Books matching: mysterious past
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- #1
Save:A delightful, quick read with cozy vibes and an irresistible feline, perfect for fans of gentle mysteries and cat lovers alike.
'Murder Past Due' in the series 'Cat in the Stacks Mystery' by Miranda James follows the story of Charlie Harris, a widowed librarian who becomes an amateur sleuth with the help of his Maine Coon cat, Diesel. When a best-selling author, Godfrey Priest, is murdered in Athena, Mississippi, Charlie gets involved in the investigation due to his connection with a young college student, Justin Wardlaw. The plot twists and turns as past deeds resurface and motives multiply, leading Charlie to use his archival skills to provide clues to solve the murder mystery. The writing style of the book is engaging, with a first-person POV that keeps the reader in suspense alongside Charlie as he navigates through the investigation.
An open milk carton sat on the table, accompanied by a bowl, a spoon, and a box of cereal. Justin hadn’t closed the box, and he’d left a sprinkle of cereal on the table. Splatters of milk surrounded t...August 2010•325 pages - #2
Save:'Don't Look Back' in the series 'Fenton House' by author Ben Cheetham is a haunting mystery novel that follows a family moving into a century-old home, rent-free but reputed to be haunted. The plot unfolds with possible psychopaths, haunted houses, crazy old ladies, and murderers all intertwined in a creepy and suspenseful story that keeps readers engaged till the final page. The narrative is described as a page-turner that keeps readers guessing, with unexpected plot twists near the end that make it one of the best books some have read in a while.
The story is praised for its well-constructed plot, realistic characters, and atmospheric dread that grips readers from the start. The mansion itself becomes a main character, slowly revealing hidden secrets within its walls as the tension escalates to an unbearable level. Despite being part of a series, the book stands out as a gripping standalone novel with a unique blend of horror elements and haunting mysteries that keep readers hooked till the end.
The words were finally flowing. Only a hundred or so more and Adam would hit his daily target. From beyond the study door came raised voices. Adam registered no reaction. When he was in the zone, the...December 2018•251 pages - #3
Save:A moody, Southern ghost story with a strong, unconventional heroine and just enough shivers. Entertaining for fans of spooky mysteries, but those wanting a nail-biting horror or perfectly wrapped-up plot may be left wanting more.
Four and Twenty Blackbirds by Cherie Priest is a southern gothic mystery novel following the story of Eden Moore, a character who sees ghosts and delves into her family's deep-rooted secrets. The book is described as a blend of horror, detective story, and literary fiction, with a plot that spans over a quarter of a century. The writing style is praised for its atmospheric and intense nature, drawing readers into a world filled with family mysteries, haunted pasts, and supernatural elements.
I cringed, staring down at the blank sheet of coarse cream paper. Before me was a plastic tub filled with fat, fruit-scented markers, ripe for the choosing. While the other kids at my table dove into...2003•287 pages - #4
Save:A beautifully atmospheric modern gothic novel with a haunting double narrative - perfect for fans of descriptive writing and slow-burning suspense, as long as you don't mind a leisurely pace and lots of sensory detail.
'The Lantern' by Deborah Lawrenson is a gothic novel set in Provence, France, intertwining two stories - one of a modern couple, Eve and Dom, who move to a rambling old property with a dark past, and the other of Benedicte Lincel, a former occupant haunted by the secrets of the house. The narrative skillfully weaves suspense, mystery, and elements of romance, drawing parallels to classics like 'Rebecca' and 'Jane Eyre'. Lawrenson's evocative writing captures the sights, smells, and atmosphere of Provence, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that keeps readers engaged as they uncover the hidden truths of the past and present.
The book explores themes of love, secrets, suspicion, and the supernatural, as Eve delves into the mysteries surrounding Dom's enigmatic past, particularly his missing ex-wife Rachel. The narrative builds tension gradually, blending elements of gothic fiction with captivating storytelling, where characters grapple with their own fears and doubts while navigating the haunting presence of the old farmhouse and its dark history. Lawrenson skillfully merges past and present, offering a tale that is both atmospheric and suspenseful, leaving readers intrigued by the intertwining fates of the characters and the revelations that unfold throughout the narrative.
Down here, on the southern rim of the country, out of the mistral’s slipstream, the evening drops as viscous liquid: slow and heavy and silent. When we first arrived, the stifling sultriness made slee...August 2011•400 pages - #5
Save:A clever, moody mystery with character-driven twists - best for those who appreciate literary suspense and don’t mind a dash of the unconventional.
'Kissing the Beehive' by Jonathan Carroll is a murder mystery novel that follows successful author Sam Bayer as he returns to his hometown to investigate the unsolved murder of a young girl named Pauline. The story delves into Sam's personal connection to the case, his struggles with writer's block, and his complex relationships with the enigmatic Veronica Lake and his daughter Cass. As Sam delves deeper into the mystery, more bodies start piling up, raising questions about his safety and the true nature of those around him. Carroll's writing style combines elements of film noir and psychological depth, creating a suspenseful and engaging narrative that keeps readers on edge until the surprising climax.
The novel explores themes of identity, obsession, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Carroll weaves a complex tale that intertwines the past with the present, blurring the boundaries between memory and truth. Through intricate character development and a gripping plot, 'Kissing the Beehive' keeps readers guessing until the final pages, where unexpected revelations and twists leave a lasting impact on both the characters and the readers.
I do not like to eat alone and that is one of the reasons why I became famous. There is something both pathetic and unattractive about a person eating by himself in public. Better to stay at home drin...December 1997•266 pages - #6
Save:Grace Elland, a positive and optimistic woman, finds herself in a nightmare when she discovers the body of her murdered boss, leading her back to a past where she had to defend herself by killing a murderer. As she faces a stalker and receives emails from her deceased employer, she seeks help from Julius Arkwright, a successful entrepreneur who believes in trust no one. Together, they navigate through past traumas and present dangers, unraveling mysteries while exploring their budding relationship.
The book 'Trust No One' by Jayne Ann Krentz is a fast-paced romantic suspense thriller that delves into the intertwined lives of Grace and Julius, highlighting their witty banter and contrasting personalities. The story focuses on the suspenseful elements, with the relationship between the main characters evolving as they tackle threats and uncertainties, keeping readers engaged with unexpected twists and turns.
Grace Elland leaned over the blood-soaked sheets and forced herself to touch the cold skin of Sprague Witherspoon’s throat. His blue eyes, once so brilliant and compelling, were open. He stared sightl...January 2015•450 pages - #7
Save:Energetic, funny, and original, Warden is a fresh paranormal romance that hooks you fast. Not perfect, but definitely addictive - and you’ll probably want the next book queued up!
'Warden' by Montana Ash is a paranormal romance novel that follows the story of Max, a strong and sassy female lead with no memory of her past. She meets a group of Paladins who teach her about her true self, leading her on an adventure filled with friendship, acceptance, and love. The book introduces a world of elementals, Wardens, and Paladins, exploring themes of balance, loyalty, and fighting for what's right. The story is told from multiple perspectives, incorporating humor, romance, and a touch of mystery.
The plot revolves around Max's journey of self-discovery, her interactions with the Paladins, and the challenges she faces from her past and the creatures that haunt her. With a mix of action, emotion, and humor, 'Warden' presents a unique take on the paranormal genre, offering a refreshing storyline with intriguing characters and a fast-paced narrative style.
The scars were extensive and obviously hard won. Evidence of years of abuse at the hands of meaty fists, drunks and straight-up pricks most likely. After all, wasn’t that always the way? Some of the l... - #8
Save:A wild, witty, and modern-feeling historical romp with a bold heroine and a heart-thumping romance - best enjoyed if you want fun and fire over strict historical realism.
'Bombshell' by Sarah MacLean is part of the 'Hell's Belles' series and follows the story of Sesily and Caleb, who are part of a group of women working together to bring down society's worst men. The book is filled with intrigue, strong female characters, witty dialogue, and steamy love scenes. The plot revolves around the Hell's Belles, a Victorian girl gang that can solve problems for a price, and the relationships that develop between them and the men who hire them.
Lady Sesily Talbot stood behind the refreshment table at the Duchess of Trevescan’s autumn ball, contemplating the teeming mass of aristocrats and happily commentating for her friend and hostess. Inde...August 2021•402 pages - #9
Save:A richly-woven, emotionally intense historical romance best suited for readers who like depth, angst, and flawed but loveable characters. It's not a light or fluffy read, but it's beautifully crafted for those ready to go into the dark and come out with hope.
The Price of Desire by Jo Goodman is a historical romance novel that delves into themes of abuse, dark secrets, and outside forces working against the main characters, Olivia and Griffin. The story follows Olivia, who is left as payment for her brother's gambling debt, and Griffin, a Viscount who accepts her into his home. As their bond deepens, they navigate through past traumas, mysterious pasts, and enemies, ultimately finding love and security in each other. Goodman's writing style is described as deep, layered, and complex, with characters that are true to themselves and engaging dialogue that sets her apart in the genre.
Olivia Cole caught her reflection in the cheval glass and paused to take account of herself. She was not by nature a vain woman, but circumstances were such in her life that she could ill afford to pr...September 2008•441 pages - #10
Save:A cozy, dark fairy tale with a strong, practical heroine and loveable side characters (seriously, the goat steals the show!). If you want an original take on the undead wrapped in folklore and heart, this is a winner.
'The Bone Houses' by Emily Lloyd-Jones is a fantasy novel that combines elements of horror, romance, and folklore. The story follows Ryn, a strong heroine who works as a gravedigger in a small town plagued by the undead known as bone houses. When the bone houses become more aggressive, Ryn sets out on an adventure with a mapmaker named Ellis to uncover the source of the unrest. The book is praised for its unique and interesting plot, engaging characters like Ryn and Ellis, and the dark fantasy setting that adds depth to the story. The writing style is described as flowing well, engaging, and filled with excellent descriptions that make the book hard to put down.
Colbren’s graveyard was set outside the village proper. When Ryn was young, she’d asked her father why they buried the dead so far from the living. She still remembered his broad fingers carding throu...September 2019•352 pages
