Books matching: tortured and killed
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- #1
Save:A rollicking, escapist pirate adventure that’s bursting with action, romance, and historical flair - just be ready for some brutality and a hefty page count!
'Birds of Prey' by Wilbur Smith is a swashbuckling epic set in 1667 on the high seas off the African coast, following the adventures of the Courteney family. The story revolves around Francis Courteney and his son Hal as they embark on a seafaring quest for treasure while facing bloody battles, treachery, and revenge. The novel is described as brutal and bloodthirsty, filled with sword fights, detailed naval warfare, and encounters with dangerous wildlife like crocodiles and lions. Despite the excessive length and focus on gratuitous elements like torture and gore, the book is praised for its rich historical detail and engaging storytelling.
Although this story is set in the mid-seventeenth century, the galleons and caravels in which my characters find themselves are more usually associated with the sixteenth century. Seventeenth-century... - #2
Save:A harrowing but masterful political novel - essential for historical fiction fans intrigued by real-life tyranny, but be prepared for its darkness and complexity.
'La Fiesta del Chivo' by Mario Vargas Llosa is a historical fiction work that delves into the final days of the brutal Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic. Through multiple perspectives, including that of Trujillo himself, the conspirators plotting his assassination, and characters like Urania returning to confront her past, the novel paints a vivid picture of the tyrannical dictator's reign and its aftermath. The narrative is structured with alternating timelines, providing a deep exploration of the inner workings of a ruthless dictatorship and the impact it had on individuals' lives.
The author, Mario Vargas Llosa, weaves together a compelling storyline that showcases the intricate web of power, fear, and corruption under Trujillo's rule. offers a raw and disturbing portrayal of the atrocities committed during the regime, while also delving into the psychological effects of living under a dictatorship. With a mix of historical accuracy and fictionalized elements, 'La Fiesta del Chivo' immerses readers in a gripping narrative that illuminates the complexities of political power and personal struggles in the face of tyranny.
2000•540 pages - #3
Save:A challenging, richly layered sci-fi classic full of mystery and moments of wonder - perfect for those who love to think as much as read, but possibly a tough ride for action-only fans.
"Nightside the Long Sun" by Gene Wolfe is a part of the series 'The Book of the Long Sun'. The story follows Silk, a priest living on a generational spaceship where the inhabitants are unaware they are flying through space. Silk gets entangled in the political, religious, and mystical machinations of gods and government. The writing style is described as rich, with intricate language, symbolism, and a plot that is both compelling and thought-provoking.
Enlightenment came to Patera Silk on the ball court; nothing could ever be the same after that. When he talked about it afterward, whispering to himself in the silent hours of the night as was his cus...December 1993•341 pages - #4
Save:A riveting, real-world thriller that’s both entertaining and unsettling - essential reading for anyone curious about Putin’s Russia, financial corruption, or the story behind the Magnitsky Act. Just be ready for one man’s intense (and somewhat self-starring) perspective.
'Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice' by Bill Browder is a gripping true story that delves into the author's early career in finance, the establishment of Hermitage Capital, and his investments in Russia. The narrative transitions into the harrowing tale of Browder's persecution by the Russian State, the tragic death of his lawyer, and his relentless pursuit to enact the Magnitsky Bill. The book is commended for its captivating storytelling, shedding light on the corruption and human rights abuses in Putin's Russia.
Here’s what they mean: every other weekend I traveled from Moscow, the city where I lived, to London, the city I called home. I had made the trip 260 times over the last ten years. The “1” purpose of...2014•428 pages - #5
Save:A dark, twisty psychological thriller with great character depth - especially for Milo Sturgis fans - but the pacing and focus may divide longtime series followers.
Alex Delaware, a psychologist and consultant to the LAPD, is pulled into a chilling mystery when he receives an album titled 'The Murder Book' filled with gruesome crime scene photos. The pictures lead Alex and his friend, LAPD detective Milo Sturgis, to investigate a decades-old unsolved murder that has connections to powerful figures. As they delve deeper into the case, their lives are put in danger, uncovering dark secrets that reach deep into L.A.'s centers of power and wealth.
The writing style of 'The Murder Book' is described as strong and engrossing, with a complex plot that keeps readers intrigued. The book focuses on the dynamics between the main characters, Alex and Milo, as they navigate through a suspenseful and unpredictable investigation, making the story both unsettling and realistic.
His test scores and solve-rates and persistence got him to Central Homicide, where they paired him with a rail-thin forty-eight-year-old D-II named Pierce Schwinn, who looked sixty and fancied himself...October 2002•621 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Alex Delaware ) - #6
Save:A spooky, atmospheric short that's great for a quick dose of classic horror - especially if you love cats and don't mind a taste of the weird. Not Lovecraft's deepest, but a fun entry point into his universe.
The Cats of Ulthar is a short gothic horror story written by H.P. Lovecraft, set in a fictional town where the killing of cats is forbidden. The plot follows an old couple known for torturing and killing cats, leading to a chilling series of events initiated by the death of a boy's kitten. After the boy's haunting prayers, the town's cats mysteriously disappear, leaving behind an eerie atmosphere that culminates in a surprising twist.
Lovecraft’s writing style in this piece is concise yet atmospheric. He masterfully creates tension and a sense of dread throughout the story with vivid descriptions, despite its brevity. The narrative showcases his talent for crafting an unsettling tale in just a few pages, making it a quintessential introduction to Lovecraft's work.
It is said that inUlthar , which lies beyond the riverSkai , no man may kill a cat; and this I can verily believe as I gaze upon him whositteth purring before thefire. For the cat is cryptic, and clos... - #7
Save:Seriously disturbing and utterly engrossing, "The Perfect Child" is a wild ride that will keep you hooked - just be ready for a gut punch and a cliffhanger ending.
'The Perfect Child' by Lucinda Berry revolves around the story of a couple, Dr. Christopher Bauer and his wife Hannah, who adopt an abused child named Jenie. The couple, who have been struggling to conceive, face challenges as they try to rehabilitate Jenie, a traumatized child. The plot delves into the complexities of adoption, trauma, and the breakdown of a family as they navigate through the disturbing and suspenseful events.
“I wouldn’t let that fly. I’d ignore him until he apologized,” Aubrey said in the righteous, uncompromising way all unmarried people do, without even looking up from her phone. I forgot she was there...March 2019•370 pages A heavy, meticulous read bursting with military detail and human tragedy - essential for military history fans, but a demanding journey for the casual reader.
'Russia: Revolution and Civil War, 1917-1921' by Antony Beevor is a detailed account of the tumultuous period in Russia marked by chaos, lawlessness, starvation, and death. The author delves into the horrors of the Russian Civil War, laying bare the atrocities inflicted on innocent civilians, the brutality of both the Red and White forces, and the unimaginable suffering endured by the population. Beevor provides a comprehensive examination of the key figures, events, and political dynamics of the time, offering insights into the complexities of the revolution and civil war that shaped the course of Russian history.
The pace of industrial growth in Russia before the First World War produced a heady over-confidence among its ruling classes. The disastrous conflict with Japan just under a decade before was forgotte...September 2022•614 pagesA compelling, well-researched true crime read that focuses more on the heroes hunting the killer than on the killer himself - perfect for fans of investigative reporting and complex casework.
'Bind, Torture, Kill: The Inside Story of the Serial Killer Next Door' by author Roy Wenzl delves into the chilling story of the infamous serial killer BTK, who terrorized Wichita, Kansas for over 30 years. Through the eyes of the reporters who covered the case for The Wichita Eagle, readers are taken on a journey of the cat and mouse game between the police and BTK, culminating in his eventual capture. The narrative is detailed and comprehensive, providing insights into the lives of those involved in the manhunt and the frustration faced by law enforcement in solving the case.
They now lived among the 260,000 people of Wichita, many of whom were ex-farm kids who cherished the trust they felt for their neighbors and left their doors unlocked. The airplane manufacturers had c...2007•389 pages- #10
Save:Packed with laughs, heart, and adventure, this is a wildly entertaining, queer-friendly romp through 18th-century Europe - just don't expect strict historical accuracy. A must-try for fans of character-driven YA and found family dynamics!
'The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue' follows Monty, an 18-year-old Viscount, as he embarks on the European Grand Tour with his best friend Percy and his sister Felicity. Their journey is filled with themes of sexuality, racism, and historical references, as they face highwaymen, alchemy, pirates, and privateers. The story is described as a highly romantic adventure with elements of humor, suspense, and action, offering a unique perspective on a gay male protagonist in the 17th century.
The plot of the book is praised for its engaging and charming nature, with well-developed characters and a fast-paced storyline that keeps readers hooked. The writing style is commended for its humor, historical accuracy, and the balance between adventure and sentiment. addresses important topics such as discrimination, feminism, and racism, while also providing a fun and enjoyable reading experience.
Percy’s still got all his clothes on from the night before, albeit most in neither the state nor the location they were in when originally donned, and while the bedcovers are a bit roughed up, there’s...June 2017•529 pages
