeps readers engaged and eager for more, as they uncover the intricate layers of the narrative that hint at a larger supernatural world beyond the town's borders.
The Gathering offers a fresh start to a new trilogy, seamlessly blending elements of mystery, romance, and supernatural intrigue. With a focus on character development and the gradual unraveling of hidden truths, the book sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Maya's abilities, the dynamics between the town's residents, and the looming presence of the St. Cloud Corporation. As readers are pulled into the story's web of secrets and revelations, they are left anticipating the next installment that promises to delve further into the complexities of Maya's world and the connections between the characters.
Dad disappeared into the shed where I keep the wounded and orphaned animals he finds on the park grounds. I fix them up and release them if I can, or pass them onto a wildlife center if I can’t. They ... - #7
'Knit One, Kill Two' by Maggie Sefton is the first installment in the Knitting Mystery series. The story follows Kelly, a forensic CPA, who returns to Colorado after her aunt's murder. She finds solace in the local yarn shop, The House of Lambspun, and takes up knitting to cope with her grief while investigating her aunt's death. As Kelly delves into her aunt's past, she uncovers hidden secrets that may lead her to the real murderer. is a cozy mystery filled with interesting characters, yarn, and knitting projects, providing a relaxing read with a touch of suspense.
The writing style of the book is described as brisk and competent, with vivid descriptions of the Colorado mountains and the world of yarn and knitting. Despite some editing issues and a large cast of characters, the plot is entertaining, the mystery is satisfying, and the main character, Kelly Flynn, is likable. also includes a bonus recipe and knitting pattern, adding an extra charm to the cozy mystery.
- #8
Anthony Bidulka's novel 'Going to Beautiful' follows the protagonist, Jake Hardy, as he embarks on a journey to the small town of Beautiful, Saskatchewan, following the tragic death of his husband, Eddie. Through Eddie's list of places he wanted his ashes spread, Jake uncovers hidden secrets about Eddie's past and the town of Beautiful itself. The book is described as a part mystery, part romance, and part journey of discovery, blending elements of humor, intrigue, and haunting storytelling. Set in a rural Canadian farm community, the story delves into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.