Books matching: manipulative characters
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- #1
Save:A twisted, addictive literary page-turner about ambition and manipulation, with a central character you’ll love to hate. Not for the faint of heart, but highly recommended if you crave smart, unsettling fiction.
A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne follows the manipulative and ambitious protagonist, Maurice Swift, as he navigates the world of literature by plagiarizing others' stories to achieve fame and success. The novel delves into Swift's morally questionable actions, his lack of empathy, and his relentless pursuit of becoming a renowned writer. Through multiple narrators, the story spans over 30 years, offering insights into the publishing industry and the dark side of ambition and manipulation. Boyne's writing style is described as engrossing, with a seamless flow that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
From the moment I accepted the invitation, I was nervous about returning to Germany. It had been so many years since I’d last been there, after all, that it was difficult to know what memories might b...November 2018•417 pages - #2
Save:A darkly mesmerizing classic: Watch out - you might find yourself rooting for the villain. Perfect for fans of psychological suspense and antiheroes.
In 'The Talented Mr. Ripley,' Tom Ripley is sent to Europe by Dickie Greenleaf's father in an attempt to persuade Dickie to return home. Instead, Ripley becomes obsessed with Dickie and decides to take over his life, leading to a series of deceptions and close calls that create suspense throughout the novel. The story delves into the chilling portrayal of a young man's descent into becoming a serial killer, showcasing themes of paranoia, narcissism, and manipulation.
The narrative follows Ripley's calculated actions as he navigates through Europe, inserting himself into Dickie's life and facing the consequences of his immoral decisions. Patricia Highsmith's writing style is described as clinical yet engaging, offering readers a glimpse into Ripley's mind and his twisted motivations, creating a suspenseful and thrilling reading experience.
‘He’s been in Europe for two years. The Schrievers spoke very highly of you, and thought you might have some influence on Richard if you were to write to him. I want him to come home. He has responsib...1955•300 pages - #3
Save:'The Evolution of Ivy: Poison' by Lauren Campbell revolves around Ivy Hobbs, a character described as poisonous, toxic, and manipulative by some readers. Ivy is obsessed with her ex-boyfriend Brooks and inherits a significant amount of money, which she plans to use to reconstruct her face to win Brooks back and eliminate his fiancée Eliza. The story unfolds with intricate relationships and diabolical plans among Ivy, Brooks, Eliza, and Deacon, leading to a twisted game of seduction and revenge. The narrative is enriched with a mix of dark humor, quirky personalities, and unconventional romance, drawing readers into Ivy's wild imagination and extreme attempts to transform herself into someone she believes Brooks will love.
The plot of the book is structured with a dual timeline, seamlessly transitioning between the present and the past to establish the main and minor characters while maintaining a steady flow of suspense and anticipation. The author, Lauren Campbell, delivers a debut novel that showcases her unique writing style, characterized by clever dialogue, diabolical character dynamics, and a touch of humor that humanizes Ivy despite her psychopathic tendencies. The story delves into themes of obsession, revenge, and the lengths one may go to in pursuit of love, creating a psychological read that challenges traditional romance narratives.
January 2017•301 pages - #4
Save:A chilling, immersive, and gritty psychological thriller - brilliantly written but dark and deeply unsettling. Perfect for fans of the macabre, but definitely not for the faint of heart!
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...September 2006•367 pages - #5
Save:A dark and addictive thriller that’s big on twisted characters and suspense, but delivers little hope and few heroes. Come for the intrigue - just don’t expect to make any friends onboard.
'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins is a psychological thriller that revolves around three women - Anna, Megan, and Rachel - whose lives intertwine in a dark and horrific manner. The story is narrated through multiple perspectives, offering a tale full of hidden secrets, desires, and passions. The plot unfolds with suspense and mystery, as the characters grapple with damaged pasts, alcoholism, and dark secrets that lead to a shocking and unpredictable ending.
The book is praised for its innovative storytelling, time-shifting narrative, and the ability to keep readers engaged with its suspenseful twists. Despite some readers finding the characters unlikable or the ending abrupt, the overall consensus is that 'The Girl on the Train' is a gripping and compelling read that delves into themes of trust, deception, and the dark side of human nature.
There is a pile of clothing on the side of the train tracks. Light-blue cloth—a shirt, perhaps—jumbled up with something dirty white. It’s probably rubbish, part of a load dumped into the scrubby litt...2014•346 pages - #6
Save:A clever, sexy, and emotionally satisfying battle of wits with an intense, complicated romance at its heart - add this to your TBR if you love angsty, character-driven historicals with heat and bite.
The Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry Thomas is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Louisa Cantwell and Felix Rivendale, Marquess of Wrendale. Both characters wear masks to hide their true selves, but as they navigate their internal conflicts and personal growth, they find themselves drawn to each other. The book explores their complex relationship, filled with intelligent banter, emotional strife, and a slow-burning romance. Set against a backdrop of manipulation and pragmatism, Louisa and Felix discover that they are exactly what each other needs, with common interests in the study of astronomy providing a strong foundation for their relationship to blossom.
Lord Wrenworth might not have heard of Louisa Cantwell until the spring of 1888, but ever since 1883, years before he’d declared his hand available, his name had sat atop her list of eligible young me...November 2013•371 pages - #7
Save:A lush, challenging, and rewarding medieval romance that stands out for its authenticity, depth, and emotional intensity - ideal for readers who want something different and substantial from their historicals.
'For My Lady's Heart' by Laura Kinsale is a compelling medieval romance that follows the adventures of Melanthe and Ruck. The story is set in medieval England and France, with vivid descriptions of the time period. Melanthe, the female protagonist, is portrayed as a complex character with a dark past, making her behavior tough to like but understandable. The use of Middle English in the dialogue adds depth to the story, although some readers found it challenging to follow. The plot revolves around the evolving relationship between Melanthe and Ruck, exploring themes of survival, loyalty, and transformation.
The cry rose with squeals and laughter as the ladies of Bordeaux craned, reaching for the prizes held tauntingly overhead by their gay tormentors. Veils came askew, belts failed and sent misericordes...December 1993•477 pages - #8
Save:Unapologetically dark, yet captivating and wildly entertaining, "Duke of Sin" is a must-read for anyone who craves a clever, villainous hero and a heroine strong enough to match him - just check the content warnings before diving in!
"Duke of Sin" in the "Maiden Lane" series by Elizabeth Hoyt follows the story of Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery, an immoral and manipulative man who engages in blackmail. Bridget Crumb, Val's housekeeper, seeks to uncover the information Val is using to blackmail her aristocratic mother. As they engage in a game of wits, Val and Bridget develop a deeply sensual relationship that challenges both of them emotionally. Despite Val's wicked nature, Bridget becomes a moral compass for him as their relationship evolves.
Val is portrayed as a complex and morally ambiguous character, fascinating in his dangerous and unpredictable nature. delves deep into the emotional lives of the characters, particularly focusing on the intellectual foreplay between Val and Bridget. While the relationship between them is not sweet in a traditional sense, there is a twisted yet compelling dynamic that drives the narrative forward.
There are few worse places for a housekeeper of impeccable credentials to be caught than kneeling on her employer’s bed. But two factors conspired to make this situation particularly fraught, Bridget... - #9
Save:A clever, snarky, and refreshingly unconventional historical romance with a healthy dose of spy games - perfect escapism for fans of witty banter and complex characters, though not the most heartwarming book in the series.
The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig is the fourth installment in the Pink Carnation series. The book follows the story of Mary Alsworthy and Lord Vaughn as they navigate a complex romance while unraveling the mystery of the deadly spy, the Black Tulip. Set in Napoleonic England, the novel seamlessly weaves historical elements with a touch of intellectual romance, focusing on the character dynamics and the intrigue surrounding the spy plot. Willig's writing style is praised for its witty banter, engaging dialogues, and the balance between historical references and contemporary storytelling techniques, making it an enjoyable and entertaining historical fiction read.
Sebastian, Lord Vaughn, stood beside a rusting suit of armor, a dusty glass of claret in hand, wondering for the tenth time what evil demon had possessed him to accept an invitation to the house party... - #10
Save:Unapologetically angsty and beautifully written - if you love complicated, imperfect characters finding their way (messily!) back to each other, give it a try. But keep tissues handy and prepare to shout at the pages!
Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas is a Victorian romance novel that delves into the unusual and controversial plotline of a married aristocratic couple, Lord and Lady Tremaine, estranged for ten years after their marriage. The story unfolds by shifting between 1882, the year they meet and marry, and 1893, the year they reunite to produce an heir before seeking a divorce. The book intricately weaves together past and present events, revealing the complexities of their relationship, the reasons for their estrangement, and the emotional turmoil they experience.
The narrative of Private Arrangements is characterized by deep emotional intensity, complex character dynamics, and a non-linear storytelling approach. Sherry Thomas skillfully crafts a tale of love, betrayal, redemption, and forgiveness, drawing readers into the lives of the protagonists, Gigi and Camden, as they navigate the repercussions of their past actions and strive to find their way back to each other. The book not only explores the romantic relationship between the main characters but also delves into the secondary storyline involving Gigi's mother and her own romantic pursuits, adding depth and richness to the overall narrative.
Happy marriages were considered vulgar, as matrimonial felicity rarely kept longer than a well-boiled pudding. Unhappy marriages were, of course, even more vulgar, on a par with Mrs. Jeffries's specia...March 2008•377 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The London Trilogy )
