Books Like...
Thunderstruck by Erik Larson is a historical narrative that intertwines the stories of Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of wireless telegraphy, and Dr. Hawley Crippen, a murderer. The book delves into the development of wireless communication and the capture of Crippen, showcasing the intersection of technology and crime in the early 20th century. Readers experience a vivid portrayal of Edwardian England, with detailed accounts of Marconi's struggles and Crippen's heinous act, culminating in a suspenseful and captivating narrative that brings these seemingly unrelated stories together in a surprising conclusion.
If you liked Thunderstruck, here are the top 100 books to read next:
This book is an interesting blend of World War II history and true crime, focusing on the gruesome murders committed by Dr. Marcel Petiot in Nazi-occupied Paris. The narrative delves into the chaotic and corrupt environment of Paris during the Occupation, detailing the investigation, capture, and trial of the serial killer while providing a vivid picture of life in the city at that time. The writing style is described as detailed, well-researched, and informative, offering insights into the psychology of the killer and the challenges faced by the authorities in pursuing justice.
A THICK black smoke streamed into Jacques and Andrée Marçais’s fifth-floor apartment at 22 rue Le Sueur in the heart of Paris’s fashionable 16th arrondissement. The smoke had begun five days before, b...- #2
Save:Once, at the dawn of a very dark time, an American father and his daughter found themselves suddenly transported from their snug home in Chicago to the heart of Hitler's Berlin. In 1933, William E. Dodd became America's ambassador to Germany amidst Hitler's rise to power. Dodd and Martha, his daughter, initially sympathized with the Nazi's, downplaying the violence against Jews. Throughout most of the book, readers are shown a detailed look at Germany in 1933-1934 through the experience of Ambassador Dodd, a university professor from Chicago. Larson weaves together a very particular kind of story about the Dodd family and 1930s Hitler in Germany, showing the chilling story of William Dodd, Ambassador to Germany from 1933 to 1937.
Now chairman of the history department, Dodd had been a professor at the university since 1909, recognized nationally for his work on the American South and for a biography of Woodrow Wilson. He was s... - #3
Save:'The Devil in the Kitchen' by Marco Pierre White is an autobiography that delves into the life of the renowned British chef, highlighting his journey from humble beginnings to becoming the youngest ever 3 Michelin Star holder. The narrative captures White's relentless pursuit of culinary perfection, his tumultuous relationships with colleagues and peers like Gordon Ramsay, and the impact of his upbringing on his career. Readers are taken through the evolution of high-end restaurants and the intense environment of professional kitchens, offering insights into the world of fine dining and the challenges faced by chefs striving for excellence.
This was in the mid-nineties, one evening shortly before dinner service. I was standing at the passe—the counter where the plates are collected by the waiters—in my kitchen at the Restaurant Marco Pie... Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson is a meticulously researched and immersive account of the sinking of the Lusitania during World War I. The book delves into the political backdrop of the time, intertwining the narratives of the passengers, the submarine commander, and the events in Washington DC and London. Larson's narrative style weaves together multiple viewpoints, providing a detailed examination of the tragic event and its aftermath, while also exploring the potential conspiracy theories surrounding the sinking.
THE SMOKE FROM SHIPS AND THE EXHALATIONS OF THE river left a haze that blurred the world and made the big liner seem even bigger, less the product of human endeavor than an escarpment rising from a pl...'Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History' by Erik Larson tells the story of the devastating Galveston hurricane of 1900. The narrative revolves around Isaac Cline, the chief meteorologist for Galveston, who failed to predict the severity of the hurricane, leading to a catastrophic loss of life. Larson skillfully weaves together the personal stories of individuals affected by the storm, the background of the weather service, and the city of Galveston itself, providing a detailed account of the events leading up to and following the disaster. Through meticulous research and vivid descriptions, the author brings to life the ignorance, arrogance, and tragic consequences of the deadliest hurricane in US history.
The writing style of the book combines historical facts with personal narratives, creating a compelling and informative read. Larson delves into the history of weather forecasting at the turn of the century, the political dynamics within the Weather Bureau, and the human aspects of the individuals involved in the events surrounding the Galveston hurricane. offers a gripping portrayal of the power and unpredictability of nature, highlighting the devastating impact of the storm on the city and its inhabitants.
Now chairman of the history department, Dodd had been a professor at the university since 1909, recognized nationally for his work on the American South and for a biography of Woodrow Wilson. He was s...- #6
Save:'Zeitoun' by Dave Eggers is a non-fiction account of the Zeitoun family's experiences before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The narrative provides a window into the impact of the natural disaster through the perspective of Abdulrahman Zeitoun and his family, focusing on themes of xenophobia, incompetence, and chaos amidst one of the worst hurricane disasters in American history. The writing style is described as empathetic, engaging, and poignant, offering a compelling and frightening story of the Zeitoun family's ordeal during and after Katrina.
On moonless nights the men and boys of Jableh, a dusty fishing town on the coast of Syria, would gather their lanterns and set out in their quietest boats. Five or six small craft, two or three fisher... - #7
Save:Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard is a gripping narrative that delves into the assassination of President James Garfield and the medical mishaps that ultimately led to his demise. Millard skillfully weaves together the stories of key historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell, Joseph Lister, and Charles Guiteau, providing a comprehensive look at the era and the events surrounding Garfield's presidency. Through detailed accounts of the medical practices of the time and the political climate of the late 19th century, the book offers a fascinating exploration of a lesser-known chapter in American history.
Even severed as it was from the rest of the body, the hand was majestic. Sixteen feet tall, with long, tapered fingers holding aloft a twenty-nine-foot torch, it sat on the banks of a small lake in Ph... - #8
Save:"The Monster of Florence" is a nonfiction book chronicling the real-life investigation of a serial killer in Florence, Italy. The authors, Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi, delve into the unsolved murders of couples in the Tuscan countryside, highlighting the incompetence and corruption within the Italian police and judicial system. The narrative follows Preston and Spezi's quest to uncover the identity of the killer, intertwining personal anecdotes with a harrowing portrayal of the Italian justice system.
The writing style of the book is described as captivating, with elements of suspense and horror that draw the reader into the chilling investigation. Readers are taken on a journey through the complexities of the case, the suspects, and the challenges faced by the authors as they navigate the dark underbelly of Italian society. Despite the unresolved nature of the murders, the book offers a gripping and eye-opening narrative that sheds light on the haunting legacy of the Monster of Florence.
The morning of June 7, 1981, dawned brilliantly clear over Florence, Italy. It was a quiet Sunday with blue skies and a light breeze out of the hills, which carried into the city the fragrance of sun-... - #9
Save:"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson delves into two parallel stories set during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. One storyline follows the ambitious architect Daniel Burnham as he strives to create the greatest World's Fair ever seen, while the other narrative focuses on Dr. H.H. Holmes, who becomes the first mass murderer in U.S. history. intricately weaves together the challenges of organizing the fair with the chilling crimes committed by Holmes, creating a captivating blend of history and true crime. Readers are taken on a journey through the bustling city of Chicago, where the grandeur of the fair contrasts with the darkness of Holmes' actions, all presented in a narrative that reads like a suspense novel.
THE DATE WAS APRIL 14, 1912, a sinister day in maritime history, but of course the man in suite 63–65, shelter deck C, did not yet know it. What he did know was that his foot hurt badly, more than he ... 'Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town' by Jon Krakauer is a nonfiction book that delves into the prevalent issue of rape on college campuses, focusing on a series of rapes that occurred in a Montana campus. The book follows the stories of rape victims, the challenges they face in seeking justice, and the failures of the legal system and university administrations in addressing these crimes. Krakauer's writing style combines in-depth research with storytelling, providing a detailed account of the cases, court proceedings, and aftermaths, shedding light on the pervasive rape culture and the need for significant changes in law enforcement and campus handling of sex crimes.
Office Solutions & Services, a Missoula office-products company, didn’t have its 2011 Christmas party until January 6, 2012. As a counterpoint to the chilly Montana evening, the staff decorated the pl...
